Chapter 62 — Becoming a Great Mage

1

The revelation was astounding.

In the Caesar family, where even considerable talent struggled to make a name for itself, a prodigy had emerged that left everyone in awe.

4th-Class magic, widely considered the pinnacle of human capability, but not yet considered a superhuman.

Simple 4th-Class magic was a realm achievable with a modicum of talent.

However, performing it with double casting was an entirely different matter.

Double casting was so challenging that it was said one must split their mind in two.

Drawing different complex magic circles simultaneously was a feat impossible for all but the naturally gifted.

‘But three?’

Triple casting.

That was beyond comprehension.

Throughout history, mages capable of triple casting could be counted on one hand.

Three brilliantly shimmering magic circles.

Tyrannis stared at them, muttering in disbelief.

“Truly… triple casting?”

“I believe this demonstrates my readiness.”

“Ha! Why…”

He trembled.

Why-.

Why someone like him!

Grinding his teeth, he spat out his words.

“Very well, I acknowledge it. I hope you’ll prove valuable to the family someday.”

“That’s the intention.”

Tyrannis then retreated, begging forgiveness for his impudence.

Invidea, Labeth, and Beninitas were all astounded.

No, every member of the family was stunned.

The head of the Caesar family pondered.

Perhaps, the greatest mage of this generation might be neither Tyrannis nor Invidea, but Manus.

Would he truly be able to resist the allure of power?

“Don’t overexert yourself. From this day forward, no one in Caesar will dare look down on you.”

“I appreciate that.”

“As a father, there’s no greater joy than witnessing your children’s growth. But remember this: arrogance will always be a parasite that eats away at you.”

Everyone nodded in agreement with these words.

Arrogance always feeds on and grows within people.

That arrogance impedes growth.

It obstructs the path to greater heights, like attempting to cover the sky with one’s hand.

Labeth announced he would prepare a grand feast for the occasion.

The demon’s corpse was transported to the magic tower, and the rest retired to recuperate from their journey.

All the medical staff in Caesar flocked to Manus.

“Are you feeling alright?”

“I’ll examine him briefly, everyone please step out.”

The medical staff began ushering everyone out, but Aden stood her ground, fidgeting.

As someone approached to address her again, Manus intervened.

“She’s my personal guard. Let her stay.”

“Ah, understood.”

Manus’s words now carried the weight of gold.

His past as a troublemaker, his overwhelming talent, his skill in vanquishing the demon.

To disrespect him within the family was now tantamount to disrespecting Caesar itself.

The medical staff could only bow their heads, not daring to object.

Even though they held considerable influence within the family.

A radiant smile spread across Aden’s face.

2

Evening fell.

Manus was leisurely perusing a book.

He had borrowed a tome on 5th-Class magic from the magic tower and was steadily absorbing knowledge.

[Hoing-!]

The cotton ball, no, Albion, that he had intentionally left in the room approached.

A wry smile escaped him, feeling as though he hadn’t paid enough attention to it.

The adorable cotton ball nuzzled against his cheek.

Manus presented five mana crystals to it.

“Consume these and absorb their power.”

[Hoing!]

The cotton ball’s mouth gaped wide.

After swallowing all five mana crystals in one gulp, Albion floated pitter-patter to the bed.

Whether instinctively seeking its nest, it curled up and began absorbing mana.

This should elevate its level significantly.

Manus cast a fond glance at the cute cotton ball, then attempted to refocus on his book.

If only there hadn’t been a knock at the door.

“Are you in?”

It was Invidea’s voice.

Manus rose to greet her.

Beyond the door, his sister stood in comfortable attire.

Gentle eyes and a serene aura surrounded her.

Invidea proposed speaking with him in a courteous manner.

With no reason to refuse, Manus invited her in.

“What brings you here?”

“I came to discuss today’s events.”

“If I was reckless, I apologize.”

She shook her head with a gentle smile.

It’s natural for a Caesar to solve problems relying on their own strength.

She had no intention of revisiting an issue already resolved.

“No need for apologies. I’m rather proud. You’ve elevated the Caesar name.”

“That’s a relief then.”

“I came to express my gratitude.”

For a noble of her stature to say thank you.

It was somewhat surprising.

As if she had dispatched a servant to fetch refreshments, delectable cookies and tea soon arrived.

She appeared to be gathering her thoughts while gazing out the window for a moment.

Her eyelashes fluttered delicately as she blinked.

Manus lifted a teacup, savoring the fragrant mint aroma.

‘Quite delicious.’

“Initially, I didn’t understand either. Truthfully, I thought you were marching to your doom.”

“To be honest, it was half a gamble for me as well.”

She regarded Manus with slightly parted lips, as if dumbfounded.

Even before he came into his own, his reckless nature was well-known.

She realized anew that such a personality hadn’t changed.

“Well… regardless, I’m pleased you seem to have gained Tyrannis’s acknowledgment. But that’s not the crux of the matter-.”

“We have ample time today, so feel free to speak at your leisure.”

She nodded and began to speak slowly.

As Manus said, there was no rush, so she planned to converse unhurriedly.

Invidea envied Manus.

He was gradually acquiring things she could never possess.

Youth.

A loyal guard.

And though late-blooming, overwhelming talent.

“I never imagined there’d come a day when I’d envy you, but today is that day.”

She continued the conversation with a faint smile.

“It’s a novel stimulus. Rather, it’s as if a new path has been illuminated. So-.”

“If you’re considering involving me in politics, I must decline.”

“That’s not it. I came because I want to offer you my full support.”

What could this mean?

This was a statement that could easily lead to profound misunderstandings.

Who’s supporting whom?

Manus is a direct descendant of the family.

For her to casually mention backing him, it must signify a change of heart.

Manus inquired about her motives.

“Are you aware of the dangers?”

“Dangers? Those who misinterpret my intentions, I’ll crush them myself.”

“Well, let’s assume that’s the case. But you realize I don’t particularly need support, right?”

Huhu-.

Invidea laughed heartily.

Is he putting on unnecessary bravado?

From that comment, she sensed that Manus hadn’t truly experienced the world yet.

This world is harsh.

He doesn’t grasp how valuable it is to receive someone’s backing.

A second-year academy student.

Still too young to comprehend the ways of the world.

“I can offer you a great deal. You might not realize it due to your youth, but-.”

“Indeed. Having support isn’t a bad thing. Very well.”

Manus nodded.

Invidea probably thinks he’s naive?

Little does she know, Manus himself was a person who had tasted the bitterness, hardships, and sweetness of life.

School connections, blood ties.

Though he might not be well-versed in regional politics, he understands the profound impact of the other two on one’s life.

The eldest daughter of Caesar.

In modern terms, would she be equivalent to the heiress of a major conglomerate?

“Ah, you’ve considered it well. I’m going to make Caesar mine. I’ll elevate you to become the most powerful and noble mage of this great family.”

She beamed brightly.

Unlike their first encounter, she had softened considerably.

And there was also a hint of increased affection, perhaps due to a change of heart.

What had Manus awakened in her?

He scratched his head.

When alone, sometimes mannerisms from his previous life would surface.

“Things are becoming more intricate.”

The moment Invidea closed the door and departed-.

A strange message materialized before him.

[Interference confirmed.]

[The course of the world changes significantly.]

[Reward acquired.]

‘-Suddenly?’

One of the many interferences had borne fruit.

Every word, every action.

A message reaffirming that everything can influence someone.

Indeed.

Even in his absence, the world continues to flow.

He can’t reshape everything to his liking.

However, if he can sway those who influence that world.

‘It wasn’t just the academy.’

[Reward: 20% reduction in skill acquisition time for all skills]

[50% reduction in skill acquisition time for skills possessed by targets you’ve influenced at least once]

“Wow…”

He rarely uttered exclamations, but this occasion warranted it.

Such a generous reward.

At this rate, the day might come when he could master skills over a century old in no time.

A satisfied smile formed.

He resumed reading the book.

He had no intention of hastily learning class magic as skills yet.

‘It’s been a while since I properly studied a discipline, I can’t deprive myself of this small pleasure.’

The indulgence in knowledge was now second nature to him, and also a means of adapting to this world.

Not immediately acquiring class magic was his way of finding personal fulfillment.

The night deepened.

Suddenly, he wondered about his friends at the academy.

Come to think of it, it was about time for the tower to commence its activities.

He checked the date, closed the book, rose, and gazed out the window.

“Seems there’s more work to be done.”

Incomprehensible murmurs float on the night breeze.

Many things have already changed, but more transformations lie ahead.

Those who can’t adapt to change are destined to be left behind.

He too must steadily progress to survive.

‘Fortunately, it concluded faster than anticipated.’

Before he realized, midnight had arrived, and the world fell silent as a mouse.

It felt as if time had stopped in Caesar.

As there was no erosion here, he savored a peaceful night for the first time in a while.

But he was unaware.

That even here, hidden currents of time flowed inexorably.

He couldn’t fathom what was transpiring in spaces beyond his presence.

3

“-Hmm.”

Invidea lay in bed, her mind swirling with various thoughts as she drifted off to sleep.

She had much to contemplate today.

Manus.

Caesar.

Other family members and the future she envisioned.

Such matters were intricately entangled, keeping slumber at bay.

After tossing and turning for a while.

Her expression softened as she finally surrendered to sleep.

At that moment, the world turned a dark shade of green.

“…”

Caesar’s security is impeccable, and no one dares to bare their teeth at this place.

Perhaps that’s why she slept so soundly.

But she was oblivious.

That there was no one who could protect her now, and that neither clouds, nor wind, nor time was flowing.

She probably would never have known.

However, the distortion surrounding her soon dissipated.

The environment around the woman sleeping with steady breaths returned to normal.

The flow of the world has shifted.

As well as the fate of those caught in its current.

–TL Notes–
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