Sorcerer’s Handbook

“No affix bubble, no collection…”

Ashe crossed his arms, scrutinizing the spoils of the hard-fought battle, spinning endlessly in the air. “How’s your soul energy?”

“One-quarter.” “One-quarter.” “Two-fifths.”

Aside from Vesser, everyone’s soul energy was significantly depleted.

Soul energy is related to the frequency of actions, and aerial combat far surpasses ground combat in terms of action frequency. The previous five dream phantoms only consumed 50% of their energy, yet one aerial combat consumed 25% alone.

In theory, they could still explore two more dream phantoms, but it’s not that simple. Battles and explorations in the Time Continent of the Sea of Knowledge can be estimated precisely in terms of energy consumption, and rarely does one run out of energy mid-battle.

But the Distant Sky Domain is different. If you encounter a dream phantom with a particularly confusing affix, like “invulnerable under certain conditions,” you’re stuck if you can’t figure it out.

Battles in the Distant Sky Domain are like taking exams while playing a shadowy game of ping-pong. Fortunately, Ashe drew an operator good at thinking, so he doesn’t have to defeat every virtual realm creature to decipher the affix-according to the sword Princess, it’s not uncommon for sorcerers to fail at deciphering affixes even with all the hints.

Take her professor, Trozan-an average of six or seven dream phantoms conquered solo by the sword saint in a night-but even he couldn’t identify every affix. When he couldn’t decipher them, he’d move to the next phantom, gathering only the points he could, skipping the questions he couldn’t answer.

In the Distant Sky Domain, 20% soul energy is the lifeline. When it drops below this line, it’s time to consider heading home for a rest.

Ashe opened the virtual realm map to ponder their next course of action.

After arriving in the Distant Sky Domain, the virtual realm map was revamped into a “route map.” Once a dream phantom was conquered, Ashe could see an overview of the other phantoms leading from it, categorized as “Lone Journey,” “Pair Journey,” “Trio Journey,” and “Dream Come True.”

Indeed, the map doesn’t distinguish phantoms by difficulty, but by the number of affixes. “Lone Journey” signifies a single affix, “Pair Journey” has two, “Trio Journey” has three, and “Dream Come True” is unpredictable.

Generally, three affixes are more challenging than a single one, but a single affix can occasionally be extremely troublesome, so you can’t completely rely on the virtual realm map’s descriptions.

“Dream Come True” is the most peculiar; it can range from one to three affixes and shows no clear difference from the other three options. However, the virtual realm map doesn’t make baseless recommendations, and given the team’s current state, high-intensity exploration wasn’t suitable. So Ashe chose a “Dream Come True” portal to enter.

As soon as Ashe entered, he noticed something unusual about this phantom-the town was filled with colorful beams shooting into the sky.

“What’s going on?” Ashe asked. “Is it caused by an affix?”

“No!” Sonya said excitedly. “This is a virtual-real phantom specifically for producing materials!”

Through the sword Princess’s explanation, Ashe learned that this place was akin to a reward level in the Distant Sky Domain.

There are no enemies in the virtual-real phantoms, and the beams of light indicate virtual-real materials. These are like upgraded versions of the essence materials in the Time Continent, with an added feature: they can be taken back to reality.

All virtual-real materials can be transformed from virtual to real!

Virtual-real materials aren’t creations out of nothing; rather, they’re items from the phantom imbued with Virtual Realm Energy until they transform. It could be a tree, a door, a cat, or even a gun. The original fantasy creations were directly extracted from dream phantoms.

Sorcerers can choose to use them personally or feed them to their spirits for evolution. However, on the sword Princess’s side, they’re always for personal use because the Stars have developed a complete creation industrial system, where any material is utilized to its fullest, and letting a spirit consume them would be a waste.

“Some virtual-real materials can’t be replicated by creation sorcerers at all, and can only be found in the Distant Sky Domain,” Sonya said, clenching her fist. “For instance, The Unrememberable Wood, which can be made into a box that traverses the virtual realm and reality. With this, we can exchange spirits in the virtual realm!”

Upon hearing this, Deya blinked.

Ever since inheriting the position of Empress, she had considered depleting the treasury to support Ashe. However, after looking into it, she realized it was difficult to become a ruler like that even if she wanted to.

She also knew about The Unrememberable Wood, yet the entire Gospel Book contained no such virtual-real material.

Or rather, there were simply no virtual-real materials in the entire Gospel.

This is because the Gospel Book offers exorbitant prices for virtual-real materials, alongside a ‘Weave the Future’ opportunity, which almost no sorcerer can refuse.

Moreover, virtual-real materials are essentially luxurious items-and Gospel has long been at peace, with little need for gear to enhance combat abilities in reality-so over a thousand years, Gospel hasn’t stored any virtual-real materials.

Upon discovering this intelligence, Deya realized how the Gospel Ranking’s physical rewards were obtained-the Omniscient Weaver wasn’t creating something from nothing but selecting and refining suitable materials from the virtual-real materials!

So even though the Yisuo royal family has many spirits, Deya could only use them for herself.

But if she could obtain The Unrememberable Wood, then she could also give a gift to Ashe!

“The acquisition of virtual-real materials requires a substantial amount of soul energy, around 10%,” Sonya explained. “So let’s not rush into grabbing these materials. Take your time to see if there are better options. However, be mindful that the dream phantom may break apart, so it’s best to wrap up your selection within half an hour.”

Vesser suggested, “Shall we split up?”

Everyone nodded and dispersed. The town within this phantom seemed to be built atop the clouds. While it wasn’t as urbanized as Gospel, the streets were clean, the citizens polite, and there were few vehicles. Street performers played soft melodies on the flute, children chased each other playfully, and the afternoon sun slanted across the inverted triangular rooftops, creating a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.

Deya followed the colorful beams, searching for materials. “Pocket watch that stops all clocks in the area,” “sword that inevitably breaks and self-repairs,” “a stone that returns to its original spot automatically”… Most virtual-real materials possessed unique Miracles, yet practical finds were rare. With reproduction, however, they might reveal additional potential.

The Witch naturally prioritized finding a tree but only found a “tree whose bark, when placed against your face, makes others enjoy kissing you.” Just as she contemplated whether to gain the rights to this material, Ashe’s voice came from behind, “Are you thinking of choosing this one?”

“Ah! No, no,” the Witch replied, startled, turning around. She shook her head, pulling Ashe along, “I haven’t decided what to pick yet-why are you here, Observer?”

“Because everyone split up, it’s a rare chance,” Ashe replied with a smile. “Finally, some time for just the two of us.”

“Ah? Ah!” Deya blinked, looking at Ashe’s earnest face as if her sisters in her mind were all screaming in chaos; amidst the confusion, she had one thought-thankfully, she hadn’t brought Lise along tonight.

“So, what did you need from me?”

“Can’t I just want to see you?”

“Of course not-you tease!” Seeing the playful smile on Ashe’s face, Deya lightly punched his arm.

“Sorry, sorry, I guess spending time with someone who loves teasing others rubbed off on me unintentionally,” Ashe chuckled, clearing his throat. Then he took out a bag. “This is for you.”

The Witch carefully took the bag and pulled out a set of sophisticated black-and-white attire, even including shoes, shorts, and stockings.

She looked at Ashe with a puzzled expression. Ashe cleared his throat and explained, “I got this as a reward from a particular Adventure. It’s a custom-made outfit for you, so I’m not exactly sure how it looks when worn. All I know is that when you wear it in the Virtual Realm and use water spells, your Miracle effect increases by 50% in the Rain Curtain…”

His words were cut short as Deya transformed instantly, donning the garments, spinning around to show them off. “How do I look?”

“Beautiful!” Ashe clapped. “This outfit is called the Empress in the Rain, and it suits you perfectly.”

“Thank you!” Deya exclaimed, flinging herself onto Ashe, twirling him around playfully. “I’m so happy!”

“As long as you like it,” Ashe said, ruffling her hair. “I’m going to look for more virtual-real materials, see you later.”

“See you later!”

After Ashe left, Deya found a clothing store and admired herself in front of the mirror, twirling and basking in her reflection. The outfit perfectly matched her usual style, and she felt delighted. If he gifted her clothes today, she couldn’t even imagine what he’d give next time!

But soon, a question raised by the Black Butler abruptly ended the Witch’s happy moment with her sisters-

“He seemed to mention there are two gifts.”

Sonya pushed open the oak door, the bell chiming sweetly. The café inside was spotless, and classical music with an exotic flair filled the air. The middle-aged manager behind the counter was polishing glasses, while a few patrons were busy with their activities as they enjoyed their coffee.

Sonya approached a table marked by a colorful light beam to get detailed information about this virtual-real material: “coffee table that prevents distractions while drinking coffee.”

Although it wasn’t The Unrememberable Wood, it was a virtual-real material related to the Mental Sect. With some refinement, it could fetch a good price. If there weren’t better options, it might be worth choosing… As the village girl evaluated its value, the café’s bell rang again.

She looked up to see Ashe walking straight towards her, seating himself across the table.

“What a coincidence you’re here too.”

“Is it still a coincidence if you walk straight towards me?” Sonya teased, although she couldn’t hide the smile in her eyes. “Have you decided on any material yet?”

“Not yet,” Ashe admitted, glancing at the coffee table. “This one seems pretty good.”

“It is, but do you have anywhere to process a table like this? You can’t exactly bring it along while chasing the Silver Lantern, can you?”

“Then maybe you can keep it or sell it,” Ashe shrugged. “Or we could give it to Vesser. Even though she never complains, resources have always been prioritized for you and the Witch. Her contributions deserve more recognition… We can’t just neglect someone so straightforward.”

Sonya nodded in agreement. This had been on her mind too. As a Sanctuary member, Vesser was extremely obedient and played a crucial role in the Distant Sky Domain. Withholding resources for minor gains would be counterproductive. It made more sense to offer resources to win her over.

While this was her thought process, Sonya said, “Why don’t you give her my share of resources, especially since she’s more valuable right now.”

“That’s not true, you’re just as important.”

“How so?”

“Your attack power is immense; you’re still our team’s indispensable frontline.”

“But Vesser is proficient in all mainstream sects. If you allocate resources to her, she can also become a powerful frontline.”

“Plus, you have a great rapport with both the Witch and Vesser. At times when I can’t step in, you help maintain team stability.”

My good relationship with the Witch might become a thing of the past… Sonya propped her chin on her right hand and said, “But Vesser manages that too. Is there anyone not getting along with her? She’s intelligent, humble, and cooperative. She’s arguably more suitable than I am. Is there anything critical ‘only I’ can provide?”

“Hmm,” Ashe mused, “like being so gentle and adorable-“

The Stretch Paw Club President couldn’t help but burst into laughter. She tried to cover her mouth to stifle it, but she couldn’t stop, laughing so hard her body shook with amusement. Ashe snapped back to his senses, baring his teeth in mock annoyance, “Were you trying to trick me?”

“Yes!” Sonya nodded with an air of defiance. “I just didn’t expect to uncover your fib-seriously, after the Meteor Trial, plenty of people praised me, but you’re the first to use ‘gentle’ to compliment me.”

“If you say it’s a fib, then it’s a fib.” Ashe looked out at the sunset, grinding his teeth.

Sonya reached across the coffee table and playfully brushed her fingernails against Ashe’s nose. “It’s alright, I really like your fib. If you try a little harder, it might even become the truth.”

“Why am I the one who has to try harder?” Ashe grumbled as he stood up. “Alright, I should get back to finding virtual-real materials.”

“Wait a second.”

Sonya grabbed his wrist, puzzled. “Didn’t you come to see me for something?”

“No, I was really just passing by.”

Ashe and Sonya locked eyes-his dark eyes meeting her crimson ones. After a moment, Sonya released his hand and said, “Alright, but if you’re hiding something or lying to me, I’ll be upset.”

“And by the way, when I grabbed your wrist earlier, I used a spirit of sincerity,” she added, tilting her head with a gentle smile. “You can still sit back down.”

Reluctantly, Ashe sat back down without saying a word, clearly troubled.

Sonya didn’t press him further. Instead, she signaled to the manager for two classic coffees and placed her hands on the table, her lips pressed together as she watched him intently with wide eyes.

When the manager brought over two cups of coffee, Ashe hesitantly produced a bag from his belongings.

As Sonya reached for it, he held onto it. “You can only open it after I’ve left,” he instructed.

“Then take it back,” Sonya replied. “If you won’t sit here with me while I look at it, then I don’t want it.”

“Why?” Ashe asked, in a voice like someone questioning the heavens.

“Because I’m the not-so-gentle sword Princess,” Sonya said with a teasing smile. “Are you going to give it to me or not?”

After a moment of silence, the Cult Leader gave up, letting go in resignation. Sonya opened the bag to reveal a completely transparent outer garment, a two-piece pure white, alluring swimsuit, and even a straw hat.

She gazed silently at Ashe, who immediately started to stammer in explanation, “It was just an Adventure, something custom-made for you… but I didn’t expect it to be a swimsuit, that’s not what I meant at all… If you wear it in the Virtual Realm, it grants a Composite Miracle, reducing spellforce consumption by 10%… I don’t mean for you to actually wear it in the Virtual Realm! It’s just… I didn’t really intend to give it to you, but it was just there… Oh, just pretend you never received this gift! I’m leaving-“

As Ashe attempted to make his escape, the sword Princess caught his wrist once more. She gestured for him to sit back down, her sharp gaze making him a bit uneasy. Then, in a calm voice, she asked:

“Do you want to see?”

Instinctively, Ashe glanced around the room, as if Sonya were asking a Blade Fish Dragon that had sneaked into the café.

“Do you want to see me wear it?” she repeated.

Confronted with such a challenging question for the first time, Ashe found himself bewildered. If he said yes, it might seem too forward, like he had brought the swimsuit just for her to wear. If he said no, he feared she would scorn him for being insincere.

Thinking it over, Ashe decided on a compromise-

He nodded.

Then he saw Sonya raise an eyebrow, lean back slightly, and her lips curled into a smile.

“Hmph.”

She let out a soft sound through her nose, hinting at disdain, pride, or perhaps both. Her eyes sparkled with amusement that spread across her face, glowing in the warm light of the sunset.

She rested her head on her left hand and looked out at the leisurely street, while her right hand was placed in front of her chest. Her thumb toyed with the edge of her collar, as if to let in some air or perhaps to slip it off and change.

“Tell me,” Sonya asked softly, “do you think there’s a swimming pool here?”