Emerging as the top-ranked candidate, Mortis Nacht stood before the group of magus representatives, his eyes cold and calculating. The hall buzzed with energy, filled with whispers and envious glances from the other candidates. Mortis's mind, however, was focused solely on his next move.
Magus Haze, maintaining his stern demeanor, addressed the successful candidates. "All of you who survived the last trial and obtained at least one resource will have the opportunity to be recruited by representatives from various magus organizations present here." Magus Haze paused "And you... Mortis Nacht, as the top-ranked candidate, you have earned the privilege to choose any magus organization to join. Your potential and high-ranked affinities make you a valuable asset, and each organization would be honored to have you."
Before Mortis lay the decision of a lifetime. The choices were myriad, but he knew he needed to align himself with a faction that matched his ambitions and elemental affinities. The representatives of the Dark Magus organizations were the first to present their offers.
"The Cult of Eternal Damnation," began an elderly magus clad in black robes, "specializes in necromancy and the dark arts. We offer unparalleled knowledge in the manipulation of life and death."
Next, a representative from the Academy of the Forsaken, a somber woman with piercing eyes, spoke. "Our academy focuses on curses and shadow manipulation. We delve into the mysteries of the void and the unseen."
Finally, after all these offers, a tall, imposing figure from the Myriad Demons Academy stepped forward. "Our academy specializes in the elements of fire and darkness. We delve into the darker aspects of magic, pushing the boundaries of what is known and venturing into realms unseen by ordinary magi."
Mortis's interest was piqued. His affinity for fire and darkness made the Myriad Demons Academy an attractive option, but he still needed to hear offers from some of the light magi organizations.
"The Academy of the Arcane Light," a serene figure in white robes announced, "is dedicated to potioneering and protective magics. We cultivate purity and the light within."
The representative from the Academy of the Radiant Dawn, a dignified man with a glowing staff, added, "Our focus is on elemental control. We strive for balance and harmony."
Lastly, the Yin-Yang Paradise's envoy, a woman with an ethereal presence, spoke. "We practice dual cultivation of light and darkness, seeking balance in all things. Our teachings embrace both sides of the magical spectrum."
Mortis weighed his options carefully. The Light Magus organizations offered power, but their philosophies of balance and harmony did not align with his ambitions at all. The Dark Magus organizations, however, promised power through struggle, a philosophy that resonated with his own ruthless personality.
After a moment of contemplation, Mortis spoke. "I choose the Myriad Demons Academy. Their focus on fire and darkness aligns perfectly with my elemental affinities and my ambition to push beyond my limits."
The representative from the Myriad Demons Academy nodded in approval. "Wise choice, Mortis Nacht. We shall make great things together."
With the decision made, Mortis joined the other candidates chosen by the Myriad Demons Academy. They were led to a large, ornate airship, its hull inscribed with runes that glowed faintly. The airship was a marvel of magical engineering, designed to travel vast distances swiftly.
As the airship ascended, Mortis found a secluded corner and settled in, his mind already strategizing for the future. The journey to the academy headquarters was long, and he intended to use the time to rest and meditate over his magical affinities. The other candidates chatted excitedly, but Mortis remained aloof, his focus unbroken.
A few hours into the journey, a sudden jolt shook the airship. The sky darkened as a monstrous winged creature appeared, its eyes glowing with malevolent intelligence. The beast attacked with ferocity, its claws rummaging against the ship's protective barriers.
The rank 2 magus accompanying them, a seasoned warrior named Magus Valthor, sprang into action. He unleashed a barrage of spells, his hands weaving intricate patterns in the air. Fire and darkness clashed with the beast's raw power, the sky lighting up with bursts of magical particles. Mortis watched intently, studying the magus's techniques and creature's movements.
The airship suddenly shuddered under the impact of the beast's assault. The candidates on board screamed in panic as the creature's claws left deep gouges in the magical barriers protecting the vessel. Magus Valthor wasted no time, his voice commanding and steady as he chanted the incantation for a powerful spell.
"Pyroclasmic Burst!" Valthor's hands glowed with a fierce, fiery light before he thrust them forward, unleashing a torrent of blazing fire towards the beast. The creature roared in pain as the flames scorched its leathery hide, but it quickly retaliated, sending a wave of dark energy crashing into the barrier.
Mortis, observing from the sidelines, noted the creature's toughness and Valthor's control over his elemental magic. Valthor transitioned smoothly into his next spell, his movements fluid and precise.
"Shadow Spear!" Dark tendrils merged into a sharp, spear-like form before launching towards the beast. The spear struck it perfectly, piercing the creature's wing and causing it to shriek in agony. But the beast was far from defeated. It gathered dark energy particles within its maw, preparing to launch a counterattack.
Valthor raised his hand, casting a protective spell. "Aegis of Midnight!" A shield of dark energy particles enveloped the airship, absorbing the blast of the beast's attack. The impact rattled the vessel, but the barrier held firm.
Mortis's mind raced, analyzing the battle. He could see that Valthor was holding his own, but the beast's relentless assault meant they needed to end the fight quickly. The other candidates hugged each other, fear evident in their eyes, but Mortis remained calm, calculating every move and countermove.
Valthor's next spell combined his mastery of fire and darkness. "Infernal Eclipse!" Flames and shadows intertwined, forming a swirling vortex of destructive energy that engulfed the beast. The creature roared, its body writhing in the vortex's grip, but its sheer strength allowed it to push through the attack, albeit severely weakened.
Seeing an opening, Valthor chanted the final incantation. "Doomfire Cascade!" A cascade of black flames erupted from his hands, engulfing the beast entirely. The creature's shrieks echoed through the sky as the flames consumed it, leaving nothing but charred remains.
With the immediate threat neutralized, the airship steadied, and the candidates began to relax, their fear slowly subsiding.
Mortis's respect for Valthor grew. The magus's prowess was undeniable, and Mortis knew he could learn much from him. As the airship continued its journey, Mortis approached Valthor, his eyes filled with determination.
"You fought well sir," Mortis said, his tone full of respect. "I wish to learn from you."
Valthor regarded Mortis with a piercing gaze. "You have potential, Mortis Nacht. At the Myriad Demons Academy, you will have the opportunity to prove yourself and learn from the best. But remember, power comes at a price. Are you prepared to pay it?"
"Whatever it takes." Mortis replied without hesitation.
Upon arrival at the Myriad Demons Academy, the candidates were led through grand halls and vast courtyards, each corner brimming with magical particles. Mortis felt a surge of anticipation. This was where he would hone his skills and ascend to greater heights.
The academy's introduction included a tour of the facilities and an explanation of their unique system. Group lessons were available to all, but personalized instruction required contribution points, earned through missions and achievements.
"Every member receives a monthly allowance of contribution points," explained the academy guide. "Higher-ranked apprentices and magi earn more and if you don't want to rely solely on this small amount, the best option is to earn contributions points through completing missions."
Mortis's mind raced with possibilities. He would need to be strategic in choosing his missions, maximizing his gains while minimizing unnecessary risks.
The guide continued, "Each new apprentice is assigned a mentor. Mortis, as the top-ranked candidate, you have the privilege of choosing your mentor from a select list."
Mortis was handed a scroll detailing the available mentors. Each had their own specialization and strengths. After careful consideration, Mortis chose Valthor, the magus who had protected them during the journey. Valthor's mastery of shadows, darkness, fire and soul magic aligned perfectly with Mortis's goals.
Valthor met Mortis in his private study room, which was filled with ancient tomes and magic artifacts. "So, you've chosen me," Valthor said, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Wise decision. I expect great things from you, Mortis Nacht."
Mortis nodded. "I will not disappoint you."
Valthor began with the presentation of the Magus ranks. "As an apprentice, you will progress through five ranks. Only upon reaching the fifth rank, you will be able to attempt to become an official magus. The ranks for official magi extend up to nine, and rumors suggest there are even higher levels beyond our current understanding. Perhaps there is even the legendary rank 10."
"Huh? Then why haven't we seen magi above the rank four in this world?" Mortis inquired.
"Because something drives them away," Valthor replied, his tone grave. "A force known as the World's Will. It is said to push powerful magi to other realms, but we don't know exactly where. You will learn more about it in due time."
Mortis absorbed this information, his mind already formulating plans. Valthor then presented him with a special potion and a scroll.
"This potion will unlock your latent potential," Valthor explained. "And this meditation technique will help you refine the world's mana to your personal refined mana. It will serve you well up to apprentice rank five. Beyond that, you will need a more advanced method, one that you must earn through your contributions and achievements."
Mortis accepted the items, his resolve steeled and left to his assigned quarters, a modest room with basic furnishing. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, he drank the potion, feeling its energy surge through his veins. He began the meditation technique, his mind focusing inward, drawing upon his elemental affinities.
Hours passed and Mortis felt a profound shift within him. His mana flowed more freely, his connection to the elements deepening. As he completed his meditation, he realized he had ascended to apprentice rank one.
A sense of accomplishment washed over him, but he knew this was just the beginning of his Magus path. The path ahead was fraught with challenges and struggles, but Mortis was prepared to face them all. His ambition was boundless and his will unbreakable. He would rise through the ranks, mastering the elements of fire and darkness, and carve his name into the annals of history in the Magus World.
With his newfound strength and unwavering determination, Mortis Nacht was ready to embrace his destiny in this world.