It is finally time. The second mana circle, the one he plans on placing on his brain.
He chose to do it in the association's facility with all of his party members waiting outside.
Unlike the burning feeling in the heart, this one is like a constant migraine. A headache that never seems to dissipate.
He fell unconscious.
"Hey Francis."
"Yeah?"
"Is it bad if I say I don't care about her anymore?"
"Explain."
"It has been 3 months, She never really did anything for us. None of the same things we did for her was reciprocated, besides we have a new purpose now"
"What is this purpose Matt? Survival? I believe that we are doing more than just surviving."
"Do you remember what our grandfather said?"
"... I think I haven't manifested yet back when you heard this. I came to be during our 10th birthday remember?"
"I guess it's better that I just show you."
The television in front of the two showed an old man seemingly in his death bed.
This was the last visit he could give the old man before he died just a few days later.
"Matthew, do you know about the Khans?"
"Khan? Last name??"
"Yes, our last name. Do you know where this name descended from?"
"Nope."
"Ha..haahaha well it is the name hailing from an old ruler. A King."
"Ohh King?? I want to be a king"
"A great goal, remember this well little Matthew. You have to live, live a life that's worth remembering. I wish you nothing but success."
"So live a life worth living?" Francis asked sarcastically.
Matthew smacked Francis at the back of the head.
"King. We might not have a shot at it in this world due to the time limit but when we go back. If we get strong enough we can rally the people. We can start our own kingdom!"
This discussion would last for a few hours as the magic circle on his brain fully formed.
He awakened feeling refreshed. His party members looked at their captain, reborn anew.
[You have reached the Second circle]
[You have unlocked the skill known as "Puppeteer's Mind"]
For the first time in a while he said the word "Status" With a smile.
Name: Matthew Khan
Title: The Virtuoso, Goblin's Bane
Mana: 5,320/5,400
Ki: 100/100 [Untrained]
Unique Ability: (Locked)
Skills: [Puppeteering] [Mana Threads] [Puppeteer's Mind]
[Puppeteer's Mind]
You have the mind of a puppeteer. Increases maximum amount of puppets controlled by 2. Mana used for maintaining puppet control is lessened.
As a second circle spellcaster, he now had the ability to regain his mana mid-combat. While to most other spellcasters this will only help in giving them a few extra casts of some simple spells. This is a vital tool for puppeteers. This makes it so that maintaining 2 active puppets at once is possible without exhausting his supply.
He tested the limits immediately, his limit is as follows. 4 Pawns at once or any combination between the knight and the rook so long as only 2 of them are active. The discounted mana costs from his title and the puppeteer's mind skill were a boon that helped a lot in his growth.
This along with a new limit of 6 puppets for when he needs to take a fight seriously.
"We will head out at 3 in the afternoon, for now enjoy the city for as long as you can. We will be out for a long time."
After buying a bunch of books regarding history and puppeteering, Matthew and his crew began to discuss their decisions while on the way to the caravan that they were tasked with escorting.
3 to 4 days of travel, that's what it takes to get to the front lines. In the front lines those in C - Class or higher will be considered officers from the moment they set foot. Assigned by the general they place themselves under.
The puppeteer's party decided to defend and join the caravan of supplies that were being sent to the front lines. Two birds in one stone, they get to where they need to be and they get to bring supplies for the starving soldiers in the battlefield.
The path to the front lines is a sad one. They often came across a carriage carrying a bunch of bodies, the only town they passed through seemed devoid of life. Everything was a far cry from the city that they came from.
They reached the city of Artig without much trouble, according to the guards the forests on the path are routinely killed by soldiers.
"The General will meet with you shortly" They were brought to an office.
Outside of the office is a military camp. Ever since they got there the only non-combatants that they saw were the ones selling food and goods in the market.
It seems that women and children have all evacuated the area. They are the priority in this kind of situation after all.
The air in the room tensed up as a tall bald man entered the scene. He wears a full suit of armor and appears to be carrying a helmet.
"I am General James Di'Chevie. I hope your journey to the battlefield has been safe. It has occurred to me that this is the party led by the Virtuoso."
"Yes, that would be me sir."
"I have heard of your exploits. I will see to it that the soldiers placed under you will be nothing short of the most trained. I would like for all of the C - Class present, The Virtuoso included to form a line in front of me as I bestow your positions."
With all 5 of them staying at the front and Rokhan waiting at the back. The small ceremony began.
"You are all assigned the position of Sergeant, each with a platoon of 20 D -Class soldiers. Matthew Khan, you are hereby given the role of Sergeant First Class, tasked with leading your own set of 20 and the overall group of 100 soldiers. The kingdom is grateful for your choice in joining the united front against the forces of chaos."
He had a few more things to say, a whole speech about patriotism and how honorable it is for a young prodigy like Matthew to join their cause.
"With all of that being said, There is already a mission set out for you."
The mission is to serve as reinforcements in a small town that is 3 to 4 days away from the fortified city of Artig.
The town of Nikaos.
According to reports, the militia has dwindled due to the loss of the C-class sergeant assigned with protecting the area. His unit is tasked with going in and protecting the area, making sure that the populace is safe, while bolstering the defense.