Azrael's footsteps resonated through the sprawling academy grounds, each stride echoing the quiet pathways as he immersed himself in the unique atmosphere that surrounded the prestigious institution.
While Theo and Luna remained engrossed in their classes, the ordinary and extraordinary students delved into a multitude of subjects, especially those that bolstered their supporting skills.
In contrast, the elite class was directed towards specialized studies and critical subjects, honing their talents for the exceptional.
As Azrael strolled through the serene campus, the enigmatic presence of Jing Qiáng materialized at his side.
Jing Qiáng was adorned in flowing white robes, and his long, silvery hair cascaded down his back, contrasting beautifully with his fair skin. His presence radiated not only enigma but also majesty, commanding respect from all who encountered him.
There was an undeniable aura of calm wisdom that surrounded Jing Qiáng, that Azrael couldn't help but respect, even though a nagging doubt still lingered within him.
Jing Qiáng's voice, calm and measured, cut through Azrael's contemplation. "Have you decided which magical path to pursue?"
Azrael furrowed his brow in contemplation. 'I'm not sure yet. What do you think? Do you have any suggestions?'
Jing Qiáng thought for a moment, observing Azrael's demeanor and reflecting on his capabilities.
"What is your inclination? Do you prefer to cast spells from a distance or to engage in close combat?" Jing Qiáng inquired.
'I enjoy both,' Azrael replied shortly.
Jing Qiáng nodded thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "In that case, perhaps you would find a unique advantage in studying the intricate art of illusion magic. This path allows you to disarm your opponents by ensnaring them in intricate illusions while you maintain your offensive prowess, seamlessly weaving close combat and spellcasting into your strategies."
Azrael raised an eyebrow at the suggestion. 'Illusion magic? That doesn't sound bad.'
As they continued their stroll through the academy grounds, Azrael couldn't help but ask more about the intricacies of illusion magic. Jing Qiáng, always calm and composed, delved into an elaborate explanation.
"Illusion magic," Jing Qiáng began, his voice carrying the weight of knowledge, "is an art that thrives on the very essence of deception. It revolves around the creation of illusions so convincing that they can distort the very fabric of reality itself. With this power, you can conjure lifelike illusions of yourself or others, manipulate the visibility of objects, or even shape the environment to your strategic advantage."
Azrael absorbed this information, his curiosity growing with every word. 'And how does one become proficient in illusion magic?'
Jing Qiáng smiled enigmatically, his eyes reflecting the depths of his wisdom. "To become proficient in illusion magic, you must embark on a profound journey into the realms of human perception. It demands a comprehensive understanding of sensory perception, psychology, and even philosophy. True mastery extends beyond crafting illusions; it hinges on your ability to masterfully manipulate the human mind."
As their conversation flowed, Azrael eventually found himself at the entrance of the Arcane Library Archive.
Upon entering, he was greeted by a mesmerizing sight—the night sky ceiling adorned with countless tiny star-like lights. The effect created an atmosphere of enchanting and mystical allure, enveloping the library in an aura of profound knowledge and hidden wonders, as if the very cosmos watched over the repository of magical knowledge.
Within the library's hallowed halls, some cadets pursued their individual quests for enlightenment, each engrossed in their own pursuits. It was as though an unspoken agreement permeated the air, a shared understanding that silence was golden within these hallowed walls.
Azrael delved deeper into the library's sprawling labyrinth, skillfully navigating the countless sections with practiced ease. He made a request for the levitating bookshelves, specifically in search of materials that delved into the intricacies of illusion magic.
The shelves before him housed a treasure trove of knowledge—ancient tomes, scrolls adorned with cryptic symbols, and the journals of illusionists who had left their legacies into the annals of history.
Azrael discovered a secluded corner amidst the vast repository of knowledge and gathered an armful of texts, scrolls, and tomes. Arranging them beside a soft plush bean bag, which provided both comfort and support as he delved into his research.
The countless tiny star lights in the ceiling cast a gentle, ambient glow that illuminated the pages before him. It was enough to read by without straining his eyes, while also bestowing upon the library a soothing and enchanting atmosphere, making his time spent engrossed in the written word all the more enchanting.
As Azrael immersed himself in the written wisdom of illusion magic, he engaged in a continuous dialogue with Jing Qiáng.
They dissected the intricacies of the technique, exploring its depths and potential applications. Azrael's inquiries were met with Jing Qiáng's patient and informative responses, deepening his grasp of this mysterious craft.
Amidst his studies, Azrael found a moment to reach out to Luna, letting her know of his whereabouts. A brief text message conveyed his intentions to spend his evening within the library's embrace.
Luna, in her usual cheerful manner, replied with an update of her own—she was engrossed in assignments given by the academy's instructors and looked forward to meeting and talking about her first day at the academy with him later at the manor.
As the hours passed, time seemed to slip away unnoticed, much like sand flowing through the neck of an hourglass. Azrael was captivated by the boundless possibilities that illusion magic presented.
It was a realm where the boundaries of reality and imagination intertwined, offering a canvas upon which to paint endless creative potential. In those quiet moments within the library's hallowed halls, he felt the stirrings of a new journey—one that would set him to master the art of illusions and carve his own path in the world of magic.
The evening sun had set, casting the world in a gentle, ambient glow. Azrael knew it was time to leave, but his mind buzzed with newfound knowledge and excitement.
"I should head back, Luna must be waiting for me" Azrael muttered to himself, closed the books, gathered his notes, and put all the text back.
As Azrael left the library, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was on the cusp of something extraordinary. Illusion magic, a realm of infinite possibilities, awaited his exploration.
The night had fully descended upon the academy, and the stars above twinkled with an otherworldly brilliance. Azrael looked up at the celestial display above. 'This is just the beginning.'
With newfound knowledge and a path chosen, Azrael set off towards the manor, his heart filled with anticipation for the magical journey that lay ahead.
*********
After returning to the manor, Azrael joined Luna for dinner.
The atmosphere was calm as they shared stories about their respective days. Luna spoke animatedly about her classes, detailing the fascinating subjects she had encountered, while Azrael listened attentively, offering thoughtful comments.
As they finished their dinner, Luna glanced at Azrael and asked, "What about you, Akki? How was your day at the academy?"
Azrael took a moment to respond, his thoughts lingering on the knowledge he had gained about illusion magic earlier in the day. "It was productive," he finally replied. "I spent most of my time in the library, researching illusion magic. It's a captivating subject."
Luna's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Illusion magic? That sounds intriguing. Tell me more about it."
Azrael began to explain, "Illusion magic is all about deceiving the senses and manipulating perception. It allows the caster to create false sensory experiences and distort reality. You can make people see, hear, or feel things that aren't there."
Luna nodded in fascination. "That's incredible! It must be challenging to master."
Azrael's expression turned serious as he considered the path he was embarking upon. "Yeah, it is. But I believe it's worth the effort. Illusion magic offers a unique way to approach both combat and problem-solving."
Their conversation continued, delving deeper into the intricacies of illusion magic and its potential applications. As the night wore on, they shared their dreams and aspirations, their voices filled with a shared sense of determination and wonder.
With their discussion concluded, they bid each other goodnight and retreated to their respective rooms.
In his room, Azrael sat down on a plush and luxury carpet, adopting a lotus position. The room was bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, casting flickering shadows on the walls. He closed his eyes, taking deep breaths to calm his racing heart.
Tonight was the night he would attempt the mana manipulation technique 'Dark Power Container.' The weight of the task rested heavily on his shoulders, and he knew the process would be far from easy.
In the room, there's another presence, an enigmatic figure who has been a constant presence since he discovered his true identity. Jing Qiáng stood before him, his demeanor as calm and composed as always.
"The process will be painful. Prepare yourself," Jing Qiáng's voice directly resounds on Azrael's head, devoid of any comforting words.
Azrael took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. "I'm ready."