One week later, in the morning.

"Little Dark, come here!"

"Gurgle."

After days of study, Wu Yan could finally understand simple words. After all, a tentacle monster with enhanced memory wasn’t ordinary—it could learn.

He vaulted over obstacles on the desk in two leaps, then sprang into Lilina’s arms with a powerful thrust of his tentacles.

Lilina felt a flicker of joy seeing Wu Yan respond—but bitterness drowned it out.

No matter how hard she tried, he still couldn’t channel magic to her.

*(Wu Yan thought: It’s not my fault. It’s this world’s! How can you blame me for a language barrier?)*

Winning today’s duel against Rabi would be tough.

Why "tough" and not "hopeless"? Not because Wu Yan was useful (though he could serve as a meat shield). Thanks to Teacher Stephanie’s ten Mind Crystals, Lilina had finally reached the peak of Mage Apprentice. Her diligent practice also made her spells faster.

Now she matched Rabi’s skill—even held a slight edge. The deciding factor was Contract Beasts. Sadly, Wu Yan was only good as a shield for now.

Wu Yan’s mind churned even more violently.

*Damn it!* Last night, he’d finally memorized that spell’s incantation. Just as he tried casting it—he couldn’t speak it at all!

The incantation went like this:

*"Flame that brings civilization, hope, and life to humanity—grant me a fraction of your might: heat!"*

But Wu Yan?

*"Gurgle-gurgle, gu-gurgle, gurgle, gurgle!"*

He wanted to flip the table.

*What’s the point of learning magic like this?!*

*Sigh.* Forget spells until he turned human again. Lilina seemed desperate for him to grasp magic flow, resonance, energy transfer...

Language-barriered and frustrated, Wu Yan focused on sensing magic first.

*Should be the right starting point.*

He closed his eyes. Instantly, twelve pitch-black vortices swirled before him, oozing eerie, terrifying light.

*This must be magic-related—but nothing like the textbooks described.*

*Basic Magic Theory* claimed humans naturally held balanced elemental particles. To cast spells, one must first commune with them.

Elements appeared as faint glowing specks during meditation. Their elusiveness defined talent: some sensed nothing, lacking magic aptitude. Even geniuses needed a pure, empty mind to perceive them.

*Who said elements were balanced? Everything’s black!*

*Who said they were tiny? These are massive!*

*Who said they’re hard to sense? They’re everywhere when I close my eyes!*

*...Am I a genius among geniuses? (Or just not human?)*

Wu Yan fantasized—then scoffed. *What talent? I can’t even chant!*

With no other options, he tried controlling one vortex. It expanded before him, making his heart pound.

*It’s just in my mind. Should be safe.*

He pushed further.

Just as dread peaked, clarity struck. Unconsciously, he visualized the Magic Array he’d learned.

To his shock, a thread of darkness spun from the vortex. It wove and crossed around the swirl—forming that exact array.

The Magic Array rotated slowly with the vortex, radiating bone-chilling power.

Casting it felt instinctive—no lengthy chants needed. Like breathing. Only one flaw: he couldn’t fully control its force.

*So I don’t need incantations!*

He noticed the array stayed solid. Unlike textbooks said, it didn’t vanish after casting or when mental focus slipped.

Even more impossible: he’d only learned a first-tier spell. This reeked of far deadlier power.

*Sudden realization hit him.* These vortices weren’t elements—they were concentrated magic energy. Elements were buried deep within.

Twelve vortices surrounded him.

Awe froze Wu Yan—then exhilaration surged.

*This is how a transmigrator should be! No overpowered ability? Embarrassing.*

*Now winning over girls will be easier...*

"Lilina, just surrender already. Maybe I’ll pity you and spare you from expulsion!"

"Hmph, Rabi. The outcome isn’t decided yet. I’ll surprise you during the match."

Their voices snapped Wu Yan back to reality. Unnoticed, Lilina had already reached the classroom.