7: Emergency training

The cave was filled with a damp, musty smell. Wizard Wedell's staff was deeply embedded in a rock crevice, its moonstone tip casting a cold, white glow over a ten-foot radius.

The cave walls were covered in moss and fungi, and occasionally, water droplets fell from the ceiling, making soft dripping sounds.

The air was mixed with the scent of earth and decay, creating an indescribable sense of stuffiness and oppression.

Wizard Wedell and Lavinia, two mages, sat before me, their expressions serious and focused, as if preparing to impart some crucial knowledge.

While the effects of their spells were still active, they began to teach me the basics of magic.

The Halfling Old Mage Weidel held a thick magic book in his hand, its pages yellowed and corners worn, clearly having been turned countless times.

The Halfling Female Mage Lavinia, on the other hand, held a slender staff with a pale blue gem embedded in its tip, shimmering with a faint light.

“Ryan, magic is one of the most mysterious forces in this world,” Wizard Wedell began.

His voice was hoarse, yet deep and powerful, as if every word carried the weight of magic.

“To become a mage, one needs to systematically learn a vast amount of knowledge and skills.

Time is limited, so today we will first explain some basic introductory knowledge to you.

Later, when the Comprehend Languages spell's duration ends, Alton will teach you some combat techniques.

Tonight, the two of us will memorize more Comprehend Languages spells.

Starting tomorrow, everyone will teach you some life-saving skills.

As for how much you can learn, and which professional direction you want to develop in after you escape, that's entirely up to your own interest.

At that time, you can try to see what you are better at.”

Then, Old Mage Weidel quickly explained to me the origin of magic, its principles, and techniques for training oneself to control magical energy.

His words were profound and concise, each concept like a key, attempting to open the door to the world of magic for me.

Being able to access magic was something that greatly excited me.

Although I wouldn't call myself stupid, and even considered myself intelligent, even with my full attention, I was far from having perfect recall.

The Comprehend Languages spell could only translate the general meaning, which undoubtedly greatly increased the difficulty of my learning magic.

But under the current circumstances, there was no better solution.

I calmed myself and decided to do my best, remembering as much as I could.

This unforced mindset, surprisingly, allowed me to exert stronger memory and comprehension abilities than usual.

After briefly introducing the fundamental knowledge of the essence of magic, Old Mage Weidel then summarized the eight schools of magic in one sentence.

At my current uninitiated level, discussing spell schools was too early, so he did not elaborate further on this topic.

Next, he explained in detail the basic knowledge of spell transcription and spell research, as well as the three main components of casting spells:

language, including incantations and pronunciation; gestures, the hand movements and actions used when casting; and materials, the components required for casting and their substitutes.

The three main components used for each spell were different. Wizard Wedell only explained the basic concepts and listed a few common examples.

Lismir, on the other hand, used the silver necklace “Diplomat's Assistant” around my neck as an example, explaining how to identify and use magic items in an easy-to-understand manner.

Although her voice was very hoarse, she still tried her best to explain the knowledge clearly.

In the last short period, Wizard Wedell taught me how to master spellcasting through repeated practice in my daily life, as early as possible.

He also reminded me that if I had the opportunity in the future, I must learn multiple languages in order to read ancient magical texts and incantations.

At the same time, he also emphasized that historical and legendary knowledge, natural sciences, and religious knowledge also needed to be understood and explored.

Old Mage Weidel finally said:

“All knowledge is important to a mage, but the most important thing is a mage's wisdom.”

The duration of the Comprehend Languages spell ended, and I couldn't help but feel that time had passed too quickly.

The two mages had told me so much in such a short time; I hadn't heard enough at all.

The Hunter Alton walked over and began to gesticulate, indicating that he would teach me how to use weapons.

Old Mage Weidel left his glowing staff beside me, while he and Lavinia walked to the side, took out paper and pens from a pile of bags, and began to write and draw.

The Hunter patted my shoulder, signaling me to focus.

He held a short bow in his hand and pointed to a makeshift target opposite.

This target seemed to have been made by him just now from materials he found in the Halfling's supplies.

The Hunter demonstrated by example, slowly assuming his stance and elegantly nocking and shooting the arrow.

As he raised his arm, his shoulder blades spread like wings, and as he released the string, his waist twisted like a dancing serpent.

The moment the arrow left the string, the airflow in the cave suddenly became chaotic, and it hit the bullseye!

He repeated the same posture, each movement slow and standard, continuously demonstrating for me.

I think he did this so I could clearly see every posture and movement detail.

I remembered that the Hunter was an excellent archer; previously, on the way north, his eyes were sharp like an eagle's when shooting beasts, and every shot was precise.

After a few arrows, he walked to the target, pulled out the arrows, and then motioned for me to stand where he had been standing and try it myself.

Taking the short bow and arrows, I felt some weight.

I began to imitate his previous demonstration of nocking and shooting the arrow, but before I could shoot, Alton raised his hand and signaled me to stop.

He used his hand to adjust my body posture and parts.

Perhaps it was my current agility, good hand-eye coordination, or a natural talent in this area, but three hours of archery instruction were very effective.

Now, out of ten arrows I shot, two or three could hit the bullseye, and four or five, though not hitting the bullseye, did not miss the target either.

This cave was not spacious, and the target was not far.

But to reach this level in such a short time, I could be considered a talented individual.

Alton's expression was very pleased. He sensed that I, having just recovered from a serious injury, was indeed tired, so he motioned for me to eat something first, then sleep.

However, I was still excited, tugging at his sleeve, making gestures to beg him to teach me more.

Alton understood my meaning.

He thought for a moment, drew a dagger from his waist, and began to demonstrate several dagger techniques to me.

Thus, weapon instruction continued late into the night.

My body truly couldn't endure it anymore, so I went to the supply pile, drank some water, ate some dried meat, and then brought a portion for everyone else.

Most of the supplies here had been transported in earlier by the advance team led by Old Mage Weidel; fortunately, they had not encountered the Siren and her monsters at that time.

However, most of the supplies of the transport team I was with, led by Lavinia, were lost in the ambush led by the Siren.

The two mages and the priest's cough and fever symptoms seemed to have worsened.

The symptoms of the two humans guarding the cave entrance, McLock and Jones, had also worsened.

Currently, Alton's symptoms were the mildest.

As for me, after receiving treatment, I no longer had a fever or cough at all.

After distributing food and water, I lay down by the rock and quickly fell asleep.

The next day, I began a more rigorous, continuous cycle of teaching battles for several days.