Triangle Guidance Method

"However—" Moro abruptly changed the subject, an unknown sharpness glinting in his eyes.

"Before teaching you the meditation method, I must first tell you two truths—universal laws of the Wizarding World."

"First, whether White Wizards or Black Wizards, all revere equivalent exchange. White Wizards abide by this rule far more strictly than Black Wizards."

"Second, to wizards, everything can be given a price.

Only knowledge is priceless. Unless the relationship is exceptionally close, if you want knowledge from a wizard, you must pay the corresponding price."

At this point, Moro looked at Angel.

"I can teach Irene and Alan the meditation method for free because they are my kin, but not you. If you want the meditation method, you must pay a price. And right now, you have nothing I seek."

Angel's expression did not change. He nodded in understanding. When he had been very young, Jon had taught him a principle: no one in this world treated you well for no reason. Along the way, Moro had treated him very well. He had even given him a valuable magic-patterned hide scroll for a promise that might never be fulfilled. Though Angel had not shown it, Moro's almost free-handed generosity had always left him deeply uneasy. Only when Moro spoke these words today did Angel finally let out a small breath of relief.

An anxious look appeared on Irene's face. She wanted to say something, but Moro's stern glare stopped her.

"Though I cannot teach you the meditation method now, once you reach the academy and take a mentor, your mentor will naturally pass down a meditation method to you. If your talent is good enough and you become the true disciple of some great wizard, the meditation method you receive will be of better quality as well." After speaking, Moro saw that Angel seemed inclined to leave and added, "There is no need to hurry away. I called all of you here for a reason."

"I cannot teach you the meditation method, but you can learn beforehand what meditation means to wizards." Moro did not waste any more words. He directly told them, "Watch carefully."

Moro closed his eyes, doing something unknown. Two or three seconds later, the wanted notice on the table slowly floated into the air. Then, under Moro's control, it drifted nimbly through the air—curling one moment, folding in half the next, spiraling at times, then falling like a feather. The three children's eyes shone brightly. Even though they had grown used to Moro's extraordinary powers over the past few days, they were still thrilled beyond measure.

Only after the wanted notice slowly settled did Moro open his eyes.

"I did not cast any spell just now, yet this hide scroll was still able to leave its support and move under my control. Do you know why?" After asking, Moro slapped his forehead. "Ah, look how muddled I've become! You haven't had any contact with wizards at all—how could I ask you something like that?"

Moro turned serious. "I'll say it directly. This is the power brought by meditation. Wizards generally call it spiritual force."

"The level of spiritual force determines the efficiency with which magic power is guided."

"Magic power is a unique force produced when the body interacts with the world. Generally speaking, spiritual force must exceed 10 points before one can guide the flow of magic power back into oneself. The higher one's spiritual force, the greater the efficiency of magic power guidance."

"Meditation methods exist to improve the efficiency of guiding magic power."

"Let's talk more about spiritual force. Though for the vast majority of wizards, spiritual force is the medium used to guide magic power, it actually has uses of its own. It can even affect the material world. For example, this hide scroll was moved entirely through spiritual force. However, you must remember that spiritual force is an extremely unstable power. The role of a meditation method is to construct a model that stabilizes spiritual force." Moro sighed. "Certain special branches among the three major frameworks also possess spells that combine spiritual force and magic power. But such spells require an exceedingly deep accumulation of knowledge. Unless you reach the level of a Formal Wizard, don't even dream of using them."

Moro further explained in detail some precautions concerning meditation methods, then handed a thin booklet to Alan.

"This is the academy's basic meditation method, the Triangle Guidance Method. Alan, take it back, memorize it, then give it to Irene." After instructing the more-bewildered-than-clear-headed Alan, Moro looked at Irene, whose eyes were rolling busily around.

"Remember this: the Triangle Guidance Method must never be passed around in private. Once you siblings have memorized it, burn it immediately.

If I discover that you have secretly taught it to anyone else, not only will they die, but you will also be subjected to the harshest punishment."

Moro's warning made Irene freeze abruptly. At the slightest disagreement, he spoke of death. In that instant, Irene caught a brief glimpse through a crack into the cruelty of the Wizarding World.

"All right, each of you may ask me one question. Once you have your answers, go back on your own. In the coming days, I will be researching a new spell topic. Unless it concerns life or death, do not come disturb me." The latter half of Moro's words was clearly meant for the Alan siblings. As for Angel, Moro believed he had already done everything humanly possible.

Though Irene and Alan usually longed for wizards, they were simply too young and had learned too little. Neither of their questions held much substance. Irene's question even made Moro's face darken. She had asked about talent, something Moro had explained just days ago. That he had not slapped her was already mercy.

Alan's question concerned the difference between "White Wizards and Black Wizards."

This was actually a matter of common knowledge that he would naturally learn upon reaching the academy. Asking Moro now was a waste of his opportunity.

Though Moro thought the question was too ordinary, it was still somewhat better than Irene's. Thus, he said a few more words. "White Wizards and Black Wizards sound as though they are divided by good and evil. Heh, in truth, there is fundamentally no difference. Black or white is merely a definition made by Wizard Apprentices. To Formal Wizards, there is no distinction between black and white—only differences in how they conduct themselves."

"The 'White' Wizards spoken of by apprentices tend to act more mildly. 'Black' Wizards, on the other hand, tend to act more violently and cruelly. But this is not absolute. If a White Wizard is in a bad mood, you might pass in front of him and still be blasted into dregs. Black and white merely describe the choices these two types of wizards make under normal circumstances. Overall, there is no difference at all. Once you advance to Formal Wizard, you can be a Black Wizard one second and become a White Wizard the next without any issue."

"Though wizards are not divided into black and white, wizard organizations are different. For instance, our White Coral Floating Island Academy is generally a rather mild wizard organization. Unless necessary, wizards will not slaughter apprentices wantonly. They may even occasionally lend a hand when they see apprentices in danger outside—though naturally, the wizard must be compensated afterward. On the Prosperous Continent, there are also some wizard organizations that worship an environment where only the fittest survive. In the eyes of wizards, apprentices are sometimes no more than human materials."

"So, being able to enter White Coral Floating Island Academy is an immense stroke of luck for you."

After answering Alan's question, Moro turned his gaze to Angel.

Angel stood up stiffly and gave a bow before asking the question in his heart. "My question is: what is the principle behind casting spells?"

"That is a good question." Moro gave Angel an approving glance. "To answer it using my current body of knowledge may not be authoritative. But I can explain how I see the rules of spellcasting. After hearing it, you can use it as a reference."

"To wizards, magic power is the energy used to cast spells, but the most important thing is not magic power—it is the knowledge used to construct the spell. It can be said that knowledge is everything to wizards. Exploring origins, seeking the answers to all things, pursuing truth—through magic power, all knowledge can be transformed into undying miracles."

"For example, among low-level tricks, there is one called the Dog Nose Technique. Casting it can temporarily elevate a person's sense of smell to that of a dog. To cast this spell, one needs not only magic power, but also an understanding of the structure of a dog's nose and the corresponding knowledge of smell. One must also make subtle modifications to one's own nasal cavity beforehand."

"So, to wizards, the most important things are the accumulation of knowledge and the creativity to see through all things."