"For a magic circle this large, we'll work together on the inscription this time to ensure safety and improve our chances of success." Patrick wanted Ellen to lend a hand. After all, she was an immortal archmage who had been researching arcane magic since ancient times. With Ellen there, at least their chances of success and safety would be considerably more assured.
Ellen readily agreed, and their second attempt began. Patrick also specifically instructed Alleria to oversee the Sun Temple's administrative affairs during this period.
Eight Arcane Crystals were fitted together. Spiritual power lifted the crystals into their designated positions, and the eight originally separate magic circles became a single integrated magic circle.
The Arcane Energy Ray in his hand moved across the crystals' surfaces, then turned into an energy carving tool to inscribe the arcane nodes. Ellen also used her spiritual power to examine the flow of energy inside the crystals, ensuring the magic circle's safety and the unobstructed passage of energy.
Patrick had become completely immersed in his experiment. Time slipped by unnoticed. He only knew that Alleria would come in the evenings and paid little attention to anything else.
Inscribing the large runes was extremely time-consuming. It took a full fifteen days just to finish inscribing the first magic circle. By then, Patrick had turned into an old mage with disheveled hair and unshaven stubble. The eight Arcane Crystals were connected by threads of arcane energy, and only after completing his inspection did he come out to rest.
Returning to his bedroom and looking in the mirror, Patrick finally realized that he had become a "traditional" mage. His clothes, though splendid, were in complete disarray. His long golden hair was a tangled mess, as though no one had tended to it for a long time, and his