Chapter 262: Painting

Within Adam's living quarters, bathed in the soft glow of the flickering candles, the youth sat before a blank canvas, his eyes closed in deep concentration. In his hand, there was only a simple paintbrush. However, there was no palette or colors in sight.

This would be the first time that he would be attempting to utilize the painting technique that he had learned from the memories of the last expert whose soul he had devoured.

The core principle of this technique was to use the abundant, natural mana as the paintbrush and slowly develop a better grip at controlling mana through painting. But since he was still a beginner, he was going to coat his paintbrush with mana instead.

Around him, the air pulsated as mana slowly gathered at the tip of his paintbrush. He visualized the colors that he wanted to use, slowly infusing his mana with the essence of the desired colors.

The youth slowly opened his eyes, his pupils calm yet deep. With a gentle motion of his hand, Adam summoned forth his mana and let it flow like a river onto the canvas before him.

A spectacular scene occurred as the colors that Adam desired slowly started to materialize on the blank canvas with each stroke of the paintbrush!

Through a combination of mental focus, visualization, and a magic circle that he had engraved on the paintbrush beforehand, Adam infused the mana with the desired colors, imbuing it with vibrancy.

This, however, was an extremely difficult process. Adam had only just begun, but his clothes were already drenched in sweat and his mana was depleting rapidly. This came as a great shock to him.

Such mana depletion wasn't even possible when he cast multiple spells in battle. Moreover, it took all his attention and energy to not ruin the canvas with the raw mana dancing at the tip of his paintbrush.

As expected of a technique that can help one increase their control over mana!

Adam's paintbrush danced on the surface of the canvas, forming intricate patterns and shapes that seemed to pulse with a life of their own strangely.

"Ughhh!" The youth grimaced as his hand trembled. "I can't..."

The next moment, his paintbrush and parts of the canvas exploded. Adam took large mouthfuls of air and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He glanced at the destroyed canvas before him and smiled wryly, "How could it be that easy?"

Only a small part of the canvas remained, reflecting what would seem like the scribbles of an infant. The painting was horrible, to say the least.

However, if there was one thing that was of note, that would be the vibrant colors. Each hue was more vivid and captivating than the last.

The following moment, the colors on the canvas slowly started to fade. They turned back into mana particles and assimilated back into the environment.

Seeing this, Adam could only shake his head. "As I thought."

In the memories of that expert, he had seen the man use the same technique and create paintings that transcended mere artistry. The colors on the painting made by that Magus would remain for hundreds if not thousands of years.

Such was the precise control over mana that the expert had. Adam greatly admired that, especially after experiencing just how difficult this technique could be.

"One day, I'll get there," The youth spoke with determination as he got up from his seat and walked toward the candlestand.

After gently blowing out the candles, his room was gradually enveloped in darkness. Only the soft glow of Selene and Luna passed through the window, illuminating the room ever so slightly.

Adam lay down on his bed and closed his eyes, his consciousness slowly shifting to the mysterious space of the white lotus.

...

At a secluded location in the city, within a dimly lit room, all the Rank 2 Magi that were participating in the battle of Stardale had gathered. Having so many powerful Magi in the same room caused the atmosphere to turn tense and heavy.

Luckily, no Rank 1 Magi were present. Or they wouldn't be able to breathe properly in here just from the sheer pressure emanating from these powerhouses.

"Attacking at sunrise, retreating at sunset..." A bald Magus wearing ostentatious, golden robes began. "What are these bastards planning?"

"I agree. If I was the enemy, I would finish everything in one swoop. What's the point of having the beast tide retreat? This just gives us more time to recuperate and replenish strength," A female Magus chimed in.

"The orcs can't be that stupid, right?"

"Who knows what goes on inside their pig brains?"

The crowd burst into laughter at this remark. However, there were a few people who didn't find this funny.

"You still have time to crack jokes?" Professor Kimberly snapped. "How many of our people have died already?"

The Magus who had cracked the joke earlier couldn't help but sneer. "This is war, Magus Kimberly. In wars there are always casualties. Should we lower our heads and slouch our shoulders just because we've lost our soldiers? That is not the right mindset to have!"

Professor Kimberly wanted to argue back, but Esmond glanced at her and shook his head. Seeing this, the auburn-

haired lady swallowed her words and remained silent.

"I've received the same reports from the other border strongholds," An elegant and beautiful Magus with long black hair and brown eyes stated. "I believe the orcs want to chip away at our strength."

"I agree with Magus Marcella."

"That's right. A month has passed and we're yet to see a single orc."

"Here, here."

Most of the Magi present nodded their heads in acknowledgment. It was unclear whether they actually agreed with her or just wanted to fawn over her. After all, she came from one of the most powerful Magus Families in the Southern Federation.

"That is a possibility," Esmond added. The next moment, his eyes narrowed. "But what if this is all a ruse?"

A Magus laughed out loud, "Oh, Magus Esmond, do you really believe the orcs can employ strategies and wage wars? You're thinking too highly of them. They're all brawns and barely any brains."

Esmond got to his feet and walked out of the room, his cold, parting words ringing in everyone's ears.

"If you underestimate the enemy, defeat is already at your doorstep."