Chapter 87: Skill Duplication

Chu Yun spent most of the day meticulously modifying the spell model of the Flame Spark technique until he was finally satisfied with the result. To be on the safe side, he even made a trip to the Mage Guild to ask the guildmaster whether spell models could indeed be altered. He didn't want to be caught in an embarrassing blunder if it turned out he had misunderstood.

After receiving a definite affirmation, Chu Yun relaxed and rode Paimon to the Richard Estate.

The weather was pleasant that day. Anna had arranged for the students to train outdoors in the estate's rear gardens, believing that this would help them better sense the elements.

In the morning, Anna had already taught them the basics of meditation. The afternoon was devoted to practicing the perception of ether particles.

Ether particles were the fundamental building blocks of the elements; with spiritual power, one could transform ether particles into corresponding elements.

When Chu Yun arrived in the garden, Anna was just about to dismiss the class.

“Chu Yun, what brings you here?” Anna asked, slightly weary.

Teaching so many students at once was no easy task. Many of them didn't even grasp the most basic concepts. Fortunately, she had followed Chu Yun's advice from yesterday and implemented a group system to encourage mutual learning, which had alleviated much of her burden.

Each group consisted of eleven: one leader and ten members, with a total of ten groups.

“I've finished studying the spell model. Take a look at it tonight,” Chu Yun said, handing Anna the revised book.

“As for the students, let them have self-study tonight. Otherwise, some of them might fall behind. Tomorrow, I'll teach them the basics of runes.”

Anna nodded and took the revised Flame Spark manual. Upon flipping through it, her eyes widened in astonishment.

“Chu Yun, can this really work? It feels so different from the original!”

Nearly thirty percent of the model had been changed—such a drastic revision, completed so quickly, was hard for her to believe.

Chu Yun extended his left index finger, a small flame dancing above it. Then he opened his right palm, conjuring a fist-sized, blazing fireball.

“The effect is roughly like this. I've lowered the flame's temperature but increased its size, which makes it more effective at triggering chain reactions and catalyzing the surrounding ether particles into fire elements…” Chu Yun explained briefly.

After listening, Anna's respect for Chu Yun deepened. Although the students didn't fully understand, they could see the difference between the two flames.

For teaching, earning the trust of the students is paramount, and Chu Yun had now laid a solid foundation for his instruction.

Richard, having heard of Chu Yun's arrival, also came to the garden and saw the demonstration. Beaming, he stepped forward and said, “You must all be hungry by now. I've prepared a lavish feast. Please, come to the banquet hall and enjoy it.”

The students looked eager, but still waited for their mentor's permission.

Anna, feeling a pang of hunger herself, addressed the group: “Come with me, everyone. After dinner, we'll rest for two hours, then reconvene in the evening to review what we've learned today.”

Unlike students on Earth, who would groan at the mention of study, these students saw it as a priceless opportunity—they were eager to learn every minute they could.

With cheers, the students rushed to the banquet hall. When most had left, Richard hurried over.

“My thanks to both of you for your hard work. Here, a small token of my appreciation.” Richard produced two heavy pouches and handed them to Chu Yun and Anna.

Anna hesitated, but Chu Yun opened his without ceremony and glanced inside—around five hundred gold coins.

“Thank you, Mr. Richard,” Chu Yun said, stowing the coins in his dimensional belt.

Anna, still uneasy, followed Chu Yun's example and put the money away.

Richard was delighted. “It's just a little welcome gift, think nothing of it. If Nancy is admitted to the academy, I will certainly have to thank you again.”

The meaning was clear—there would be more rewards in the future.

Chu Yun understood. Since Richard was so earnest, it was only right to offer Nancy some special attention.

“How about this—have Nancy come see me tonight. I'll give her some personal tutoring,” Chu Yun said with a smile.

“Wonderful! Thank you. I'll prepare the finest study for you. If you need any supplies, just say the word.”

Chu Yun considered, then replied, “If you have any potions that restore mental energy, please provide some. She's just learned to meditate and recovers rather slowly.”

“Of course, I'll see to it at once!”

“One more thing. Please prepare some model props for tomorrow's lesson,” Chu Yun added, listing his requirements, and Richard quickly set his staff to work.

Restorative potions were expensive, but nothing was more important to Richard than his daughter's future.

After Richard had left, Anna looked at Chu Yun with unease.

Anna, though fond of money, was still too pure and kind-hearted. She couldn't help but feel this was unfair to the other students.

“Chu Yun, is this really all right?”

Chu Yun patted Anna's shoulder and smiled. “Don't worry. I went to the Mage Guild earlier and asked the guildmaster about this. He didn't say it was against the rules.”

“R-really?” Anna stammered, flustered by this close contact with Chu Yun.

“I'll be teaching tomorrow's class, so Nancy can try it out first. For now, let's eat.”

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After dinner, Chu Yun went to the study Richard had prepared for him—a lavish room with all the ostentation of new wealth.

The study was lined with world classics, though most looked untouched, some not even unwrapped.

A soft knock sounded at the door. A timid voice asked, “Teacher, I’m Nancy. May I come in?”

“Come in.”

Nancy, only fourteen, appeared painfully shy. Being alone with a mage made her even more nervous.

“Relax, this will be over before you know it.”

“O-okay.”

Nancy approached the desk. Chu Yun handed her the basic rune breakdown he and Anna had completed the night before.

“These are the runes you'll need tomorrow. Practice copying them with your pen—draw each one a hundred times, then call me.” With that, Chu Yun retreated to the study’s side room and closed the door.

Once inside, Chu Yun entered the mirror world through a looking glass.

“Copying the Flame Spark technique directly might not be appropriate. Let’s try with basic abilities first.” He approached Nancy’s mirrored self from a safe distance and activated his power.

“Copy Basic Ability: Runes!”

Golden light radiated from his palm. He pressed his hand to his forehead, and soon a golden orb appeared in his grasp—the knowledge of runes, distilled from the copying process, containing only what was necessary for the Flame Spark technique.

If he implanted this orb into Nancy, she would gain access to this knowledge for two days; after that, the golden sphere would vanish.

Copying this orb cost little—just a single point of mental energy. Holding the glowing orb, Chu Yun aimed at Nancy’s head and sent it flying.

Whoosh—

The golden sphere sank into the back of Nancy’s head, and her mind was instantly filled with knowledge of runes.