"Truly astonishing talent. To have mastered the basics of carving in such a short time...
And even succeeded in casting spells to create a genuine golem..."
Not long after, in the communication room.
Flosf praised Roy with a hint of surprise.
"But don't get too proud yet. The golem you've created now is merely the most basic animated statue, not even worthy of being called 'Black Iron'. Moreover, it requires multiple recharges of active energy, and prolonged use might render it completely useless. Do you know why?"
"Is it because it lacks a soul?"
Roy pondered for a moment before tentatively asking.
"Exactly. What you can currently bestow upon the golem is merely the Wizardry Energy from the Animation Art, forcibly driven!
It carries your 'understanding' of the centaur creature, essentially utilizing your subconscious to simulate a soul.
So the next step is to attempt to infuse it with a genuine soul!
But how can a cold, lifeless statue possess a soul?"
Flosf patiently guided.
"Could it be that we need to extract the soul of a real horse and infuse it?"
Roy speculated.
"The Undead Warhorse is also created using this method, requiring the soul of a warhorse as the main ingredient."
"Correct, but for a centaur... merely having the soul of a horse is insufficient."
Flosf explained.
"It also needs a human soul to provide sufficient intelligence!"
Hearing this, Roy couldn't help but frown.
Fortunately, this was just one of the methods.
"This method is the original technique for creating centaur golems, a low-efficiency approach born out of the scarcity of centaur magical creatures.
Typically, the Wizarding World refers to this as the Chimera Soul, or 'Synthetic Soul'!"
The Chimera is a mythical monster with a lion's head, goat's body, and serpent's tail.
Some Wizard Alchemists also refer to phenomena carrying multiple bloodlines or soul traits as Chimera Bloodline or Chimera Phenomenon.
This has given rise to concepts like 'Synthetic Beast' and 'Chimera'.
Naturally, this includes the alchemical lifeform operation of human + horse = centaur.
Flosf continued, "After conquering some worlds that produce centaurs, we obtained soul resources using genuine centaurs as the source of intelligence.
This is called the 'Natural Soul'.
Later, through genuine 'Genesis Studies' techniques, we simulated and created the intelligence of magical creatures, developing methods for Artificial Lifeforms, known as 'Simulated Soul' or 'Intelligent Body'.
The Spell Model of 'Animation Art' inherently includes this aspect, but it's only the most basic application."
Roy suddenly understood.
Similar to the mechanism where animated iron chains simulate the hunting actions of snakes when killing enemies.
This is essentially the 'Simulated Soul' or 'Intelligent Body' inherent in the 'Animation Art'.
Those magical alchemy tools also follow this path.
Flosf said, "The above three methods correspond to different levels and developmental stages of production techniques, with no inherent superiority or inferiority, depending entirely on the required scenarios."
Roy asked curiously, "Teacher, which one do you primarily research?"
Flosf replied, "The second one..."
"I've told you before, my Wizard's Maxim is equivalent exchange, which actually involves the refinement and transformation of life and soul.
Using Natural Souls is indeed the most convenient method.
First, try to study biological knowledge to enhance your understanding of the centaur race, gradually increasing the proportion of spirituality you infuse during your spellcasting.
When the opportunity arises, I'll give you some real souls of centaur warriors...
By the way, there's one more thing."
Flosf said to him.
"I should have mentioned before that I am the governor of the colonial region of Netherland, appointed by the Wizard Tower to guard this low-magic world."
Roy nodded.
He had already understood this during their initial meeting.
Flosf continued, "Recently, the indigenous barbarians have launched another offensive.
I originally had a group of students and subordinates, but a Wizard has just completed his term of service, and I'm currently occupied with another important research project, so I can't spare the time.
If you're willing, you can develop a following of up to 10 people, including intermediate and advanced apprentices.
Bring them along when the time comes."
"Teacher, isn't it a bit early to discuss this now?" Roy said helplessly.
"I'm just giving you a heads-up to prepare. A genius like you will rise quickly."
Flosf said matter-of-factly.
That might not be the case...
Roy muttered to himself.
It's like Sophia and Olen both believe that I rely on my exceptional talent...
But in reality, I want to say, you all overestimate me.
If it weren't for using the 'Sacred Lake Blessing' Magical Potion, I dare say I would have remained stagnant for life.
I might even regress to show you!
But since Flosf spoke with such certainty, Roy had no choice but to agree for now.
...
"An opportunity to go to the Otherworld?"
"A low-magic world, Netherland?"
The day after communicating with his teacher, Roy gathered everyone in the carving classroom he had been frequenting recently.
This included Andov and Niya, whom he had known for over two years, as well as Olinda, Milina, and Winter, whom he hadn't known as long.
Members of the Homunculus Enthusiasts Club, Lecter, Chikatilo, and Damo.
Stedson, a carving enthusiast with whom he had recently been in frequent contact.
And even those he wasn't very familiar with, such as Sophia's connections, and friends of these acquaintances or strangers.
They all came.
Except for Renien.
Roy knew he wouldn't come, so he didn't bother asking him.
"Indeed, this is both an opportunity and a challenge. Anyone aspiring to venture beyond the Star Sea and explore outward can consider it.
I can't guarantee to help you advance to elite or even official Wizard status, but I can provide basic freedom and security, and advanced apprentices should be no problem.
Of course, if you prefer to stay here and follow the usual path, I won't force you."
"I see..."
Everyone pondered, each with their own thoughts, and gradually made up their minds.
Niya, Milina, Lecter, and Chikatilo all passed on this opportunity.
Damo from the Homunculus Enthusiasts Club showed great interest, and Stedson from the carving class was also willing to give it a try.
Winter, concerned about being an intermediate apprentice without any special skills that Roy could utilize, cautiously probed and was immediately accepted, joining with delight.
Even Olinda was drawn in by Roy's generous promises and joined his team.
"Andov, why are you taking so long to decide?" Roy frowned and looked at Andov after everyone else had already voiced their opinions.
Andov looked conflicted, as if he was hesitating and worrying about something.
But in the end, he said, "I'm in."