Chapter 103: The Surge of Energy

Norgannon adopted a different tone: “Arcane is merely a means for you to understand the secrets of this world, not a reason to depend on it. To comprehend and master the arcane ultimately evolves into understanding and mastering the world’s mysteries.”

“To wield arcane energy, to ascend through it, and to grasp the secrets of the world—these will benefit you for a lifetime.”

“But there is one thing you must keep in mind: although you have mastered higher-order energy rules, it does not mean you possess higher-order power and are invincible. Even ordinary energy can forge a deity. Absorb these lessons well.”

Patrick couldn’t help but think that the ancient Kaldorei became what they were because they strayed from the right path, and the High Elves, on their journey of exploration, had only just glimpsed the threshold, rising from arcane energy to the power of space.

The knowledge Norgannon possessed was profound and grand. Patrick felt he had only absorbed a fraction, as if the knowledge in his mind had come alive, and the arcane energies began to converge and fuse within him.

[Don’t overthink it. I believe Norgannon’s meaning is: even if you master the power of space and time, you must not underestimate your opponents. The use and accumulation of power is a deep field of study. According to your past memories, the most potent weapon was the thermonuclear bomb, whose powerful microscopic particle fusion yielded immense destructive force. But do you think having such a weapon makes you invincible, that none can stand against you?]

“How could any country be so foolish? Besides, magic didn’t exist in my previous world; there’s no comparison.”

[The principle is the same. You possess the most powerful thermonuclear weapon, but a nation’s development, technological progress, maintenance, preparation for deployment, anti-interception techniques—each of these impacts the weapon’s effectiveness. This is precisely what Norgannon meant.]

[After you learned to ascend energy, you could initially fuse and elevate arcane energy into what’s called the power of space, and you gained promotion thereby. But you overlooked something: ten thousand years ago, before the Well of Eternity exploded, the High Elves gained immortality, even quasi-demigod strength, simply by relying on arcane and natural energies from the Well.]

Knowledge, knowledge—when you don’t understand, you must ask. Patrick spoke: “What is a quasi-demigod?”

Aeron, surprisingly, did not scold Patrick for interrupting: [A quasi-demigod refers to those who have already attained demigod-level energy, but have not been recognized by the world’s will, nor had their souls granted power by the world—a strength-based demigod.]

[In the ancient war, countless powerful beings fell. With the Burning Legion’s invasion, the High Elves lost many extraordinary, immortal champions. The reason, in most cases, was their immersion in the energies of the Well of Eternity—they could not extricate themselves. These individuals absorbed vast energies from the Well, mastered the secrets of time, space, and soul, and some even began to probe the mysteries of creation itself.]

[But what was their fate? Almost all immortal archmages perished in that ancient war, their souls utterly erased. The rare survivors, deprived of their source of strength, gradually had their souls consumed by darkness. This world has never lacked the powerful—whether using arcane, shadow, or holy light. Ultimately, one must learn to control power; you must wield it, not be submerged within it.]

[Think about it: if you sat at home clutching your nuclear weapon, claiming, ‘I don’t care, I am the strongest in the world, you must all listen to me,’ do you think anyone would pay attention?]

Patrick smiled, “Of course not.”

[So, what you need is to learn more, to master these powers, to turn them into things fully under your control, rather than being lost within them.]

Aeron’s words were clear, and the analogy apt. Indeed, when Patrick first obtained the runes for arcane ascension and reduction, he was elated, believing he could slowly begin to master time and space. Yet, as time passed, his progress on the arcane path slowed. Through creating large magical constructs and under the guidance of two mighty beings, Patrick realized the root of his problem.

The high-level powers he had mastered were merely a glimpse of the threshold; he had not yet entered the hall. Like a fleeting blossom, perhaps he had neglected the basics, focusing solely on arcane ascension and energy transformation, losing the foundation.

A tower of nine stories begins with a heap of earth; a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.

If things continued as they were, how was he any different from those addicted to magic? Everything must progress from nothing, from low to high; there is always a process. Without a stable foundation, how could one aspire to the grandeur of a skyscraper?

Within the secret chamber, runes formed from arcane energy appeared out of thin air. The second platinum disk emitted countless threads of energy, pouring knowledge and power into Patrick, allowing him to once again experience the knowledge and memories contained by the Titans.

The arcane energies within the sea of consciousness grew ever denser; the originally blue arcane energy began to slowly transform into a silvery hue.

Patrick’s spirit soared outward, as if the entire Sun Sanctum unfolded before his eyes. Each elf’s visage took shape in his mind’s eye; the surrounding trees and flowers were modeled in his spiritual vision, even the newborn insects of spring could not escape his perception. The whole Sun Sanctum was captured in his thoughts.

His consciousness flew over mountains, plains, radiating vast arcane energy. The arcane brilliance atop the Tower of Sunlight grew ever brighter. The High Elves, all endowed with magical affinity by the Sun Well, could sense the towering surge of arcane energy from the Mage Tower.

Patrick himself was not spared. The arcane energy kept rising, exceeding his mind’s and soul’s capacity. As more white energy flowed in from the disk, the sense of fullness in his body grew heavier, and the arcane energy began to turn into a burden.

Suddenly, unintentionally, his soaring consciousness began to return, assisting his body in channeling the energy. In that moment, his perception of the world sharpened, and the arcane energies leapt around him.

Outside, fresh air, bustling crowds, busy figures around the Mage Tower, the newly constructed buildings—all gave him a sense of command over the real world.

Atop the Tower of Sunlight, the crystal radiating intense light sensed a stronger force, arcane energy overflowing like rainfall. Elves all around felt this unprecedented surge of arcane energy.

“Could these arcane fluctuations mean our Chief has ascended?” This was the thought in every Sun Sanctum elf’s heart.

As his consciousness returned to its nest, Patrick felt himself promoted. Yet, the surging arcane energy did not cease, continuing to flood into his body.