The architecture layout of the Sand Sea School is quite reasonable.
The core area consists of various laboratories and teaching venues, while the outskirts house the accommodation and living facilities.
The entire school is built on the broad back of Leviathan, drifting through the sandy sea with the slow movements of the ancient beast.
"This is the elemental laboratory." Hayek guided Ron into a relatively large building:
"Primarily used for researching the interactions between various elements."
The interior space of the laboratory was divided into multiple zones, each specially designed for different types of elements.
The floor of the fire element zone was covered with fire-resistant materials, and the air was filled with a faint sulfuric smell;
The water element zone had a complex piping system, capable of guiding and controlling the flow of water.
Several researchers working inside the laboratory stopped their work and respectfully greeted them as they entered.
"Continue with your experiments." Hayek casually waved his hand, leading the two to a special open area.
"Now it’s my turn to demonstrate."
Beside him, Yuni suddenly spoke up: "Ron, do you still remember my ’Phoenix Breath’?"
"Of course I remember." Ron nodded, recalling how he had recorded the ’Phoenix Breath’ as his trump card during his apprentice period.
The subsequent practice with the Ring of Brilliance had provided him with many references for improving his own version of ’Phoenix Breath.’
"Then watch carefully." Yuni took a deep breath and began to unleash her signature spell.
Fiery flames spewed forth from her mouth, forming a soaring firebird in the air.
Just as Ron thought this was it, Yuni suddenly altered the elemental composition of the spell.
The color of the flames swiftly changed from red to icy blue, and the blazing temperature dropped abruptly below freezing.
The firebird transformed into an ice bird, leaving beautiful frost trails wherever it flew.
"This is the ’Ice Bird form.’" Yuni explained with some pride, but her performance was not over yet.
The ice-blue bird transformed once again into a thunderbird composed of lightning, with arcs of electricity surging with every flap of its wings.
"And then there’s the ’Thunder Beast Breath.’" She chuckled softly:
"In the specialized environment of the Quicksand Lands, I gradually learned how to freely switch the same spell between different elements.
The key isn’t about changing the spell itself, but understanding the common essence of different elements."
Ron watched with some excitement.
This kind of flexibility is precisely what he pursues.
"How did you achieve this?" he humbly asked: "This switching seems seamless, like..."
"Like they are inherently one, right?" Yuni smiled and picked up the thread:
"As a Moon Level Mage, I remember an important requirement is the fusion of spells, right?
Perhaps the answer doesn’t lie in forcibly binding them together but in finding their common essence.
Of course, explaining it in detail is a bit troublesome, but we can have a proper discussion about this topic when we have time."
After touring the experimentation site, Hayek suggested visiting Magnus.
"That old man is currently completely fascinated by the local unique materials."
Hayek laughed: "Since arriving here, he’s been as excited as a child discovering a new continent."
They arrived at a herbal garden built in the belly of Leviathan.
The environment here is warm and humid, contrasting sharply with the outside dry desert.
Various exotic plants thrived under the nourishment of magic power, exuding an intoxicating fragrance.
Magnus stood intently observing the changes before a patch of colorful sand grains.
The powder from different colors clung to his white beard, his eyes sparkled brightly, completely immersed in his research.
"Old Magnus, your guest is here." Hayek deliberately spoke loudly.
"Which guest? I don’t have any time to spare..."
Magnus answered without lifting his head, but when he saw Ron, his face immediately blossomed with a delightful smile:
"Ron! You finally arrived!"
The Elder Alchemist put down his tools and walked over quickly.
Compared to others, Magnus’s transformation was the most apparent.
He looked at least twenty years younger, his wrinkles much lighter, and even his walk became brisk.
"I’ve kept you waiting, child." Magnus rubbed his hands apologetically:
"I was just blending a new potion; it couldn’t be interrupted at such a critical moment."
"It’s okay, Master Magnus." Ron nodded in response: "You seem to be increasingly in good spirits."
"Absolutely!" Magnus excitedly waved his hands:
"This place is truly an Alchemist’s paradise! Look at these!"
He pointed to the various plants and mineral specimens around him:
"These ’active sand herbs’ possess extremely unique properties. They not only change their effects according to the environment but can even sense the emotions and intentions of the maker!"
Saying this, he picked up a small handful of colorful sand grains and placed them in his palm: "Watch, when I’m calm..."
The sand grains turned pale blue, emanating a tranquil aura.
"When I’m excited..."
The sand grains immediately shifted to golden yellow, exuding a sense of vitality.
"When I hold goodwill to heal others..."
The sand grains turned into a gentle green, the aura of life almost tangible.
Ron closely observed the sand grains, with theoretical hypotheses beginning to form in his mind.
"I think this might involve direct interaction between consciousness and matter." He remarked:
"In an environment with extremely high magic concentration, spiritual power’s influence on matter will be amplified."
"These sand grains, essentially, are sensing the emotional information embedded in your magic wave."
In the ensuing time, Magnus started exchanging various issues about Magic Potion Making with Ron, almost forgetting about Hayek and Yuni standing nearby.
......
As night descended, the mentors took him to a relatively private dining room.
Later, Holt, who had teaching tasks during the day, arrived fashionably late.
The decor here was of typical sand people style.
Low round tables, soft carpets, and several elements lamps emitting gentle light.
"Tonight, a special meal was prepared for Ron’s arrival." Hayek motioned for everyone to take a seat: "They’re all local specialties."
The table was laden with various foods Ron had never seen before.
The most striking was a dish called "Desert Flower."
Made from special sandy plant roots, it resembled a blooming flower, had a unique sweet taste, and could replenish magic power.
Also notable was the "Quicksand Roll" made from sand worm meat, with a chewy texture and delicious taste, said to enhance adaptability to elemental environments.
"These ingredients are unique to the area." Magnus introduced: "They not only have distinct flavors but also various beneficial auxiliary effects."
Just as they were savoring these exotic dishes, music began to play in the room.
Several dancers gracefully entered.
They were mixed-blood snake people, with human upper bodies and snake-like lower bodies, adorned with various gemstones and ribbons.
"Elemental Dance." Holt softly explained: "It’s a traditional local performance art."
The dancers began their elegant dance.
Their bodies were as flexible as water, every movement resonating with some element.
As they swung their arms, beautiful sparks appeared in the air;
As they twisted their waists, the surrounding temperature changed subtly;
As they swayed their snake tails, the sand grains on the ground began to rhythmically pulse.
This form of art, combining dance with elemental control, felt novel to Ron.
"An interesting form of expression." He commented as he watched:
"How do they achieve such perfect synchronization with the elements?"
"Snake people are naturally sensitive to elemental fluctuations." Hayek explained:
"Coupled with dance techniques passed down through generations, this unique art form is created."
The dance lasted about half an hour, and with the final turn, the dancers slowly exited the dining room.
"How do you find it?" Yuni looked at Ron: "Not a bad impression of this place, right?"
"Quite charming." Ron honestly replied:
"Who would have thought that after this place transformed into an elemental frenzy, the seeds of civilization would later bloom so brilliantly."