CHAPTER 30: THE NOURISHMENT OF THE SUNWELL  

Observing Charles as he teleported around the ranger training camp, Sean nodded with satisfaction.

"Now that you've mastered Blink at a basic level, remember my words: don't use it repeatedly until you've fully mastered it. Doing so significantly increases the risk of getting lost in the void," Sean cautioned. "This is the most common warning given to arcane students when learning Blink."

After the initial excitement had passed, Charles nodded solemnly.

Subsequently, crafting magic bread and magic water posed no difficulties. However, as Sean had warned, the taste was far from satisfying.

Charles sampled the arcane-crafted water and bread and found himself wearing a perturbed expression. The taste was truly indescribable; the bread lacked the texture of proper food, and the flavor was nonexistent, akin to chewing tasteless mud.

Magic water fared no better, devoid of the subtle flavors found in the well or river water Charles was accustomed to. It quenched his thirst but offered no more.

"Indeed, these should be used only in emergencies. If consumed regularly, I suspect my taste buds would deteriorate," Charles admitted.

Sean, in good humor, retorted, "That's precisely what I said. Nobody would enjoy such flavors."

Having learned the two minor spells, Charles was keen to delve into the secrets of teleportation. However, teleportation, and especially the creation of portals, was not something he could master quickly. One must first understand the magical network of the destination, and develop a sense of spatial awareness.

Teleportation was relatively simpler, as it involved only one's own displacement, whereas portal creation demanded precise arcane control and an abundance of magical energy.

"Portal spells are rarely cast by a single individual due to the immense burden, and unless you reach the level of a 9th-ring Archmage, you typically collaborate with others," Sean explained. "If you wish to learn portal magic, I can lend you some books during your visit to Silvermoon City. They contain information on spatial awareness and the structure of Quel'Thalas's magical network. You can study them in your spare time."

Sean emphasized that Charles should not rush; when attempting teleportation for the first time, it was vital to have a skilled mage present for guidance. Getting stranded in bizarre or twisted dimensions during teleportation practice was not uncommon.

Charles heeded Sean's words and knew that mastering teleportation was far from simple. Spatial awareness of the magical network required guidance from locals, and he wasn't certain when he would have that opportunity.

As a high elf, he still had access to the Quel'Thalas magical network, but entering the Sunwell directly was not something he considered. He was well aware that using it could lead to addiction, progressively deepening with every use until it became uncontrollable.

Leaving the Sunwell, the high elves would gradually succumb to magical withdrawal, devolving into deranged addicts. In preparation for future travels to the Broken Isles, Charles had another goal in mind: the World Tree, Am'kethran, whose fruits could cure magical addiction, a vital resource for high elves.

However, he also realized that the presence of the Sunwell, regardless of its previous contaminations and abuses, would always attract covetous eyes. Defending it was a challenge for the high elves alone.

Charles contemplated the future of Quel'Thalas while his thoughts wandered. Sean noticed his absent-mindedness and shook his shoulder repeatedly to snap him out of it.

"What are you thinking? I've been calling your name for ages," Sean chided.

Charles hesitated before asking his question. "Sean, do you know that our people develop magical addiction by drawing power from the Sunwell?"

Sean responded casually, "Of course, but as long as we live beside the Sunwell, the risk of magical addiction is practically nonexistent. Who would dare to confront the high elves, risking war, to seize our life source? Humans? Dwarves? Gnomes?"

Sean's words reflected the majority of high elves' views in the present peaceful Azeroth. But Charles realized that such thinking wasn't always accurate and that history had its patterns.

"The history of Azeroth has shown that having blind trust in the Sunwell may lead to our vulnerability to sudden threats," Charles thought.

While Sean eagerly headed to the tavern for a drink, Charles remained in contemplation, pondering the future of Quel'Thalas.

"To change anything, I'll need to establish my own influence," he concluded.