Infinite Possibilities

A gigantic palm large enough to blot out the sky struck toward an unknown, towering life-form in the distance.

The entire sky rumbled like thunder. In an instant, the gigantic palm tore through the space between them, appeared above the towering creature's head, and slammed down. Then the whole world began to shatter.

The vision lasted only a second: the gigantic palm struck, and then the crystal sphere shattered. The sheer power of that blow had instantly overwhelmed the Memory Crystal, bursting it apart.

Dean sucked in a sharp breath. "Master Sanderson, wh-what kind of monster was that?!" His legs felt weak, and his fingertips trembled. Having experienced that world-shattering blow as though he had been there himself, he could not imagine how he could possibly withstand it.

"That was a One-Armed Demon. They have one arm, and one arm alone, that represents their greatest fighting strength," Sanderson said slowly.

Dean noticed that he was not the only one trembling. Master Sanderson's body was shaking slightly as well. Clearly, that blow from the gigantic palm had shaken him too.

One-Armed Demons were a relatively well-known kind of demon in the Demon Abyss. All their strength was concentrated in a single arm. Whether that was the left or the right depended on the demon's own choice. Their other arm would shrink considerably compared with a normal arm and had little combat ability.

They fought with just one arm, which held all their power. That was why their race was called One-Armed Demons.

Dean's understanding of demons grew clearer.

"As far as demons go, I've done all I can as your teacher. That Memory Crystal was a little gift for you, too. It was the only one I had," Sanderson said with feeling. Judging by Little Dean's thoughtful expression, his gift seemed to have had its intended effect.

Dean nodded. It had been utterly overwhelming. Though it had lasted only a second, the impact of that single second was unlike anything he had ever experienced.

"Now, tell me what you decided about the initial form of your Demon Hand after thinking it over last night." Sanderson smiled. "You now have my permission to try the demonic hand in the spellbook. Tell me your choice."

Dean looked at Master Sanderson. His teacher, who had refused to let him try this Demon Hand all along, was actually giving him permission now. Doesn't that mean I won't have a chance to change it?

No, it's not that I won't have a chance to change it. I won't need to. I'll choose the Demon Hand I want and set its form once and for all. That way, I won't interfere with using it properly in the future.

"I've made up my mind. There's a reason this spellbook is called Magic Hand rather than Demon Hand. All three methods have their own strengths, so I've decided to create a Magic Hand that can gradually grow." Dean's eyes suddenly burned with enthusiasm.

For it to grow, of course, Dean would have to provide the conditions and capabilities for that growth himself.

"Do you understand what it means for it to be capable of growth? Do you understand the price you'll have to pay? If you do, then I have no objections," Sanderson said earnestly.

Clearly, Dean did not want to give up any of the possibilities. Of course, Demon Hand was an essential choice.

"I imagine successfully forming a Demon Hand will take a lot of effort, but I don't necessarily have to spend most of my energy forming one every time," Dean said. It would be a shame not to make fuller use of such a versatile spell. He had to preserve that versatility, no matter what.

This was the approach Dean had settled on early that morning. A Demon Hand capable of growth would be ideal.

"I understand. If I form a Demon Hand from the start, I can still manage the mana cost comfortably. But if I grow a Magic Hand into a Demon Hand, the mana required will increase significantly," Dean said.

This was Sanderson's greatest concern. A Mage's mana was finite, so most Mages sought the greatest power for the smallest expenditure. Dean's approach, however, increased the cost.

That was the conclusion Dean had reached after thinking all morning. Though the spell would consume more mana, he would gain a more versatile Magic Hand in return.

More important was its potential for growth. Dean felt that one day, his Demon Hand could grow into something like the sky-blotting hand recorded in that single second within the Memory Crystal—an existence so powerful it seemed invincible.

"Hahaha! To think that a student of mine would have such lofty ambitions! It looks like when you're ready to form your Magic Vortex, Little Dean, you'll need a meditation method that focuses on increasing mana." Sanderson burst out laughing. He had never expected his student to choose this path.

Even he had not initially thought of choosing a Magic Hand capable of growth.

Or rather, Sanderson had never considered that possibility at all. The ongoing mana cost alone would be more than an ordinary Mage could bear.

"Little Dean, would you... like a meditation method renowned for increasing mana?" Sanderson continued. "Since you've made this choice, I can hardly afford to be stingy as your teacher."

The moment Master Sanderson spoke, Dean's calm heart began to race, pounding furiously in his chest.

"Could it be... Master, do you have that basic meditation method?" Dean licked his dry lips.

"Basic Troll Vortex Meditation!"

Sanderson smiled as he spoke right after Dean.

Trolls were widely recognized as one of the races fastest at gathering mana, and their natural mana reserves were immense. They infused that mana into every inch of their muscles. Though they could not cast spells, they were terrifying in hand-to-hand combat.

Thus, a certain advanced Mage had modeled a method on the Trolls' mana and created Basic Troll Vortex Meditation.

Among basic meditation methods, it ranked near the top for the tremendous mana reserves it provided.

Of course, there were races with greater mana reserves than Trolls—and quite a few at that. Dragons, at the very least, had mana that could be described as bottomless. Meditation methods based on such races, however, all fell within the realm of advanced meditation methods.

Among basic methods, the Troll Vortex Meditation Method was second to none.

"Here, take it. This is Basic Troll Vortex Meditation." Sanderson took out a spellbook and handed it to Dean without even looking at it.

"Master... this is Basic Troll Vortex Meditation! It's a precious book worth about fifty gold coins in the library. Is it really all right to just give it to me?" Dean's mouth fell open. Can something this good really fall into my lap?

Even if he was Master Sanderson's only student, surely that did not warrant gifts like this!

Still, despite feeling a little embarrassed about accepting it, Dean quietly tucked the meditation manual away. He could hardly do otherwise. Before long, he would be forming his Magic Vortex.

He had originally planned to work hard after forming his Magic Vortex, borrow a little money, and buy a meditation method worth three to five gold coins. That would have satisfied him.

But why should I wear myself out like that? He's my teacher, after all. I'd have to be out of my mind to turn down something he's giving me for free.

(End of chapter)