Chapter 91.2 - The Second Year at the Academy - Remedial Assignment (2)
So, I opened the bag and scattered its contents on the floor.
They were small stones I had picked up by the riverbank.
Since the ceiling was partially damaged, they served as a substitute catalyst.
"Let's give it a try first. If it fails—well, we'll think about it then."
I returned to the backyard and made several trips, stacking the bags.
After some deliberation, I decided to repair the wall first.
I piled the small stones near the wall and concentrated.
A stone wall with no gaps.
I firmly envisioned it and activated [Earth Wall].
Immediately, magic power flowed out of my body.
That was more than I had expected.
I could see magic power seeping into the wall and the small stones.
But it still wasn't enough.
I had already consumed twice the amount of magic power required for intermediate magic.
And it still wouldn't stop.
[Earth Wall] had a significantly different activation speed depending on whether there was a catalyst or not.
Without one, it would be instantaneous even with a stone wall, but with one, it would take time for the magic to penetrate.
Still, this was too slow.
Uh-oh, is it still not penetrating?
I had used Operate-type spells excessively, so my magic power wasn't at its peak.
Could I have made a mistake?
Just as I was considering canceling, the outflow finally ceased.
At that moment, the wall in front of me disappeared, and a new wall emerged with a roaring sound.
"Did I manage to succeed somehow…? I used more magic power than I thought. I got a bit nervous there."
The rough repair marks vanished, leaving a smooth stone wall in my field of vision.
I heaved a sigh of relief and sat down on the spot.
After trying it out, I understood.
Despite having the convenient [Earth Wall], why would anyone hire a stonemason?
With a catalyst, especially using stones, the magic power consumption was ridiculous. I had lost 5 times the normal amount.
You'd have to be a high-level mage to use something like this casually, and they were rare, with high fees. In that case, even if it costs more in materials, hiring a stonemason would be far cheaper.
I reached out and touched the wall, feeling the coldness of the stones.
It was just a simple seal, without any decoration. Inorganic and pale stones.
It might be enough for me, but it wouldn't be well-received by nobles or the wealthy.
I opened my status screen and compared my current consumption and remaining magic power.
It seemed fine.
I got up and scattered the remaining small stones on the floor.
Then, using part of the roof and the small stones as catalysts, I created the roof.
After a vibration and a roar, the blue sky disappeared, and a similarly inorganic ceiling appeared, just like the wall.
There were no seams to be seen, and they had fused perfectly.
It was something only magic could achieve, even though it was imagined that the stones melded together.
Next, I went outside to take a look at the exterior.
"Wait… does it stick out a bit?"
The new roof protruded about a foot from the wall.
I had only focused on the inside and hadn't thought about the outside.
It would be quicker to redo it. But, I was low on magic power, so I'd save it for later.
Anyway, the repair of my house was complete.
Afterward, as I rested and admired the fruits of my labor, I had an idea to report it.
I visited the academy on my day off, and the campus was deserted.
I looked at the same notice as a year ago and entered the school building.
I sensed numerous presences in the direction of the classrooms; the new students were probably receiving instructions.
"I'm Alter. Is Helena-sensei here?"
I knocked on the door of the room I wanted to visit, and the response was a long silence.
As usual, this was the case. I had visited several times, but the door had never opened on the first try.
Unlike Rackendale, who had Cody by his side, Helena didn't allow her assistant to linger.
So, I would keep waiting unless Helena felt like it. I was unlucky if she didn't even notice.
By the way, her assistant was engrossed in his research in a separate room, and I had met him only a few times.
After waiting for a while, I knocked on the door again.
Once more, silence followed, and finally, the door opened.
Helena looked down at me with disinterest and retreated further into the room without saying a word.
I entered the room and bowed.
"Thanks to your guidance, I've learned [Earth Wall]."
"The stone wall, huh?"
"Yes, it has quite a high hardness."
Helena scribbled on parchment with a pen and tossed it at me.
It had two names and addresses written on it.
Katie and… Dobar?
"It's an assignment."
"Who should I prioritize?"
"Katie. She's the more troublesome one."
"Understood. Since I have limited magic power today. Would it be okay in the next few days?"
"Do as you please."
I bowed and left Helena's room.
As I walked down the hallway, I glanced at the parchment again.
Would I be sent for repair work right away?
I had practiced it at home, but there were still many uncertainties.
I'd have to test it out a bit more before tackling the assignments.
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This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦