#292 - Ritual Magic

After wiping away the bloodstains, the entire piece of cowhide began to exhibit a rough, leathery texture, much like that of a Streeler. Read М

Following the method recorded in the magic book, Anduin held the cowhide and activated his magic. Soon, the cowhide regained its original softness. When he input magic again, the cowhide became rough once more.

“The effect is quite obvious, but when the magic array is in operation, the magic flow in individual lines of the array diagram isn't smooth enough, which means the efficiency isn't fully utilized?”

“The amount of blood required for the ritual is related to the size of the magic array and the materials. Moreover, drawing the magic array and operating the ritual don't actually require that much blood. Splashing a large tube of blood directly is clearly a waste. Next time, I'll try using a catheter to apply it little by little and see the effect.” Anduin observed the magic array and summarized his gains.

Upon returning, Anduin attempted to optimize the magic array. He created over a dozen array diagrams at once, preparing for the second phase of testing.

A month passed quietly. Just before the end of the fifth year, Anduin finally tested a most concise and efficient array diagram, which also consumed dozens of cowhides and an entire Streeler. →

Anduin improved the process of drawing the magic array and transfusing blood during the ritual, reducing the waste of blood. He could finally try to rely on this method to create his first bloodline alchemy item.

That day, Anduin came to the Forbidden Forest cabin and placed a leather mask on the workbench inside. The mask was white overall, with fine lines characteristic of animal skin visible on it. Corresponding gaps were left for the eyes, nostrils, and mouth.

This was made by Anduin using Diricawl skin. Diricawls have good magic affinity and are full of vitality. Their droppings can make magical plants grow quickly and healthily.

Then, Anduin took out a crystal bottle from the hidden compartment under the floorboards. This was Tonks's blood, which he had drawn a week ago. To get Tonks to cooperate in making this item, he paid a real price of two large Streeler hams and also made her a pair of magical boots made of magical animal skin.

He carefully opened the crystal bottle and quickly put on a metal cap, with a soft rubber tube connected to the cap. The liquid inside flowed along the tube into the engraving pen in his hand. Then, Anduin began to concentrate on drawing the improved array diagram.

He was preparing to make a Metamorphmagus bloodline magic transformation mask, mainly because he couldn't choose items that were too large, otherwise, too much blood would be supplied, which would have adverse effects on Tonks's body. After all, she is only 11 years old now, and the total amount for the two processes should not exceed 100 milliliters.

Anduin was very careful in drawing the array diagram on the mask. This uneven carrier is different from a flat carrier, and a single mistake could ruin everything.

After he had almost exhausted all the liquid in the crystal bottle, the array diagram was finally completed. After being tested by the observation instrument, it was determined that the magic array on the mask was operating well, and Anduin finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“Tonks, come in!” Anduin pushed open the wooden door of the cabin and called out.

“Coming, coming, Master. I feel like I'm really unlucky. How come I always have to have blood drawn after meeting you?” At this time, a tall, white-haired girl jumped into the cabin, muttering with a dissatisfied expression.

“It's as if the compensation I gave you wasn't enough. I heard from Charlie that after you got those Phase Boots, you went to show them off to them whenever you had the chance. Why didn't I see you complaining then?” Anduin rolled his eyes at her.

“Blegh!” Tonks made a face at Anduin, then jumped onto the chair next to the operating table and sat down. “Master, is this broken mask the alchemy equipment you said could replicate the Metamorphmagus ability?”

“Whether it will succeed or not is still uncertain. This is my first time trying bloodline alchemy. Remember to keep using your Metamorphmagus ability and concentrate on transforming when I draw blood later. Don't let it fail, or we'll have to try again.” Anduin instructed with a stern face.

“Oh no, then I have to have blood drawn again. I don't want to!” Tonks kicked her legs in a spoiled manner, complaining to Anduin.

“Stop talking nonsense and do as I say. Be serious. I've tested it several times before and there were no problems. Don't let it go wrong in your environment.” Anduin frowned slightly, staring at Tonks. “Hold out your hand.”

“Oh.” Seeing her master's serious appearance, Tonks pouted and obediently held out her right hand.

At this time, Anduin took out a needle and, holding Tonks's arm, carefully aimed.

“It hurts, it hurts so much!” Tonks saw the bright, thick needle in Anduin's hand, nervously closed her eyes, and cried out in pain.

“I haven't even inserted it yet, what are you panicking about.” Anduin sighed helplessly, then exerted force in his hand. “Okay, it's in. Quickly mobilize your magic and use your Metamorphmagus ability.”

Although Tonks was very nervous at this time, she also knew that this was a critical moment. She quickly listened and activated her bloodline magic. Then, she saw her hair and face begin to change continuously. Instantly, a young girl turned into a monster with colorful hair and a constantly distorted face.

At this time, blood spread out along the rubber tube in Anduin's hand and then gathered on a prop that looked like a children's watercolor pen.

Anduin was holding this prop at this time, carefully smearing it on the mask. With each smear, a very thin but quite even layer of blood was applied to the surface of the mask.

This was a small tool specially made by Anduin, which could minimize blood wastage. He had previously tested and found that in the second stage of the ritual magic, as long as the blood covered the surface of the array diagram, there was no strict requirement for thickness.

However, in order to ensure success in one go, Anduin quickly smeared the mask back and forth three times until the lines of the magic array on the surface were completely hidden. He quickly put away the instrument and stopped the bleeding for Tonks.

“Huh? So fast? I thought it would take a while.” Tonks saw that Anduin had completed the operation in less than two minutes, and she herself felt a little unaccustomed to it.

“Every step requires blood, how can I not hurry? It's your blood that's being drawn.” Seeing that Tonks still had the energy to talk nonsense, Anduin breathed a sigh of relief.

“Then is this prop considered complete now?” Tonks stared at the red mask completely covered in blood. “How is it? Did it succeed? Quickly try the effect.”

“Yeah.” Anduin was now also very curious about this bloodline alchemy item, so he raised his hand, picked up the mask, and carefully put it on his face.