"Hah…" Auric scratched the back of his head. "This is harder than I originally thought."
Auric was writing down the details of Golanz's battle technique.
All this time, Auric had been able to create a technique because he could read the original copy. He could comprehend them and modify them in one way or another.
But in Golanz's case, he could only see his battle technique, not read it. If he had asked for his manual, people would have scorned him.
So, Auric was having trouble writing down the battle technique.
He could only fill in the gathering and manifestation part, while circulation was something his eyes couldn't see.
"Is there a problem?" Lindwurm asked. "With your skills, you should have no problem creating a technique to gather the steel element, right?"
"That's true. I understand how he gathered the energy, so if I follow the template, I only need to direct it to the heart. However, I'm wondering if I can replicate the battle technique itself."
"Why should you replicate the battle technique? You don't have to. You just need to create another one by yourself." Lindwurm tilted his head in confusion.
"I might be able to do it, but if you think about it, I'd probably need four or five different variants if I want to fill one element to 100%, right? If I use all my time to learn each element, I won't have any time for other things."
Lindwurm shook his head. "Template. I've told you the template. Gather the energy and then direct it to the anchor, which is in the heart most of the time."
"Yes."
"Then answer this question. What differentiates the elements? Since it's a template, can't I just use the same technique to gather different elements?"
Auric's mind was blown. He contemplated for a minute before answering, "No. Each element has… how do I say this? They, of course, have their own intensity, but they also possess unique properties and movements."
"That's right. When you absorb fire, the fundamental property is the destructive attribute. For normal people who only have one, they will instinctively perceive this attribute, but you, who don't have one, must consciously differentiate it."
Auric nodded, confirming his words. "The way to absorb the destructive property from the fire is different from the adaptability of the water."
"That's right. Water's unique property is adaptability. The way it flows is different, but if you think about it, each element has its own unique properties, so why should you care whether they're different or not as long as they're from the same category?"
"Ah!" Auric looked down. "So, I can use the same battle technique as long as they're from the same category. It will simply have a different effect depending on the element!"
"It looks like you've figured it out. However, there's one thing you need to keep in mind. The intensity rating. That's a good way to differentiate them. So, I want you to adjust the technique depending on their rating. No need for the details—just round them up and divide them into five."
"Will that cause any problems?"
"No. Just write that they may adjust the flow if they feel it's too slow or too fast."
"I see. That makes sense."
"However!" Lindwurm raised one more condition. "This doesn't apply to unique elements. Due to how different they are, the unique element doesn't have basic properties. For example, space, time, sound… Is there anything that can connect them?"
Auric couldn't think of anything, so he shook his head.
"That's why, for a unique element, they have to be separated from each other. Well, you will have a hard time encountering unique elements since they're so rare. The stronger they are, the rarer they become."
"That's… I know."
"Since I have dispelled your confusion, why don't you start again?"
"Ah, yes!" Auric took a deep breath. Since there was no need to be fixated on the battle technique anymore, he could finally focus on writing down the technique. Of course, he had to write down the one he promised Ellia.
…
The next day.
"It looks like you have succeeded. Congratulations." Ellia stood in front of Auric, her eyes softer compared to the previous day.
Auric nodded calmly. "Thank you."
There was no need for Auric to say anything else. Even if he didn't get the letter of recommendation, he was bound to get one if he just showed his identity as an evolution master.
After all, a 17-year-old evolution master was already extraordinary, but if that 17-year-old kid actually got the title two days after his evolution, it was practically unheard of.
It was fortunate that there was no reporter in the association, but his identity was bound to be revealed sooner or later.
So, Auric never intended to rely on her recommendation letter.
However, Ellia had promised, so she had to deliver.
"As promised…" Ellia raised her right hand. There was a concentration of her element.
Without hesitation, Auric observed her carefully and suddenly furrowed his eyebrows.
"What's wrong?" Ellia asked while taking out the letter from her subspace.
"I'm not sure. Something is bothering me. Something about that ability… is different." Auric pointed at the portal. "This might be presumptuous to ask, but can I take a look at the battle technique for that one?"
"Are you saying there's a problem with the technique?" Ellia was the one who was concerned this time. This was a matter of her own well-being.
"Not really a problem. I might need to adjust the flow. You will be able to advance faster this way." Auric explained.
Ellia wasn't entirely convinced because she didn't understand the technique entirely. This was her only shot, so she didn't want to make a mistake.
If there were even the slightest discomfort, she planned to abandon it right away. However, if giving him battle techniques could solve that problem, it should be fine.
Ellia took out another notebook and gave it to him. "So, tell me what you can do."
Auric flipped the page quickly. Since he understood a few parts just by observing, he only needed to read the parts he didn't understand.
Lindwurm, on the other hand, was stunned by Auric's shamelessness. "You… You are scamming her right now. What's the difference? You just want to study this one."
'What are you talking about? As a businessman, I'm not going to lie. Trust is number one. However, if the other party misunderstands it, it's not my fault. Besides, I genuinely intend to adjust the speed.'
"Isn't that because you wrote down the flow slower than it was supposed to? Don't tell me you have had everything planned since yesterday."
Auric didn't say anything, as if he hadn't broken any of his own rules, but not answering was the same as admitting guilt.
He simply grabbed the pen on the table and adjusted a few sentences in the book. "This should be perfect."
While handing the book to her, Auric explained, "It has been adjusted. The limit will be 20% of your element and the speed has been adjusted accordingly. With your affinity grade, you should feel the effect in a few hours. Make sure to practice this in an open space."
"20%?" Ellia saw that '16%' had been crossed out and replaced with '20%.' This number alone had given her enough context about what was going on. "Does this mean I can practice a bit and get 10%, then get another 10% later when I am about to evolve for the second time? Or maybe I can get it while I'm at 0% and practice it again once I reach 95% or something?"
Ellia originally expected that this technique could only be used once, but if it was like this, the value of this technique far surpassed the one in her mind.
After all, the technique could give a person an initial boost before they faced an opponent.
"You do know that this is going to kill the evolution master, right?"
Her concern was justified. If everyone could slowly get their element up to 100%, evolution masters would soon be out of a job.
As an evolution master himself, Auric should know about this.
"No." Auric waved his hand. "This technique can only be used once."
Auric had thought about this as well, but there was one simple explanation that could solve this problem.
"If you use it from the start, you won't be able to use it again in the future. That's because when you absorb energy from materials, the technique will automatically help you as well. It isn't effective for your second evolution either."
Ellia nodded in understanding. "So, that means if we consume a material where we're supposed to get 9%, it might become 10% or more due to this technique? And eventually, it will reach the limit before 100%?"
"Yes." Auric nodded. "You can say that the affinity grade is the amount of energy you can absorb from one material. The higher your affinity is, the more energy you can get from one material."
"!!!" Ellia understood why Auric had steered the conversation in this direction. "So, you mean the energy within that material will be absorbed using this technique? Won't it increase one's affinity grade?"
"Pseudo-increase, I'd say. However, there's a limit, so you don't really rely on it."
"Well, I bet people would still cling to that hope."
"Certainly." Auric nodded. What he cared about was that this technique could also help people with a low affinity grade.
In other words, the technique would improve the overall strength of humanity.
"Do you have any other questions?" Auric asked.
Ellia took a glance at the book. The title was indeed quite impressive.
"Fundamental Anchor of the Space Element."
Ellia asked one more question. "Do you have any intention of working for me?"
"Sorry, but no," Auric rejected her without hesitation.
"Without bothering to hear the conditions?"
"Yes. I don't want my freedom restricted unless I have to." Auric squinted his eyes.
There was a subtle warning in his tone. If Ellia pushed him into the corner, he might join hands with her enemy to crush her. He could also get protection from the association.
If the association became aware of Auric's talent, they would certainly take him in, no matter the cost. And if the association banned her entire group from accessing any evolution master, it would be the same as destruction.
Auric could definitely pay the price for that ban, which had never happened in this city before.
Ellia closed her eyes for a moment. This warning wasn't just for her. It was for other people who wanted this secret as well.
In other words, as long as they maintained the status quo, they could continue benefiting from him.
Then again, there was no way she wanted to share this benefit. She just hoped there wouldn't be many people who knew about his secret so soon.
At the very least, she wouldn't be the one sharing that secret.
"I understand. That's a shame." She took a step back, then looked left and right. "Still, if I may be so bold as to say, this store is pretty deserted. Isn't this an evolution store? Why are there shelves here?"
"This place was originally a material store, but I changed it to an evolution store after inheriting it from my father. So, it's still empty. I have to contact the suppliers first."
"In that case, why don't I become your supplier?"
"Are you seriously telling me that?" Auric's expression grew colder. Arina was searching for materials yesterday, so she definitely didn't have any business related to material suppliers.
In other words, she planned to establish or acquire one for the sake of maintaining their relationship.
Auric had to be careful if he didn't want to get taken advantage of.
"I'm merely offering my services. You are the one who has to choose." She took out her business card. "Just call this number if you want."
Auric contemplated for a moment before accepting the card. There was no harm in accepting this card, even if it wasn't for the materials.
"In that case, I will take my leave here." Ellia nodded, satisfied with everything she got. "Three days later, you can go to the college and show this recommendation letter. There is a number in that letter, so just call that number and let them arrange everything for you."
"I understand. Thank you for the letter."
"I promised you a gift, right? Even though you haven't said anything about me being your supplier, I will give you plenty of materials as a gift."
"Oh?!" Auric thought he had to spend a lot to get the materials needed to set up the shop, but it looked like he didn't have to bother with it. "In that case, I'd like to thank you for the gift."
"I'll excuse myself then. See you soon, Junior."
"See ya." Arina waved her hand.
"Yes. Please be careful on your way." Auric smiled.