’Just a little longer, and I’ll reach Level 6.’

’Then I can show Iz who the strongest Mage in the world really is.’

"Master Iz, please elaborate."

The learning efficiency during the Knowledge Moon was simply terrifying. The Root Magic he thought would take many days to master was instead completely grasped in a single day.

’It seems that during the Knowledge Moon, one day of study is worth more than ten.’

’It might have something to do with a first-day bonus, but regardless, an efficiency of more than ten times is just absurd.’

If this really kept up for the entire month, missing out on it would be like losing a whole year of progress.

Tier Two Root Magic: Elemental Void

Tier Three Root Magic: Fifth State Magic

Tier Four Root Magic: Phases of Illusion and Reality

Lu Cang could now understand Iz’s thought process.

Iz had discovered long ago that the Root Source was incomplete. At Level 2, he approached it from the perspective of whether the Elements were being devoured by the Void, which led to Elemental Void.

After reaching Level 3, he realized his previous line of thought was wrong.

He then started thinking along the lines of, ’This missing part of the Root Source exists in an unobservable state,’ which resulted in Fifth State Magic.

By the time he reached Level 4, he felt that this direction was also mistaken. He began to feel that the Root Source might have different interpretations of illusion and reality, which led to Phases of Illusion and Reality.

Lu Cang had originally assumed Iz’s initial line of inquiry was about the Elements, or perhaps the Void...

He never imagined that from the very beginning, Iz had been contemplating the incompleteness of the Root Source.

Now that his own power had caught up, he could gradually comprehend Iz’s mind and understand his thought process regarding Magic.

"Iz, when did you master so many types of Root Magic?"

"I actually had the concepts back when I was Level 5. Then I spent a full six months on it and finally figured it all out in that Tier Seven Dungeon."

"That’s also how I advanced to become a Level 6 Mage."

’Oh... so that’s why he was stuck at Level 5. He was figuring out his second Root Magic.’

"However, my second Root Magic back then wasn’t the opposite of my first one."

"It was only after I listened to your analysis of the manuscript An Zheng left behind that I became certain of my theory about an opposing Root Magic."

"After coming to Kernoya and having a discussion with An Zheng, I thought, since I could comprehend a second Root Magic, why not a third, or even a fourth?"

"If every Root Magic can serve as a testament to getting closer to the Root Source, then thinking from different angles should bring me even closer."

"As it happens, you’ve also been a great source of inspiration. The abilities you’ve demonstrated gave me many ideas, so my subsequent thoughts on Root Magic came flooding out."

Hearing Iz’s answer, Lu Cang had to struggle to keep his expression neutral. ’Iz, you’re so strong it’s kind of sickening.’

’Then again, I can’t really talk.’

’I only comprehended my second Root Magic after seeing Aertemi’s Law. Master and apprentice both, we draw inspiration from others.’

Lu Cang had no doubt that if he pushed Iz to the brink, Iz would pull off some kind of mid-battle breakthrough as well...

’If he were an enemy, he’d be an incredibly tricky opponent no matter how you look at it.’

’But, at least I’ve finally learned Iz’s Root Magic.’

"In a while, I’ll come find you again to discuss your subsequent thoughts on these types of Root Magic."

"But for now, while there’s still time today, I have a few things to discuss with An Zheng alone."

Iz looked at An Zheng, who in turn exuded a sullen air.

The atmosphere between them had clearly grown tense again. ’Looks like this is my cue to leave.’

’Sigh. I’ll discuss the Root Source with Iz after An Zheng dies. It’s good timing, since I’ve just mastered the Perfect Technique and have some ideas about how to complete the Root Source myself.’

However, Lu Cang had no intention of telling An Zheng any of this.

’His life is almost over. Completing the Root Source is no simple task. If he knew I had a way, there’s no telling what he might do to me.’

’It wasn’t impossible that something good might happen.’

But when Lu Cang considered things, he didn’t fantasize about best-case scenarios. Instead, he focused on avoiding the worst-case scenarios at all costs.

If there was even a 1% chance of An Zheng going mad, Lu Cang wouldn’t take the gamble.

’Besides, the chance was much higher than 1%.’

Furthermore, his idea for completing the Root Source was just a vague outline at the moment, not even a fully formed thought.

Lu Cang formally bid farewell to Iz and An Zheng...

After he left, a faint cold sweat broke out on Lu Cang’s back.

’It’s a good thing they’re Mages. If those two were Warriors, things probably wouldn’t have been so peaceful.’

’At the first sign of disagreement, they would’ve just started fighting.’

Phew.

’Being stuck between two people I’m no match for is definitely not a pleasant feeling.’

Lu Cang much preferred having his life in his own hands.

Not constantly on edge, wondering if others were about to come to blows.

「March 1, 5026.」

Half a year had passed since he came to this world. After leaving An Zheng’s hall, he saw the throne up ahead was now empty.

It seemed Luo Tedan had already left.

This month’s Extreme Battle Intent.

Temporary Extreme Battle Intent—Momentary Long Thought and Enlightenment

Momentary Long Thought: At any moment in battle, you can gain a moment to think as if time has frozen.

Enlightenment: While in combat, you will gain insights at a greatly accelerated rate and can absorb a vast amount of knowledge and experience from your opponent’s displayed abilities.

Two Extreme Battle Intents related to the Moon.

’They’re both related to thought, then.’