Garrett Nordmark’s newly revealed ultraviolet spell... ah, no, the mercury arc rectifier array, showed immediate effects.
Previously, the monster attacks occurred once every half day, but after the ultraviolet lamps were set up, it wasn’t until the next early morning that a group of iron-boned seahorses attacked the alchemy ship. The number and level of monsters were significantly reduced compared to the afternoon attack the day before.
The mage on duty activated the figurehead, and the six-armed naga’s treasure bottle sprayed out a stream of freezing water, forming a net near the ship’s hull. Skimming along the ship’s side, they scooped up a large portion of the seahorses.
The day was even more peaceful. For a full day and night, a continuous 24 hours, no groups of marine monsters attacked the [Philosopher’s Stone].
On the third morning, Archmage Serano decided to pull up the mercury arc rectifier for maintenance. It was not until evening, temporarily leaving the protected alchemy ship, that they encountered another new group of monsters.
Garrett looked at this encounter with a sense of relief. Thankfully, the monster group was small and did not actively attack the alchemy ship. Moreover, the ultraviolet lamps could be turned off for maintenance, meaning -
Walking on the deck, one wouldn’t inexplicably get a suntan, much less unluckily develop skin cancer!
"Magician Nordmark, well done!" Archmage Serano generously thanked him:
"This time, you’ve been a great help to us!"
"Come on, pick a few, consider it my thanks to you!" Archmage Serano generously gestured to Garrett:
"Don’t be shy, take whatever you want. If it weren’t for your idea, just the materials I would have spent fighting monsters along the way would be a significant amount!"
Garrett looked down. Items from a grandmaster were sure to be of high quality, especially from a twelfth-level transformational grand mage. The dozen items gleamed brilliantly, and by the intensity of their magical light, they were at least level five magic items.
"Not sure how to choose?" Captain Jacob joined in the conversation with a smile: "Shall I introduce them to you?"
Archmage Serano stepped aside, giving space. The captain reached out and shuffled through the items on the table:
"This parrot is used for sending messages; you set the destination, give it a bit of magic power, and it can fly there and repeat your words; these two dolls can help you with some delicate tasks, like weighing a couple of grams of medicine; these bracers come with [Cat’s Grace], which can be activated three times a day, each lasting 15 minutes; this amulet..."
He went on and on, clearly adept at distinguishing various unusual items from his time at sea. After explaining, he raised his hand:
"Hurry up and choose, once you’re done, I have more things for you!"
These gifts were all valuable, but not immediately useful for him. Garrett listened carefully, then bowed respectfully to both Archmage Serano and Captain Jacob, saying:
"We’re all on the same boat, facing trouble, I should think of solutions together with you..."
"Don’t be so timid, young man!" Archmage Serano waved his hand impatiently:
"If I’m telling you to choose, just choose! The thing you brought out, in terms of value, is not inferior to these items!"
Garrett smiled faintly.
The cost of the mercury arc rectifier wasn’t high, and moreover, it wasn’t something he made himself; but knowing that the mercury arc rectifier could emit ultraviolet light, and thinking of using ultraviolet light to accelerate the decomposition of [Pharati’s Curse], that was another matter.
From this point of view, it was only natural for him to accept this reward.
However - he raised his gaze, looking straight at the transformational grand mage, and made his real request:
"Then, could you teach me a small transformational spell?"
Archmage Serano’s eyes lit up.
Teaching a magic spell, compared to giving a magical creation, was certainly more troublesome; but, establishing a good relationship with a thoughtful and research-oriented junior was also a good thing. He generously patted his chest:
"Just ask! Not just transformational, but any of the eight schools, spells below third level, I can teach you any of them!"
"That’s wonderful." Garrett leaned forward, half grateful and half excited:
"This spell, [Weapon Enchantment]..."
Weapon Enchantment, a first-level transformational spell... Such a basic spell!
A must-learn for transformational mages! Only after mastering this spell, would one dare to step outside - with a first-level mage’s pitiful accuracy, instead of rushing to cast spells, it’s better to quickly enchant their allies’ weapons before combat starts, then comfortably retreat to the back...
Watching allies cut down enemies! With [Weapon Enchantment], the weapon’s hardness, sharpness, and damage inflicted upon hitting, all improve!
For some enemies that ordinary physical attacks can’t harm, like ethereal beings or ghosts, with [Weapon Enchantment], they can still be damaged!
This kind of kill-and-burn... ah, no, essential magic for home and travel, you don’t know? You’re level four! Even for a specializer in the energetics school, this specialization is a bit too severe!
"Ah, no, I’m not asking you to teach me this spell," Garrett quickly clarified:
"I was wondering, besides enchanting common weapons, could it be applied to some less common items... like..."
Garrett clasped his hands together, and between his palms, a green light glowed. A slender, delicate vine, barely thicker than a hair strand, swayed out, bending softly towards Archmage Serano.
His Excellency’s eyes widened. To his right, Captain Jacob, with an indescribable expression, pointed at the vine, his finger trembling:
"You... you want to use it as a weapon? To enchant it with Weapon Enchantment? What can such a thin thing do?!"
There were many uses. Just from Garrett’s impoverished imagination, he could think of seventeen or eighteen uses. But to Archmage Serano, he could only explain as simply as possible:
"I hope it can become harder, sharper. Able to stretch into very small cavities upon my command, to bite through or cut something..."
Archmage Serano frowned in difficulty:
"If it was a naturally grown vine, enchanting it with [Weapon Enchantment], though a bit difficult, could still be done. But it’s one you’ve grown, already carrying magical properties..."
He mumbled and mumbled, starting by explaining to Garrett but gradually turning into talking to himself. Meanwhile, Garrett just silently watched him with hopeful eyes.
Archmage Serano went from talking to himself to pacing around, from pacing to frantically pulling at his hair, from pulling at his hair to buzzing around the room like a headless fly. Suddenly, he shouted:
He pounced on the desk, sweeping aside the dolls, equipment, amulets, and all sorts of tools to the ground. Spreading out paper and pen, in the blink of an eye, the paper was filled with all sorts of symbols.
"I must solve it! A first-level spell, absolutely, under no circumstances, can stump me!"
His brown hair stood on end, the few strands of silver within nearly popping out, proclaiming their presence. It seemed that after solving this magic, another batch of brown hair would defect to the silver side...
Captain Jacob watched with a mix of awe and fear. He quietly stepped back, pressing against the door, and whispered to Garrett:
"You’re not going to ask me about magic, are you?"
"A small spell..." Garrett widened his eyes as much as he could, making Captain Jacob’s reflection appear in his pupils, showing his sincerity:
"Really, just a first-level spell, from the curse school, commonly used at sea... You couldn’t possibly not know it, could you?"