The System had provided an overwhelming amount of data, and it took Noah quite some time to review it all.
The material wasn't overly complex-not nearly as intricate as his Dragonborn magic. The difficulty lay in how to construct it.
Once constructed, its effectiveness would be lower than Dragonborn magic. Dragonborn magic altered a human's very species and form, whereas this new magic was a pure application of Mana, relying only on precise techniques of Mana control.
Constructing a spell was no simple task. It required Mana architecture, combinations of magical elements, casting gestures, wand movements, and more. Noah hated all those tedious details. Once he became powerful enough, he had stopped using gestures or wands entirely, relying purely on his massive Mana and control over it to cast spells.
When he developed Dragonborn magic, he based it entirely on his habits. That was why it was notoriously difficult-no formal casting methods, only one's understanding and control of Mana. Even so, it had attracted countless sorcerers; over ninety percent of adult sorcerers had forced themselves to master it.
This time, Noah wanted to make the spell simpler. Experienced sorcerers would manage it easily, but he wanted younger mages to learn and use it. It would serve as a foundation for mastering Dragonborn magic later.
With that in mind, he began.
Terrifying Mana swelled within his office. For Noah, constructing such a spell wasn't difficult. With the control he had gained from Domain magic, building it was a breeze. He injected no elemental properties at first, creating a prototype of pure Mana.
Feeling the spell, he realized it lacked challenge. Was it too weak? Had he done something wrong? A thorough check revealed no issues. Defensive strength was solid, and offensive pressure sufficient.
"This was never a difficult task for you," the System's calm voice echoed. "You simply overcomplicated it. Using pure Mana is fine, but the strength is lacking. Try your favorite method-that would be a proper advancement."
"My favorite method?" Noah rubbed his chin.
It meant infusing Mana with elemental properties. Most sorcerers specialized in one or two elements; he mastered four at a fluency none could match. If he applied his full method, many sorcerers wouldn't reach his level.
"Not all sorcerers need to reach your level," the System interjected. "They just need to approximate your performance. You use four elements for a complete spell; they can choose levels of enhancement based on specialization."
"Good point. But first, I have to succeed myself," Noah said. Partial enhancement was enough to start.
He focused his Mana again. This time, it carried elemental attributes. He chose the four basic elements-stable and manageable. Thinking of the Susanoo construction, he likened it to building a house: the body needed a solid frame.
Dense Earth Mana emerged, forming a yellow skeleton under his control. Solidity made Earth perfect for the frame.
"With bones done, next is blood. Water Mana," he decided. Earth and Water were compatible, and Water's defensive, all-encompassing nature fit perfectly. It would encase the Earth frame and integrate with the organs.
But Water could turn Earth into mud. Noah quickly placed a barrier of pure Mana between them-a precise, sorcerer-controlled layer ensuring safety.
"Blood is done. Next, muscles and skin."
He chose Wind Mana for muscles and Fire Mana for skin. Fire had power, but clashing with Water was risky. Wind ensured speed, Fire external protection and offense.
Noah's Mana erupted. With pure Mana separating each element, a scaled-down, flaming humanoid appeared around him. He didn't manifest the full spell-his office would need rebuilding if he did.
He chuckled at the thought: "Or maybe, when I use this spell, I just grab someone by the throat and ask if they 'want to dance'."
Looking at the unfinished giant, he decided not to finalize its appearance. It wasn't meant for his personal use; it was for other sorcerers. His two clones were enough. Yet, it could still serve as a shield in a pinch.
"Finalize the look?" he tilted his head. "It looks hideous as a flaming giant, but I don't want to waste time."
"Oh! Damn it!"
Just then, the door to his office swung open. Wong, Mordo, and the others stared at Noah in disbelief...