The Smiling Death

Chapter 454: Learning New Things (1)

Night slowly descended over Arcadia Academy. The dinner went really good. For Amon, he missed this kidney of things

Next morning.

Inside the massive Academy library.

Amon sat beside Seraphina at one of the large wooden tables near the deeper section of the library.

Several thick books lay scattered across the table.

Most of them were related to darkness and shadow element magic.

Now that Amon had officially reached Master Rank, he could finally begin learning true Master Rank spells.

And unlike lower-rank magic. Master Rank spells were more complicated. Also he didn’t learn much magic spell over the year. He only knew few of them.

But now he could learn something stronger and deadlier.

They required proper mana control, stable magic circles, and a much deeper understanding of mana structure itself.

Amon rested his chin on one hand while flipping through another book.

"So many weird spells..."

Some spells focused on curses. Some specialized in poison-like darkness. Others sacrificed life force.

Amon honestly disliked many of them. Then suddenly.

"Hm?"

His eyes narrowed slightly.

Seraphina, who sat quietly beside him, also looked toward the same page.

Amon slowly read the spell name aloud.

"Devouring Sphere."

A small grin appeared on his face immediately.

"Oh... this sounds cool."

Seraphina quietly moved slightly closer so she could also read the contents better. Her golden eyes studied it.

The spell description was written beneath it.

Devouring Sphere

A compressed orb of darkness forms above the caster’s hand.

Effect:

-The sphere pulls nearby mana and explodes violently upon contact.

Abilities:

-Weakens magical barriers

-Absorbs weak spells

-Leaves corrupted ground

Magic Circle: A floating multi-ring circle with spinning void-like symbols.

Amon’s eyes sparkled.

"This one is perfect."

The spell had destructive power while also having anti-magic properties to some extent.

Honestly it suited him perfectly. He wanted to learned it as fast as possible.

Then another spell caught his attention.

Grave of Eternal Night.

A fear-type darkness spell.

Effect: The target is dragged into an illusionary world of endless darkness for several seconds.

The victim may:

-Hear whispers

-See dead figures

-Lose battle awareness

Danger: Weak-minded targets may faint.

Magic Circle: Dark runes shaped like eyes surround a black center circle.

Amon slowly leaned back in his chair.

"...This one is creepy."

Seraphina nodded calmly.

"But useful."

Amon agreed immediately. Mental attacks were dangerous in battle. Especially against weaker-minded opponents.

A slow grin appeared on his face.

"Hehe... both are amazing."

Seraphina quietly watched his excited expression before a faint smile appeared on her lips.

"You look happy."

"Of course I am." Seraphina asked with her lips slightly curved.

Amon closed the book dramatically. "Master Rank spells sound way cooler."

Seraphina softly nodded. "They are."

Then she looked at him calmly. "So... which one will you learn first?"

Amon answered without hesitation. "Devouring Sphere."

He pointed at the page confidently. "This one fits my style more."

Seraphina nodded.

"Good choice Amon."

Unlike illusion-based magic, destructive spells suited Amon naturally due to his aggressive combat style.

Soon after, the two of them left the library together and headed toward one of the Academy training grounds.

The morning sky stretched above them beautifully while morning light illuminated the open area.

A few students were still training nearby, but most training grounds remained relatively empty now.

Amon and Seraphina entered one of the isolated magic practice fields.

The area was surrounded by reinforced barriers specifically designed to withstand Master Rank spells.

Amon stood near the center while stretching his shoulders lightly.

Then he took a deep breath.

"Alright."

His black eyes sharpened slightly.

"Let’s try this."

Meanwhile Seraphina stood several meters away while calmly observing him.

Amon opened the spell book once more before carefully reading the magic circle explanation.

Unlike lower-rank spells.

Master Rank magic required proper construction of layered mana circles. Even the smallest instability could cause failure. Or explosion.

Amon slowly raised one hand forward. Mana began gathering around his palm.

At first everything seemed fine. Thin black lines slowly started forming in the air above his hand.

One circle, then another. But suddenly it trembled.

Crack.

The mana structure destabilized instantly.

BOOM!

The unfinished spell exploded into black smoke directly in front of his face.

"Cough! Cough!"

Amon staggered backward while coughing.

Seraphina blinked once.

"...You failed."

Amon looked toward her with disbelief.

"Thank you for your amazing observation."

Seraphina ignored the sarcasm completely. "You rushed the second ring."

Amon paused. Then frowned slightly. "...I did?"

She nodded calmly before walking closer.

Master Rank magic circles were floating beside them within the book illustration.

Seraphina pointed toward part of the structure.

"The first layer stabilizes mana flow."

Then her finger moved slightly higher.

"The second layer compresses mana density."

Then another. "The third rotates the void symbols to maintain balance."

Amon listened carefully. "You skipped the stabilization part and immediately forced compression."

She looked directly at him. "That’s why it exploded."

Amon scratched his cheek awkwardly. "...Right."

Honestly he had gotten too excited.

Seraphina quietly took the spell book from his hand before opening the page again.

Seraphina glanced toward him.

She raised her hand as light color mana particles moved from her body started to form a circle in front of her.

She was not performing his devouring Sphere. But she was showing him a master rank spell that she knows

"You need patience."

She continued to formed. Her mana moved smoothly almost elegantly. It felt like the mana moved on its own without Seraphina putting any force on it. As if the mana moved by her will.

"No matter how powerful a spell is, if the structure collapses, it becomes useless."

Amon nodded seriously.

"I understand."

The golden color magic circle formed in front of her soon shattered.

"Now try." She said while looking at him. Her arms folded under her big chest.

This time Amon didn’t gaze at them. He was focus on learning!!

Then he took another deep breath before trying again. Mana slowly gathered around his palm once more. Which soon changed into darkness.