In a small courtyard open space.
Gauss was filled with anticipation.
3rd-level Spell [Flying Technique] Level 1 (1/10)
"Have you really mastered it?" Aaliyah reconfirmed with him.
"Do you want to try it first?" Gauss looked at her.
"Well... better not. I’m afraid of heights. I meant, do you want to test it on another creature first, like Ulfen."
Aaliyah petted the big wolf beside her.
"It has thick skin, so if it falls, it won’t hurt."
"Forget it, no problem, I feel it’ll be clearer if I try it myself." Gauss shook his head, thanking her for the suggestion.
"Besides, no worries, I have a protection spell, Feather Fall Technique."
He silently purchased and practiced it to a usable level shortly after obtaining the Flying Technique.
He could prepare the Feather Fall Technique on himself in advance, before releasing the Flying Technique.
In case of sudden failure due to an accident during flight, he can instantly use and cast the Feather Fall Technique the moment his body starts to fall.
The effect of the Feather Fall Technique is to greatly slow down the falling speed and prevent any injury from the fall itself upon landing.
Of course, if attacked by enemies in mid-air or falls into a special terrain like lava or a toxin-filled area, it’s beyond the Feather Fall Technique’s capability to avoid.
As long as used in conjunction, the Flying Technique is generally quite safe.
However, one must be aware that soaring through the sky inherently carries significant risks.
Because it’s easy to be targeted at high altitudes, and risk management measures are limited compared to those on the ground.
Moreover, as a 3rd-level spell, the Flying Technique consumes a considerable amount of magic power and is difficult to cast, not something any caster can use freely, nor can it be a routine mode of travel, only suitable for specific scenarios.
These are all responsibilities that come with this spell.
Even with all this said, this spell remains incredibly enticing.
Gauss’s heart began to race.
He too had longed for the experience of flying.
"I’m ready to start."
He notified the three of them.
Under their curious stares, Gauss first prepared a Feather Fall Technique on himself, ready to activate the magic power within his body at any moment in case of any mishap.
Then, he closed his eyes to calm his excited mind and took a deep breath.
Clearing away distractions, he started communicating with his body’s magic power and the Flying Technique model within.
A 3rd-level spell, with a current proficiency level of only 1 (1/10), and theoretically, he exceeded the level to master this spell, so it was quite difficult just to cast it, let alone for speed.
He silently attempted several times.
Finally, the magic power in the Magic Cup began to flow.
Gauss felt the magic power starting to be consumed.
Afterward, his body was enveloped by a peculiar energy.
At first, he felt a slight sense of weightlessness as his heels gradually left the ground.
But it wasn’t the usual jump, nor the feeling of being lifted, but a natural hovering, as if the gravitational pull of the planet had diminished.
Accompanying his mental command.
Thinking, "Upward!"
Suddenly, his body began to rise.
One meter, two meters.....
The ground quietly receded away.
Aaliyah and the others’ excited faces slowly diminished, and the sky’s winds freely whipped across his body.
Gauss soon rose higher than the surrounding buildings, continuing upward.
Looking down, it was a perspective unseen by ordinary people.
Tiles that were once looked up at now seemed distinctly spread beneath his feet, while the distant bustling streets’ people and vehicles turned into moving tiny blocks.
He instinctively felt a mix of excitement and a slight twinge of fear, an electric thrill coursing through his body.
Unaffected by buildings, the wind furiously blew past, causing his robes to flap loudly, yet bringing a cool comfort.
Gauss felt an unprecedented sense of freedom flooding his mind.
All worldly constraints seemed to break away at this moment.
It felt fantastic!
Yet, maybe from being overly excited.
Suddenly, the light energy enveloping him failed.
After a brief sway, his body quickly plummeted toward the ground.
With Aaliyah loudly reminding him, Gauss activated the Feather Fall Technique.
The fall speed quickly slowed, then he gently landed on the ground.
Gauss’s boots touched the ground.
His excited feelings were yet to calm.
His body and consciousness seemed still reminiscing the lightness of being free from gravity.
"How did it feel?" Aaliyah eagerly inquired.
"Fantastic, it felt like gaining true freedom." Gauss’s lips curled upwards.
Despite a slight fear of heights in his past life, there was no panic during this first flight, only a liberating freedom and an inexplicable reassurance.
"Though, currently, I need more practice. This spell is quite challenging."
Even with the Feather Fall Technique as a safeguard, frequent unexpected "crashes" aren’t ideal.
If it truly comes to it, wasted time and missed opportunities aside, the magic power cost for taking off again after landing is substantial.
Since he had notified in advance, he could continue practicing the Flying Technique nearby.
He soon prepared for a second takeoff.
This time, he intentionally waited until his mood completely calmed before setting off again.