A spell of formidable power, intertwining earth, space, and darkness into a symphony of destruction.
Upon casting, the mage summons an array of levitating rocks, pulled from the earth's core.These stones, shrouded in void-like darkness, pulse with an unnatural, cold energy, each infused with the vast emptiness of space.As they launch, they cut through the air like meteors, leaving behind eclipsing trails of dark nebula, an imitation of a celestial catastrophe.Upon impact, they detonate, releasing waves of shadowy explosions that engulf the battlefield in an ephemeral midnight.
The spell is not just destruction—it is tactical, plunging enemies into momentary blindness, disrupting formations, and instilling fear.
Percy, watching the spell's description finalizing on the system interface, smirked. "That's how I'd put it in the system."
Beta, ever efficient, completed the entry with swift precision. "Your exclusive spell is now officially part of your arsenal," she confirmed, her voice laced with a rare touch of pride.
Percy's gaze shifted to his status screen, where a new column labeled '~Exclusive' had appeared.
"Whoa…"
The system chimed with a new notification, his eyes scanning the cryptic message:
Due to increased proficiency in innate elements, the owner's spirit and elemental essence have begun merging.
Owner's Spirit is transitioning into the Elemental Soul Stage.
His breath caught slightly. "Elemental Soul Stage? I'm merging… with my elements?" he murmured, eyes reflecting the magnitude of the change.
"Beta, what exactly is the Elemental Soul Stage?"
Beta, floating near his shoulder, responded with an almost scholarly tone. "It is a realm of true control. When a mage fully understands the core essence of their elements—beyond spellwork, beyond theory—they begin to gain an intrinsic, unshakable mastery. Their elements… become a true extension of their spirit."
Percy frowned slightly. "Control? How deep does this go?"
"It may be difficult to explain right now, Master," Beta replied, a cryptic glimmer in her digital form. "We can discuss it further when you are ready."
Percy exhaled, his mind a whirlwind of revelations. His newfound powers, his evolving spirit, his growing arsenal—everything was accelerating.
And yet…
Something told him this was only the beginning.
The clock on the training room wall ticked past midnight. Realizing how late it had gotten, Percy began gathering his belongings, feeling the weight of the day's discoveries settling into his bones.
As he stepped outside, a crisp night breeze swept over him, carrying the faint scent of jasmine and frost.
Then, he froze.
A voice—one he never wished to hear again—called out softly.
"Percy?"
His body stiffened at the sound.
That voice.
Silken, melodic, yet laced with hesitation, as if she was unsure whether she should have spoken at all.
He turned, his gaze sharp, cold.
Seraphina.
The fading light of the training center's lanterns painted a surreal glow around her figure, accentuating the cascading black waves of her midnight-dark hair and the piercing gray-violet hue of her eyes.
She was breathtaking.
Once, her presence would have stolen his breath.
Now?
It only filled him with frost-bitten indifference.
Seraphina took a step forward, her expression unreadable, her elegant features cast in soft twilight hues.
"You look well."
Percy's voice was devoid of emotion, as if he were addressing a stranger rather than someone who once held a piece of his heart.
The initial shock on her face was fleeting. Slowly, it melted into something more cautious.
She inched closer, but not with the confidence she once carried. Instead, she hesitated, her gaze flickering away as if searching for something to say—or permission to say it.
"I… didn't think you would still be here," she admitted, voice quieter than usual, lacking its usual sharp wit.
Percy watched her, unmoving.
Even under the moon's soft glow, her beauty remained as mesmerizing as ever, an effortless allure that could command the attention of anyone.
But for Percy?
It meant nothing now.
The past was a dead weight he refused to carry any longer.
His indifference cut deeper than any words ever could.
Percy's stomach twisted, a wave of annoyance rising sharply at Seraphina's words. His posture stiffened, and when he spoke, his voice carried an edge—sharp, cold, and laced with underlying arrogance.
"Why would you assume that?"
His gaze locked onto hers, dissecting every nuance, searching for something—anything—that would explain why she was here, dredging up unwanted ghosts.
Seraphina, clearly sensing his growing disdain, softened her tone, adopting a calculated sweetness, the kind that might have once swayed him.
"I heard from Carlos that you were expelled from the university," she admitted hesitantly, watching for his reaction.
Carlos.
That name alone was enough to set his teeth on edge.
Percy's expression remained unreadable, but beneath the surface, irritation burned like embers waiting for a gust of wind to ignite them.
His tone remained controlled, but a subtle bite lingered beneath his words.
"Expelled? Carlos is either misinformed or deliberately spreading lies. Take your pick."
There was no hesitation in his dismissal, no effort to mask the distaste in his voice.
Seraphina flinched, surprised by his bluntness. Her usual poise faltered, replaced by a momentary lapse of vulnerability.
"I… I just wanted to see if it was true. I was worried about you, Percy," she stammered, eyes flickering uncertainly between him and the ground.
Concern? Now?
Percy resisted the urge to scoff. If she truly cared, she would have… No. That door was closed. Sealed. Buried.
His patience was wearing thin.
"You have an odd way of showing concern, considering how things ended between us."
Seraphina winced at his words, a flash of something genuine flickering across her face before she quickly masked it.
"I know I made mistakes, Percy. But I've changed. I… I've missed you."
There it was.
Percy's jaw tightened.
The sincerity in her voice momentarily unsettled him, but he remained unmoved.
"People don't change overnight, Seraphina. And as for missing me… well, actions speak louder than words."
His response was measured but firm, ensuring that she understood—he wasn't the same person she left behind.
A weighted silence stretched between them.
For the first time since their conversation began, Seraphina looked up at him, her eyes searching his—a mix of hope, regret, and something else.
"Can we… at least talk? Maybe start over as friends?"
Her words hung in the air, heavy with remnants of a history neither of them could erase.
Percy remained silent.
And in that silence, she understood.
Seraphina exhaled softly, nodding, accepting the answer he didn't give.
"I understand. I won't bother you again," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
As she turned to leave, the setting sun stretched her shadow long across the pavement, a ghostly echo of what once was.
Percy watched her retreating figure, a storm of emotions clashing within him.
Relief.
Lingering resentment.
And… something dangerously close to forgiveness.
He exhaled through his nose, rubbing the back of his neck in frustration.
Finally, he spoke.
"We can talk."
Seraphina halted mid-step.
Percy narrowed his gaze, ensuring his tone left no room for misinterpretation.
"But let's be clear—this isn't about picking up where we left off. We start fresh. And I set the boundaries."
Seraphina's eyes widened slightly, before settling into something more reserved, more careful.
For a moment, she said nothing. Then, slowly, a cautious smile tugged at her lips.
"That's all I ask."
"HEY!"
A sharp voice cut through the moment, startling Seraphina and making Percy's irritation spike instantly.
He already knew who it was.
Great. The dung beetle returns.
Rolling his eyes hard enough to strain a muscle, Percy turned his head, spotting the unwelcome distraction storming toward them.
He took one glance at the man's twisted expression and sighed internally.
"Judging by that look, it's tough to tell if that's his usual face or his 'I'm gonna kill you' face."
A pause.
"Eh. He's probably about to spout some nonsensical drivel."
Percy braced himself for the impending annoyance, already bored of whatever came next.
Carlos Astaroth stormed toward Percy, his aggression radiating from every step. His eyes blazed with unchecked fury, locking onto Percy as if he were the sole cause of his misery.
"Magus! What the hell did you do to make such a beauty cry?!"
The accusation hung in the air like a guillotine, Carlos's clenched fists trembling with rage.
Percy didn't flinch. If anything, his expression remained flat, unimpressed.
"I did nothing," he replied coolly. "She wasn't even crying."
Carlos growled in disbelief, his anger bubbling over.
"You expect me to believe that?!"
Percy exhaled through his nose, already tiring of the theatrics.
"Believe what you want," he said dismissively, "not that my reasons would make sense to a dog like you."
Carlos's face flushed with fury at the insult.
"F* YOU!"**
Losing all restraint, Carlos lunged forward, fist aimed straight for Percy's face—shoving Seraphina aside in his reckless rage.
Percy saw it all before it even happened.
The moment Carlos moved, 'Sensory Field' had already mapped out his attack, highlighting openings in his stance, weaknesses in his form.
He was too slow. Too predictable. Too sloppy.
The punch came—Percy didn't even bother dodging the first step. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, letting the fist graze past him before stepping in.
Before Carlos could react—Percy countered.
A sharp, precise strike to his solar plexus.
Carlos staggered, gasping as air was violently expelled from his lungs.
Another strike—to his knee.
Carlos's leg buckled.
A final open-palm strike to his sternum.
Carlos collapsed onto the pavement, wheezing, confused, and utterly humiliated.
Percy looked down at him, not with anger, but with cold, distant disappointment.
"Pathetic," he remarked. One word. That was all Carlos deserved.
He turned to walk away.
But Carlos wasn't done.
Coughing and seething in defeat, he forced himself onto shaking limbs, rage still blazing in his eyes.
"JUST WAIT FOR THE ENTRANCE EXAM!" he howled, voice cracking under the weight of his humiliation. "YOU'RE DEAD!"
Percy paused, half-turning his head just enough to glance back.
His expression? Pure, effortless superiority.
Carlos saw it. Felt it. And it only fueled his frustration.
Seraphina, who had been silent through the entire exchange, finally found her voice.
"Um—Percy, are you okay?"
Her tone was hesitant, as if she wasn't sure what to expect from him anymore.
Percy exhaled, running a hand through his hair before answering.
"I'm fine."
His gaze flicked toward Carlos's crumpled form, then back to Seraphina.
"And don't waste your worry on him. He'll wake up with nothing more than a bruised ego and maybe a few aches."
He studied her for a moment—clinical, detached.
"The real question is, are you okay?" he added, tilting his head slightly. "You've got more than enough drama circling you already."
Seraphina shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting between Carlos and Percy.
The tension still lingered like an unshaken storm, and she seemed at a loss for words.
"I... I didn't expect things to escalate like this. I'm sorry, Percy. I didn't mean to cause trouble."
Percy arched a brow, unimpressed.
"Seraphina, trouble follows you like a damn shadow," he said bluntly.
She flinched, but didn't refute it.
Still, she pressed on.
"But... that was intense. Are you sure you don't want to stay and explain? What if someone saw and misunderstood?"
Percy's lips curled into a smirk, the sharp amusement in his expression far from warm.
"Let them think what they want. I'm not about to waste my time justifying myself to every idiot who might get the wrong idea."
His eyes flicked to Carlos.
"Besides..." he chuckled, "I think our 'dung-beetle' friend here got exactly the message he needed."
He turned on his heel. "I've got better things to focus on than high school rivalries."
Seraphina, watching him, hesitated for just a second before stepping beside him.
"You've changed, Percy," she murmured.
There was something uncertain in her voice.
Percy glanced at her, his expression unreadable.
"Maybe I have," he admitted. "Or maybe I'm just done playing everyone's games."
She didn't respond immediately, but when she did, her voice was softer, tinged with regret.
"Of course, Percy. And… thank you. For not making it worse."
Percy merely nodded.
And with that, he walked away—leaving Seraphina to deal with the mess she had created.
By the time Percy arrived home, the tension from the encounter had dulled, fading into the backdrop of his thoughts.
But it was Angelica's presence that truly soothed the remaining embers.
Her warmth greeted him like the soft glow of a candle in a darkened room.
"Welcome home," she murmured, her voice carrying an unspoken understanding.
Percy said nothing at first, only letting out a long, exasperated sigh.
The weight of the day settled onto his shoulders, but Angelica was already there to lift it.
As he showered, the water did little to wash away the lingering emotions.
But when he stepped out, a familiar warmth wrapped around him.
Angelica's arms.
Her embrace from behind was gentle yet firm, grounding him.
Her soft kisses trailed near his ears, her hands resting lightly against his chest.
Percy let out a soft chuckle, feeling the tension gradually uncoil within him.
"Angel, if you're trying to distract me, it's working."
She giggled softly, nuzzling into him.
"Good."
And just like that—the chaos of the day melted away.
Percy chuckled softly, the tension of the day fading as Angelica's warmth seeped into him.
"What are you doing?" he asked, amusement lacing his voice, though the gratitude in his tone was unmistakable.
Angelica's lips curled into a small, playful smile, her voice barely above a whisper as she leaned closer.
"Just trying to make you feel better… did it work?"
Her breath, warm and teasing against his ear, sent a shiver down his spine.
It did. More than she knew.
In a fluid motion, Percy pulled her onto his lap, their laughter intertwining like the melody of a song only they knew. Angelica yelped in surprise but melted into his hold, their joy a quiet rebellion against the chaos of the world outside.
"You always make me feel better, Angel," Percy murmured, pressing his forehead against her chest, listening to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat.
Angelica's arms wrapped around him tighter, as if shielding him from the burdens he never spoke of.
"I'm just glad I can be of help," she whispered, her voice like silk against the edges of his exhaustion.
Percy sighed, his body finally surrendering to the comfort of her embrace.
Sleep claimed him swiftly.
Angelica, watching him drift off, smiled softly, placing a gentle kiss against his temple.
"Sweet dreams, love."
And soon, she too, followed him into slumber.
The first golden rays of morning light streamed through the curtains, bathing them in warmth.
Percy stirred first, his arms still securely wrapped around Angelica's waist.
"Angi, love, you're awake?" he murmured, his voice husky from sleep.
She let out a soft, sleepy hum, nuzzling closer.
Percy's lips curled into a mischievous grin.
"I can't resist."
Before she could process his words, his lips found her skin.
Angelica's mind, still wrapped in the haze of slumber, registered a strange sensation.
Wet. Warm. Sucking?
Her sleepy thoughts barely had time to catch up before realization slammed into her.
"P-Percy!" she gasped, eyes flying open as his lips trailed lower, teasingly.
She squirmed, half in embarrassment, half in... something else.
"Please—" she started, but her protests dissolved into breathy sighs as Percy continued his devilish exploration.
A battle she was losing.
Her fingers gripped the sheets, every kiss, every slow, deliberate touch igniting something deep within her.
"Percy…" she whimpered, her voice trembling between restraint and surrender.
His response was a low, satisfied hum against her skin.
"God, you drive me crazy, Angi."
His voice—husky, thick with longing— sent a thrill down her spine.
But before the moment could spiral further, Angelica's senses kicked in.
She bit her lip, flushed, gathering enough willpower to push against his chest.
"We have plans today, Percy," she reminded him, her voice slightly uneven, but her resolve firm.
Percy groaned in frustration, burying his face against her stomach.
"You ruin all my fun."
Angelica giggled, lightly running her fingers through his hair.
"That's because you have zero self-control," she teased, tapping his nose before slipping out of his hold.
Percy sighed dramatically, watching her retreat with hooded eyes.
"Fine, fine. But you owe me."
Angelica merely shot him a playful smirk over her shoulder.
"We'll see."
An hour later, Percy emerged from his room, fully dressed, finding Angelica already waiting at the door.
She turned to him with a raised brow. "You ready?"
Percy smirked, stepping forward and snaking his arms around her waist.
"Always. But… you might feel nauseous."
Before she could protest, he teleported them.
The familiar beautiful lake materialized before them, the pristine water shimmering under the mid-morning sun.
Angelica, however, had other concerns.
She staggered, pressing a hand to her stomach.
"Urgh—"
Percy, leaning casually against a tree, chuckled knowingly.
"Told you."
Angelica shot him a glare between shallow breaths.
"You could've given me an actual warning, Percy!"
He grinned. "Where's the fun in that?"
Ignoring him, she took slow, deep breaths, her discomfort fading as she finally took in their surroundings.
The lake's tranquil surface mirrored the clear blue sky, birds gliding over its vast expanse, their distant cries harmonizing with the gentle rustling of trees.
It was breathtaking.
Angelica's annoyance melted into awe.
"It's even more beautiful than I remembered," she murmured, walking toward the water's edge.
Percy watched her, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips.
"I figured this would be the best place for what we're about to do."
With a snap of his fingers, intricate glowing runes etched themselves onto the ground, forming the structure of the Mana Circle Method.
Angelica turned to him, eyes filled with anticipation.
"Let's begin."
Percy's voice was steady, a quiet encouragement amidst the tranquil surroundings of the lake. Hours passed, yet Angelica struggled with the final step of her training, her frustration evident in the faint tremble of her hands.
Observing from a distance, Percy activated his Mana Sensitivity, allowing him to perceive the flow of energy within her. His keen insight quickly pinpointed the problem.
"Beta," he murmured, eyes narrowing in analysis, "her body is burdened with impurities. It's blocking the flow of mana, just like mine was before the Muscle Growth Elixir."
"Is there anything we can do to help her?"
Beta processed his request before responding, "If you're asking if the system can provide another elixir—no. Rewards are individualized. However, an alchemist might offer a solution."
"An alchemist?" Percy's curiosity was piqued.
Beta elaborated, "Yes. Alchemists blend science and magic, harnessing natural elements infused with mana to create powerful potions. A purification tonic could clear her system."
Percy, however, had another idea.
"What about the mana water from Gaianterra? Can I use that?"
Beta hesitated. "Yes, but it's in liquid form. Giving it to her discreetly without raising suspicion will be difficult."
A mischievous smirk crept across Percy's lips.
"Leave that to me."
Angelica sat by the edge of the training circle, her hands clenched in her lap.
"Even after awakening my innate elements… I still can't form my mana circle."
Her voice was barely above a whisper, the weight of failure pressing against her shoulders.
She blinked back frustrated tears, but before she could fully compose herself, Percy stepped forward, blocking her view of the sky.
She glanced up, confused. "Um, Percy? What are you doing?"
Instead of answering, he knelt beside her, his face so close that she could see the golden flecks swirling in his blue eyes.
"Do you trust me?" he whispered.
Caught off guard by the sudden intensity in his voice, Angelica's breath hitched.
"O-of course, I do."
Percy chuckled softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
"Then focus on circulating your mana. Ignore what I'm about to do and concentrate on forming your circle. Got it?"
Angelica's heart pounded in her chest.
"O-okay… Percy."
With deliberate precision, she closed her eyes and began the process once more, guiding her mana in a steady rotation.
Percy, meanwhile, gave a subtle nod to Beta.
Within seconds, the pristine liquid of Gaianterra's mana water materialized in his mouth.
And then, he leaned in.
Angelica's eyes snapped open as she felt the warmth of Percy's lips on hers, her gasp muffled by the sudden soft yet firm pressure.
The moment she parted her lips in surprise, Percy deepened the kiss, seamlessly transferring the mana water into her mouth.
A sudden rush of energy flooded her system.
The mana pushed through blocked pathways, burning away impurities, unlocking parts of her body that had been previously unresponsive.
Angelica instinctively tried to question him, but the sensation was too overwhelming.
Her mana, previously sluggish, now raced through her circuits, her body finally absorbing ambient energy at an astonishing rate.
She barely noticed the way Percy's hand cradled her cheek, or the possessive way his fingers brushed against her jaw.
Right now, all she could focus on was the power surging within her.
Percy pulled back slightly, watching her transformation unfold.
The very air around Angelica hummed with mana, her skin glowing faintly as the final puzzle piece clicked into place.
Her mana circle formed.
"I knew she could do it," Percy murmured, satisfaction evident in his voice.
Beta, ever the observer, quipped dryly.
"That's certainly one way to make her drink the water."
Percy smirked, but Beta continued, her tone shifting to business.
"What do you plan to do with the remaining mana water?"
Percy tapped his fingers thoughtfully against his chin.
"For now, we'll keep it for essential use. Even with my increased strength, the water still enhances my foundation. Once it's no longer beneficial… we might consider selling it on the black market."
Beta hummed in agreement. "If we do, high-level mages will compete fiercely to obtain it. It's a rare resource, after all."
Percy nodded absently, his gaze never leaving Angelica.
Minutes turned into hours as she stabilized her newfound strength.
When she finally opened her eyes, her aura shimmered with the power of a First Circle Mage.
Angelica gasped, staring at her hands, her body, feeling the undeniable surge of magic within her.
"The difference is… incredible."
Percy crossed his arms, grinning."Congratulations. You're officially a First Circle Mage."
Angelica beamed, her joy radiating like the morning sun. "Thank you, Percy. I… I don't even know how to repay you."
Something in Angelica's gaze shifted.
The grateful warmth in her eyes was replaced with a sultry glint, her lips curling into a smile that sent a shiver down Percy's spine.
"Oh?"
Percy, intrigued by her sudden shift in demeanor, raised an eyebrow.
"Well, I can think of a way."
Angelica stepped closer, looping her arms around his neck, her voice silky smooth.
"And what would that be?" she asked, eyes locking onto his with a teasing challenge.
Percy didn't answer with words.
Instead, he lowered his head, capturing her lips in a slow, passionate kiss.
Angelica sighed against him, fingers tightening around the fabric of his shirt, her body molding perfectly against his.
There was no hesitation, no uncertainty— only the mutual pull of gravity, an unspoken promise that, for now, nothing else mattered.
The lake, the training, the rest of the world…
All of it faded into the background.
Because in this moment, Angelica was his.
And Percy?
Percy was hers.
The air between them shimmered with magic, thick with something unspoken. Not just desire, not just longing—but a question neither dared to voice.
Is this enough?
The lake's surface rippled beneath the moonlight, reflecting the quiet storm inside Angelica's heart.
She was striking beneath the celestial glow, her amber hair cascading in waves like autumn leaves set ablaze. The silver-crimson flicker in her eyes was like dying embers—intense, expressive, but fleeting. A soft imperfection, a delicate freckle under her left eye, made her beauty feel real, like something meant to be admired and held.
But held forever?
Even now, as she gazed at Percy—the boy who had given her safety, who had made her feel seen—there was a quiet ache inside her. She wanted this moment. She wanted him.
But a part of her knew she was not his forever.
"Thank you, Percy." The words were quiet, barely more than a whisper, but they carried the weight of everything she couldn't say.
Percy, strong and steady, brushed a strand of damp hair from her face, his fingers lingering just a moment too long. "You've always had the strength, Angel. I just helped you see it."
She swallowed the lump in her throat. He really believed that.
Maybe that's what made loving him so easy.
And so difficult.
Her fingers trailed across his jawline, over the slight stubble that hadn't been there when they first met. There was something different about him now. A quiet confidence, a strength beyond just power.
He had changed.
Or maybe, he was always meant to.
Her lips barely ghosted over his before he closed the distance himself, capturing her in a kiss that sent a tremor down her spine.
Gods… he always kissed like this. Like she was the only thing in his world. Like he wasn't thinking about the past, or the future—just her, just now.
And for tonight… maybe that was enough.
Percy's arms tightened around her lithe frame, lifting her easily until her bare feet hovered above the water. Her heart pounded as she sank deeper into him, her hands running across the broad muscles of his back, the warmth of his skin searing against her fingertips.
"Angel…" Percy murmured against her lips, his voice thick with something raw.
A shiver ran through her—not from the cold, but from the way he said her name.
Like it meant something.
Like she meant something.
Her arms wound tighter around his neck, pressing closer—not just out of passion, but out of a desperate, unspoken need.
To hold on.
To stay.
To forget, just for tonight, that her heart was not whole.
Because with Percy, she could pretend it was.
The mana birds overhead sang softly, glowing in rhythmic pulses that matched the quiet magic humming in her veins. The lake, glistening with mana, encircled them, reflecting the stars like a dream frozen in time.
She knew she had to leave him one day.
She knew her soul belonged somewhere else.
But tonight, in his arms, in the way his lips claimed hers, in the way his hands traced every curve with reverence, she allowed herself this lie.
She let herself believe in a love that could last.
Even if she knew it wouldn't.
Because Percy deserved that much.
And so did she.