Knights and Magic Wand
Chapter 543 - 543 259 The Beast Callisto_2

543: Chapter 259: The Beast Callisto_2 543: Chapter 259: The Beast Callisto_2 A magic apprentice with adept skills used the simplest and most unremarkable “Magic Manipulation” to fling a large rock through the air, successfully destroying a Walking Corpse Puppet created by Advanced Magic.

Unless the spellcaster gains a deeper understanding and utilization of this spell, enabling them to create stronger Undead Puppets.

Evidently, the reason “Walking Corpse Puppet” is classified as Advanced Magic is merely because it is more difficult and complex than most Basic Magic.

From this perspective, spellcasters studying the “Summoning School” seem to face slower progress and reduced efficacy compared to their peers specializing in the “Elemental School.”

As for magic that is even harder and more complex than “Advanced Magic,” such as “High Magic” and “Great Magic,” it is beyond the reach of those simply researching particular academic fields.

For example, Lady Aphrodite’s Netti Cards, which can indeed be considered miracles of Great Magic.

Or even the dead zone currently spreading across Eastern Kantadar, which, upon comprehensive evaluation, could also be deemed an extraordinary manifestation of Great Magic.

Of course, any powerful spells above Basic Magic essentially have nothing to do with me right now.

The Black Netti Card cannot accommodate overly powerful Advanced Magic.

Take “Elemental Studies – Atmospheric Elements” and its spell [Heavenly Dragon Punishment], described as Advanced Celestial Phenomenon Magic capable of summoning Thunder Strikes—a spell Leon can only gaze at longingly in the magic guidebook.

On the other hand, a Life Science Advanced Healing Magic called [Flesh Regeneration], according to Lola, can be barely accommodated by the Black Card.

This magic even boasts the ability to heal severe injuries and regenerate lost limbs, making it a life-saving option in critical situations—a reasonably good choice.

Regarding other Basic Attack Magic, while they may prove effective in isolated or small-scale battles, their impact remains too insignificant on the battlefield.

I’m a military leader, not a lone adventurer.

If I can’t imprint large-scale, military-class Killing Magic, then the enemies that Basic Spells could take down might not even match what Canis’ Heroic Spirit Martial Soul could achieve single-handedly on the battlefield.

An Heroic Spirit Card like Canis is truly more versatile than Basic Spells with singular effects.

In combat, you can send the Wolf Family Young Master to slash enemies; in crisis, you can use him as a shield; in special circumstances, you can throw him out as bait.

If he dies, you’re not even heartbroken.

…It seems either finding another Heroic Spirit that the Black Card can accommodate, or selecting “Flesh Regeneration,” is the best choice.

Leon turned his attention to a second plan, pondering whether there might be another strong warrior Heroic Spirit, like Canis, who had left a deep mark on the world and was powerful enough to be summoned.

The recently concluded Battle of Ustato surely saw many renowned Knights of Valor perish on the battlefield, regardless of whether they belonged to the Kantadar side or Orland’s side.

But now, whether it’s returning to Ustato to steal Kantadar knights’ remains and artifacts, or looking domestically for famous knights who fell on Orland’s side, the options hardly seem practical.

There’s no certainty of successful summoning, and risking that could be more trouble than it’s worth.

Furthermore, even if I successfully summon the corresponding knight’s wandering soul from the Dead Sea, Leon still wouldn’t know how to establish the “Master-Servant Contract” Lola had taught.

Back then, Canis became my servant because I agreed to help this vengeful spirit of the Wolf Family Young Master complete his revenge personally, thereby earning his agreement.

For other wandering souls, Leon wouldn’t even know what bargaining chips to offer for their loyalty.

Netti Cards, after all, were originally designed by Lady Aphrodite to create a kind of “Soul Device” for resurrecting Lola; they inherently lack coercive enslavement effects.

Just like Lola now—she’s not my Heroic Spirit Servant but rather an independent Card Spirit.

The current “Master-Servant Contract” binding Canis and Galron was even something Lola personally redesigned.

It was added to the summoning rituals of the Netti Cards without violating their original parameters.

What if I risk my reputation by stealing the remains and relics of a renowned knight, only to find that his soul in the Dead Sea doesn’t even wish to live again?

Or refuses to let his soul be subjected to another’s control?

Then wouldn’t all that risk be a waste of time and effort?

Leon sighed and placed the Netti Card he’s been twisting in his hand back down.

If I can’t make a Heroic Spirit Card, then I can only make a Magic Card, or…

light the Guardian Spirit Holy Lamp and have Lola help engrave a Treasure Card?

…Hmm.

Heroic Spirit Cards, Treasure Cards, Magic Cards…

As Leon’s thoughts gradually merged the classifications of his magical artifacts into a semblance of the tabletop card games from his previous life, his eyes suddenly widened—a new idea popped into his mind.

What if I create a “Monster Card” instead?

“Lola, is it possible for a Netti Card to summon non-human wandering souls from the ‘Dead Sea’?”

Lola paused at his words.

She rested her hands on Leon’s shoulders and patted them: “It’s possible.

Whether it’s the souls of beasts or demons, the conditions required for the summoning are no different from those for human souls.

But how do you negotiate with the spirit of a beast?

Its intelligence doesn’t allow complex communication, and I’m unable to manipulate the Yinnie’s Witness Contract to help you cheat.

If the spirit doesn’t voluntarily sign the contract, you’ll end up with an uncontrollable beast spirit.”

“That’s no issue—I might really have a way to try it.” Leon stood and made up his mind.

Lola instantly grasped his intent: “Oh, you’re thinking of summoning the Horror Mountain Bear you killed?”

“Exactly.”

Leon turned back and shook the card in his hand at the young teacher: “Just perfect.

That Horror Mountain Bear ate so many people; dying is too easy a consequence.

With disaster looming over the continent, it might as well return to the world of the living to help fight against the undead—a chance for redemption even after death.”

Lola crossed her arms and remarked thoughtfully, “So you’re planning to use its three cubs as leverage to make it yield?

…Although beasts may lack the consciousness for complex logic, their innate maternal instinct could indeed compel compliance.

After all, it had just given birth to its cubs before dying.

Its soul might now be filled with anxiety and resentment for their safety.”

Hearing her directness, Leon couldn’t help but feel awkward: “Leverage sounds too harsh—it’s just negotiation.

I’ll help care for its cubs until they’re weaned, then release them into the wild, while it works for me to combat undead.

Fair trade, isn’t it?”

“Weren’t you planning to release the cubs into the wild all along?”

“Hah, I’m not going to tell the mother bear my original plan.

That Horror Mountain Bear wouldn’t believe I’d be so kind in the first place.” Leon replied smugly.

Lola chuckled and spread her hands in resignation: “You’re clever, but it’s worth a try.

Such a primal beast soul—even this Secondary Netti Card can accommodate it.

If successful, an adult Horror Mountain Bear would be far more useful than a regular warrior or the singular effects of Basic Magic.

For now, the only issue is whether we can find its soul in the Dead Sea.”

Leon stroked his chin and pondered aloud: “Logically speaking, that Horror Mountain Bear had rampaged through Mamor’s Leding Castle for several months before we killed it, gaining notoriety.

Compared to Canis, who earned fame on the battlefield and among noble circles in Gray Robe Valley, it might have far greater renown.

Moreover, the ranger knights who participated in the hunt were each celebrated heroes from various regions of Orland.

If the giant beast hunt’s story spreads, and based on what you said about the principles of Netti Card magic, the ritual should be even easier when its traces are scanned through the River of Time in search of souls in the Dead Sea.”

Leon’s eagerness grew as he spoke.

“Alright—no more talking.

Time is of the essence.

Lola, I’ve got to head back to Leding Castle immediately to give this a try.”

Since the fight ended and the bear’s corpse was handed over to the Gunnar Family, nine days have passed.

Leon only hoped Henkel’s people moved slowly, and the bear monster’s body hadn’t been entirely dealt with yet.

“Wait.” Lola quickly grabbed his wrist.

“Hm?” Leon stopped and turned back, puzzled.

“Remember, before performing the summoning ritual, give that Horror Mountain Bear a name.” Miss Mage reminded him earnestly: “In magic, a true name holds significant and extraordinary power.

The Horror Mountain Bear you mentioned likely hadn’t been named in life.

Giving it a definitive name will make the magic better target its spirit.”

Leon understood and nodded in appreciation.

A name…

Let’s just call it “Callisto.”

After all, it’s a mother bear.