Among Monsters (Tensura)

Chap 23.

Two days had passed, and James found himself standing once more in the amphitheater of his Sovereign's Sanctuary, feeling an eager anticipation coursing through him. Skilled White Magician watched attentively, ready to assist in testing James' latest endeavor. Today, he was attempting something new: creating his first intermediate-level magic circle. This one was a step above his previous spells—more intricate, requiring a deeper level of control and precision.

James had already sketched the design in his mind. He took a deep breath, then activated his Perception skill to sharpen his focus on the task ahead. 'Alright, let's do this,' he thought, envisioning the Restraining Circle he'd carefully planned:

The circle would consist of interlocking rings or chains, representing restraint, with symbols of stability and control scattered within. Magicules would be concentrated along the edge of the circle, forming a boundary to create an invisible barrier that could hinder movement when activated. He envisioned the spell as a practical tool for restraining smaller creatures or weaker opponents, an invaluable addition to his arsenal once he left the Sovereign's Sanctuary and returned to the Jura Forest.

He also knew the limitations of the spell. The Restraining Circle would only hold for a short duration and was best suited for weaker or slower foes. More powerful beings, those with sufficient strength or magical capability, would likely be able to resist or break free from it. Nevertheless, it was a good start toward creating spells that offered more control over his surroundings.

After ten minutes of intense concentration, sweat dotting his forehead, James finally succeeded in forming the Restraining Circle. He could feel the surge of energy as the interlocking rings settled into place, humming with potential.

"Alright, here we go," James muttered, excitement flaring in his chest. He stretched his hand forward, palm open, and focused, chanting the command he'd settled on: "Restriction." A faint glow appeared beneath the Skilled White Magician, and the circle flared to life.

The magician attempted to move, but found himself rooted in place, the restraint circle holding firm. A smile of triumph spread across James' face. It worked! The spell was functional, and not only that—he could tell it was becoming easier to create each time he practiced. His proficiency was increasing.

Over the next two days, James continued experimenting, adding three more intermediate spells to his growing list.

First, he crafted the Basic Healing Circle:

Function: This circle would accelerate the body's natural healing process for minor wounds, closing small cuts, bruises, and abrasions while slightly alleviating fatigue.

Design: It was simple yet elegant, with a central symbol resembling a healing hand or heart. Runes and spirals representing vitality and regeneration surrounded the core symbol, with magicules concentrated at the center to channel healing energy outward.

Limitations: Effective only for minor injuries, the healing process was slow, requiring several minutes to show visible results.

Next, he created the Basic Shield Ward:

Function: A simple ward to create a protective shield around a target, blocking basic physical attacks—swords, arrows, and some environmental hazards.

Design: A solid ring with a central shield symbol, surrounded by defensive runes. Magicules concentrated to form a tangible barrier around the target.

Limitations: The ward blocked only physical attacks and could be overwhelmed by large or sustained force. It provided no protection against magic or elemental attacks and required regular reinforcement.

Finally, he constructed the Force Lock Circle:

Function: A binding circle to prevent the target from using magical abilities or exerting physical force. It could block spells or restrain a creature's movements within a confined area.

Design: Overlapping layers of interwoven lines created a cage-like pattern with symbols representing force, energy, and restraint, focusing magicules at the center to create a locking effect.

Limitations: The circle was more specialized, effective only on certain types of magic and requiring James to understand the power he was trying to suppress. Stronger enemies might resist or break free from the lock.

As he tested each of his new creations, James felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. He could tell that the Annihilation Creator's Bestiary Recall was also proving useful, letting him summon his training partners—Blade Knight and Skilled White Magician—quickly and without reimagining them each time. They retained the progress made in his previous training sessions, helping him refine his skills without having to start from scratch each day.

Finally, with his new spells crafted and his confidence bolstered, James decided it was time to leave the Sovereign's Sanctuary and resume his journey to Dwargon. Tomorrow, he would set out once more, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, his new abilities a testament to his determination and resilience. The world awaited, and he was prepared to meet it head-on.

End of chap.