The Queen of Scrolls never admits defeat

Moran's eyes lit up, and she asked more questions:
"Druids need to use both mental power and natural forces to cast nature magic. Is this because they cast spells through a magic network? If they don't use a magic network, is it possible to cast spells directly using natural forces, like controlling one's own arm? Or, like the ancient mages before the magic network existed, could they construct spell structures in their mental sea and then use pure mental power as a 'lever' to forcibly manipulate and shape the natural energy in their environment?"
How do the effects of these two casting methods of natural magic differ from the current magic network version of spells?

"Furthermore, Ranger training can significantly improve agility. Is this improvement a limited development of physical potential, or can it, to some extent... break through the innate physical limits of a race or individual? If a naturally clumsy and slow stone golem could theoretically become a Ranger, could it, after rigorous Ranger training, become more agile than the most nimble elves? Is this 'agility' essentially a change in the body's fundamental nature, or a 'blessing' of the body by the forces of nature?"

"Furthermore, what happens if the professional codes of Druids and Rangers—such as protecting nature, taking only what is needed, and respecting the cycle of life—are violated? Will 'nature' truly punish us? Will it be like in the stories—suddenly being unable to communicate with plants, being ostracized by animals, and perpetually failing in hunts? Or will it take a more direct and terrifying form, such as the backlash of nature's forces, the inexplicable loss of life force, or inexplicable misfortune in the wild? Will this punishment be fatal? What is its mechanism? Is it the automatic operation of the world's rules, or... the intervention of a higher-level will?"

……

This series of questions, with their tricky angles, leaps in thinking, and in-depth exploration, made Shuling somewhat regretful that she had promised to do her best to answer them.

It took it a long time to organize its thoughts.

"Before the advent of the magic network, spellcasters did indeed cast spells as you described. Even now, many high-level spellcasters still attempt to cast spells this way. However, casting spells directly using elemental power requires a very high level of magical talent, which only a few magical races can achieve. Constructing spell structures in the mental sea is also very difficult, and only a few humans can do it. Nowadays, spellcasters rely more on the magic network for casting spells. Only when they reach the demigod level do they study traditional casting methods."

"As for the Ranger training's improvement in physical agility, its essence is to develop potential, optimize coordination, and nurture and slightly strengthen body tissues with the power of nature. It can indeed break through the 'soft limit' formed by an individual due to laziness or insufficient training, but it cannot violate the 'hard limit' inherent to the race and life form."

"Regarding the consequences of violating the code of conduct, at best, one will be unable to use any of their profession-related abilities; at worst, it may trigger a direct backlash. The consequences for Druids and Rangers who violate the code of conduct are more severe. Those who seriously violate the way of nature may have their minds and bodies eroded by the chaotic forces of nature, leading to madness, mutation, or... decay. Fatal? Yes, many historical records of 'natural punishment' often end in death, or something even more terrible than death—'decay,' a complete severing from nature."

……

Although the tree spirit was somewhat troubled by these questions, it still answered them one by one, and Moran also benefited greatly.

This made her thirst for knowledge even stronger:

“Mother Tree Spirit, I have another question, it's about the spell model itself…”

Hearing that there was only one question left, and it was still about spell models, the tree spirit breathed a slight sigh of relief. Finally, a normal question.

However, Moran's next words immediately made the tree spirit realize that it had breathed a sigh of relief too soon.

"...What I want to know is, what exactly was the 'complete' spell structure of these level zero spells before they were simplified by the magic network, or rather, what was the original magical knowledge that carried their core principles?"

Moran's voice was clear and persistent in the dream; these were the things she wanted most.

The green mist in the dream seemed to solidify. After hesitating for a long time, the tree spirit finally decided to tell her:
"Child, you need to understand that the emergence and prosperity of the Nature Spirits branch occurred after the establishment and gradual improvement of the Magic Network system."

The inherited memories of the nature spirits, from their very inception, record magical knowledge adapted to the magic network environment. The complete spell structure or primitive magical knowledge you mentioned is not included in the inherited memories of the nature spirits.

That is the wisdom of the higher elves, from an even more ancient era and a more unified source.

In Thranland today, perhaps only the Star Elves, who inherited the most of the High Elves' legacy, are still trying to reverse-engineer and speculate on the possible historical prototypes and complete structure of the existing simplified spell models of the Magic Network.

But that is ultimately a 'reverse deduction,' a speculation and imagination based on the existing framework, which is bound to be distorted and inevitably incomplete.

The legacy of the high elves from the Golden Age is worlds apart from theirs.

If you truly yearn to touch that original, untrimmed magical truth... then, child, the path you need to take will be exceptionally long and arduous.

You must first gain a deep understanding of the culture, philosophy, and magic system of all the elven branches, truly comprehend and accept the full picture of elven civilization, and break down the barriers between branches.

When your strength, wisdom, and mind have grown to the point where you can bear this weight, you will be qualified to go to the origin and holy land of all elves, the ancient capital of the elves, 'Suramaran'.

There, with the help of the vast magic of the Well of Eternity and the boundless vitality of the Mother Tree of Life, the ancient 'bloodline atonement ceremony' is held.

If you are lucky enough, have a strong enough will, and a deep enough connection with the origin of the spirits... perhaps you can complete the long-scattered, sealed memories of your heritage.

Only then will the knowledge you seek about the original nature of magic truly be revealed to you.

However, my child, I must tell you honestly: no elf has successfully traversed this path for countless centuries.

As bloodlines have become increasingly diluted over time and ideals have drifted further apart as they have developed independently, it is as difficult as climbing to heaven to reunite them and awaken that original glory.

Many brilliant predecessors stopped here, and the 'complete inheritance' has become an almost ethereal legend.

The tree spirit's tone was both comforting and admonishing: "Child, even if you have lofty ambitions, I hope you will focus on the present, walk the path of the nature spirit steadily and firmly, and hone the skills of the druid, forest ranger, and bard to a high degree. This is what you should be doing right now."

As for that original magical truth… perhaps, when you are truly powerful enough to overlook the mountains, it will appear before you in some way. Or perhaps, you will forge your own entirely new path, without needing to look back to the past. (End of Chapter)