For most mages, the process of learning spells was exceedingly dull.
And as their circle increased, the time required multiplied accordingly.
The same was true for honing Combat Techniques.
The former consumed mana, the latter stamina. One had to constantly endure the aching soreness brought by physical exhaustion, carving technique into muscle memory through thousands upon thousands of swings.
Of course, as one's corresponding attributes improved and one became familiar with the fundamental logic of similar spells or Combat Techniques, the process naturally shortened accordingly.
For He Xi, he had only just crossed the threshold of learning third-circle spells.
Unlike when he had learned the similarly third-circle Lightning Bolt, and unlike the shortcut of having knowledge poured directly into his mind through a Skill Scroll, he believed there was no shortcut for him this time.
Over two days, apart from necessary meals and rest, he was like a tireless arcane construct, endlessly repeating the tedious cycle: guiding mana, constructing the Spell Model, collapse and failure, resting briefly to recover mana, then guiding it again...
His mana did recover fairly quickly.
But could that be considered a shortcut?
He Xi did not think so.
Some well-established spellcasters could drink mana potions like water.
They traded economic costs for learning costs.
He Xi did not have the money to pay those costs.
Still, compared to the drug resistance and mana disorder that long-term potion use might bring, the restorative power provided by Earth Affinity was indeed more "natural and pollution-free."
But now that he was on the upper levels of the tower, mana came from the earth through the floor beneath his feet, and the effect of the trait was somewhat affected.
The overall recovery speed seemed to be a little faster instead...
He Xi's gaze fell upon the formation patterns flowing