Sanderson

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Sanderson teaches at Bru Magic Academy. His theoretical approach and reputation for weak practical magic have left him without disciples when Dean attends his Ice Shaping Magic class. Dean seeks him out afterward, believing that Sanderson’s knowledge can help him understand Magic Hand, and Sanderson accepts him as a student 4 5.

Sanderson’s knowledge is tied to a family of mentor–student contracts with the demon Stavago. As the fourth generation, he has received knowledge in exchange for his soul after death. He shows Dean a concealed spatial node in the bamboo grove behind his home and offers to pass on both his own learning and his former mentor’s. Dean remains free to refuse the deeper arrangement without losing Sanderson as his teacher 10 11.

Sanderson brings Dean before Stavago, who offers him a similar contract. Dean’s concern for Sanderson prompts Stavago to agree to preserve the souls of the four earlier generations until Dean’s life ends, rather than consume them sooner. After Dean signs, Sanderson warns him to trust only what a demon’s contract explicitly states 12 13 14.

Appearance

Sanderson appears to be an elderly man, at least in his nineties by Dean’s estimate 5.

• Sparse white hair and a beard 5 6
• Walks with a wooden cane, though he can move quickly 5

Personality

Sanderson welcomes Dean warmly but makes sure he understands the limitations of choosing a theoretical teacher. He supports Dean’s ambition without simply approving every idea: he rejects Dean’s early clay models for Demon Hand, then backs his more costly, growth-oriented design once Dean explains the trade-off 5 7 9.

His teaching can look severe or inattentive. During rune practice, he demands extensive repetition and appears to nap, but observes Dean with mental power and avoids interrupting his concentration. When Dean collapses from mental exhaustion, Sanderson stays with him and provides a room for future study 49 50.

Abilities & Skills

Magical theory and ice shaping

• Teaches visualization in Ice Shaping Magic: a convincing creation needs more than an accurate outline; it must also seem to possess expression or a “false soul” 4.
• Shapes a palm-sized ice model of a flame demon so Dean can study its savage presence. The detailed creation visibly strains him 7.
• Appraises Dean’s complete Magic Hand spellbook at several hundred gold coins and explains its three forms, despite not specializing in dark magic 6.

Rune inscription

• Explains how runes can alter an object’s structure or properties, provided its material can withstand the inscription 49.
• Teaches Dean basic runes through repeated drawing before allowing him to attempt a genuine inscription 49 50.
• Had enough mastery at his peak to trade crafted items with seventh- and eighth-level powerhouses 50.

Magical servants and demonic knowledge

• Keeps Wooden Man, an unusually intelligent wooden magical servant. Dean understands the servant’s intelligence as a result of Life Fusion rather than the creation of life 5 8.
• Knows how to use the hidden spatial node to contact Stavago, performing a ritual with blood, a magic circle, and a large mana crystal 10 11.
• Explains demonic contracts, the danger of their loopholes, and the fate of the old Goblin Shaman’s soul after the giant-summoning ritual 14 44.

Equipment / Items

• Wooden cane — used when walking 5.
• Basic Troll Vortex Meditation manual — a copy with one use remaining, given to Dean to support the large mana reserves his chosen Magic Hand design may require 9 10.
• One-Time Memory Crystal — his only crystal of its kind; he uses it to show Dean a One-Armed Demon’s devastating strike 8 9.
• Magic-Forged spellbook — selected as Dean’s guild reward in the hope that it would develop into a Low-Level Magic Artifact while Dean owned it 46 47.

Relationships

• Dean — his student. Sanderson guides his spell design and rune training, supplies costly learning materials, and publicly defends him when Silianth asks to take Doge for study 5 9 42 50.
• Wooden Man — his magical servant and household caretaker. Sanderson is accustomed to his cheeky behavior 5 8 50.
• Stavago — the demon bound to Sanderson’s contract lineage, from whom he received knowledge in exchange for his soul after death 11 12.
• His former mentor — a predecessor whose knowledge Sanderson intends to pass to Dean. Sanderson visits a stone in his bamboo grove as his mentor’s grave 8 10.
• Silianth — Lamore’s mentor; Sanderson intervenes when the priest presses Dean to surrender Doge for examination 42.
• Rukta — the guild chairman knows Sanderson as a wise figure among Blue Town’s upper ranks. Sanderson’s influence helps secure valuable rewards for Dean’s party 41 46.

Notable Quotes

“Anything is possible. What I failed to accomplish when I was young may not be impossible for you.” 12

“It’s only a difference in positions. Everyone has their own choices, and even putting yourself in someone else’s place doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll understand them.” 43