A month passed...Mortis adhered strictly to his duties, assisting his mentor with various experiments, meticulously cleaning his mentor's study room and practicing his spells under his mentor's critical eye. Every night, before succumbing to sleep, Mortis used his meditation technique to refine the world's mana into his own refined mana. This nightly ritual expanded his mana reserves, which were still merely the size of a fingernail at his stage. The refined mana appeared as a strange colorless, partially transparent substance, indicating his status as a rank 1 apprentice.
During this time, Mortis's dedication to his training became evident. His mana reserves slowly increased and the refined mana within his body began to show faint signs of transformation, hinting at his nearing progression to rank 2 apprentice. This was marked by the mana's gradual change to a whitish tinge. However, as a rank 1 apprentice, Mortis lacked the ability to inspect his internal state independently. Each day before he left Valthor's study, his mentor would examine him, noting subtle changes in Mortis's mana and informing him about these changes.
By the end of the month, Valthor confirmed that Mortis was on the verge of advancing to apprentice rank 2.
That night, Mortis returned to his small, dimly lit chamber. The stone walls were cold and unadorned with only a single candle that flickered on a crude wooden table. Mortis sat cross-legged on his simple straw mattress, his mind as sharp as ever. He began his nightly meditation, a process he had honed all this time.
Drawing in a deep breath, Mortis focused inward, channeling his awareness to the core of his being where his mana resided. He felt the familiar pulse of his refined mana, the strange, colorless substance that marked his rank. Yet tonight, something was different. No matter how intensely he tried, his mana reserves remained stagnant.
A flicker of frustration crossed Mortis's face. He pushed harder, his mind diving deeper into the meditation technique. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he pushed against the invisible barrier. Suddenly, after what felt like an eternity, he sensed a profound shift. It was subtle at first, a faint stirring within his body.
Mortis gritted his teeth, channeling all his willpower into the meditation. The stirring grew stronger and stronger until his refined mana began to move, circulating faster and faster. There was a moment of intense pressure, and then, a breakthrough. He felt a surge of mana as if he had crossed some threshold.
A wave of sensation washed over Mortis. His mana underwent a qualitative change, transforming into a whitish substance that was denser and more potent. Simultaneously, he felt a profound connection to the world's energy around him, a much deeper than before that resonated within his very soul.
Mortis opened his eyes, a cold satisfaction gleaming in their depths. He had done it. He had finally advanced to rank 2 apprentice. The world felt slightly different, more vivid as if he had peeled back a layer of reality itself. He could sense the ambient mana in the air with greater clarity, each particle a potential tool for his growing power.
The next morning, Mortis awoke early, his mind sharper than ever. He dressed quickly, the dark robes flowing around him as he made his way to the dining hall. The corridors of the academy were quiet at this hour, the only sound being the soft resonance of his footsteps against the stone floor. As he walked alone, Mortis couldn't help but notice the intricate carvings on the walls—depictions of powerful magi and legendary battles. Each carving told a story, a history that Mortis was now a part of, a history he intended to dominate.
In the dining hall, he met Kael, Lena, Garrick and Jareth. The group greeted him warmly and they fell into their usual discussions about their studies, magic, and academy gossip.
"Did you hear the latest rumor?" Jareth asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "There's a rumor about a student named Daniel Asomdes. He's a rank 4 apprentice and he has been trying to form his own faction. They say he's been recruiting talented students, and if they refuse, he challenges them to duels. If they don't accept the duel, they mysteriously disappear for a while and come back as part of his faction. No one is sure how he's doing it, but there's a talk of secret kidnapping."
Lena nodded. "Yeah, I've heard that too. After all, it's causing quite a stir. We should be careful, especially you, Mortis. With your talent, it's likely he'll come for you next even if you are still only rank 1 apprentice."
Mortis inwardly smirked, hiding the truth. He had already advanced to apprentice rank 2 but decided to keep this to himself.
But after considering the implications, Mortis frowned slightly. "If he tries anything, I'll deal with him. Besides, I have Valthor as my mentor, who's a powerful rank 2 magus."
Kael shook his head. "Official magi and mentors aren't allowed to interfere directly in students affairs. If Asomdes comes for you, you'll have to handle it yourself."
Mortis acknowledged this with a nod, storing the information for later. After they finished their breakfast, Kael suggested, "Why don't we check out the mission area tonight? We talked about it a month ago, and I think it's time we choose something."
Mortis agreed. "Alright. I need to see Valthor first, but I'll join you tonight."
With their plan set, Mortis parted ways with his companions and headed to Valthor's study. As he entered, the familiar room full of magical artifacts and ancient tomes greeted him. Valthor was sitting behind his messy desk, reading an ancient tome. Valthor looked up as Mortis approached.
"Hmm:" Valthor's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Mortis.
After a while Valthor said. "Looks like you're already rank 2 apprentice, but it's only been a month... It seems you truly are a talent that appears maybe once in a century, perhaps even rarer."
Mortis inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the compliment but remaining stoic. "I strive to use the most of my potential, Master Valthor."
Valthor nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. Well, continue with your duties as usual. There's much work to be done."
Mortis set to work, assisting Valthor with various experiments, meticulously cleaning the study room, and practicing his spells under Valthor's critical eye. Every piece of advice Valthor gave was absorbed with a focus that bordered on obsession. Mortis's newfound rank only fueled his determination.
As evening approached, Mortis cleaned Valthor's study room meticulously. The room was filled with the scent of old books. The shelves were lined with tomes, each one brimming with knowledge and secrets that Mortis was eager to uncover. He took a moment to appreciate the ambiance, the soft glow of enchanted lamps casting a warm light over the scattered scrolls.
Before leaving after he completed his work, he informed Valthor of his plans. "I'm heading to the mission area with some other students. We plan to take on a mission. So, I might be away for a while."
Valthor nodded, his expression impassive. "Be cautious. Don't choose anything too difficult for your current rank."
"I won't," Mortis assured him. With a final nod, he left the study and made his way to the mission area, where his companions were already waiting.
The mission area was bustling with activity. Students of various ranks roamed around, discussing potential missions and strategizing. Mortis observed them closely, noting the gloomy expressions, the lingering scent of blood and the numerous injuries that marked the bodies of many apprentices. Amidst the crowd, a few individuals stood out, their powerful magical auras drawing envious and fearful glances from others.
Kael greeted him with a nod. "Ready to see what they have for us?"
Mortis scanned the surroundings, taking in every detail. The mission area was a large, open hall with high ceilings and walls covered in runes. The air was thick with the combined mana of hundreds of students, each one a potential enemy. The ambient magic made the hairs on the back of Mortis's neck stand on end, a constant reminder of the power and danger that surrounded him.
The group moved to the center of the mission area, where a massive white wall displayed the available missions. The missions were listed in black, glowing text that emitted an eerie, horrific energy. Mortis found the sensation unsettling but intriguing.
As he scrutinized the options, he spoke up. "What about this patrol mission? It requires us to patrol the academy's perimeter for seven days and eliminate any monsters we encounter. It's one of the shorter and safer missions that offers a decent reward of 500 contribution points."
The others agreed, recognizing the mission's balance of safety and reward. They approached the counter, where an older man with a gloomy expression awaited them. His face was lined with age, and he seemed burdened by a lifetime of hardships.
"We'd like to take the seven-day patrol mission," Mortis announced.
The old man nodded, taking a scroll from beneath the counter. "Place your hands on the scroll and channel a bit of your mana into it. This will confirm your identities."
Mortis raised an eyebrow and asked. "Why mana?"
"It's a form of identification. Everyone's mana signature is unique." The old man explained.
Mortis and his companions followed the instructions, channeling their mana into the scroll. It glowed briefly before vanishing, along with the mission listed on the wall.
With the mission confirmed, the group left the counter. Kael, naturally assuming the role of leader, said. "Let's head to the academy gates."
As they made their way to the gates leading outside of the academy, Mortis's mind raced with calculations and plans.
The academy grounds were vast, filled with students hurrying to their mentors or practicing their spells in open courtyards. Mortis took in the sights, his analytical mind noting the various wards and protective spells that surrounded the buildings. He observed the interactions between students and their mentors, the subtle power dynamics at play. Every detail was a piece of a larger puzzle, a game he was determined to master.
As they passed through courtyards, Mortis noticed a group of students practicing combat spells under the watchful eye of their mentors. The students' intense concentration and the crackling of energy in the air were palpable. Mortis paused briefly, analyzing their techniques and assessing their strengths and weaknesses. It was a reminder of the constant competition and the necessity to stay ahead.
Approaching the gates, the grand archway loomed before them, adorned with intricate protective runes. The massive iron gates were slightly ajar, guarded by two stern-faced sentinels who scrutinized every passing student with hawk-like vigilance. The outside world beckoned, a realm of unknown dangers and opportunities.
At the gates, they prepared for their mission. Mortis glanced at his companions, his mind cold and analytical. These four were valuable tools, and he would use them to his advantage as much as he can. As they stepped through the gates, the academy's safety fell behind them, and they ventured into the unknown.