Returning to his residence, Carl couldn't wait to open the book on the Wizard Meditation Method.
"Deep Sea Meditation Method"
According to Adolf, this Meditation Method originated from a Wizard Organization called the 'Natural Society'. It is considered an entry-level Meditation Method, yet sufficient for cultivation to the Official Wizard Realm. In fact, even Adolf cultivated this Meditation Method.
"By utilizing meditation, one enters the mysterious place hidden deep within the consciousness, steadily enhancing spiritual power. Using spiritual power to construct a Magic Model, then casting spells."
"Hmm..." Carl said thoughtfully, "It seems that cultivating witchcraft is a rigorous and complex process, allowing no room for carelessness. No wonder it often takes years."
In his view, Wizards seemed more like scholarly researchers, with the Meditation Method and witchcraft being means to pursue knowledge. Research primarily emphasizes precision. For example, when building a Magic Model, any small mistake could, at best, render the witchcraft ineffective, and at worst, cause mental disorder. Death among practitioners was not uncommon. Of course, one must be extremely cautious.
His predecessor was impulsive, reckless, and lacked patience, which likely prevented him from mastering witchcraft despite having the talent. He, on the other hand, was rather calm, but mastering the Meditation Method would not be possible in a short time.
"First is to meditate on the deep sea, stabilizing the mind in endless darkness."
"Enough!" Shaking his head, Carl gave up attempting to comprehend it bit by bit and closed his eyes, directly entering the mysterious realm.
Above an ancient-patterned, mystic stone seat, a blurred figure gradually became clear. Carl opened his eyes. His brown irises were undisturbed, like an eternal Divine, harboring infinite wisdom.
RUSTLE... He flipped through the book. The knowledge that previously required mental effort to understand was now, with the aid of mystical power, absorbed as easily as flowing water.
"The deep sea?" Carl murmured to himself. After pondering briefly upon finishing the book, his consciousness quietly sank into the Spiritual Inner Sea.
「The next instant.」
BOOM!
The Spiritual Inner Sea, also called the Sea of Consciousness. The depths of the Sea of Consciousness were far less calm than the surface; each stray thought was amplified manifold, forming endless, repeating waves. Any novice, during their first attempt at the Meditation Method, finds it hard to maintain their 'true mind'. Only by trying repeatedly and adjusting each time can one find the right mental footing.
And Carl's faint consciousness, like a steadfast divine needle, stood unwavering despite the wash of stray thoughts. He even had the surplus capacity to sense other things.
When my consciousness sank into the Sea of Consciousness, it seemed I had a deeper connection with this mysterious realm.
Or rather... Control!
"Mysterious realm?" Carl opened his eyes and gently shook his head. "No! Here, my spiritual will is like an indestructible god. It should be called a Divine Domain. Or perhaps a Divine Domain Fragment."
For some reason, a strange thought surfaced in his mind. "Hmm... Did I just manage to reach the entry-level in cultivating the Meditation Method?"
According to the "Deep Sea Meditation Method," as long as one can stabilize their mind in the depths of the Sea of Consciousness, they have reached the entry level. The next step is to absorb stray thoughts in the Sea of Consciousness, strengthen 'right thoughts,' and enhance spiritual power.
There was no surprise, no secret joy, only unwavering calmness.
「Returning to reality.」
Carl was eager to try cultivating the Meditation Method to see if he could replicate his state in the Divine Domain. Clearly, he was being somewhat presumptuous. Although he retained the knowledge and memory, when his spiritual consciousness struggled to sink into the Sea of Consciousness, he was immediately ejected.
"It won't work!"
Sighing, Carl was not too discouraged. "Though it didn't work, according to Adolf, my performance is clearly better than that of other novices. I believe I'll definitely succeed after a few more attempts."
"A Level Four talent… It doesn't affect my cultivation!"
Touching his chin, Carl's gaze shifted to other books. Although he couldn't master the Meditation Method here, in the Divine Domain, 'he' had reached the entry-level of meditation. Could I start practicing witchcraft now? If I master witchcraft in the Divine Domain, can I use it in the real world?
The most important part of practicing witchcraft is constructing the Magic Model, which requires understanding its principles. Even if not a profound understanding, one must still grasp the basics. For example, the lesser spell 'Force Field'. One must at least read through "General Introduction to Force Field Knowledge" and "Arcane Principles" to construct its Magic Model.
In the days that followed, Carl's life was both exhausting and fulfilling. He brewed secret potions, practiced Martial Arts, cultivated his Breath Method, and also worked on the Meditation Method and constructing Magic Models. Especially the Meditation Method. It was one thing in the Divine Domain, but each attempt in the real world was tormenting for Carl. Meditation exhausted spiritual power. He could try at most three times a day; any more would not only be useless but would also damage his mind and spirit.
Fortunately, with increased proficiency, especially with his experience from the Divine Domain, the dawn of mastering the Meditation Method was becoming visible.
"Carl."
「The Patrol Office.」
Carey, munching on something akin to sunflower seeds, asked, "Why have you been so listless these past few days? Did you go somewhere to have fun? If there really is such a place, remember to bring me along."
"No." Carl lay back in his chair, closing his eyes to rest, letting the sunlight pour over him through the window pane. "Busy with martial training; it inevitably consumes some energy."
"In my opinion, it's better not to practice these Martial Arts or swordsmanship." Carey pursed his lips and tossed away the seed shell. "Look at Aubrey and the others. See what became of them; their families are still in turmoil. Sometimes trying too hard isn't a good thing."
He knew about that night's operation too, but he hadn't participated due to his portly build and lack of strength. Unexpectedly, he had thus escaped calamity. Instead, it was the stronger ones who ended up dead or injured. This experience had given Carey an excuse for his gluttony and laziness, and he even began advising Carl.
"I know."
Carl responded with a grunt, drowsily waiting until the end of the workday before throwing on his trench coat and heading outside.
"Carl!" A familiar voice called from behind. "Don't rush off just yet."
"Commander Dana." Carl raised an eyebrow.
"Commander." Carey shrank back, his face displaying a sycophantic smile. "If there's nothing else, I'll be taking off first. You two talk!" Saying this, he gave Carl a look that meant 'you're on your own' and scurried out of the Patrol Office, heading off to some unknown destination.
Recently, Dana had been frequently reprimanded by her superiors, and the families of the deceased were increasingly demanding answers from her. She spent her days with a stern face, making her unapproachable. The entire Patrol Office, from top to bottom, was silent as if gripped by the chill of winter.
"Do you have some time?" Dana paced over. "Join me for a drink."
"..." Carl furrowed his brow slightly, then sighed lightly. "Alright!"
Carl's predecessor had been a tavern regular. Since Carl had taken over this body, he hadn't visited one. Thus, returning to a tavern now felt somewhat unfamiliar.
"Sit." Dana removed her trench coat, revealing the practical, close-fitting attire underneath that accentuated her mature figure.
BANG! A large mug of ale thudded down in front of him. Dana was the first to raise her mug. "Drink! Bottoms up!"
With that, she tilted back her head and guzzled down the large mug of ale in one go, displaying a hearty demeanor.
"Impressive." Carl clapped lightly in praise and drank along. "Commander, you didn't call me out just for drinks, did you?"
"Can you please drop the complaint against me?" Dana turned to look at him, her eyes slightly red. "As long as you drop it, I'll do whatever you ask."