Early the next morning, Locke woke up and finished his morning routine before retrieving the completed level 5 synthesized item from the Synthetic Cube.
However, the level 5 synthesized item, the Deep Blue Gem, was only slightly larger than its level 4 counterpart, with no significant changes.
Locke attempted to channel Mana into it and found that the difference between this Deep Blue Gem and the level 4 version was minimal.
In his dorm room, Locke didn't show any disappointment—this was exactly what he had expected.
The synthesis formulas for the Horadric Synthetic Cube required personal exploration.
The Horadric Synthetic Cube was indeed a supreme artifact, but mastering its use depended entirely on the wielder's own abilities.
The current situation proved that simply using sapphires to synthesize level 5 items yielded little improvement. The formula was incorrect—new materials needed to be added to potentially enhance the Deep Blue Gem's effectiveness.
Locke made up his mind. "Previously, I synthesized rubies up to level 4, but the level 4 ruby only grew in size. Next time, I'll try combining a level 4 ruby with a level 4 Deep Blue Gem."
"Let's see if I can produce something as useful as the Deep Blue Gem."
"For the synthesis formula, I'll start with one ruby and two Deep Blue Gems."
Locke spent the entire morning studying in his dorm before heading to yesterday's classroom.
Professor Olde was already inside, his dark circles seemingly worse than before, though his face had begun to fill out slightly.
Locke had heard that a student had died in his office yesterday—a Frankish student, and one of Locke's acquaintances… Cohen Julian.
Professor Olde held a rat's skull in his hand and smiled. "Ah, you're here. Do you know what this is? To ordinary people, it's just an animal's skull."
"But to me, it's a treasure."
"And to my enemies, it's death itself."
Professor Olde murmured an incantation, and the deathly aura around him was drawn toward the rat's skull in his palm.
Locke immediately grew wary, his left hand gripping a wildflower hidden in his pocket while his right index finger twitched. If he willed it, the magic vines concealed beneath his coat would transform into a massive hand and strike at Professor Olde.
But Professor Olde seemed completely unaware.
A fleeting emerald glow flickered in the skull's eye sockets, like the resentful gaze of the undead.
Then, Olde tossed the skull out the window, where it struck a tree outside the classroom. The moment the seemingly ordinary skull hit the tree, a shrill, agonized scream erupted.
An instant later, the rat's skull exploded. The sturdy tree was blown apart from the middle, its surroundings scorched black as the plants withered instantly. Even the soil was tainted with an unnatural green toxin.
Locke rubbed his temples, his head still spinning from the explosion's aftershock.
But the Skull Explosion hadn't been aimed at him.
Professor Olde glanced at Locke and said, "Necromancy spells typically have stricter casting requirements, but that also means they pack a greater punch."
"Skull Explosion is one of the rare cantrips that incorporates three stages of damage."
"And each stage affects different ranges."
Professor Olde continued, "The first stage deals psychic damage. At the moment of explosion, the skull releases the deceased's wails and resentment, slightly affecting the minds of those nearby."
"Don't think your slight dizziness is nothing. If an ordinary human stood here, they'd already be unconscious."
"And likely suffering permanent mental damage."
"The second stage comes from highly compressed negative energy suddenly detonating."
"The third stage involves corpse toxins formed by the concentrated negative energy, which invade living organisms. Had you been my target earlier, even if you avoided the first two stages, the third would have left you severely wounded."
Locke stared in astonishment, his heart pounding.
Dean Tungus had said he needn't fear Professor Olde now.
But that referred to the physically weakened Professor Olde of before, not this version whose body had just been modified by a 0.3-circle spell.
If the current Professor Olde decided to attack him...
Locke's expression grew solemn at the thought.
Professor Olde scanned Locke and smiled gently. "Necromancy spells are naturally more powerful, given their greater side effects."
"This particular spell has undergone my personal refinements, developing my unique style. To my knowledge, it's reached maximum potency."
"That's why I want to teach it to you—so you can master it."
Professor Olde sighed. "This way, my time in the Wizard World won't have been wasted."
He approached and patted Locke's shoulder. "Consider this an orderly inheritance—another way for me to continue my legacy."
"To cast Skull Explosion, you'll need a small animal's skull and must have killed someone within the last 48 hours to channel their death energy into the casting skull."
"I've only killed one person recently—that... never mind, can't recall the name."
"So I can't perform Skull Explosion again anytime soon."
"This spell should prove quite useful for you too. You can keep it as a trump card."
Professor Olde's voluntary explanation helped bridge the gap between them.
Locke relaxed slightly.
Professor Olde declared, "Let's begin your lessons now. First session: Negative Energy Basics."
"After some reflection last night, I realized one hour of daily instruction is too inefficient. With less than three months remaining, I'm uncertain we can cover everything."
"Henceforth, I'll teach you every afternoon as much as possible."
Professor Olde's eyes gleamed intensely as he grew serious. "I won't let my spells die with me. So Locke, I expect your full commitment to learning."
"I heard that Code and Patty still haven't completed their Spells yet. Perfect timing—you can compete with them to see whether they'll finish their first Spell first, or you'll complete your second Spell sooner."
Locke raised his eyebrows. For some reason, he suddenly felt an eerie sensation, as if Professor Olde's words just now carried some hidden threat directed at him.
However, he simply laughed it off.
After all, it was rare to find a teacher so eager to impart everything he knew.
This situation offered nothing but advantages for him.
Locke found a spot and sat down. "Then let's begin, Professor Olde."
Olde nodded in satisfaction. "Good."
(End of Chapter)