Zod had grown accustomed to the quiet hum of the Arcanum System in his mind. Since his duel with Gareth, where he had unlocked Time Magic, the system had continued to offer new quests, challenges, and rewards as he explored the Academy grounds and honed his skills.
But today, the system wasn't only about his personal growth. It had given him a new quest, one that involved more than just his own mastery.
Quest Unlocked: Help a companion learn a new magic skill. Reward: Shared experience points and progression to Tier 2 Elemental Magic.
Zod stood at the edge of the training grounds, watching as Elyra, the cheerful healer he had met a few days ago, practiced her spells. She was working diligently, attempting to cast a basic fireball, though her control over offensive magic was still shaky.
Despite her talent with healing magic, Elyra had expressed a desire to learn more about elemental combat spells, and Zod had agreed to teach her. He was already far beyond the basics, but teaching her had benefits—both for her and for him.
Elyra waved him over, grinning despite the small flame sputtering in her hands. "Zod! I'm trying, but it's not going as smoothly as I hoped. I guess fire isn't really my thing yet."
Zod walked over, his gaze calm as he assessed her form. "It's all about control. Don't try to force the flame. Let the magic flow through you—be precise."
Elyra nodded, taking a deep breath and refocusing her efforts. Zod guided her, demonstrating the correct hand motions and the mental focus required to channel fire magic efficiently. With each attempt, she improved, and eventually, a proper fireball took shape in her palms.
---
System notification: Companion Elyra has learned Fireball. Shared experience gained: +5%.
Zod felt a faint surge of energy in the back of his mind as the system acknowledged the progress. Teaching others wasn't just about helping them grow—it was also a part of his own journey. Each time Elyra mastered a new spell, Zod gained experience points that contributed to his own advancement.
Status:
● Level: 5
● Experience: 45%
Next Level: 6 (Unlock: Elemental Magic Tier 2)
It was slower than leveling up through combat, but the rewards were still significant. Teaching Elyra—and potentially other companions—meant that Zod could continue progressing even during quieter moments.
---
Building a Friendship
Over the next few days, Zod and Elyra spent more time together, training and learning from one another. While Zod focused on teaching her elemental magic, Elyra occasionally offered insights into her own healing abilities, showing Zod how she manipulated life energy to mend wounds and restore vitality.
It wasn't the kind of magic Zod was naturally drawn to, but he appreciated her skill and the precision it required. As they trained, they began to form a bond—one built on mutual respect and a shared desire to grow stronger.
One evening, after a particularly exhausting training session, Elyra and Zod sat beneath a large oak tree at the edge of the Academy grounds, watching the sun set over the horizon.
Elyra leaned back against the tree, smiling contentedly. "You know, I didn't expect to make many friends here. Most of the students are... well, let's just say they're not the easiest people to get along with."
Zod glanced at her, his expression neutral but curious. "You don't think they take you seriously?"
Elyra shook her head. "Not really. A lot of people see healers as support, not as equals. They expect us to stay on the sidelines while they do all the flashy fighting."
Zod was silent for a moment, considering her words. "Healing magic is important. More than most people realize. You'll find your place."
Elyra smiled softly. "Thanks, Zod. You're different, you know? Most people just want to show off their power, but you... you seem more focused on something bigger. Like you're aiming higher."
Zod gave a slight nod. "I am. I have no interest in competing with the other students. I'm after something far greater than prestige."
Elyra tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "What is it, then? What are you after?"
Zod didn't answer right away. The Arcanum System was a secret he had kept to himself—it was his edge, his guide, and it had given him power that none of the other students could even comprehend. But sharing that with Elyra... it didn't seem necessary yet. Instead, he gave her a small, enigmatic smile.
"You'll see."
---
The Mysterious Test
A few days later, Zod found himself walking through the Academy's darkened corridors. The sun had long since set, and the only light came from the faint glow of enchanted torches lining the walls. The halls were empty, save for the occasional flicker of a shadow or the soft whisper of wind through the windows.
But tonight was different. Zod felt a pull, something deep within him urging him forward. It was the Arcanum System—its presence was more active than usual, humming in his mind with a sense of urgency.
"Zod, a test awaits. Prepare yourself."
The words were simple, but the meaning was clear. This wasn't just another duel or training session. This was a test—one designed to push him further, to unlock something greater within him.
---
He followed the pull of the system to a secluded area at the far end of the training grounds, where the shadows stretched long under the pale light of the moon. There, waiting for him in the silence, stood a figure cloaked in darkness.
Zod's eyes narrowed as he approached, his magic already stirring beneath the surface.
"Zod of House Elandor," the figure said, his voice smooth and confident. "I've heard much about you. But words are just that—words. Let's see if you live up to your reputation."
Zod's pulse quickened, but not out of fear. This was what he had been waiting for—a true challenge. The system had been guiding him toward this moment, and he was ready.
"Who are you?" Zod asked calmly, his magic coiling around him, ready to strike.
The figure chuckled softly. "That doesn't matter. What matters is whether you're worthy of the power you've been given."
Zod's eyes narrowed. The mention of his power—it was almost as though this stranger knew about the Arcanum System. But how could that be possible?
The system's voice echoed in his mind once more.
"Defeat the challenger. Reward: Time Magic Tier 2 and Elemental Magic Mastery."
Zod's heart quickened as he felt the magic stir within him, urging him forward. Time to prove himself.
---
The Duel
The challenger was fast, his movements fluid as he summoned a torrent of fire toward Zod. But Zod was faster. He stretched out his hand, and with a flick of his wrist, the flames dissipated into nothingness, consumed by a shadow shield he conjured in an instant.
The challenger didn't hesitate. He followed up with a barrage of lightning and earth, each strike precise and powerful. But Zod was already moving, deflecting each attack with a seamless combination of ice and wind, his control over the elements far beyond what the challenger had anticipated.
Zod could feel the system tracking his every move, calculating his progress as he fought. The flow of magic through him was effortless, as though he had been born to wield these powers.
But the real test was yet to come.
---
As the duel raged on, the challenger unleashed a final, powerful attack—an explosion of fire and lightning that threatened to overwhelm the field. Zod's eyes flashed with determination, and in that moment, he felt the Arcanum System unlock something deeper within him.
"Time Magic Tier 2 unlocked."
The world around him seemed to slow, the flames and lightning hanging in the air, frozen in time. Zod moved through the suspended moment, weaving a complex spell that combined shadow and time, manipulating both to create a vortex of magic that countered the attack completely.
When time resumed, the challenger was on his knees, breathing heavily. Zod stood tall, unscathed, the magic still thrumming through his veins.
The system chimed softly in his mind.
Challenge completed. Reward: Time Magic Tier 2 and Elemental Magic Mastery unlocked.
Zod's power had grown once again, and the system had rewarded him for it.
---
The challenger rose to his feet, his expression unreadable. "You've passed the test. But this is only the beginning. There are greater forces at work, Zod. Be prepared."
And with that, the figure vanished into the shadows, leaving Zod alone in the quiet night.