Chapter 30

In the world, the scientific community often uses the names of certain great masters to name physical units or mathematical theorems, in recognition of their contributions. For example, Euclidean division, Ampere, and Ohm.

Similarly, in this world, spellcasters have the right to name the spells they invent, which is a unique honor for those who explore and create arcane arts. Just being a third-level mage and creating a spell of one's own is an achievement that makes Gorden proud. However, to reach the level of achievement of Mordenkainen, who invented a spell that all spellcasters can learn and use, his current arcane expertise is far from enough.

Self-created spells are divided into three categories. The first category is unique spells that spellcasters develop based on their own specialties and knowledge, for their own use. Even if other mages can identify the effects of these unique spells through spell recognition, they cannot learn them due to the spellcaster's independence and compatibility. Gorden Freeman's Missile Storm falls into this category. Because it relies on mana to cast, Gorden's spellcasting principle is completely different from other mages, so no one can learn the Missile Storm spell. It's like a diesel engine can't run on gasoline.

The second category of self-created spells is called temporary spells. These spells are usually created by mages for a specific purpose, combining the special needs of the environment and situation, to be used just once. Many years ago, the great lich Kel'Thuzad created a spell called "Kel'Thuzad's Gem Dragon Decapitation Blade" to kill a powerful gem dragon. However, apart from killing that gem dragon, the spell was almost useless.

The third type of self-created spell can be learned and used by every spellcaster. The development conditions for these universal spells are the most stringent, and the requirements for the creator are the highest. Only those who have a deep understanding of magic and have integrated the knowledge of various schools of spells can create them. The names of the creators of such universal spells will spread throughout the multiverse with every spell learner and user, becoming immortal legends.

Although he achieved some success, Gorden quickly contained his joy. He checked the system and found that a single Missile Storm consumed 20 mana points.

"Although the burst damage is high, the cost of this spell is really too great. With my current mana, I can only use it three times. It seems I need to conduct more research and continue to optimize this spell."

Gorden was self-aware. Because he realized that the Missile Storm spell, in its initial form, had many shortcomings, he added the prefix "初级" (beginner) to the spell name.

He believed that through continuous research and improvement, he would eventually develop an intermediate Missile Storm, even an advanced Missile Storm, to become his signature spell.

...

Another peaceful and comfortable autumn morning.

At ten o'clock in the morning, Haolin Heidelberg, who had a good night's sleep, walked into the Mage Guild. Adequate sleep made his complexion rosy, and he always wore a smug smile, greeting every mage he passed. It seemed he had encountered some good news, making him very happy.

This Conjuration mage went to the second-floor tavern, ordered a plate of Oasis dried fruits and a bottle of Purple Mountain grape juice, and found a corner to sit and enjoy his drink.

Soon, a few other familiar mages joined Haolin, and they enjoyed the food while chatting about various topics, occasionally picking up useful information from snippets of conversation.

After all, mages who spend all day in their laboratories and studies, never leaving their homes, are not common. Mages also need social lives to exchange insights on arcane research and gather useful information.

"Hey, have you heard? Yesterday, in the Riverside Commercial District, adventurers almost had a conflict with the priests of the Dawn Temple and the police..." said a small girl, only half the height of an average human, sitting at the end of the table.

This halfling woman was a Mind School mage, with a lively personality and a particular fondness for spreading and gathering news. Whatever big or small events happened in Azurewater City, they would always spread throughout the Mage Guild through her mouth.

Her clear and loud voice not only attracted the attention of those at the table but also made other mages at nearby tables perk up their ears. Those who were farther away even cast a Listening Spell to hear more clearly.

Mages dedicated to arcane research also have the same interest in gossip as ordinary people.

"Is it true that the mage named Gorden deceived the adventurers with inferior magic potions?"

"Since it caused such a commotion, I believe it's true. I didn't expect there to be such scoundrels among the mages of our Azurewater City."

Haolin calmly savored the crispy dried fruits, listening to their conversation. He was the instigator and the mastermind behind the events they were discussing. Looking at these people who were unaware and discussing the matter heatedly, a sense of superiority welled up in his heart:

"A bunch of fools. With my intelligence, I will surpass all of you one day!"

"By the way, Haolin, isn't the Hand of Aggro that you manage near that store? Do you have any exclusive information about this incident?" the nosy halfling woman asked.

Haolin put on a carefree, uninvolved look: "Well, I've been immersed in arcane studies recently and haven't had time to pay attention to these matters. However, I do know a bit about Gorden Freeman. He used to work at the Hand of Aggro. But he relied on his noble status, bullied other civilian mages, and I even had a few conflicts with him because I couldn't stand it."

"Later," Haolin took a sip of water and put on a regretful look, "Master Aggro suspected him of being dishonest, so he was fired. I didn't expect that less than a month later, he opened a magic shop and started selling magic potions."

"He must have stolen Master Aggro's potion formulas to dare open a shop."

"Right, right. Maybe because the stolen formulas were incomplete, he had to modify them himself, resulting in harmful, inferior magic potions."

Seeing everyone discussing the matter, Haolin secretly laughed: "What a bunch of fools who have been in the lab too long. I just gave a little guidance, and they started making wild guesses. Gorden, it's not that I'm deliberately slandering you, hahaha."

Just as he was feeling extremely pleased, a voice he detested suddenly came: "Haolin Heidelberg, it's you who's been slandering me behind my back!"

He turned his head to the sound and saw Gorden's fist coming straight at him.

Bang!

Crack!

Struck in the face, Haolin felt a darkening vision and a sharp crack from his nasal bone. He staggered back two steps and fell to the ground, a warm stream gushing from his nostrils.

He reached up and found his hands covered in fresh red blood.

"Gorden, you dare to hit me! Help!" Haolin screamed.

Three figures in black robes, their faces half-covered by metal masks, quickly appeared on the scene. They were the enforcers specially trained by the Mage Guild, not only excellent mages but also equipped with various anti-magic devices, the core force maintaining the guild's order.

"Who disrupted the guild's order and used magic to attack others?"

Haolin gritted his teeth and pointed at Gorden: "Enforcers, it's him! He hit me!"

Gorden nodded and said calmly: "I taught a lesson to that low-born, despicable liar who slandered me."

"What spell did you use?" the enforcer asked, puzzled, as he had not sensed any residual arcane energy.

Gorden grinned and raised his fist: "The spell is called 'Gorden's Righteous Fist.'"

"Haha!"

"Ha ha ha..."

The surrounding mages burst into laughter.

Just hitting someone with a fist and giving it such a grand name, how amusing.

The enforcer pondered for a moment and said in a cold voice: "Not using magic in a fight is not a violation. You can handle it yourselves."

"This... this is it?" Haolin thought Gorden would be severely punished by the enforcers, but they quietly left, and a surge of anger rose in his chest as he glared at Gorden. "You dare to hit me? Do you know how serious the consequences will be?"

"Then I have a question for you, Haolin. Do you know how serious the consequences are for spreading rumors and slandering me?"

"Nonsense, you're just spouting lies!"

"Nonsense? Didn't you just say I was fired from the Hand of Aggro because I was suspected of being dishonest? Then why is Master Aggro completely unaware of this? Why did your cousin take my position the day after I was fired?"

"You're slandering me!" Haolin, covering his bloodied nose, said in a fit of rage.

"If someone checks the employment records of the Hand of Aggro, they'll know if I'm slandering you," Gorden said with a cold laugh. "Lies will eventually be exposed. You, a low-born scoundrel who grew up in the mud, can only survive by using despicable tricks. You can never be compared to a true noble."

Gorden's words thoroughly enraged Haolin. In his heart, twisted arrogance and pitiful inferiority mixed and fermented, eventually turning into a raging fire that burned away all reason.

He didn't even have time to consider why Gorden, who was usually so different, was being so aggressive and domineering today.

"Damn it! You dirty noble, you dare to insult me! I challenge you to a duel! I will kill you with my own hands, and only your blood can wash away my shame today!" Haolin gritted his teeth, as if ready to pounce and tear a piece of flesh from Gorden.

"Fine, let's have a duel!"

"Good. Since both sides have their own stories and accuse each other of slandering, a duel of honor is the best solution."

"Right, a duel!"

The crowd cheered.

No one noticed the satisfied smile that crept onto Gorden's lips as his plan came to fruition.

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