Chapter 228: Overeating
That Magus—whose memory Adam had devoured—had the most exquisite and accurate control over mana out of all the Magi who had attacked Magus Julian Stockholm on that fateful day.
The main reason for the Magus' proficiency in controlling mana could be attributed to this painting technique. The core principle of this technique was to use mana as a paintbrush and slowly develop a better grip at controlling the energy.
Adam felt that although this technique didn't directly strengthen his battling prowess, in the long run, however, it did wonders.
After all, one had to know that when someone casts a spell, there would always be a certain amount of mana that would be wasted. Practicing this painting technique gave the Magus such great control over mana that barely any of it was wasted during spell-casting.
Although the effects were minimal, when compounded over, it made a great difference. Moreover, having an exception control over mana also came in very handy during potion making.
As Adam was wondering about the intricacies of this seemingly ordinary technique, Elia suddenly called out to him.
"Adam, what are your plans after graduating from the academy?"
The youth snapped out of his reverie and looked at Elia excitedly. "Of course, I'm going to head to the Empire!"
"Huhu, good, good." Elia had a smug look on her face. "How about pursuing higher magical studies at the Tower of Daybreak?"
"Well, I don't know about that." Adam was unsure. "Doesn't the Tower take only the best of the best students? And from what fatty's mentioned, one also needs a letter of recommendation to enter that prestigious institute."
Elia frowned and her eyebrows slowly creased into a knot. "What do you mean? Are you not getting good grades at the academy?"
Sensing the sudden change in atmosphere, Adam loudly gulped as a drop of sweat trickled down the side of his forehead.
He couldn't help but think to himself nervously, W-What is with this pressure?!
"No, no, that's not what I meant." The youth hurriedly shook his hands. "All I'm saying is I'm not a top scorer in theoretical exams. Other than that, I've aced more or less everything."
"Oh, that's it?" Elia's expression returned to normal and she chuckled. "Well, anyway that shouldn't be a problem."
"Shouldn't be a problem?" Adam was puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"Huhu, looks like Eddie hasn't mentioned to you, has he?" Elia asked smugly. "My father is a professor at the Tower of Daybreak. So you won't have any problems getting admission."
"What?!" Adam had a dumbfounded look on his face. "Your father... is a professor at the Tower?"
"Yes." Elia nodded with a smile. "Father was even here a few months ago. He wanted to meet you, but alas, you were inside the secret plane at the time and he had to return to the Empire."
Whoa! Looks like Aunty has a solid background in the Empire, huh? Adam thought to himself in wonder.
"Anyway, you can meet him when you go to the Empire next year." Elia smiled brightly.
"Hehe, okay!" Adam was very happy. At the very least, he had secured an avenue into one of the organizations in the Empire.
The three chatted for a while before Adam decided to leave. He had already spent more than enough time on overeating. He still had to go back home and do some experiments.
As the Turner Couple walked Adam out of the house, Elia glanced at him deeply and stated, "I don't care but you must visit this house every weekend for a meal. I won't take no for an answer."
"I will." Adam's heart was warmed hearing such words from her. "Alright then, I will see you guys later."
The youth bid them farewell and left the manor in a cheerful mood. The Turner couple gazed at his departing back with a doting smile.
"He's a good kid," Elia said with gratification. She was happy that her son was in the company of someone like Adam.
Viktor nodded ever so slightly. "That he is."
...
Nightfall.
Adam has a solemn expression on his face as he carefully carved a runic formation on the ground. He was currently in his underground laboratory.
The ingredients he used to carve the formation were all materials that were not of the material world. After all, he was currently drawing a formation to open a direct portal to the Spirit World!
After a long time, the youth finally stood back up and dusted his hands. "Finally complete."
He walked around the formation, scrutinizing it and making sure everything was alright. He had already dropped off Valerian at Edward's house.
The little guy would be busy playing with Aquila there. Had he known that Adam was going to visit the Spirit World again, he would have constantly nagged him to take him along.
However, Adam deemed it very risky to take Valerian along with him. He still couldn't understand what the young dragon's obsession with the Spirit World was.
In the end, he simply decided to secretly go to the Spirit World without telling anything to Valerian. Besides, Adam wasn't sure how long this trip would take.
After all, time worked strangely in that bizarre dimension.
Upon making sure everything was perfect, Adam walked to the center of the formation and lay down on his back. Then, he weaved a series of hand signs, following which, his soul body emerged out of his physical body.
"As I thought, my soul body has increased in size yet again!" The youth mused to himself.
His soul body now reached a height of a whopping 10 meters!
Suddenly, he thought of something and wondered, "Wait, how am I able to speak in this state? It's so strange that I'm capable of producing sound."
He didn't have much time to ponder on it as the space above him tore open and a portal was formed. Adam raised his head and glanced at the Spirit World through the portal, his lips curling up into a wide grin.
"I wonder if I'll be able to meet that little butterfly this time..." he muttered under his breath, his eyes flashing with excitement. "Only one way to find out!"
The next moment, he jumped and flew inside the portal.