The next morning, after waking and handling chores, Locke retrieved the completed Level 5 synthesized item from the Horadric Synthesis Cube.

The Level 5 Deep Blue Jade was only slightly larger than the Level 4 version, with no significant changes.

Locke infused it with mana, finding little difference from the Level 4 Deep Blue Jade.

In his dormitory, Locke showed no disappointment; he had anticipated this.

The synthesis formulas for the Horadric Synthesis Cube required exploration.

While the cube was a supreme artifact, its effective use depended on the user’s ability.

The current situation showed that synthesizing Level 5 items with only sapphires yielded minimal upgrades. A new formula with additional materials was needed to significantly enhance the Deep Blue Jade’s efficacy.

Locke decided, “Previously, synthesizing a ruby to Level 4 only made it larger. Next, I’ll try combining a Level 4 ruby with a Level 4 Deep Blue Jade.”

“Let’s see if it produces something as useful as the Deep Blue Jade.”

“I’ll start with one ruby and two Deep Blue Jades.”

Locke studied alone in his dormitory all morning before heading to yesterday’s classroom.

Professor Alder was already there, his dark circles more pronounced, though his face had gained some flesh.

Locke heard that a student had died in Alder’s office yesterday—a Frankish student, his acquaintance, Cohen Julian.

Alder held a rat’s skull, smiling. “You’re here. Know what this is? To mortals, it’s just an animal skull.”

“To me, it’s a treasure.”

“To my enemies, it’s death.”

Alder softly chanted a spell, drawing his deathly aura into the rat skull in his palm.

Locke grew alert, his left hand gripping a wildflower in his pocket, his right index finger twitching. If he chose, the magical vine hidden under his coat would form a giant hand to attack Alder.

But Alder seemed oblivious.

The skull’s eye sockets briefly glowed with an eerie green light, like a vengeful spirit’s gaze.

Alder tossed the skull out the window, hitting a tree outside. The ordinary skull let out a shrill scream upon impact.

Instantly, the rat skull exploded, shattering the sturdy tree into fragments. Nearby plants withered rapidly, and the soil turned an unnatural green with toxic hues.

Locke rubbed his forehead, feeling dizzy from the explosion, though he wasn’t the target.

Alder glanced at Locke. “Necromantic spells often have stricter casting conditions but greater power.”

“Skull Explosion is a rare trick spell with three stages of damage.”

“Each stage affects a different range.”

Alder explained, “The first stage is mental damage. The skull emits the dying wails and resentment of the deceased during the explosion, lightly affecting nearby minds.”

“Don’t underestimate it. You’re only slightly dizzy, but a mortal here would have fainted.”

“And likely suffer permanent mental damage.”

“The second stage is damage from highly compressed negative energy exploding suddenly.”

“The third stage is corpse poison formed by the concentrated negative energy, invading living bodies. If you were the target, even dodging the first two stages, the third would severely injure you.”

Locke was stunned, inwardly alarmed.

Dean Tongus had said he needn’t fear Alder.

But that was the frail Alder before, not this one, freshly modified by a 0.3-circle spell.

If this Alder turned against him…

Locke’s expression grew serious.

Alder glanced at him, smiling gently. “Necromantic magic is powerful but has many side effects.”

“I’ve refined this spell multiple times to suit my style, maximizing its power in my experience.”

“So, I want to teach it to you.”

Alder sighed. “This way, I won’t have lived in the wizarding world in vain.”

He patted Locke’s shoulder. “It’s a form of legacy, another way to extend myself.”

“Skull Explosion requires a small animal skull and killing someone within 48 hours to infuse their deathly aura into the casting skull.”

“I only killed one person recently… what was their name? Doesn’t matter.”

“So, I can’t cast Skull Explosion again for now.”

“This spell should be useful as your trump card.”

Alder’s explanation eased the tension between them.

Locke relaxed slightly.

Alder said, “Let’s start. First, we’ll cover Basic Negative Energy.”

“I thought about it last night. One hour a day is too slow. With less than three months, I’m not sure I can finish teaching you.”

“So, I’ll teach you every afternoon.”

Alder’s gaze turned serious. “I don’t want my spell to be lost. Locke, study diligently.”

“I heard Kode and Patty haven’t completed their first spells. Let’s see who finishes first, their first spell or your second.”

Locke raised an eyebrow, feeling an eerie chill, as if Alder’s words carried a veiled threat.

But he smiled lightly.

Having a teacher so eager to pass on everything was rare.

This was entirely beneficial to him.

Locke found a seat. “Let’s begin, Professor Alder.”

Alder nodded, satisfied. “Good.”