CHAPTER 40: CHAPTER 40: DEFENSE

"Corrosive Arrow data has been entered."

"Corrosive Arrow spell model analysis is complete."

"Corrosive Arrow spell model construction plan is complete."

Herag waited for a few minutes, and Shenlan processed the information related to the Corrosive Arrow, ready to start constructing the spell model at any time.

"Shenlan, start constructing the Corrosive Arrow spell model."

"The task has been archived, estimated remaining time twenty minutes, estimated Magic Power consumption 17%."

"Twenty minutes? The number of parameters and formulas for Corrosive Arrow is nearly twice that of Partial Petrification Technique, yet it takes five minutes less than constructing the Partial Petrification Technique. It seems that the spell model class was really worth it," Herag analyzed.

In Herag’s mind, Shenlan was precisely controlling Spiritual Power to construct the Corrosive Arrow spell model, calculating each step’s parameters and formulas at the speed of light, the process seamless.

Twenty minutes later.

"Corrosive Arrow spell model construction completed."

"Remaining Magic Power: 83%."

Herag pulled a log from beside the fireplace and placed it in the middle of the living room, then stepped a few meters away.

He controlled his Magic Power, channeling it into the Corrosive Arrow spell model in his mind.

A black energy arrow with some green in it appeared before him, forming quickly. Shenlan’s statistics showed it only took 0.12 seconds to complete this spell casting.

Herag guided the Corrosive Arrow to shoot out and hit the log in the living room.

The log was split in half, from the cross-section, black corrosive energy began to spread, and in the blink of an eye, the two halves of the log were covered by corrosive energy, making a sizzling sound.

A pungent smell was released. Herag approached to examine, and bubbles were emerging on the surface of the log. The corrosiveness of the energy was very strong, penetrating deep into the log, swiftly corroding the two halves into hollowed-out decay.

"The effect is good," Herag was quite satisfied with this Corrosive Arrow.

If the Corrosive Arrow hit a person, it would torment them like bone-entrenched maggots, difficult to handle.

"Remaining Magic Power: 77%."

Herag contemplated, "Casting the Corrosive Arrow once consumes 6% Magic Power."

This spell doesn’t have the straightforward destructive power of Fireball Technique or Ice Cone Technique, but it excels in sustained combat, high tolerance for mistakes.

I can miss many shots, but once you are hit, you will be entirely on the defensive.

"But similarly, right now, I have no means of defending against other people’s spells." Herag frowned, this was a problem that needed quick resolution.

He opened the Talisman Stone, sent Leo a message: "Do you have anything besides Ice Shield? Can you find other Defensive Magic?"

After a moment, Leo replied: "For now, I only have Ice Shield. You might want to post a task to purchase or ask an Official Wizard you know; they usually have more options."

"Okay, thanks."

"You’re welcome."

...

Herag decided to ask Larry; if all else failed, he’d have to post a task to acquire a Defensive Magic. The key problem was that he didn’t have much money on him right now.

"Mr. Larry, are you there? I’d like to buy a Level 0 defensive spell model, do you happen to have one suitable?" Herag asked directly.

The message went hours without a response, but Herag wasn’t anxious, poured a cup of coffee, and continued reading the book on Corrosive Arrow.

After a while, there was finally a reply from Larry.

"I have one. Suitable for you are Ice Shield, Mana Shield, and Dark Energy Shield."

"Ice Shield has strong defense against physical attacks but is relatively weak against many spells."

"Mana Shield has some defense against both physical and spells, but requires continuous Magic Power consumption."

"Dark Energy Shield is strong against both physical and spells, but its drawback is its vulnerability to Light Element spell attacks, although encounters with Light Element attack spells are rare."

Herag weighed the options for a while, having an idea, and asked Larry for advice: "Mr. Larry, do you have any suggestions?"

"Considering your situation comprehensively, I recommend Mana Shield and Dark Energy Shield. But Dark Energy Shield is complex to learn, too high-tier for a novice Wizard Apprentice like you, so Mana Shield is preferable," Larry replied.

"Thank you, Mr. Larry, I’ve decided... on Dark Energy Shield, how much is that?"

"..."

Larry wrote back: "Three Magic Stones."

"I only have one Magic Stone and two hundred Gold Coins, can I owe you one?" Herag looked at his pockets, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Alright, come to my house tomorrow, the location is Building 5, Zone C in the town," Larry agreed to herag’s credit request.

"Thank you, Mr. Larry!" Herag was genuinely grateful to Larry, who appeared unapproachable but quite helpful to Wizard Apprentices.

Considering the actual market price, Larry still took a loss, not to mention one still owed.

Herag arrived in the town early the next day, following signs to locate Building 5, Zone C.

He looked up at the seven-story-high Building 5, marveling at the excellent treatment Wizards receive.

Such a large building belonged solely to Larry.

At the main entrance, there was a doorbell, which Herag pressed lightly.

Soon the door opened, but he didn’t see anyone.

"I’m here," a voice came from below.

Looking down, Herag saw a green-skinned goblin in ragged clothes.

"You’re Mr. Herag, I’ll lead you upstairs," said the goblin, walking ahead.

"Alright, thank you," Herag was curious about seeing humanoid species for the first time.

The goblin murmured, "You’re the first Wizard to say thank you to me."

"..." Herag was momentarily speechless, unsure how to respond.

The stairs in Larry’s house spiraled upward; after ascending, Herag looked up to see an interior space with at least a dozen levels, much higher than the external view of seven stories.

The goblin led Herag to the fourth floor, a laboratory-looking area, with cultivated plants in containers and various specimens soaked in jars everywhere.

Various colored potions were placed on some shelves, none of which Herag could distinguish with his limited knowledge.

"Herag, you’ve arrived. Gami, you may go now," Larry appeared holding a test tube with yellow liquid.

"Yes, master." The goblin saluted then shuffled downstairs.

Watching him depart curiously, Larry laughed: "This is a House Elf, quite common. But Gami is already old, has forgotten some Elf Magic, doesn’t serve much purpose now aside from cleaning."

The room was overly crowded, even the floor was covered with unidentified plants. The plants’ branches and leaves extended, leaving little space to stand.