Chapter 428: Absorption

The usage method for the Devourer’s core is quite simple: you can either directly consume it or hold it in your hand, slowly absorbing the energy with Magic Power or Spiritual Power.

For Duke, who is still just a relatively weak Level 1 Mage, the latter method is more suitable.

It takes at least a Level 2 Mage to directly consume the Devourer’s core; otherwise, the body and Spiritual Power might not be able to bear it.

Most Devourer’s cores are produced by uncontrollable Erosion Bodies, at least according to current investigations.

This leads to the presence of some Erosion Energy within the Devourer’s cores produced by Erosion Bodies.

Although these Erosion Energies do not cause contamination to Wizards, absorbing too much at once can still affect the stability of Spiritual Power.

Especially for Wizards with insufficient strength, absorption should be gradual and systematic.

Catherine specifically reminded Duke that it would take him at least three months to completely absorb this Devourer’s core, and he shouldn’t rush the process.

Duke is not in a hurry, aiming for stability; as long as he can ultimately enhance the core strength of his soul, it’s enough.

The earlier the soul’s core strength is enhanced, the greater the help it will provide in the future, making subsequent promotions easier.

...

Following Catherine’s inquiry and investigation, Duke and his companion returned to their dormitory, finally able to get some good rest.

Instead of immediately absorbing the Devourer’s core, Duke first completely relaxed, using Meditation and Magic Potions to adjust his state to its best, ensuring that both Spiritual Power and Magic Power were full and harmonious.

He even managed to get a good night’s sleep, not waking until noon the next day.

This proved that his Spiritual Power was indeed exhausted; even though Magic Potions could restore some of his Spiritual Power, they couldn’t erase the mental fatigue.

Only genuine rest could restore his state.

A day later, feeling that both his body and spirit had recovered well enough, Duke sat cross-legged on the bed, carefully holding the thumbnail-sized black core in his palm.

Following Catherine’s guidance, he didn’t attempt to swallow but instead gently channelled his Spiritual Power and a trace of Magic Power, like delicate tendrils, cautiously exploring the core in his palm.

As soon as Duke’s Spiritual Power touched the surface of the core, a strange resonance occurred.

The core in his palm seemed activated, releasing a pure, gentle yet immensely vast energy, like melting spring snow, slowly and continuously flowing into his body through the Spiritual Power connection.

Upon entering his body, the energy didn’t transform into Magic Power like when absorbing Magic Stones but split into two distinct streams.

One stream exuded a warm essence of life, permeating his limbs and internal organs like sunlight.

Duke could clearly feel that every cell in his body seemed to be joyfully exulting, a hard-to-describe sense of vitality emanating from deep within.

This doesn’t directly increase power or defense but provides essential nourishment and prolongation, like adding more durable oil to the life candle.

The other stream was more peculiar, cool and clear, ascending directly to merge into his Spiritual Sea and then disappear, integrating into his soul’s core.

The sensation was subtle, not a surge in Spiritual Power, but a feeling that his soul was becoming denser and more solid, his thoughts like a mirror wiped free of dust.

His mind seemed clearer and more transparent, and control over his Magic Power appeared to become more precise and effortless, which was a fundamental consolidation and enhancement.

The entire process was very comfortable, akin to soaking in spring water at an appropriate temperature.

Yet amidst the streams of pure energy, there was a slight, yet piercingly cold residue—the remnants of Erosion Energy.

These appeared like tiny ice needles in a stream, pricking Duke’s spiritual pathways, causing piercing stings and a hint of agitation.

Duke immediately focused his mind, maintaining awareness, using strong Spiritual Power to slowly eliminate and dispel these cold impurities.

The process required sustained focus and control, without a hint of slackness; otherwise, there could indeed be slight damage or contamination to the Spiritual Power.

These impurities are very minute and won’t cause substantial effects on the Spiritual Power.

But if enough accumulate, they might inflict some irreversible damage to the Spiritual Power.

This is why the Devourer’s core can’t be directly consumed. With Duke’s current strength, swallowing it directly would inadequately address so many impurities in a short time.

Only when his strength and Spiritual Power are substantial can he overlook these impurities.

These impurities are like thorns on plant roots; as long as the Spiritual Power is fortified like a barrier, the thorns cannot affect it.

Duke’s current Spiritual Power clearly hasn’t reached this level of fortitude.

After approximately half an hour, Duke felt the energy absorbed today had reached the limit his body and spirit could safely hold, so he decisively stopped absorbing the Devourer’s core energy.

The core in his palm dimmed slightly but remained profound.

Duke exhaled a long breath, opened his eyes, with a flash of brilliance in his eyes.

He carefully perceived the subtle enhancement in his life’s essence and the indescribable stability in his soul’s core; the actual improvement was extremely slight, yet even such minuscule progress brought comfort.

In the following days, aside from daily dedicated absorption of the Devourer’s core energy, Duke spent time in the laboratory practicing magic proficiency, occasionally taking leisurely walks and chatting with Vivian.

Having recently engaged in a battle against Erosion Bodies, Catherine temporarily assigned no other tasks.

Leonard’s situation was reportedly stabilized, with plans to return to the Wizard Plane for recovery, perhaps lacking the opportunity to meet again.

The atmosphere at Goose Peak Castle gradually shifted from previous tense preparations to a new tempo.

One day, after Duke completed his daily absorption, preparing to head to the Magic Laboratory, the call to gathering echoed within Goose Peak Castle, a summoning and rallying signal rather than an emergency combat alarm.

Duke soon arrived at the city square where many had gathered, a Wizard announcing matters.

"Everyone! Good news from the frontline, the capital of Toulouse territory, Iron Rock City, was successfully conquered yesterday!"

The crowd erupted in a subdued cheer; conquering the capital meant the organized resistance within Toulouse territory had largely crumbled, and occupying the entire territory was only a matter of time.