Sam waited patiently. Since it was a trial, he knew the spectre couldn't ask unwarranted questions. Besides, it was merely a tier 2 advancement.
"Why does the fire possess the highest status of all elements?" The spectre asked. It had a grin on his face looking at Sam who went into deep thought.
"Fire is used to burn impurity. We also use water to clean. When one uses the other elements to clean they, in turn, lose their purity. Fire on the other hand never becomes impure."
The spectre waited a few seconds. Fire is a pure form of energy. Compared to the other elements like water, earth or air which all are just a part of the matter, fire always stood out due to this uniqueness. What Sam said could be considered correct for a 12-year-old. Coming up with such an idea on the fly, the spectre was impressed nonetheless.
"An interesting view. Quite impressive for a youngster. Now my last question." The spectre stared at the kid. 'Should I ask him something hard?' Finally it decided to ask Sam something simple.
"You are a mage. Tell me what's more important? A magic circle spell or a chanted spell?" The question was tricky to answer. Magic circle posed stronger power while chant magic was much faster.
"Both are the same," Sam said with a smile.
"How can both be the same?" The spectre asked. There was a hint of surprise in his eyes.
"Magic circles are written while chant magic is oral. Using chant magic is much more difficult as a lack of concentration could result in backlash for new practitioners. Magic circle spells on the other hand are slower which helps the practitioners to concentrate on it better. So if you have a better concentration you are better at using chant magic."
The spectre waited before giving a solid response. 'The kid has potential. But he still got it wrong. Magic circles are inferior to chant magic. But there is a chance he would try and use chant magic more given his thoughts.' The spectre decided to let the kid pass.
"Your reasoning seems good enough. I will tell you this. Magic circles are inferior in power to chant magic. Most prefer circle spells to chant spells because they are much safer. If you want to become a stronger mage make sure to try and focus on chant magic."
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"I will let you pass this stage. Your answers were barely satisfactory." Saying this the spectre lifted its arms and pointed towards a small trail towards the right that just lit up. "Follow the trail. You will find more challenges. Maybe you will qualify to reach the tomb." The spectre slowly dissipated into the mist.
Sam could see the trail further as the mist was thin around it. It extended over 500 meters before curving to the left. The path was smooth with mist on both sides as though it were walls. Looking up, the sky was dark with no stars to be seen.
Turning left Sam was invited to a beautiful grass meadow, with a few lambs grazing the grass. Upon closer view, the lamb all had blood-red eyes, with a third horn right above the nose. It seemed that the grass blades had a small violet shade. Seeing a human walk over, the lambs stopped and stared at him. The innocent Sam wasn't aware of the bloodlust in their eyes.
By the time Sam recognised something was wrong, the lambs bleating loudly started running down the hill towards him. Sam stood looking at the faces of lambs running downhill towards him with his mouth wide open.
Sam's battle instinct kicked in as he started throwing out lightning bolts and ice shards one after the other.
The monsters in a dungeon and world instance do not respawn until a reset. The biggest flow when fighting mobs is running out of mana for a mage. While physical fighters don't have this limitation, Sam was a mage and soon his mana reached the bottom while the lambs kept charging forwards.
'Run'. Sam had limited options. Dying in this instance meant certain death. With the fear of death as motivation, Sam turned around and ran through the mist. He kept hitting against trees and branches as the mist was too thick for him to see anything beyond a few feet.
Soon the bleating of the lambs stopped. Sam relaxed a little, slowing down. Not knowing where to run next he kept pushing through in the end reaching a clearing. The mist had scattered around the place as Sam kept staring at the massive graveyard in front of his eyes.
You have found, 'graveyard of the forgotten.'
Optional Quest: Gravedigging is the easiest path to richness. The spirits might despise you, beware.
You received a shovel(special).
Spirit backlash: 0%
There were countless graves and tombstones erected in the place. Sam kept a lookout for any spirits and spectres. He kept walking around looking for clues. He had yet to find a way to find the tomb.
Reniya Fenil Vasiyar
2144-2185
'Fine, let's see.' Sam used the shovel as a crank to push open the grave. The concrete lid opened up as a lid giving an easy access inside. The casket had already rotten to dust along with the body. There were a few remaining metal pieces that glimmered from the little light that crept in from above.
You opened a grave.
Spirit backlash: 1%
'Is there nothing in it or do I have to reach inside?' Sam thought looking inside while he stood above. Reluctantly he decided to lower himself in.
You have entered a grave.
You received two gold rings, one pendant, 2 gold coins, one rosary.
'Nothing worth much.' Sam got out and started looking for a better looking tomb.
*****