"System!"
Zhao Yu summoned his system panel and checked his attributes.
"Host: Zhao Yu."
"Age: 18."
"Rank: Sorcerer Apprentice."
"Magic: Magic Shield (Level 1 23%)."
Seeing his panel, Zhao Yu couldn't help feeling a bit embarrassed.
Not only had he mastered only one spell, Magic Shield, but it was still at level 1.
Magic mastery ranges from levels 1 through 9, and even the simplest Magic Shield can be refined over time.
A Supreme Sorcerer's Magic Shield can even shatter powerful Magic Weapons.
Zhao Yu's current Magic Shield could at best crack marble.
To mortals, that was unimaginable power, but among Sorcerers, it was rubbish.
"Sigh, Magic Shield, you've got to work harder."
Zhao Yu sighed, hoping his Magic Shield would put in more effort.
If it could break through to level 9, he could conquer the world on the strength of Magic Shield alone.
"Your Magic Shield senses your eagerness and trains more diligently."
"Magic Shield absorbs additional cosmic energy."
"This Magic Shield is truly a hardworking spell."
Zhao Yu was overjoyed.
Watching the progress bar rise felt like seeing his own child grow.
"I can't let Magic Shield be lonely."
"I should go see Master Khamir Dal."
Zhao Yu thought and made his decision.
Every day, Apprentice Sorcerers trained together.
The Supreme Sorcerer lineage emphasized both magic and physical prowess.
Even without Magic, everyone was a martial arts expert.
Thus their morning session was like a martial arts workout, practicing punches and kicks.
According to the Sorcerers, this helped concentrate the mind and better sense Magic.
At morning training time, Zhao Yu lined up with dozens of apprentices.
Soon it was break time.
Zhao Yu went straight to stand before Master Khamir Dal.
"Master Khamir Dal."
Zhao Yu greeted respectfully.
Master Khamir Dal smiled.
"Ah, Zhao Yu. What's on your mind?"
Khamir Dal was not especially gifted.
At nearly eighty years old, he remained only a Senior Sorcerer—unlikely ever to advance further.
So he devoted himself to teaching juniors.
At Kamar-Taj, he was one of the best mentors for newcomers, with vast knowledge.
His Mandarin was even better than Zhao Yu's.
After all, every Sorcerer was a master of languages.
Zhao Yu did not beat around the bush.
"Master Khamir Dal, I wish to learn a new Magic."
Khamir Dal chuckled without anger.
"Zhao Yu, do you know what's most important in learning Magic?"
"Knowledge," Zhao Yu answered.
"Knowledge is one aspect," Khamir Dal said, smiling.
"But to me, fundamentals are most vital.
You must build a solid foundation before mastering Magic.
Never be hasty, understand?"
Khamir Dal stroked his beard and spoke kindly.
"I understand, Master Khamir Dal."
The world of Magic is vast, and its varieties countless.
Most have explored only the tip of the iceberg.
Without a solid foundation, making up later would cost a hundredfold effort.
Master Khamir Dal's words were golden advice.
"Thank you, Master Khamir Dal."
Zhao Yu bowed respectfully.
"A promising student," Khamir Dal nodded with satisfaction.
He was pleased with the boy's spirit.
Many young apprentices were arrogant and ignored his advice, but Zhao Yu was different.
Khamir Dal smiled.
"Master Khamir Dal, I wish to learn a new Magic."
At once, Khamir Dal's smile froze.
Having just praised him, he felt slapped.
Even with his good temper, he was somewhat irritated.
He took a deep breath and spoke earnestly.
"Zhao Yu, remember our old saying: 'A towering building rises from level ground.'
Your foundational training is critical to your path as a Sorcerer.
That is why you learn Magic Shield first, to master the basics of mental energy control.
You must truly grasp it before moving on."
Although annoyed, he patiently explained.
After all, which young person doesn't crave flashy Magic?
He had been the same when young—ambitious and impatient.
His task was to help novices build a firm base, so that promising gems would not perish prematurely.
"Zhao Yu, I know you long for powerful spells, but until you fully master Magic Shield, I will not teach you anything else."
Khamir Dal spoke decisively, stroking his beard with unprecedented resolve.
Zhao Yu looked at the old man with admiration—this was a teacher truly worthy of respect!
"I have already mastered Magic Shield, Master Khamir Dal."
"What?"
Khamir Dal looked bewildered.
He accidentally gripped two strands of his gray-white beard.
His mind felt foggy.
"Could it be my age?
Did I mishear him say…
he's mastered Magic Shield?"
Khamir Dal hardly believed it.
Even the prodigious Master Casillas took half a month to master Magic Shield.
But Zhao Yu had only been here three days—three days at most!
Mastered Magic Shield?
Impossible!
"Ahem, Zhao Yu," Khamir Dal hid his beard behind his back.
"What did you say just now?"
"Master, I have mastered Magic Shield," Zhao Yu replied respectfully.
"Gah!"
Khamir Dal cried out in pain, several more gray hairs sticking to his stroking hand.
"Master Khamir Dal, you…"
Zhao Yu was surprised.
"Ahem, age takes its toll—beard tends to fall out.
But it's nothing; teaching you is far more important."
Khamir Dal said with a friendly smile.
Zhao Yu's respect deepened immediately.
This was a true mentor.
He had once resented not studying under a Supreme Sorcerer, but now he felt his earlier thoughts were shallow.
Though merely a Senior Sorcerer, Khamir Dal's dedication to teaching young talent surpassed many Supreme Sorcerers.
Yet Zhao Yu still had one question:
Could even a magician not escape the curse of hair loss?
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]