The clothes I was given were similar to the ones I wore, but of lower quality. I understood these people couldn’t make clothes as good as what could be found on Earth, so I only picked out the roughly made sleeveless turtleneck leather shirt but kept my trousers and boots.
At this point, I regretted not fetching a few clothes before coming here. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough ti to get anything else, especially since I was not originally a part of the raiding crew.
I exited the castle and headed towards the gates. At the palace gates was old man Luthor holding down the reins of two horses, still dressed in his plated, oversized robes. The leather satchel slung across his shoulder was stuffed with books to the point that so were sticking out.
The man smiled sheepishly upon seeing . The excitent in his eyes was hard to miss. This was the face of a man who had unwavering faith in —sothing I need from everyone who plans to follow .
Let be the one to doubt myself, not you. Because doubt gives reason for betrayal. That is why I can never see soone the sa way after they display a mont of doubt.
"I heard you plan to try out magic!" Luthor seed more excited than .
Chuckling while nodding, I looked past him to see so many people gathered at the other end of the drawbridge.
"People are excited to hear you have taken an interest in magic, just like the prophecy foretold," Luthor explained as soon as he noticed my wandering gaze.
I wonder who spread the news.
My suspicion was between the guards that ca with Serena or Luthor himself. He’s the most excited about the arrival of ’the one,’ especially since it will be recorded that he was the first person to co in contact with .
"Why the horse?" I asked with a raised eyebrow, and he froze for a mont, blinking repeatedly in confusion.
It took him a while to gather himself before responding.
"To master magic, one must understand mana. It’s a journey and not sothing that can be rushed—"
With a single gesture, I cut him off and shook my head.
"We don’t have ti for that..." I said and stretched out my hand. "Are those books on magic? If so, let have a look."
Luthor was taken aback by my irrational actions, but he still complied, slowly pulling out a thick book, buckled closed by what seed like a belt.
Ding!
[Grimoire Detected: Used for recording spells]
Like I wasn’t going to find out in a few seconds. I rolled my eyes. But when I need real information, you go mute.
Without hesitation, I took the book from Luthor and unbuckled it. I flipped through the pages, settling for one at the center, only to realize they weren’t written in English.
Ding!
[Na:] Battle Rhythm
[Type:] Empowernt/Buff
[Cost:] 5 Solinthar Fragnts
[Energy Cost:] 5 EP
[Description:] Temporarily boosts coordination, reaction speed, and morale of nearby allies by syncing their tempo to the caster’s pulse. Ideal for squad-based combat or leading troops into battle.
[Effects:]
3 Speed, Strength & Enhanced Awareness
Every third strike deals 30% more damage (stacks with weapons or abilities)
Movent becos smoother, making you harder to predict
Allies within 15 ters gain 2 Speed
Attacks deal bonus 10% damage if attacking in sync (within 1 second of your strike)
Reduced stamina drain for physical techniques
’Purchase...’
Ding!
[Battle Rhythm Purchased]
[25 Solinthar Fragnts left.]
Ding!
[New Title Acquired: Magus]
[When in use, host gains 50 EP and dual casting but is unable to use talents while in this state. This title can only be used once a day.]
’Title?’ I was taken aback, since this was the first ti I had received sothing like this.
Concerning the boost, it was amazing—since I haven’t seen any way to boost my energy points, unlike my health which can be improved by increasing vitality. However, blocking out my ability to use talents in this mode troubled a bit.
Berserk and Door talents were my bread and butter. Both served unique offensive and defensive roles. Unless I can find spells that can replace those, it will be difficult for to overlook this flaw.
"Great One, if it’s too much for you, we can still master mana first..." Luthor’s hushed words snapped out of my reverie and made realize I had been staring at the page for a while.
"Dra’ven ah solm, kethera val’tuun—
Let the beat bind bone, let the rhythm lead the blade!"
My eyes revealed a burning red light as I read the incantations and my tone deepened.
Luthor staggered back in shock while gasps echoed from everywhere.
Silence!
After the gasps, the surroundings went quiet for half a second, like the world was holding its breath.
Then—
BOOM!
A heartbeat echoed like a war drum.
Crimson pulse-rings expanded from my chest, washing over nearby allies. My muscles relaxed yet sharpened, like a dancer falling into rhythm.
A faint rhythm echoed in my ears—it was subtle and almost non-existent, but strong like my heartbeat.
Instinctively, I shifted my gaze to Luthor who mimicked my movents and gazed at . His eyes were burning red like mine, and the crimson pulse-ring was embedded on his chest.
Together, we looked toward the soldiers who accompanied here, and they were also under the influence of my spell. Even soldiers on the walls above us were no different.
Even civilians standing at the other end of the drawbridge were not safe from my influence.
I could feel their heartbeats. Their rhythm matched mine, and I could boldly claim we were one at this very mont.
[Battle Rhythm Deactivated]
I didn’t hesitate to deactivate the spell because the feeling felt foreign to . It almost felt like these people were in my head just as much as I was in theirs. The feeling was truly magical—but it wasn’t sothing I was used to.
"GREAT ONE!"
"GREAT ONE!"
"GREAT ONE!"
Cheers ca from soldiers, civilians, and even Luthor, as everyone fell to their feet and bowed in excitent. This was ant to be a happy mont for , but I was still lost—trying to shake off the disturbing feelings the spell left on .
Luthor didn’t just bow. He even grabbed my boots while screaming "GREAT ONE!" at the top of his lungs. Only then did I realize I had achieved the impossible.
I had done that which Serena feared I wouldn’t be able to do.
Instinctively, I looked toward the castle windows. There were maids in every one of them, gazing at with awe—but eventually, I found one at the very top where Queen Emma, Serena, and Caelum stood, gazing at .
I won!
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