Research Notes of Norris
11th day of research
Subject: Current Test of the "Create Undead (6th tier)" Spell Using Personal Mana
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Today, I conducted another attempt at casting the Create Undead(6th tier) spell using my personal mana. Although the initial energy flow was smooth and the array effectively amplified my mana, the spell ultimately faltered due to instability during the transition of my mana to necrotic energy needed for the ghoul. I plan to continue studying the mystical energy of ghouls, experiment with visualization techniques to help project my intent on my energy, and fine-tune the array to help achieve stable animation without relying on auxiliary spell materials.
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Norris put down his quill, the scratch of ink on parchment fading into the quiet of his brightly lit lab. The flickering candles cast dancing shadows on the walls, lighting up the intricate runes and sigils on the floor.
The spell lab he rented in Erebo had been remodeled to combine elements of a modern science lab with mystical touches. Every surface was white, giving it a clean, modern look while holding deep mystical meaning. Glowing walls marked different sections, casting a soft, ethereal light that bathed the entire lab. Holographic displays integrated with touchscreen interfaces projected spell formulas and scientific data in vibrant colors that shimmered and shifted with every touch. Automated storage units hummed quietly, their compartments smoothly sliding open to reveal labeled and isolated spell materials. The faint scent of sage and incense lingered in the air, while the gentle hum of energy from the runes on the walls created a calm and focused atmosphere.
Norris's journey to master the Create Undead (6th tier) spell was challenging and enlightening. This was Norris's second high-tier spell, apart from Command Undead (7th tier), and his first high-tier spell he should be able to cast with mana alone.
The spell knowledge he bought in the death market was a spell created by the inhabitants of the death realm using its energy. He first learned to cast the spell using energy from the Death Realm as a result, then developed an arcane version with sigils and runes, which wasn't as hard as it sounds. Arcane energy, while strict in rules, makes it easier to use once you've got the hang. Rules mean definition, which means there are always traces to follow. This is unlike some magic that relies entirely on perception. You get it, alright. If you don't get it, forget about it.
He is now focused on transferring casting the spell using only his personal mana, without extra materials. To do this, he needs a complete knowledge of ghouls, the energy on which ghouls run, what each catalyst in the original spell means, and how he can use visualization and intent to bypass them, and any other knowledge he'd learn while researching.
He studied ghouls and created an array to boost his mana. Through experiments, he reduced reliance on external components, refining his technique with each try. Despite setbacks, Norris's efforts pushed the boundaries of his magical abilities. Creating the array was a big breakthrough, giving him better control and precision.
In the middle of the lab, there was a large space with an array that Norris had carefully set up. Three rooms, separated by glowing magical walls, surrounded the central area. Norris stayed in the middle room, aiming to master the use of his personal mana. One ghoul, created with Death Realm energy, was in the left room. This was the product of the original spell, with the ghoul affected by the source of energy being a template of ghouls found everywhere in the death realm, giving Norris little space for customization with only hair length and nail length.
Another ghoul, created with arcane energy, was in the right room. It allowed more flexibility as Norris could change more components of the ghoul, like adding poison to its teeth, nails, etc.
Norris felt a rare joy as he researched. After becoming undead, he was numb to most emotions. Yet, gaining knowledge brought him close to the feelings he had as a human. He savored these emotions and approached his work with a positive attitude.
With a sense of excitement, Norris resumed his preparations for the next test. He meticulously reviewed and checked each variable to ensure they were addressed:
Variables and Checks:
1. Mana Conversion:- Conversion of my personal mana into necrotic energy needed to animate a ghoul. Check.
2. Array Configuration: - Ensuring all components of the array are working properly and aligned correctly. Check
3. Information on Ghouls:- Comprehensive understanding of ghoul anatomy, behavior, and essence. Check.
4. Visualization: - Sitting in a lotus position to visualize the ghoul archetype with clarity. Check.
5. Energy Flow:- Testing the array and observing the smooth transfer of energy. Check.
6. Environmental Conditions: - Checking a hologram that collects information from various magical sensors to ensure optimal conditions. Check.
7. Corpse Procurement:- Secured a suitable corpse from Erebo's death market for the experiment. Check.
Norris took a deep breath, feeling confident that he had addressed all the variables. He initiated the spell once more, channeling his will and intent with focused determination. The energy flowed smoothly, and the array responded perfectly. The corpse before him began to show signs of animation.
However, as the necrotic vitality was transferred, Norris noticed it was done roughly. Despite this, he couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness. This close to success, he had created a defective ghoul, but still a ghoul nonetheless.
Norris carefully studied the ghoul. With the addition of mana, the decay had stopped—a clear sign that it was an undead. The ghoul exhibited signs of a typical ghoul, and Norris observed the best way to supply vitality and how it worked within the body. He then released his mana from the ghoul, yet it continued to survive.
A soul was pulled from the Death Realm to inhabit it, and Norris saw the rules of the Death Realm at work. The ghoul began changing from its defective state, a transformation clearly influenced by the Death Realm. This process was enlightening for Norris as he observed the Death Realm's vitality nourishing the defective ghoul into a lesser ghoul. Its life would now follow the path of other lesser undead in their journey of evolution.
With a sense of excitement and determination, Norris resumed his preparations for the next test, eager to inch closer to mastering the "Create Undead (6th tier)" spell using his personal mana.
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Research Notes of Norris
15th day of research
Subject: Current Test of the "Create Undead (6th tier)" Spell Using Personal Mana
Current Situation and Progress.
I have now reached a point where I can cast the "Create Undead" spell without relying on auxiliary spell materials, though it costs much more mana. The array, once a crucial learning device, is no longer needed. I can now cast the spell in 50 seconds, 10 seconds less than using arcane magic, and I expect this time to decrease in the future. However, I can't do much augmentation on the spell for now until I understand it more thoroughly.
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Norris stood in his lab, focused and calm. As he prepared to cast the spell with his personal mana, vibrant light flowed from his hands, filling the space. His mana flowing like a gentle breeze with a green hue. Mana as a very personal energy is very subjective with it following the perception of its owner. Norris in a jovial mode has his mana green while Norris in rage mode has his mana red. Norris in normal state has his mana colour and flow like chakra in Naruto in his previous life as it left a deep impression on him.
The energy swirled and coalesced, and the corpse began to stir. The transition from mana to necrotic energy was seamless, and the ghoul rose with dim, eerie eyes devoid of any soul fire. The ghoul was a testament to Norris's mastery. His own soul fire flickered wildly with green color, showing his pride and joy. He had created an undead using only his personal mana, this means he has made the spell his own. By adding new knowledge he can easily augmument this spell based on the new knowledge.
In that fleeting moment, Norris felt a sense of accomplishment, which was channeled into his damaged soul. Normally, this would have led to his soul's growth, bringing him closer to the arcane realm. However, his broken soul prevented him from becoming stronger. Despite this, he felt a deeper connection to the arcane realm.
Realizing his broken soul's limitations, Norris's emotions were brought down before being swiftly strangled by his undead body, yet his soul fire continued to flicker, albeit dimmer due to his broken soul. He knew he was now closer to the arcane realm than ever before. Each success brought him closer to becoming stronger, and he embraced the journey with unwavering determination.