Miss Wang Weina, even your cousin won't do!

"Like this, we can reduce the consumption of spells, maintain a longer casting time, and ensure a precise and fatal blow to the enemy."

Theresa breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn't good at ice magic, so she could only demonstrate using Originium Arts, which she was skilled in. Although the theory was the same, she wasn't sure if Yelena would understand.

She turned to look at Yelena, who, following Theresa's instructions, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to concentrate her magic at a single point.

A thin layer of frost condensed at the tip of the dagger-shaped staff she held. The next second, a solid ice spike shot out from the tip of the staff, and Froststar's expression brightened noticeably. However, before long, she suddenly staggered, clutched her chest, and coughed violently. The solidified ice spike she held instantly collapsed into a cloud of cold air.

Theresa froze for a moment, then immediately reached out to support Yelena, but Wayne, who was right next to Yelena, was clearly faster. He quickly put his arm around Yelena's shoulder and gently patted her back. Then, less than two seconds later, his hands felt numb. Looking down, Wayne realized that a thin layer of frost had formed on his hands.

"hiss--"

Once Yelena had regained her footing, Wayne shook his hands and put them, which had turned purplish-red from the cold, into his pockets, where they were warmed up a little by the warmth of his cotton coat.

Theresa, worried, had Wayne extend his hand. A soft white light, carrying its unique warmth, emanated from Theresa's hand, quickly completing the emergency treatment. However, frostbite was still unavoidable. Theresa pursed her lips, wanting to ask Kal'tsit to call a doctor.

Wayne shook his head. Kal'tsit was a doctor herself, so there was no need to go out of her way to find another doctor. Besides, if the doctors in the palace found out about Wayne's frostbite, it would probably be known to everyone in the palace by tomorrow. How would Frostnova be able to attend class then?

It's nothing serious, just a matter of wearing gloves.

"I'm so sorry...it's my fault."

Yelena's head drooped, her emotions mirroring her drooping ears. Wayne shook his head indifferently.

"It's nothing, not even an injury. More than this, I'm curious, Theresa, what's your guess about Yelena's symptoms?"

Theresa picked up the dagger-shaped staff that Frostnova had dropped. It was a staff so rudimentary it couldn't be more so. The Originium conduction unit was essentially just a piece of high-purity Originium that had been roughly processed and crammed into a worn-out conduction device, then inserted into a dagger. Such a staff would only be temporarily crafted by survivors in the wild or by military sorcerers who had lost their staffs on the battlefield. Because the spell's compatibility with the conduction device and the Originium core was completely incompatible, if the user was not careful, it could cause a spell reversal, harming the user. In severe cases, it could even cause the staff to explode!

Imagine the consequences of a high-purity Originium that has undergone conductive processing suddenly exploding while you are casting a spell. Tears and lacerations would be the least of your worries; in severe cases, you could die on the spot! Even if you manage to escape with your life, you will face even more terrible consequences. The fragments and dust pollution from the explosion of a high-purity Originium are enough to infect any unprotected warrior with Oripathy, a pain that surpasses even death!

"Who gave you this staff?"

"Theresia asked seriously," Yelena asked after a moment's hesitation. She then answered truthfully.

"It's my father."

Bozokasti... He's a soldier, so he might indeed know how to use this rudimentary staff, but he should also be aware of the dangers of such magic. If something goes wrong, Frostnova could become an infected...

Ah, she was infected to begin with.

Theresa, gazing at Yelena's resolute spirit—a resolute warrior of the tundra hidden beneath her youthful face—was momentarily stunned. These infected warriors, forever teetering on the brink of life and death, forever battling exploitation and oppression, forever trapped in harsh, desolate landscapes, constantly pursued and harassed, what did they care about such things? To them, life and death were merely a matter of a moment. They could directly unleash spells using the Originium within their bodies, even bypassing the conduit of their staffs for transmitting spiritual energy. The only price would be the worsening of Oripathy, and ultimately, their lives.

Bozokasti had crafted this simple staff for his daughter, doing everything in his power to slow Frostnova's life-burning process. Theresa had no right to blame him; after all, when Bozokasti saved Yelena on the tundra, how could he have imagined that one day Yelena would be learning magic amidst the palaces and towers of Londinium?

Theresa pursed her lips, held the staff with both hands, and handed it back to Yelena, saying earnestly:

"Keep this staff safe and don't use it again. It will pose a great danger to you. Wayne and I will prepare a new staff for you."

Wayne trusted Theresa's judgment and nodded. Yelena hesitated before accepting the staff, wanting to refuse:

"This is not right. I've troubled you with your instruction, and now I'm taking things from you..."

"It's not you, it's us. Operator Frostnova, you're also a member of Babel."

Wayne said solemnly, adding in his mind: Rhodes Island will also welcome you in the future.

"I won't let our operators go on missions without decent equipment." Wayne finalized the plan without room for argument. A suitable staff was expensive, but for Wayne, it was just a matter of a word. After Yelena underwent a comprehensive check-up at Rhine Lab, based on her physical condition and Originium compatibility, he would simply give the order to ***. The truly wealthy don't even need to spend money; they get everything for free.

"Is it just because of the staff?"

Wayne looked at Theresa. He had seen cases of spell backlash before; Miss Michael, the saintess of Laterano, almost had her head blown off by the backlash after rashly using a mental spell on him. Yelena's backlash didn't seem too severe, and Wayne felt an unusually cold chill when he touched Frostnova.

If we compare Originium Arts to an electrical circuit, then mental energy is the battery, adaptability is the battery's quality, the staff (the Originium conduction mechanism) is the wiring, and the released spells are the light bulbs. Mental energy transmits electricity, which is released through the staff's circuitry, thus transforming into spells to light the bulbs. Backlash is like a problem with the wiring. Logically, according to this theory, the result of backlash should be a reverse flow of spells, burning out the battery and causing a short circuit.

Since there was a short circuit, Yelena shouldn't be emanating coldness. But in reality, when Wayne touched Yelena, the coldness around her not only didn't lessen, but actually increased several times over. Within seconds, before Wayne could even react, her hands were frozen numb and bluish-purple.

Her spell didn't stop. This wasn't normal. Wayne, who knew nothing of medicine, could only ask Theresa.

Theresa walked behind the lectern and opened the book that Kal'tsit and Wayne had searched all morning for, which they had finally found in some nook and cranny: "A First Look at the Spirit - Our Empire of Consciousness," which Wayne commonly referred to as the introductory textbook for the spiritual system.

"This is the first time I've encountered something like this. But if I'm not mistaken... Miss Yelena, you've been unconsciously casting spells all along."

She bent down and, in front of Wayne, Kal'tsit, and Yelena, took out a rectangular instrument—or rather, a talisman—from under the lectern, engraved with strange patterns.

"Is this the talisman my father gave me?" Froststar recognized the talisman at a glance.

Bozokast traveled all the way to New Kazdel to obtain an amulet from the "Immortals," which is said to be able to protect Yelena's life in a critical moment!

Looking at the box-like object, a thought flashed through Wayne's mind. If his theory—enough to infuriate contemporary Originium magic researchers—was followed, could this amulet actually be a fuse?

P.S.: The nucleic acid test itself isn't troublesome; the troublesome part is queuing, because you don't know when you'll get a turn, and the weather is cold.

The school didn't have any close contacts; the investigation was just required by the assignment. The E. coli case didn't originate from our school, but the sparrow is a rare find, so the school has really messed up. I hope the other person is alright.

P.S.: There's no official lore for Originium Arts, but I doubt Yostar would bother to create a separate setting explaining what Originium Arts are, how they're acquired, or how they're used. So just relax and enjoy my rambling. I'm a master at making up stories with a straight face.

Chapter 181 Now, Holding Hands

Wayne was right. Although the way this thing was used and its origin were quite mysterious, in terms of its function, it really was a "fuse".

【Elef's Amulet】: The insights gained by those who seek eternity on the path to immortality: Only through restraint, conservatism, and timely relinquishment can one ensure that trouble never comes knocking.

This was Kal'tsit's assessment after learning the amulet's origin. Wayne translated it, and it roughly means that this square-shaped object can sense whether you're in a desperate, all-out state, thus forcibly limiting a portion of your power, teaching you restraint, and preventing you from pushing yourself to the limit. And in crucial moments, if the wearer has already entered a reckless state, it will act as a fuse, severing the link between magic and mind.

Bozokasti went to great lengths. He first made a simple staff for Yelena so that she wouldn't have to cast spells directly through the Originium in her body, which would worsen her Oripathy. He then specially obtained this talisman from a great wizard to limit Yelena's power, so that she wouldn't overexert herself, causing the staff to explode and the spell to flow backward, or going all out and having nowhere to retreat.

The other talisman that Bodrakastie possesses acts like an alarm; when the fuse blows, it trips the circuit breaker on the other side, alerting Bodrakastie that Froststar has encountered a problem and needs his help.

In the original storyline, if Frostnova hadn't become disheartened and resigned to death after realizing Talulah's purpose, intending to test Rhodes Island by sacrificing herself, she could have truly survived thanks to the triple insurance carefully set up by Bodracus.

Wayne had to admit that he had underestimated a father’s resolve, and also underestimated the weight hidden behind Bodracast’s simple words to Rhodes Island when he met them amidst the ruins of Chernobog in the original story: “You killed my daughter, so I will kill you.”

He was a great father who used all his resources to scrape together so much security for Yelena in the desolate snowfield.

"How can we prevent Yelena from casting spells when she's not actually doing so? Even if she tries to consciously limit it, it won't work?"

"Wayne asked in a deep voice," Theresa shook her head and explained.

"No, it's not that simple. The source of magic, our mental energy, is like air. We can disturb it, weave it, or even drain it at will, but even if we consciously try to limit it, the air is still here. It won't disappear, and it won't stop moving even if we do nothing."

Theresa's answer left Yelena somewhat disappointed and helpless, but before she could speak, Theresa changed the subject and continued:

"However, as this book says, spiritual power exists within the Empire of Consciousness and is not subject to the interference of the material world, but it is not without the means to change this situation!"

Theresa pointed to the section in the book about humanity's exploration of the Empire of Consciousness and read aloud:

"Everyone can explore the Empire of Consciousness. In fact, everyone has stepped into their own Empire of Consciousness to some extent. It begins with newborn babies, whose eyes always see miracles originating from their own fantasies. Then comes the dreams during deep sleep, which take you into the Empire of Consciousness, allowing you to experience those subtle, bizarre, and illogical adventures. Next comes hallucinations, perhaps due to poisoning or dizziness. In a few abnormal circumstances, people are forced to enter the Empire of Consciousness. This is often because their bodies in reality have suffered unbearable pain, forcing them to hide their consciousness deep within the illusion to escape. And... all of the above, whether due to the right time or the right place, but there are also some people who are born with an intricate connection to the Empire of Consciousness!"

Theresa looked up and met Vayne's gaze. Kal'tsit, who was standing nearby, seemed to realize something, reached out and pulled Theresa back, casting a questioning look at Vayne.

Wayne clearly understood what was behind Theresa's hesitation, smiled slightly, and nodded calmly.

"Speak up, there's no need to hold back. In any case, someone in the future Tower of Babel will know about this."

Theresa nodded slightly, took a deep breath, and continued:

"However, there are also some people who are born with intricate connections to the Consciousness Empire! Those people are me, and a group of special Originium Sorcerers like me, who are rare but do exist in this world. We are psychic sorcerers. We are the secrets of the world."

Theresa raised her head, her gaze sweeping over Wayne, Yelena, and Kal'tsit.

“This is the solution. My mental strength is insufficient; I can only stabilize Yelena’s mind and help her control her spells, but Mr. Bruce, you might be able to do it.”

Wayne nodded, having anticipated this:

"I do."

Then he received a death stare from Kal'tsit. Kal'tsit stepped in front of Vayne and asked Theresa:

"Your Highness, is there any danger in this treatment?"

Theresa shook her head, denying it, "Since it's not a direct step into the Consciousness Empire, there won't be any danger." She paused, leaned closer to Kal'tsit, and whispered:

"Actually, there is danger. If the caster's mental strength is weaker than the recipient's, the spell will still backfire. However, Mr. Bruce's mental strength... we all know what he's capable of. We can only pray that he doesn't overdo it and turn what was meant to be an auxiliary control into a sudden enlightenment."

The input of spiritual energy is addictive; after all, it's the foundation of a sorcerer's spellcasting. Increasing the amount several times over at once not only creates the urge to think, "I could take on ten of them," but also a satisfying feeling of being completely filled. Theresa once entered Wayne's Consciousness Empire, and to use a Wayne-esque analogy, it felt like a cultivator from the Dharma-ending Age entering the Great Wilderness of the Primordial Era—abundant spiritual energy, so intoxicating that she was completely absorbed.

Fortunately, she has good self-control and now maintains a moderate standard of "a little bit of tea, a little bit of tea is pleasant, a little bit of tea is harmful to the body".

Kal'tsit's lips twitched. She was both relieved that she wasn't a mental mage and regretful that she wasn't one.

"That's a risk, isn't it?" Kal'tsit asked in a low voice.

Theresa nodded. "I told Yelena, and she agreed."

For someone like Yelena, with her experiences and illness, being able to hug someone is probably more important than life itself.

Kal'tsit sighed softly and nodded. Just as she was about to step aside, she met Theresa's meaningful gaze.

"Kal'tsit, she actually questioned me today because of Mr. Bruce~"

Kal'tsit paused, then realized how unbelievable her hasty actions had been. She turned her head away, trying to maintain a stern face, but a blush of guilt clung to her cheeks like a brand, leaving her only able to weakly retort:

“This is necessary. If Your Highness were to encounter such a situation, I would also step forward to ensure your safety!”

Theresa shrugged with a half-smile, her small mouth slightly open, making a mouth shape.

Wayne reflexively read the meaning of those lip movements—Wow!

Ignoring the incomprehensible babbling of the red-faced cat, Theresa nodded to Wayne and Yelena:

"If you'd like, shall we begin? I'll guide you."

Wayne and Yelena exchanged a glance and walked together.

"Now, hold each other's hands."

Chapter 182 How to Learn Originium Arts Using Exhaustive Search

"call--"

Yelena let out a long sigh, opened her eyes, her tired face still flushed, and her eyes brimming with barely suppressed excitement.

She stood up impatiently and reached out to touch Theresa's teacup on the podium. The coffee inside was already slightly cold, and a layer of frost immediately formed when Yelena touched the cup. Yelena's eyes dimmed, and she turned to look at Wayne and Theresa with a hint of disappointment.

Did the two-hour treatment ultimately fail?

Although she was mentally prepared, Yelena still couldn't help but feel a deep sense of disappointment. This was the most hopeful opportunity she had ever had. During the treatment, when she held Wayne's hand, she didn't feel any resistance; in fact, it felt quite comfortable as the treatment progressed, a warm current spreading from her heart throughout her body. She thought this was a sign of success, but the result seemed to be just like when Theresa helped alleviate her symptoms in the tundra. While Theresa held her hand, the symptoms would ease, but as soon as Theresa let go, Froststar would become cold again in less than ten minutes.

Wayne naturally noticed Yelena's dejection. The emotions of the Cartes were always easy to guess. Wayne had learned some tricks from Anso. For example, drooping ears meant unhappiness, the more ears drooping, the more unhappy they were, and two drooping ears meant despair. Yelena's ears were drooping now. Although they weren't hanging down on her head, she still looked pitiful.

"Did it fail?"

Wayne looked at Theresa and Kal'tsit in a questioning tone. Kal'tsit pouted, her eyes listless, seemingly lost in thought, while Theresa shook her head, smiled, and stepped forward to take Frostnova's hand.

"There was no failure, we succeeded."