Percy navigated the bustling corridors of Solarskis University, his mind set on reaching the elemental training center. However, before he could take another step, an all-too-familiar voice cut through the air like nails against glass.
"Well, well. If it isn't my favorite little troublemaker."
Percy's expression soured instantly. Turning around, he met the smirking gaze of Amanda, the woman who had once put him and Angelica through absolute hell.
"Ms. Amanda, it's been too long," Percy greeted, though his voice carried all the enthusiasm of someone greeting a tax collector.
Amanda, ever the insufferable thorn in his side, tilted her head, her lips curling into a smug smirk."Ah, Mr. Pervy. Always a delight. Where might you be off to today?" she inquired, her tone dripping with false curiosity.
Percy exhaled sharply, already regretting this interaction. "It's Percy," he corrected, irritation threading through his voice. "And where I'm going is none of your concern, Amanda."
Amanda let out a maddening chuckle."Oh, still holding a grudge, are we? How petty." She flicked a stray lock of hair behind her ear before adding, "Well, I won't keep you. The training hall's practically empty right now, save for a few spellcasters. Stay out of their way, and they'll stay out of yours."
Percy brushed past her without another word, eager to leave the encounter behind."As long as they leave me alone, I'll be fine," he muttered under his breath.
Amanda watched him go, her fake smile fading into a scowl the moment he was out of sight.
"I can't believe he's still around. As if he stands a chance at the entrance exams," she scoffed to herself.
Her bitter musings were abruptly interrupted.
A chilling presence settled beside her, its weight pressing into the air like a storm cloud before the rain.
Professor David.
"Nurse Amanda, always a pleasure," he greeted smoothly, his gaze lingering just a little too long, just a little too low.
Amanda's entire demeanor changed. Her forced smile barely concealed the revulsion curling beneath the surface.
"Professor David," she greeted, voice clipped. "To what do I owe the displeasure of your visit?"
David chuckled. A sound that slithered rather than amused. "Still upset about last summer, are we?"
The casual remark sent a flash of fury through Amanda's veins.
Her false smile vanished.
A cold, razor-sharp glare replaced it.
"Just keep your mouth shut, David," she warned, voice dangerously low. "It's best for both of us."
David laughed, unfazed."Oh, come now, Amanda. Let's not pretend you didn't enjoy our little... adventure."
That was it.
Something inside Amanda snapped.
A surge of icy mana erupted from her fingertips.
A serpentine construct of ice coiled around David's throat, fangs bared, glistening with frost.
"Consider this a warning, David," Amanda seethed, her voice laced with venom.
For the first time, David paused. Not in fear—but in amusement.
The ice serpent began to melt.
Not from the heat. Not from a spell.
It was simply disintegrating, unraveling like snowflakes in a flame.
Amanda's eyes widened.
David met her gaze, smug."Surprised?"
"You're not the only one who's reached the 6th circle. Your magic no longer intimidates me."
With a single effortless gesture, he shattered the remnants of the ice serpent, its fragments scattering into mist.
He leaned in slightly, his grin widening. "Do try to keep up, Amanda. I'd hate to see you fall behind." And with that, he walked past her, leaving the cold tension lingering in the air.
Amanda had always prided herself on her magical prowess. She had stood tall in the hierarchy of Solarskis, unwavering, confident, unshaken. But now—for the first time in a long time—she felt fear.
David took a deliberate step forward, closing the distance. His breath was a whisper against her skin, his words laced with a chilling dominance.
"I could make you feel desired again," he murmured.
A fiery chain materialized around Amanda's neck, its oppressive heat forcing her to lower her head.
Amanda trembled. Not from the searing heat of the chain, but from the sheer power disparity between them. She loathed this man. Every fiber of her being screamed to retaliate—to strike him down with her ice magic, to make him suffer for even daring.
But she couldn't.
David reveled in the moment, in her silence, in her helplessness. The sick amusement in his eyes was unbearable. Then—his watch beeped.
Annoyance flickered across his face. With a sharp wave of his hand, the chain vanished, the magic dissolving like embers in the wind.
He leaned in one final time, his voice a whisper of promise. "Next time, you'll be the one pleading."
Amanda was left standing there, her breath shallow, her hands clenched into fists. She could still feel the phantom weight of the chain, the lingering scorch on her skin.
Her confidence—her unshakable arrogance—was gone.
"FML," she whispered to herself before turning on her heel and fleeing the scene.
Unaware of the tense encounter that had just taken place elsewhere in the academy, Percy stepped into the training center.
His sharp eyes immediately took in the other occupants—a small, timid boy struggling with a spell and a short-haired girl who was very loudly venting her frustration.
"Not my problem," he decided, brushing past them toward the far end of the facility.
Beta, scanning the expansive halls, noted, "It's quite remarkable how this university caters to various disciplines with multiple training centers."
Percy, half-distracted, nodded. "Yeah, the university has always had diverse training facilities. It doubles as a martial arts school, and a lot of graduates end up in the military, thanks to the headmaster's connections."
Reaching the private room, Percy swiped the green card given to him by Richard Doyle.
A soft chime rang as the system welcomed him. The door slid open with a quiet hiss.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Magus. Unlimited training uses remaining. Please have a pleasant session," the system greeted warmly.
Beta peered over his shoulder."Unlimited access? That's... generous."
Percy smirked."I might not trust the headmaster, but I'm not about to reject free resources."
He toggled the room's privacy settings, ensuring that no prying eyes could witness his training.
"Set elemental training mode to Level 5," he commanded.
Beta quirked an eyebrow."Level 5 already?"
Percy shrugged. "The rooms can simulate combat up to level 10. Before coming here, I used a similar setting, substituting combat for elemental training."
Beta nodded in understanding. "Got it."
The room responded instantly. A floating combat bot descended from the ceiling, scanning him thoroughly.
"Triple-element detected. Adjusting elemental resistance to 50% for Space, Earth, and Darkness. Mana regeneration set at 45%."
Then, something new appeared.
A perfect copy of Percy.
"Triple-Element Doll created. Magic set at Level 5, restricting to 2-star elemental magic," the system announced.
Beta whistled."A perfect replica made from the room's resources. Solarskis really does live up to its reputation."
Percy cracked his neck, stretching his fingers as mana flared in his palms. "Alright. Time to see what I can do."
Percy's eyes darkened as he wove his mana into a spell.
"Black Bullet."
A tiny black dot appeared in his palm. A small black dot materialized in his palm, growing steadily into a dense, concentrated bullet of dark energy.
It expanded, compressed, condensed.
A perfect sphere of pure, concentrated darkness.
The training room seemed to tremble in response.
With a flick of his wrist, Percy aimed at the doll's heart.
And fired.
A blinding streak of darkness cut through the air, racing toward the doll's heart with lethal intent.
The Black Bullet shot through the air, a condensed void of destruction, small yet deceptively dense. The impact was immediate—striking the elemental doll's chest with a force that sent it careening backward. A deafening crack echoed through the room as it collided against the reinforced wall, deep fractures webbing out from the point of impact.
Percy stood frozen, his breathing shallow as he processed what had just happened. His own attack had left visible damage—not just a superficial dent, but structural devastation.
"H-how...?" His voice barely escaped his lips, laced with shock. The raw power behind his spell was beyond what he had anticipated.
Beta's holographic form flickered beside him, arms crossed, exuding an unmistakable air of satisfaction. "I did mention that your power rivals a third-circle mage, Master. Did you assume I was exaggerating?" Her tone carried just the right amount of smug amusement.
Percy's golden eyes flicked between her and the now-vanishing doll, struggling to reconcile Beta's words with his own expectations. Third-circle power? He had barely begun his training, yet his raw output was already this destructive?
Before he could dwell on the implications, the training room's system came alive once more.
"Level 5… passed. Assessing damage… Analysis complete."
A pulse of mana rippled across the room. The fractured wall repaired itself seamlessly, the cracks dissolving as if they had never existed. In the center of the space, a new elemental doll materialized, its neutral expression betraying no awareness of its predecessor's fate.
"Based on 'Black Bullet' damage output, Level 9 is recommended. Please defeat Elemental Doll to progress to the highest training mode."
Percy tensed. Level 9? He hadn't even consciously fought at full strength yet. Just how high was his ceiling?
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Looks like I'll have to push myself further."
Mana coiled around him, this time infused with the weight of earth. The element's presence was different from space or darkness—it was sturdy, unshakable, a force of nature itself.
Percy thrust his palm downward. "Earth Spikes."
The floor rumbled as jagged stone spears erupted from below, hurtling toward the doll like a row of iron pikes.
But the doll reacted instantly.
"Spatial Blast."
A surge of compressed space rippled outward, meeting Percy's attack head-on. The collision triggered a violent explosion, reducing his earth spikes to scattered debris.
Percy narrowed his eyes. This one wasn't passive—it fought back.
Fine. Let's see how you handle this.
Dark mana bled into his fingertips, swirling into sharpened tendrils of void energy. "Shadow Spikes."
Unlike the previous attack, these serrated lances of darkness shot forward with unnatural speed, carving through the air like knives. The doll braced itself, its defensive aura crackling as it absorbed the impact.
"Damage output received—60% of total elemental resistance detected. Increasing defenses."
Its body glowed faintly, repairing the damage almost as quickly as it was inflicted.
Percy clenched his jaw. It regenerates faster than I expected.
Before he could launch another assault, the doll suddenly mirrored his actions.
"Shadow Spikes."
Percy's own spell was turned against him. A volley of dark projectiles shot toward his position, twisting like sentient harbingers of doom.
But he was ready.
"Teleport."
In a blink, he was gone.
Reappearing directly behind the doll, Percy wasted no time. "Darkness Grasp!"
From the floor, ebony tendrils surged forth, coiling around the doll's limbs and rooting it in place. It struggled, but the bindings tightened, pulling it downward, immobilized.
"Checkmate."
Mana flared in his blade as he executed the final strike.
"Spatial Slash."
A sharp, controlled arc of spatial energy ripped through the room. The doll's body split cleanly in two, the halves dissipating into shimmering fragments.
The room fell into silence. Percy, panting heavily, slumped onto the floor, beads of sweat trickling down his temple.
"That... was more challenging than I expected." His breathing was uneven, his limbs aching from exertion.
Beta, ever the observant mentor, folded her arms. "Master, you've fought before, but your previous opponents lacked the ability to counter your attacks. This fight should remind you that in this world, your enemies will be just as skilled—if not more. They will adapt. They will exploit your weaknesses."
Percy wiped his brow, absorbing Beta's words. She was right. A golem, no matter how strong, was ultimately a brute-force opponent. But in the real world? Intelligence, tactics, and adaptability mattered just as much as power.
His system chimed in, pulling him from his thoughts.
"Level 9 passed. Please note that Level 10 is an advanced mode and requires administrator approval for participation."
Percy exhaled, his body relaxing slightly as the tension from battle faded. He summoned his status screen, taking in the small but significant changes from his training.
Earth Element proficiency: 8%Darkness Element proficiency: 6%Space Element proficiency: 28.75%
A flicker of curiosity crossed his mind. Elemental proficiency… He turned to Beta, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"I've been wondering—what exactly do these percentages mean?"
Beta, momentarily pausing her task, turned to Percy with a knowing expression. "Elemental proficiency is akin to your mana utilization skill, Master. It represents your progress in wielding and understanding your elemental magic."
Percy, listening intently, leaned in. "So, it's more than just raw power? It's an actual measurement of comprehension?"
Beta nodded. "Precisely. When a mage awakens their innate element, they experience something called 'Enlightenment.' This grants them a deeper connection to the element's true nature. The more you use and explore your elemental affinity, the more the system tracks and enhances your proficiency. Once you reach 100%, it signifies absolute mastery, elevating your magic beyond normal limitations."
Percy absorbed this new revelation, his analytical mind connecting the dots. "So, the system quantifies my growth, but I still need to put in the effort to fully grasp my element?"
Beta hovered above him, pleased with his understanding. "Exactly, Master. The system provides the framework, but your comprehension is what truly strengthens your bond with your elements."
Percy's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Great! So, where do we start?"
Beta, sensing his eagerness, gestured for him to sit. "First, assume the lotus position and clear your mind of distractions. Focus inward, toward the essence of your elements."
Following her guidance, Percy closed his eyes, exhaling slowly. His breathing steadied, and his consciousness drifted inward.
Inside his mind, a vast empty space unfolded—a limitless void, untouched by thoughts or emotions. From this boundless darkness, three luminous orbs appeared, each radiating a distinct energy:
A swirling blend of yellow and brown—Earth, solid and unshakable.A neutral, transparent hue—Space, boundless and infinite.A pitch-black mass, absorbing all light—Darkness, enigmatic and consuming.
Percy reached out mentally, drawn toward them. The moment his consciousness connected, the equilibrium shattered. The three elements, once still, erupted into a volatile maelstrom.
A searing pain tore through Percy's soul, a sensation far beyond physical agony. His body convulsed in the physical world, muscles seizing, breath hitching in his throat. It was as if his very existence was being torn apart at a fundamental level.
Beta's systems flared with alarm, but before she could intervene, a notification rang out:
"Heavenly Eyes—Activated."
The chaos within him stilled in an instant. A calming force, vast and omnipotent, stabilized his consciousness.
Percy's mind sharpened; the fluctuating orbs settled, their chaotic energies now subdued. He peered into their depths with newfound clarity, unraveling their essence.
Yet, as his insights deepened, he hit a bottleneck.
"I'm still missing something…" he realized, feeling the limitations of even the Heavenly Eyes.
Instead of forcing his way through, Percy made a decision. He focused entirely on the Space Element.
Immediately, visions surged through his mind—a breathtaking display of the cosmos.
He saw galaxies spiral, stars ignite and collapse, planets birth and die in an eternal, rhythmic dance. It was an infinite canvas, a playground for gods and mortals alike.
A deep voice, neither hostile nor kind, resonated within him:
"As the void is eternal, so are its offspring. The eldest, Space, followed by Chaos, Darkness, Life, and Light. These primordial forces shaped existence."
The vision continued, showing two forces intertwined:
Life—radiating warmth, nurturing worlds into existence.
Chaos—seething with destructive might, breaking apart all that was created.
He saw a planet blossom with life, flourishing beneath an endless sky. But time passed, and its core hollowed out—its lifeforce fading. Calamity followed.
The world shattered, breaking apart into cosmic dust, a stark testament to the fragile balance between creation and destruction.
Percy, completely immersed in this state of enlightenment, felt the nature of Space seep into his very being.
He no longer perceived it as simply a means of teleportation or cutting through dimensions. It was boundless.Expansive.
It was the infinite unknown, the uncharted frontier where discovery never ceased.
Through it, he could bend gravity, manipulate celestial forces, even distort reality itself.
"So this… is the truth of Space."
His journey into the deepest depths of his elemental affinity had only just begun.
A notification flashed before Percy's eyes, its significance profound.
"Due to rapid proficiency in the Space Element, 'Mergence' is attempting to bind Mana Core (3/3) to Space. Will you accept integration?"
Percy, still caught in the afterglow of enlightenment, barely registered the cascade of system prompts. His mind buzzed with the sheer depth of what he had just witnessed—the very essence of space itself.
Beta's voice, laced with urgency, cut through his daze. "Master, this is a pivotal moment. You should accept the integration."
Acting purely on instinct, Percy confirmed with a single 'Y'.
The response was instantaneous.
A monumental force surged through his core, an overwhelming sensation of expansion and limitlessness overtaking his senses. His entire being resonated with the fabric of space itself.
"Integration of Space and Mana Core successful. Available Mana Cores for use: (2/3). Your dominion over the Space Element has intensified, merging your spirit with the very essence of the void."
Percy's eyes snapped open, but something was different.
The world remained familiar, yet at the same time, alien. Colors felt deeper, movements seemed slower, and every object around him pulsed with an underlying structure.
He flexed his fingers, watching as thin, transparent threads stretched and wove through the air. They bent around him, shifting like a vast cosmic web, revealing patterns unseen to the naked eye.
"…This feels weird."
A ripple of energy pulsed outward from his body. His surroundings fractured and reassembled in an instant, turning into a surreal grid of numbers, symbols, and luminous lines.
It was as if he was no longer just seeing the world—he was perceiving its foundation.
Another system notification followed swiftly:
"Heavenly Eyes proficiency increased—0.0000002%. Duration extended to 1 hour. Reuse time adjusted to 72 hours."
Percy, still processing the changes, turned to Beta, his voice barely above a whisper. "Did you see that?"
Beta, who had been closely monitoring the transformation, radiated excitement. "Yes, Master! This is beyond what I anticipated! Your bond with the Space Element has reached a level where you are now seeing the universe in its rawest form."
Percy took a steadying breath, his mind racing with possibility.
"The universe… it's far more intricate than I ever imagined. The depth, the scale… it's infinite."
He clenched his fist, feeling power unlike anything before surging through him. "I need time to fully grasp these abilities."
His thoughts drifted to his other two elements, compelling him to focus inward.
As he peered into his consciousness, Earth and Darkness pulsed with newfound clarity.
Earth—a foundation, solid and unyielding. The silent caretaker of life.Darkness—not just emptiness, but depth, wisdom, and limitless potential. The realm of hidden truths.
Percy inhaled deeply, absorbing their wisdom.
"Earth reminds us of our origins, of our place in the physical world. It teaches patience, resilience, and the slow but powerful nature of growth."
"Darkness... It's more than just the absence of light. It represents the unknown, the mysteries waiting to be uncovered. It is the veil that hides possibility."
System notifications cascaded, reflecting his ever-growing affinity:
"Earth Element: 95.36%
Darkness Element: 98.71%"
Percy smirked, satisfied. His theory about enlightenment and the role of the Heavenly Eyes was proving correct.
He stood, rolling his shoulders as power hummed beneath his skin. "I can feel it now… the pieces are finally falling into place."
After a brief lunch break, Percy returned to his training ground, ready to push his limits. He still had a few minutes left before 'Heavenly Eyes' deactivated—enough time to capitalize on this newfound knowledge.
Beta, hovering beside him, tilted her head thoughtfully.
"Master, may I suggest something?"
Percy, stretching his limbs, glanced at her. "Go on."
"Have you considered crafting a unique spell? Something that combines your elements in a way that only you can wield?"
Percy, caught off guard, paused.
A unique spell…
Beta continued, her voice filled with genuine intrigue.
"By forging your own magic, you won't just gain a trump card for unforeseen battles—you'll imprint your own essence onto the fabric of magic itself. It will be a skill that no other mage can replicate."
Percy grinned, the thrill of creation igniting in his veins.
"I like that idea, Beta," he mused. "Something unpredictable… something that belongs only to me."
His mind raced, possibilities swirling. Space. Earth. Darkness. Three forces, vastly different yet capable of something truly unprecedented when woven together.
His power pulsed, waiting.
Eager to be shaped by will, imagination, and the desire to forge something entirely new.
His eyes snapped open, glowing faintly as though reflecting the cosmic tapestry woven within his thoughts.
"I think I have it."
The training hall responded to his revelation. The air thickened, mana pulsed, and the very room resonated with the spell's birth. Chunks of earth broke free, levitating around him in an orbit of jagged fragments. Shadows slithered, morphing into miniature Black Bullets, each pulsating with dark energy.
Percy stood at the center, the maestro of an elemental symphony.
"It's time to give this form," he declared, his body alight with a newfound clarity.
He raised his hand.
The fragments of earth spun faster in a gravitational pull, locked between reality and distortion. Darkness coiled through the cracks, merging into the spiraling mass. Then, space warped, compressing everything—compacting the deadly fusion into a singularity of sheer destruction.
Across the university, Professor Eadmund meandered through the corridors, his thoughts swirling with annoyance.
"Why on earth would the headmaster appoint me as one of the lead examiners? Of all the ridiculous things..."
His mutterings ceased abruptly.
A pulse—raw, uncontrolled power—tore through the fabric of mana, stretching through the training hall like an elemental storm.
Eadmund's gaze snapped up.
"Oh?" he murmured, a knowing smirk forming.
Even at his level, he could feel it.
"This mana... It's not just powerful—it's an amalgamation of elements. But how…?"
Guided by his instincts, he found himself at the entrance of the Elemental Training Hall, his gaze immediately falling upon the source.
A boy, seated in deep meditation, was commanding three elements in perfect harmony.
"Interesting."
Eadmund's focus narrowed on the teen as space distorted, earth revolved, and darkness pulsed. This wasn't simple elemental manipulation. It was artistry.
His mind flickered back to Yaroslav's earlier claim—a sword prodigy had appeared within the academy. But now…
Eadmund's lips curled into an anticipatory grin.
"This child... He's not just a talent for the Elemental Department. He's a rarity among mages. Mastering three elements at such a young age? Unheard of."
His eyes gleamed as Percy stood abruptly, his aura shifting.
Percy clenched his fists. The spiraling energy condensed further, its destructive force perfectly contained. The mana around him shuddered as he finally released a triumphant breath.
"Yeah, I did it!"
His voice echoed through the hall, snapping Eadmund back to the present.
From the shadows, Eadmund watched with undeniable pride.
"A disciple worthy of my tutelage."
He turned away, vanishing into the dimly lit corridor.
"Percy… I'll be watching you."
Back in the training hall, Percy exhaled, his excitement uncontainable. Turning to Beta, a satisfied smirk played on his lips.
"I think I'll name it—
Voidrock Eclipse Barrage."
The system immediately acknowledged the name, etching it into the records of unique spellcraft.
"Congratulations! Unique Spell Created: Voidrock Eclipse Barrage."
Beta hovered excitedly beside him. "A spell combining three elements so seamlessly… Master, this is beyond impressive."
Percy simply grinned.
"And this… is just the beginning."