And the mage primarily enhances themselves through meditation, studying magical runes, practicing spells, understanding, and constructing models.
In terms of manifestation of power, the wizard’s methods are more peculiar and enigmatic, relying heavily on special artifacts, tools, curses, dark energy, and so on.
Thus, in the hearts of the populace, the image of a decent, orthodox mage is more akin to an academic scholar, kingdom advisor, researcher, or guardian of the realm.
While wizards are more likely to remind people of a forest-dwelling cursed one, a witch releasing plagues, consorting with monsters, or even dark figures who raise and breed monsters for power.
This stereotypical discrimination is generally inaccurate, but overall, the field of study of wizards does indeed differ somewhat from that of orthodox mages.
Take, for instance, the owner of the handwritten notes in Gauss’s hands.
This individual was one who lived secluded in the forest, specializing in breeding and dissecting various low-level monsters and lesser demons, and studying why their hides possess greater protective capabilities than ordinary animal hides or even steel.
Indeed, this wizard spent most of his life dissecting monsters and rarely ventured into towns.
After his death, perhaps his residence was discovered by a passerby, leading to the circulation of various items, gear, books, and notes.
Gauss speculates that perhaps due to the chaotic, scribbled handwriting and the pointless ramblings, guesses, and emotional outbursts throughout the notes, its value was underestimated.
Were it not for the fact that the middle part of the notes contained some detailed dissection and experimental processes, and provided a seemingly plausible exercise method, it might not have appeared on the shelves of the Caster Association, and could have ended up as roadside rubbish used to prop up a wobbly table.
How else can one say that wizards are masters at dealing with poison, curses, and bloodlines?
Gauss was also inspired by the notes to finally ponder the direction for further enhancing the Gauss Force Field.
Within the notes was recorded a unique pattern.
From the first moment he glanced over the notes, he was captivated by the rune pattern.
After subsequent exchange, he found it was indeed not simple.
Whenever he cast spells while focusing intently on that unique pattern, the Gauss Force Field would occasionally manifest in the form of runes on the surface of the field.
And if at this moment, he stimulated the field with various external toxins, it could continuously enhance its understanding and resistance to toxins.
This method also aligns with part of the principle behind the tough hides of some demons. The astonishing defensive strength of some demons’ skin is due to these hidden special runes in their skin, and the demon blood with complex toxins flowing within them forming a special reaction with the runes, thus continuously stimulating the skin to become tougher.
At the end of the notes, this excited and mad wizard, after successfully conducting several simple experiments on animals, began to modify his own body, intending to create an entirely new form of bodily magic.
However, there are no further entries in the notes.
Judging by its results circulating in the market, it’s evident that the wizard’s modification ended in failure.
Gauss had no intention of using such dangerous runes on himself.
But applying it to the Gauss Force Field was relatively safe.
Moreover, he strongly suspected that others would find it difficult to condense this mysterious demon rune in a protective spell.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t be the one discovering this secret.
At this moment, Gauss was constantly using blades stained with the foul blood of the Big Goblin to attack and stimulate the protective spell layer.
Sensing the runes constantly flickering, the Gauss Force Field was quietly undergoing transformation.
Gauss knew everything was steadily improving.
If the Gauss Force Field had defensive capabilities against toxins, he wouldn’t have lost consciousness and placed himself in a trap after escaping the second layer of the labyrinth’s spider ghost nest back then.
Later, he would need to collect more blood and toxins from monsters and demons, as these are natural materials for refining the protective field.
Chitchat along the way.
Gauss multitasked.
While honing the Gauss Force Field, he occasionally ate something and didn’t forget to scout the surrounding terrain, marking on his mental map, and engaging in idle chatter with Serdur.
"I wonder how Aaliyah is doing over there? Is it going smoothly?"
Gauss’s thoughts couldn’t help but drift to Aaliyah.
Once she rejoined, the three-member team would be complete again, ready for another dungeon expedition. This time, with the powerful addition of Serdur and the level 2 Aaliyah, they hoped to delve deeper into the dungeons, and even keep pace with the first group.
Time flew by amidst the "busy" journey.
The chocobo’s steady steps halted on the firm dirt road, kicking up a small cloud of dry dust.
Before them lay their destination, a humble village located in the outskirts of Barry City, leaning against a sprawling field of green wheat.
The village wasn’t large, visible at a glance, with dozens of low houses neatly scattered. Most were built from logs mixed with dried mud, topped with thick thatch.
A simple fence made of sharpened logs and thick vines encircled the village perimeter, serving as basic protection.