Chapter 116: The Oath of the Ancient Sage
As Arthur solemnly made his promise to the old Druid, familiar text appeared before his eyes:
[Inspiration Event: Primal Secrets]
[Affinity increased to 50/100]
[Reward Specialization: Natural Restoration]
[You have established a close link with the Earth. During your rest, the Earth will slowly replenish your strength.]
"Sounds like I can recover magic just by sleeping," Arthur mused, rubbing his chin, and then suddenly asked Mousesack: "Do you think Nature truly has its own will?"
He asked this because he felt the specialization he just received was too targeted. Recovering magic just by sleeping felt entirely designed to make him save his meditation time and focus solely on solving the mystery of the primal magical particles.
Mousesack stroked his beard, speaking cryptically: "Nature certainly possesses its own will, but I would not be so arrogant as to presume I comprehend its full intention."
"It never announces its plans with words, yet it writes its laws into all things. The food a squirrel hoards for winter grows into a great tree, and butterflies scatter pollen in their search for nectar…"
Hearing mention of Nature's will, the old man seemed to hit an excitement point. He started talking non-stop, even increasing his speaking pace.
Arthur quickly called a halt: "Actually, what I wanted to ask is, if I use some rather aggressive methods in the process of exploring the answer, what will be the consequences?"
Mousesack gazed at Arthur for a long moment. Just when Arthur expected him to utter platitudes about following the way of nature and being kind, he received this answer: "Kings often complain that Nature is fickle, but in my view, Nature's will is always clear. As long as you proceed with caution, you will not face inexplicable punishment."
Arthur nodded. The Nature the Druid spoke of felt like a mother with too many things to do. As long as the commotion wasn't excessive, she would turn a blind eye.
"Thank you for your guidance. I will heed the Way of Nature." Arthur respectfully bowed to the old Druid.
They were mere acquaintances. Yet, simply because of Arthur's high affinity for nature, the Druid had selflessly shared the culmination of decades of research. This magnanimity was miles beyond those vermin in the Chapter of Sorcerers who hoarded even basic magic control methods!
Mousesack waved a hand: "It's getting late. Everyone, seize the time to rest. There might be a battle waiting for us tomorrow."
The following morning, Arthur opened his eyes and couldn't help but let out a soft sigh.
He hadn't slept this comfortably in ages! His back muscles were completely relaxed, the accumulated fatigue of recent days was swept away, despite only having a thin linen mat beneath him!
[You feel refreshed. Skill proficiency gain speed is significantly increased.]
See? Even the system acknowledged the quality of his sleep!
Mousesack was equally radiant and smiled at Arthur: "Good morning. You look well-rested. You slept soundly last night, didn't you?"
Arthur nodded: "Is this also a benefit of a high affinity for nature?"
The old man smiled benignly: "Nature takes care of all her children. It seems you have gained Nature's approval. Come, join me in serving the Way of Nature!"
Arthur felt a bit exasperated. Triss was like this, and Mousesack was like this, both wanting to take him on as an apprentice—Am I some kind of innate Apprentice Saint Body?
"I apologize, but I'm not quite ready to become an ascetic."
Arthur offered an apologetic look to Mousesack. He liked the Druid well enough, but compared to wandering every primal forest in rough linen robes, clutching a wooden staff, traveling through diverse cities with his friends held far more appeal.
"Ho ho ho ho, who told you that only Druids can serve the Way of Nature?"
Mousesack's current grin was unsettlingly out of character, suggesting a successfully executed ploy. "In my younger years, I too preferred cities over the wilds. Yet, this does not conflict with serving the Way of Nature. Have you heard of the Ancient Sage's Oath?"
"To kindle hope, to dispel despair, to safeguard the goodness, beauty, and joy of the world—one who makes this vow shall receive Nature's protection, and it will not interfere with your enjoyment of beauty and art."
Arthur listened with suspicion. He felt like he had heard of this 'Ancient Sage's Oath' somewhere before.
Mousesack continued, smiling: "By making this vow, you will gain the favor of Nature's power. Your body's endurance will be greatly enhanced, allowing you to survive serious wounds that would kill an ordinary man instantly."
"Isn't that just a Vran?!"
While Arthur was still puzzling over it, Zoltan suddenly exclaimed: "I once saw a Vran get its chest crushed by a Snow Troll, but the hairy bastard didn't die! It leaped up and stabbed its sword right through the Troll's ear and into its brain! Does that mean Vrann are also followers of the Ancient Sage's Oath?"
Mousesack's hand, which was stroking his beard, suddenly paused, and a flicker of pity crossed his face: "The Vran's physique is not the result of Nature's protection; it stems from another cause."
"Their physiological structure differs greatly from other races. Healing magic rarely works on them—I once watched a Vran die before my very eyes."
He turned back to Arthur: "However, the dwarf's example is an excellent one. You may understand it as acquiring the Vran's resilience, yet you will still be able to accept healing magic meant for humans."
"Sounds good. How do I take the oath?"
Arthur didn't hesitate. The content of the Ancient Sage's Oath aligned perfectly with what he wanted to do anyway, and it offered an extra measure of strength. It was a clear gain.
Mousesack raised his index finger and pointed it towards Arthur's brow: "You must swear it to yourself, of course. Only you are the best supervisor."
Arthur closed his eyes and began to repeat the words, guided by Mousesack's long, flowing cadence.
The oath of the Ancient Sage was lengthy, containing many complex archaic words, but it essentially distilled down to four progressive steps: To ignite the light, to guard the light, to sustain the light, and to become the light.
As the final line of the oath concluded, a powerful yet gentle force suddenly descended. It embraced Arthur's body like a mother, injecting warm currents into him.
The familiar system text appeared, acting as an instruction manual this time:
[You have gained Intermediate Spell: Moonlight]
[Summons a silver beam of light, 5 feet in radius and 40 feet high, at a designated location. Creatures caught within will suffer illumination damage.]
[Your Destruction Magic Proficiency has increased. Current Level: Apprentice]
[When casting Novice-level Destruction spells, you no longer need to expend mental effort focusing on the spell's magical structure.]
Arthur gasped softly. Apart from that one fireball he splattered onto a Night Crow soldier's face, he had almost never used Destruction magic. Yet, simply by taking the Ancient Sage's Oath, he not only gained an Intermediate spell but also had his proficiency boosted to the Apprentice level.
It seemed there really was a fundamental flaw in the development of magic in this world.
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