The Cornflower Witch

Book 3: Chapter 24: The Dilemma of Sylvia

Amidst the grand and sacred tolling of the bells, many closed their eyes in prayer. While mages did not believe in external gods, the habit had already become ingrained in their lives.

The bell sounds gradually faded away, marking the beginning of the latter half of the Silver Bell Festival. If the first half was led and dominated by official ceremonies, the latter half was for visiting guests to socialize freely. Some caught up with old friends they hadn't seen for a year, some exchanged recent insights and experiences, and others made new acquaintances during the activities.

"Do you have any plans, Hedra?" After the festival's most bustling period had passed, Tigis's grandmother asked the young girl.

"No, this is my first time at Rorik College, so I'm not familiar with it yet."

"Then how about I give you a tour? It's perfect since Tigis is also here for the first time, and I need to show her around too."

"Alright, thank you, Grandmother." Sylutia thanked her with a sweet, clear voice.

Hearing that Sylutia would be accompanying her, Tigis was also very happy. So, she held her grandmother's hand with one hand and Sylutia's hand with the other.

Afterwards, the three of them left the magnificent gilded hall to visit and tour other parts of Rorik College.

"Rorik College, or rather the 'Puppet Shadow School,' primarily focuses on the three Aspects of 'Secret Word,' 'Gold Steam,' and 'Nightmare.' Internally, it is further subdivided into three major branches: the 'Gold Steam·Secret Word'-dominated working puppets, the 'Gold Steam·Nightmare'-dominated killing golems, and the 'Nightmare·Secret Word'-dominated puppet curses."

"The performances we watched earlier in the gilded hall were mostly 'Gold Steam·Secret Word'-based working puppets. These puppets are mostly constructed from precise mechanical parts and can vividly imitate human movements, thus replacing many tasks." The old woman explained to Sylutia as they walked."Then there are the 'Killing Golems.' The scarecrow battle that started not long ago is actually the skill of this faction. They can use threads to drive inanimate objects, infuse them with power, and grant them abilities, causing dead constructs of metal, wood, or stone to instantly erupt with astonishing combat power."

"Finally, there is 'Puppet Curse.' This discipline is extremely difficult to master, has the fewest practitioners, but is also the hardest to guard against." She continued speaking as they walked.

"Many places have legends like this: hiding an object connected to a person, like their hair or blood, inside a doll, and then destroying that doll can cause the same harm to the person themselves. In the Transcendent world, 'Puppet Curse' can achieve such effects."

"Of course, the use of such puppet curses isn't limited to this. High-tier 'Puppet Curses' can also work in reverse, having the curse doll take damage in place of the person, or learning about the person's current state, and so on."

"'Nightmare' is the reflection of 'Luminous Moon' and was once a part of the ancient 'Phantasmal Moon.' Among the things we commonly encounter in life, reflections in water are the closest to the meaning of 'Nightmare.' It is not real, yet is intimately connected to reality, having an ambiguous and unclear relationship."

"In ancient times, 'mirrors' were seen as ominous objects. People said seeing oneself in a mirror was terrifying and could trigger a series of mental disorders and cognitive disturbances. Although such ideas are rarely mentioned nowadays, it also shows that 'mirrors,' 'reflections,' and the 'Nightmare' Aspect are greatly connected."

This old woman led Sylutia and Tigis through the streets of Rorik College, introducing the buildings and their purposes along the way.

"As you can see, Rorik College can roughly be divided into three major zones. The very center is the 'Seal Zone.' Not only are outsiders prohibited, even students of this college cannot approach it casually. It houses the leaders and core figures of the school, most of whom do not wish to be disturbed, and security management is extremely strict."

"It is said that beneath the central 'Forbidden Church' lies the sealed founding scripture and relics of the school, with a vast number of inheritance texts also stored there."

"Aside from the central 'Seal Zone,' the remaining area is the 'Research and Study Zone,' occupying nearly sixty percent of the college. It centers around three grand buildings, spreading outwards like a spiderweb. These three are the landmark buildings belonging to the three major branches I just introduced to you: 'Hall of Remembrance,' 'Hall of Suspended Threads,' and 'Hall of Phantoms.'"

"Finally, there is the outermost 'Workshop Zone.' Many external personnel reside there, operating numerous workshops established around the college. Their technology and personnel originate from the 'Puppet Shadow School,' providing the outside world with various needed puppets and creations."

Under this old woman's explanation, Sylutia quickly formed an understanding of the entire Rorik College and felt that this layout design condensed the school's years of effort and experience.

The 'Gilded Hall' they initially departed from was a building located between the 'Seal Zone' and the 'Research and Study Zone.' Afterwards, the three mainly toured the 'Research and Study Zone.' In just a few hours, they couldn't possibly cover everything, only managing to view the three most important core buildings.

"Hedra, do you wish to learn a secret art inheritance from the 'Puppet Shadow School'?" The old grandmother asked as they walked.

"Yes, but I don't know which one to choose." The various things she had seen along the way had already dazzled her.

"Hehe, indeed, they all have their uses, but it also depends on what you need."

"What aspect of ability do you hope to improve, or what kind of need do you have?" The old woman asked the young girl.

Sylutia fell into contemplation. Actually, regarding combat power, she had many methods; other Aspects could already satisfy that need, so she wasn't lacking in that area. However, if she had enough mechanical puppets to help her farm, tend the garden, and handle daily chores in the future, it seemed it would be much more convenient and suited her lifestyle preference for quiet and minimal disturbance from outsiders.

"I want to learn skills related to puppet creation, but this seems very complex." Sylutia inquired.

"Yes, you'd first need to learn mechanical things, then the refining of memory containers, and finally a series of adjustments and improvements, and so on."

"Then, if I want puppets to handle simple tasks in daily life, is there a quicker method?" Sylutia asked curiously.

"Many people have had this idea, hehe. Looking at it this way, you might actually be more suited for the 'Killing Golem' branch."

"That is, directly using threads to manipulate puppet golems, making them move, and granting them various ability enhancements. Its advantage is quickly forming combat power, with low requirements for the manipulated golem—wood or cloth ones will do. But the drawback is the constant consumption of mental power and the need to split attention to control them. Once distracted or if you yourself are interrupted, the manipulated puppet golem will also lose vitality."

"This is equivalent to giving a Transcendent dozens of extra arms, controlled by one person to simultaneously complete various complex and dangerous tasks."

Even though this old woman mentioned many shortcomings of this branch faction, such as high mental power requirements, high consumption, inability to be distracted, etc., Sylutia became more and more interested the more she listened. Her mental power had always been very high. Previously at the Hidden Grove, basic meditation methods could no longer improve it further, having reached a limit. Only by adopting advanced meditation methods could she continue to improve.

Although her Aspect tier had declined, mental power was a manifestation of soul strength, so she still maintained her past level, roughly above Fourth Tier, even approaching Fifth Tier. With such an innate advantage, learning the secret arts of the 'Killing Golem' branch should be exceptionally easy.

"I understand." Sylutia nodded, telling the grandmother she would choose the secret arts of the 'Killing Golem' branch.

"In that case, let's go to the 'Hall of Suspended Threads.' Many secret methods of this branch faction are stored there. Those below Fifth Tier can be found there. However, as a visitor, you can only choose up to 'Third Tier' secret arts to learn."

After determining the goal, the three took a carriage within the college to the 'Hall of Suspended Threads.'

Inside a certain tower of the college, two figures sat in a room, looking at the mirror on the table displaying images and conversing.

"It seems she has made her choice."

"Secret arts of the Killing Golem branch. Perfect, we both have some involvement in that." The two professors began discussing again.

"The culmination of my life's work is 'Steel Shadow Magic Hand.' Learning this skill requires at least Fourth Tier. However, at Third Tier, there is a secret art called 'Phantom Flying Sword.' Its principles and application methods are the foundation of 'Steel Shadow Magic Hand.' If she can easily learn 'Phantom Flying Sword' and apply it skillfully, it means she won't have much trouble learning 'Steel Shadow Magic Hand' in the future." The old man tapped his fingers on the table, speaking slowly.

"Although your 'Steel Shadow Magic Hand' is powerful, I still think it's not flexible enough and too slow to activate." The woman opposite him shook her folding fan.

"The core secret art of my inheritance is 'Dream Phantom Substitute.' Its learning difficulty is even higher than your 'Steel Shadow Magic Hand.' I estimate one can only grasp it initially at Fifth Tier. What can be touched at Third Tier is probably only 'Sensory Link Technique,' one of the prerequisites for learning 'Dream Phantom Substitute.'"

"The 'Phantom Flying Sword' I mentioned is still within the normal learnable range. The 'Sensory Link Technique' you mentioned, if I recall correctly, the complete version should be a secret method of the composite Aspect 'Secret Word·Nightmare,' right? Having her learn it at Third Tier is completely forcing an impossible task." The old man couldn't help but laugh after hearing this.

"There's no helping it. The 'Dream Phantom Substitute' of my inheritance is just that difficult. Back then, my teacher took in twenty exceptionally talented students, but only I learned it completely. The others all had to give up in the end and switch to other high-tier secret arts." The woman responded with a slight complaint.

"This is precisely why I'm so anxious about finding talented students. Otherwise, the inheritance will be cut off in my generation."

"So it seems you're not prepared to concede."

"Of course, let's each rely on our own abilities."

After speaking, the two stood up and went to a corner of the tower. There was a small, complex magic array there. When the two stepped onto it, their figures flashed and instantly disappeared.

A few minutes later, Sylutia arrived at the 'Hall of Suspended Threads.' After explaining her purpose to the staff, they nodded and led her to a side library.

"On these four rows of bookshelves are placed secret methods below Third Tier. They contain information about the effect, function, learning difficulty, precautions, etc., of each secret method. After you've chosen, come to the front desk to register. We will take you to a dedicated inheritance room to retrieve the inheritance gem of that secret method, allowing you to feel and memorize it on the spot."

So that's how they learn. No wonder it can be learned in just a few hours, Sylutia thought.

Afterwards, she began browsing under the tall bookshelves, looking at the introductions of various secret methods recorded there.

'Erbis Flying Snake': Requires 'snake bone powder,' paired with a suitable elongated construct. Can awaken and manipulate it to fight like a flying snake.

'Flame Scarecrow': Only needs a simple scarecrow. Use threads to manipulate and connect it. Can make the scarecrow burn during combat and amplify its heat, achieving increased lethality.

'Iron Golem Manipulation': Requires a forged iron golem. After manipulation, can make the golem fight using weapons. Posture is heavy and slow, but power is strong, easily able to withstand Second Tier beasts.

'Killing Red Wasp': Requires reared wasps or bees. After manipulation and connection with threads, can make them obey commands and erupt with stronger combat power.

'Frenzy Infusion': Ineffective when used alone. Can make manipulated creatures overcome instinctive fear and terror, and cause Aspect burning intensification, greatly increasing their combat power for a short time. The consequence is that after the battle ends, the creature suffers significant damage.

'Nightmare Art': Can be used on other living beings, disturbing their will, causing immense fear, and loss of combat power.

'Sobis Thread Skeleton': A universal secret method. Can make your magic threads deeply penetrate the skeleton of the manipulated object, granting the puppet or creature you control more precise and stronger control.

...

Various secret arts appeared before Sylutia's eyes, making her curiously flip through them non-stop, searching for the parts most suitable and interesting to her.

At this moment, two young people wearing college uniforms walked over. One male, one female, they looked to be in their twenties and were both handsome and beautiful.

"Little sister, are you looking for a suitable secret method to learn?" Seeing Sylutia constantly searching, the two smiled and asked.

"Uh, yes." Sylutia temporarily put down the book and nodded.

"Judging by your appearance, you probably aren't a student of the college yet, but a guest invited to participate in the Silver Bell Festival, right?"

"Mhm, yes."

"It's fine. When we first came to the college, we were also dazzled by the variety of secret arts. It's indeed hard to find one you like and want at first."

"For the secret art you need to learn now, is it to fulfill a specific need, or simply to improve yourself? We can probably give you a reference direction." The two spoke in a caring and concerned tone.

"Like this... I've already learned thread manipulation. Regarding combat power, I'm not in a hurry. Mainly, in daily life, I want to manipulate various puppets to accomplish many tasks by myself." Sylutia explained her needs.

After hearing this, the two's eyes lit up, and they began introducing.

"In that case, I suggest learning 'Magic Hand Manipulation.' It allows you to condense magical hands to complete various complex tasks. Compared to manipulating clumsy puppets, it's much easier and allows one person to simultaneously control many 'Magic Hands.' Imagine, you alone could complete incredibly complex experiments and potion adjustments, and so on."

"As long as the control is good, they won't tremble like human hands and can easily handle various materials and powders that shouldn't be touched by hand, like high-temperature or corrosive ones, etc."

"However, this secret method is a bit difficult. You can first learn the simpler 'Phantom Flying Sword.' It's a basic simplification of 'Magic Hand Manipulation,' meaning using pre-prepared 'Magnetite Sand' to condense flying swords."

"If you learn 'Phantom Flying Sword,' when you reach Third Tier, you can come here to exchange for the basic study manual of 'Magic Hand Manipulation.'"

"Huh? There's such a system? Learning one allows you to exchange for another?" Sylutia, unfamiliar with Rorik College, was hearing this for the first time.

The male senior in front raised a finger, smiling as he answered: "Of course there is, but this only started recently, so it's normal you haven't heard."

"Alright then." Hearing that 'Magic Hand Manipulation' had so many uses, Sylutia's heart stirred like a child seeing beloved candy.

Just as she was about to choose 'Phantom Flying Sword,' the female student on the other side coughed a few times, interrupting their conversation and inserting herself.

"Although 'Magic Hand Manipulation' has many uses, I suggest you first learn 'Sensory Link Technique.' It's more practical." She continued introducing.

"The so-called 'Sensory Link Technique' allows the puppet or living creature you manipulate to transmit their perceptions and what they see to your senses. For example, you could use threads to manipulate a flying bird soaring high, and you could also obtain the vast vision it sees."

"Also, since you're still a student with many classes to attend, you could have a puppet you made sit in the classroom. What it sees and hears would also be transmitted to your mind."

"Furthermore, during combat, although a puppeteer can command many puppets, if they themselves cannot clearly see the opponents fighting their distant puppets or the details of the engagement, their combat power would greatly decrease. But if they learn 'Sensory Link Technique,' it's different. Each puppet becomes an extension of their own body, like individual substitutes." She described another wonderful scenario for this young girl.

Now Sylutia's attention shifted, becoming interested in the 'Sensory Link Technique' she mentioned.

These two seniors indeed had unique insights. The two secret arts they introduced were both very useful. If she could learn them, they could greatly improve her life. Sylutia now also found herself in a dilemma of choice.

Under the eager gazes of the two senior predecessors, Sylutia felt herself shrinking like a puppet under some invisible pressure.

Oh no, both are so good. She didn't know which one to choose anymore.