The morning light filtered softly through the sacred trees of the King's Garden, a place reserved for chosen heirs and summoned beings to speak freely before their journey to the Academy. The grand gates remained closed, their ancient seals intact, barring entry until the ritual day had passed.
Davius, Demon King of Ntails World, stood alone beneath the celestial archway, his robes still unmarked by academy colors. He had not yet entered the Academy; that moment would come tomorrow.
Turning to Orthios, the elder mage assigned to guide him through this transition, Davius spoke with quiet certainty.
"Sir," he said, "before training begins, there is something I must explain. I found a pattern in the teachings of Dark Heaven—a reason why so many youths from Orberreta perish trying to walk its path."
Orthios raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You haven't even stepped through the Academy gate. What pattern could you possibly see?"
"That's exactly why," Davius replied. "I looked at the sequence, not the style. Everyone tries to walk Dark Heaven in isolation. But the paths are meant to interlock."
He unfolded his discovery as if laying out a map only he could read:
Begin with Martial Style Dark Heaven at Stage 3, requiring a mana level of 3,500.
Simultaneously, begin Chrono Style Dark Heaven at Stage 1—the Loop—training temporal awareness alongside physical mastery.
At 8,000 mana, clear Martial Stage 3, preparing for elemental fusion and advanced combat logic.
Reach exactly 20,000 mana to unlock Stage 2 of both Martial and Chrono Styles, starting dual mastery of space and combat.
At 70,000 mana, clear Martial Stage 1, gain full elemental robe attunement, and access rebirth.
Reach 1,000,000 mana to become eligible for the Chrono Mage Paradox Trial, beginning paradox training to rewrite fate.
Through paradox mastery and infinite loop training, achieve final ascension to become a Mana Monster of Dark Heaven.
Orthios stared at him, awed. "You saw all this before your first lesson?"
"I didn't need robes or rank," Davius said. "I needed logic. And now, I've decided to walk this path—not just for myself, but to save the next generation."
The elder mage glanced toward the sealed academy gate. "Then today, we train in the King's Garden. Tomorrow, the gate opens, and your saga begins."
The wind stirred. The garden shimmered.
And the myth of Davius began to take root.
The morning sun settled warmly over the King's Garden as Orthios and Davius prepared for the day's first lesson. Though the academy gate remained closed, the sacred ground beneath their feet carried the weight of countless legacies. Today, theory would meet spirit—before any physical trial took place.
Orthios spoke with calm authority, drawing an invisible circle in the air. "Davius, today's class begins with theory. The first part is spiritual roots—sometimes called soul level. In many ways, it parallels your mana level and must grow in equal measure."
He paused, making sure Davius followed closely. "The second part is the mind level, or aura level. These three factors—mana, soul, and mind—are intertwined. Balance them, and your foundation becomes unbreakable."
Orthios raised a hand, chanting softly. "First, you will learn a special spell: 'Raise Spirit from Veins.' It is a spirit magic spell, Level 1. Learn it now, then spend an hour meditating to awaken its power."
Davius nodded and concentrated, reaching into himself. The hour passed slowly, silence broken only by wind in the trees.
When the meditation ended, Davius spoke, eyes bright.
"My body feels energy flowing through my veins—alive and humming."
Orthios smiled lightly. "That is the spirit root awakening. You have obtained Soul Level 1. Keep nurturing it daily, and work to keep it equal to your mana level."
Davius absorbed the instruction. "Understood."
"Now," Orthios continued, "use another special spell: 'Mind Gate Open,' a Level 1 mana magic spell. Again, take an hour. Allow your mind to expand, open your aura."
Davius obeyed, settling into meditation once more. Time stretched, then folded back into itself.
After the hour, he sighed in awe. "I feel refreshed, renewed—amazing."
Orthios nodded approvingly. "You have obtained two new spells—Level 1 soul and Level 1 mind. This balance is essential."
He stepped closer, eyes sharp with purpose.
"Let me now explain how these levels work together—as preparation before we move on to teaching you the exam content for academy entrance."
The garden stood silent under their shared focus, the first true lesson weaving itself into the fabric of Davius's journey.
The sun climbed higher, casting shifting shadows through the ancient boughs of the King's Garden. Orthios, steady and unyielding as the earth beneath their feet, began to unfold the deeper truths Davius would need.
"Let me tell you about the Spiritual Root," Orthios said, voice low but clear, "it has five parts, or ranks: Primary Bronze, Super Silver, Themed Gold, Mythical Platinum, and Divine Diamond. These ranks mark your soul's growth and power."
He raised a weathered hand, counting the stages in the air.
"The way to upgrade is simple. When you fill your veins—when your mana reaches 12,000—you attain Primary Bronze. After that, every 20,000 mana gained raises you to the next soul rank."
With each rank increase, Orthios continued, "You receive a special skill unique to that level, and a bracelet appears, revealing your current Soul Level for others to see."
Davius listened carefully, absorbing each word.
"Next," Orthios said, "is the Mind Level, divided into three stages:
Stage 1: Manifestation of your physical aura,
Stage 2: Interaction with your soul ranks,
Stage 3: Linking firmly with mana."
"The mind level is also called psychic or aura level," Orthios explained. "It requires extreme focus to develop. You will follow mana magic alongside aura techniques to grow these powers."
Orthios's eyes sharpened with purpose.
"Now, let us begin your entrance exam preparation. The exam has three stages."
He outlined the test carefully:
Stage 1: Aptitude and Affinity Test
"The King told me your mana color is pure gold, so affinity is not a worry. Aptitude is similarly straightforward—it mostly involves physical testing."
Stage 2: Written Theory Exam
"You have already learned much theory, but not the history or science sections. If questions about those come, do not stress. You need more time to master them. Focus instead on all the magic theory I and the King have taught you."
Stage 3: Magical Power Exploration
"For this, each student must reach Level 7 mana and have at least one spell for each of the 12 affinities. You currently know only 1 spell, so there is much to gain here."
Orthios gave a small, confident nod.
"The requirements are minimums. I will now begin teaching you the spells for each affinity, one by one. Are you ready?"
Davius's eyes brightened with resolve—ready to claim the knowledge that would forge his path.
"Stand steady, Davius," Orthios commanded, staff tracing a slow arc in the air. "Focus deeply. Imagine fire in your hand—compress it into a sphere and keep it rotating steadily."
Davius closed his eyes and obeyed. Heat gathered in his palm, coalescing into a fiery orb that spun with deliberate motion. As he maintained the rotation, a radiant arc of light shimmered above his wrist—the Spectral Invitation spell summoned itself into form.
The glowing display updated:
New Spell Obtained: Fire Ball Rotate — Level 1
Alongside, new inscriptions flickered briefly:
Recognized: Mind Gate Open — Level 1
Recognized: Raise Spirit from Veins — Level 1
Davius turned to Orthios with a question. "Does the Spectral Invitation automatically update whenever new spells are learned or upgraded?"
Orthios nodded knowingly. "Yes, but keep in mind that it is itself a spell—connected to the mind. Sometimes it may forget briefly, but it always catches up when you refine your focus. The Spectral Invitation shows new spells and level-ups clearly at the start of each advancement."
He continued, "Remember, 'level up' here means increases in your mana level, spell level, soul level, or aura level. The Spectral Invitation tracks these as your progress unfolds."
Orthios gestured again. "Now, imagine water formed into a sphere—rotate it in your hand like the fire before."
Davius followed, shaping the water carefully as it spun smoothly. The Spectral Invitation blazed anew, revealing:
New Spell Obtained: Water Rotatory Bomb — Level 1
The sphere shimmered in his palm, pulsing with latent force.
Part 5: Mastering Elements and the Spectral Invitation
Davius stood calm and steady in the morning light, lowering his center of gravity. With precise control, he flipped each leg right, then left, twice, before planting his feet firmly on the ground, rooted like the ancient trees around him.
"Now," Orthios instructed, "imagine wind. Don't use your full power; observe and note it. Feel how your leg's rotation stirs the air."
As Davius rotated his legs in controlled arcs, the air around him shimmered. Above his wrist, the Spectral Invitation glowed warmly. New glyphs appeared:
New Spell Obtained: Wind Boost — Level 1
Orthios's eyes twinkled. "Next, in your feet—think of water. Harden it fast; cool it quickly. Strike that tree with your kick."
Davius focused, channeling water condensed on his skin. As his foot struck the trunk, ice formed instantly, spikes glinting as they froze the bark solid. The Spectral Invitation sparkled anew:
New Spell Obtained: Ice Kick — Level 1
"Now, think Nature," Orthios prompted, "imagine grabbing wood. Slash horizontally with intent."
Davius's hand blurred, and a wooden sword materialized, carved by his will. His aura flared, and the Spectral Invitation brightened with fresh light:
New Spell Obtained: Wooden Sword — Level 1 (Nature Spell)
Orthios gestured toward a small metal shard lying in the soil. "Take this piece. Imagine it transforming into a sniper gun. Pour your mana through it, shaping its design."
Davius clenched the metal, envisioning form and function. The shard grew, sleek and deadly—the sniper gun complete. The Spectral Invitation flared again, revealing:
New Spell Obtained: Metal Conversion Piece — Level 1 (Metal Spell)
Magic Fragment Obtained: Metal Magic Fragment (1/6) — Filled Heart
Collect 5 more to unlock full mastery of Metal Magic.
"You've begun the path," Orthios said, approval plain. "Now gather mana and imagine light taking the form of bullets."
Davius focused his mana flow, shaping threads of light that condensed into radiant projectiles within the forged sniper gun. The Spectral Invitation brightened one last time:
New Spell Obtained: Light Bullet Storm — Level 1
Davius lowered his hands, eyes steady and mind clear — a warrior beginning to wield the elements through the bonded spells the garden witnessed.
Orthios's voice cut through the warm air of the King's Garden, steady and commanding.
"Now, shoot that bullet—aim it at your hand."
Davius obeyed, firing a gleaming light bullet into his palm. Sharp but controlled, the impact drew a thin bead of blood. His focus sharpened; he channeled his mana to transmute the blood into bullets, infusing them with life energy. He then seamlessly loaded the blood bullets into the sniper gun.
For the wasted light bullets scattered across the grass, Davius gathered the flickering remnants with careful motion.
Above his wrist, the Spectral Invitation blinked:
New Spell Obtained: Blood Bullet Stream — Level 1
Orthios nodded. "Now cover your gun with mana veil—shield yourself before your next move."
Davius wrapped a radiant veil of mana around the sniper gun and fired continuously at the massive tree nearby. The Spectral Invitation glowed steadily:
New Spell Obtained: Mana Veil — Level 1
Orthios's eyes gleamed with approval. "Pull the trigger quickly. Hide, then shoot a continuous stream. Aim all at the tree—fast and relentless."
Davius's fingers danced, unleashing a torrent of bullets. After the assault, Orthios instructed him to release his mana with darkness conjuration, imagining it as a swirling shadow.
Davius complied, his aura darkening as he visualized the power flowing out in a boundless surge. The Spectral Invitation brightened again:
New Spell Obtained: Darkness Bound — Level 1
Orthios's voice softened in a rare praise. "Good. You are a fast learner. Now pour all your mana into the shattered tree."
Davius focused, filling the jagged wounds in the trunk with weaving mana threads. Then, he imagined the tree's broken form restoring itself, the wounds knitting closed.
The Spectral Invitation sparkled anew:
New Spell Obtained: Holy Spell Restore — Level 1
Magic Fragment Obtained: Holy Magic Fragment (1/6) — Filled Heart
Collect 5 more to unlock full mastery of Holy Magic.
The hours beyond were spent training the newly gained powers, honing flow and control. As dusk softened the garden, Orthios approached.
"You have obtained two Magic Fragments today. Most are not so lucky. I told you in our previous lessons how rare these are."
Davius bowed his head respectfully. "I will train hard for the remaining time."
Orthios smiled faintly. "A wise choice."
The ancient garden held their commitment beneath the fading light.
After the meal, the King's Garden settled into a quiet hum, and Davius took his place beneath the arching boughs, the sealed academy gate a silent horizon beyond the leaves. He folded his breath into rhythm and began the Level 5 sequence that Orthios had marked as foundation.
"Begin with Spell Level 5 – Mana Amplify," he murmured to himself. "Breathe in. Let mana expand." Golden light shimmered across his skin as Aero inhaled, the glow rippling from lungs to limbs like sunrise rolling over hills. "Now — Spell Level 5 – Mana Drain. Breathe out. Let the excess return." The sheen receded on his exhale, leaving his channels clear, elastic, and wide.
He held that cycle, unbroken, for four hours. Each inhalation was a tide rising without foam; each exhalation was a tide leaving no wreckage behind. When the breathwork closed, he turned to stillness: one hour for spirit, one hour for mind. "Raise Spirit from Veins," he intoned, guiding warmth through the vascular map until the soul lit like a low ember. "Mind Gate Open," he followed, steadying the inner door until his aura sharpened from haze to horizon.
He opened his eyes—calm, resonant, and ready.
"Spectral Invitation," he said softly. "Open profile."
A lattice of light unfolded above his wrist, forming a clean pane inscribed by the Orbretta system. Data settled into place with the certainty of constellations.
MAGICAL PROFILE — ORBRETTA SYSTEM Name: Davius (Hero Name: Aero) Age (Original): 525 Age (Orbretta Considered): 25 Race: Demon Origin: N-Tails, Osmo Country — Demon Realm Mana Level: 10 Spells Obtained: - Mana Amplify — Level 5 - Mana Drain — Level 5 - Mind Gate Open — Level 3 - Raise Spirit from Veins — Level 3 - Force Raise — Level 1 - Dark Sniper Shot — Level 1 - Fire Ball Rotate — Level 1 - Water Rotatory Bomb — Level 1 - Wind Boost — Level 1 - Ice Kick — Level 1 - Wooden Sword — Level 1 (Nature) - Metal Conversion Piece — Level 1 (Metal) - Light Bullet Storm — Level 1 - Blood Bullet Stream — Level 1 - Mana Veil — Level 1 - Darkness Bound — Level 1 - Holy Restore — Level 1 Soul Level: 3 Aura Level: 3 Magic Fragments: - Dark: 1/6 (Filled Heart) - Metal: 1/6 (Filled Heart) - Holy: 1/6 (Filled Heart) Blessing: - Universal Blessing from N-Tails Citizens - Extra Power: Aerodynamics — Free control over Wind, Gravity, and Force
The pane folded back into a waiting glow. Davius rolled his shoulders once, aligning breath with cadence. The day's light was still generous; the garden was still listening.
He lowered into stance and began anew—spell focus first, then chain-work—letting the breath lead the hand, and the hand command the light.
Final Part 2: The Test of Perseverance
Davius trained relentlessly, six hours passing in a seamless flow of spells and focus. His every breath synchronized with the dance of mana and magic, his spirit honed to a sharp edge of discipline. No pause, no falter—only the constant shaping of power.
From the upper balcony of the palace, Orthios stood beside King Obsidian, both watching the figure in the sacred garden below.
"He has remarkable concentration," Orthios said quietly. "Practicing the same spells for six full hours without rest. His progress surpasses most by far."
King Obsidian nodded, eyes fixed on Davius's form. "This is the hero we sought."
At the close of his marathon session, Davius's Spectral Invitation pulsed softly, then unfolded an updated display MAGICAL PROFILE — ORBRETTA SYSTEM Name: Davius Hero Name: Aero Age (Original): 525 Age (Orbretta Considered): 25 Race: Demon Origin: N-Tails, Osmo Country — Demon Realm Mana Level: 10 Soul Level: 3 Aura Level: 3 Profession: Hero and Mage 🔮 Spells Obtained: - Mana Amplify — Level 5 - Mana Drain — Level 5 - Mind Gate Open — Level 3 - Raise Spirit from Veins — Level 3 - Force Raise — Level 5 - Dark Sniper Shot — Level 5 - Fire Ball Rotate — Level 7 - Water Rotatory Bomb — Level 7 - Wind Boost — Level 7 - Ice Kick — Level 7 - Wooden Sword — Level 7 - Metal Conversion Piece — Level 7 - Light Bullet Storm — Level 7 - Blood Bullet Stream — Level 9 - Mana Veil — Level 7 - Darkness Bound — Level 7 - Holy Spell Restore — Level 7 New Spells Obtained: - Blood Boost — Level 1 to Level 5 - Blood Weapon Conversion — Level 1 to Level 5 - Blood Burst — Level 1 to Level 3 🧩 Magic Fragments Collected: - Dark Magic Fragment (1/6) — Filled Heart - Metal Magic Fragment (1/6) — Filled Heart - Holy Magic Fragment (1/6) — Filled Heart - Blood Magic Fragment (2/6) — Filled Heart (Needs 4 more for mastery) 🌟 Blessings: - Universal Blessing from N-Tails Citizens - Extra Power: Aerodynamics — Free control over Wind, Gravity, and Force
Davius approached Orthios immediately, showing the updated profile. The elder mage's eyes widened in surprise.
"What an astonishing pace you have taken. Such rapid mastery is rare indeed."
"Thank you, sir," Davius replied, a respectful bow tilting the newly forged confidence.
Orthios smiled with genuine warmth. "Rest well tonight. Tomorrow we head to the portal and then the Academy. You have completed all entrance exam requirements."
Just then, King Obsidian appeared. "A fine hero," he said, voice heavy with expectation. "Exactly what we wished for. Now, rest—for the journey ahead."
Davius nodded, feeling the weight of what was accomplished. He was led to the guest room, where sleep awaited the warrior who had earned it.