Chess Mage of Faerûn

In any case, Zhang Yuan spent the sweltering month of the year in cool comfort within Gaolibao.

As the sun set and summer drew to a close, my academic journey came to an end with the closing of the books before me.

All the hard work and effort put into it is condensed by the attributes that emerge at the right time:
Spell Feat (Super Magic) - Chain Spell Nova:
This feat allows casters to select additional targets beyond the primary target when casting single-target spells of the Conjuration/Necromantic/Evocation/Transmutation factions, resulting in an equivalent spellcasting effect.

Note 1: This feat will allow super spells to occupy spell slots two levels higher than the original spells.

Note 2: The number of additional targets is determined by the caster's level, and the conversion formula is as follows:
(Current spellcasting level + 1) / 2 - (Original spell level)
Note 3: The effect of a spell is affected by the caster's arcane foundation and proficiency in their specialization.

Finally, the moment had come. Zhang Yuan let out a long breath, seemingly satisfied and relieved.

The final foundation for advancing has been laid. Since the day the path ahead became clear, the final step, which has been delayed for nearly half a year, is about to be taken, breaking through the Heavenly Palace.

The study of a profound and mysterious art brings more than just improvements in magical skills, just as the fruits of scientific research projects are not limited to finished products.

In this process, I gained a glimpse into the essence of arcane magic, a deeper connection with the magic network, and a further understanding and comprehension of the skills and knowledge I had learned. All of these things came to mind, leaving me with no more doubts.

(Intelligence +1)

The system notification seemed encouraging, making the monk's lips curl into a smile, and his steps as he stepped out of the library became lighter.

"Teacher, my time has come."

Despite his confidence, he did not forget to inform Tyrandeur in advance.

"Um,"

The high master, having put down what he was doing, turned to his disciple and asked, "Are you ready to condense your true name?"

?

Why bring this up all of a sudden?

In the world of Abbottoril, definitions and concepts are not merely titles or names; they possess the power to touch upon the essence of things.

Every individual possesses a uniqueness that cannot be confused or overlapped, similar to DNA or a serial number from a past life, which is manifested in the world of Toril as a true name.

Even Zhang Yuan, a time traveler, has a real name.

However, unlike the natives of the outer planes whose souls are the source of everything and who are almost born with knowledge of their true names, the Baloos of the main plane, including a certain outsider, have their souls essentially attached to their flesh and blood bodies, thus creating an inherent barrier.

Most ordinary people, including professionals, will never know their true name in their lifetime. They will probably only be told it for the first time by the Grand Judge when they go to the underworld for final judgment.

However, nothing is absolute. Not to mention that some outstanding individuals and lucky ones will come into contact with and realize their true nature by chance (for example, those who are fortunate enough to be involved in the Styx Pact, even if they are chaotic and ignorant goblins, will have their true names revealed).

Once spellcasters recognize the power of true names—a power capable of shaking the very essence of existence—they will certainly not relinquish this weapon.

For example, these freelance sorcerers are particularly interested in the true names of otherworldly beings, always thinking about luring their key targets to the main plane to enjoy the blessings they have prepared for them.

Fortunately, the research revealed that the project required considerable skill in divination magic, which is precisely the weakness of sorcerers.

Fortunately, many extradimensional beings, though inevitably forced to come to the main plane as temporary workers, at least did not end up being sold into servitude as serfs.

Aside from schools like prophets and true masters, when a spellcaster reaches a certain level, their spirituality is sufficient to reach the depths of the magic net.

'You will hear your true voice in the echoes reverberating across the Sea of ​​Mysteries!'

— *The Wizarding Web: True Name, True Self, and Spirituality*

Zhang Yuan did not doubt his ability to obtain his true self, but apart from those who followed the path of the True Name Master or the solipsist, most people were not particularly interested in knowing about it.

After all, who would like to carry around a dagger that can only stab themselves?

The true name, in the hands of solipsists, is a holy sword that can move the world, but to ordinary people it seems to be nothing more than a self-destructive tool.

"Is it about signing some kind of contract?" Zhang Yuan thought about it and felt that there was no other possibility. Could it be that his teacher was afraid that he would die out there and was preparing to reclaim his second-hand remnant soul to revive him?

That's so thoughtful.

"Yes, but not with me."

Ok?
Zhang Yuan looked at the Grand Master with some doubt, and the latter continued:

"A door."

"A portal? A teleportation portal? You've already given me a teleportation gem, haven't you?"

Tyrantil ignored him and continued speaking to himself:

“The terror of fate surpasses all swords and magic, swallowing up mortal beings in its wake like a whirlpool.”

"Even the most sophisticated teleportation spell might allow one to escape death."

"Yet, one cannot escape fate."

"I can't either."

The Grand Master turned around, his gaze as sharp as ever, but with a hint of helplessness.

"The City of Ten Thousand Gates where that lady is located—the Ring Domain—is one of the few transcendent realms where one can escape entanglement."

"Should we send you to the bottomless abyss? Perhaps with your cunning nature, you'll do even better there."

I see…

As Zhang Yuan suddenly realized this, a line from Journey to the West inexplicably popped into his mind:
"What's this talk of repaying your teacher? Just don't reveal my name when you cause trouble in the future."

"The teacher's thinking is thorough, but perhaps a bit overthinking it, haha... uh~"

He was a little embarrassed and tried to cover it up with an awkward laugh, but the laugh quickly fell silent under the other person's gaze, and he eventually shut up.

The master and disciple quietly walked to a secluded corner, passed through a hidden door that could not be seen with the naked eye from the disguised walls and required a talisman or incantation to open, and entered a secret room. In the small secret room, there was a solitary table with a dressing mirror on it.

"Is this the door? The passage to the Hub of Ten Thousand Gates?"

Zhang Yuan's curiosity and thirst for knowledge surged together. Among the books he read, there was not much information about this city suspended above all realms. The rest was a description from the Requiem of Another World in his previous life.

Although it looks like an ordinary vanity mirror, but...
"It is said that in the City of Imprints, everything could be a key to another world, hence the name 'City of a Thousand Gates'."

Zhang Yuan seemed to be deep in thought:
"Does this mean I have to use my real name and this mirror..."

"If you want to go to that 666th level of the abyss, that one that's probably cursed, then go ahead."

"what?"

Tyrandeur pointed to his temple and said:
"Think more flexibly. Since everything can be a 'door,' why does it have to be a mirror?"

The young mage's pupils contracted, and his gaze suddenly locked onto the unremarkable dressing table.

"Could it be?"

"Yes, that's it, the one that's difficult to understand!"

The Grand Master approached the table, reached out and slowly pulled open a drawer. Inside, there was an indistinct, chaotic mass with swirling vortexes like nebulae.

Teacher, are you Doraemon reincarnated as Ferren?

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