The flickering lights of the underground chamber dimmed as Lennon stood in the center, his eyes closed, face expressionless. He had returned to his seclusion chamber after decades of relentless pursuit of power. Now, with the inheritance of the Fourth-Circle Magus Arkhaz integrated into his being, it was time for reflection and consolidation.
His AI companion floated beside him, its silver exterior reflecting the soft glow of the magical formations etched into the chamber walls. The air pulsed with energy, a sign of the stabilizing mana conduits that ran through the structure.
"Master," the AI's mechanical voice broke the silence, "your power has grown exponentially. However, your advancement in knowledge and spells has reached a level where precise tracking is necessary for further refinement. I suggest creating a status window to document your progress comprehensively."
Lennon opened his golden eyes, now gleaming with an eerie intensity. "A status window? Something similar to those simplified interfaces in lesser fantasy systems?" His voice was calm, almost dismissive.
"Yes, but vastly superior," the AI responded. "This will help monitor your progress and efficiency. I will construct it based on all available data."
Lennon nodded slowly. "Do it."
The AI whirred to life, and within moments, a semi-transparent interface materialized before Lennon. The details scrolled down, showcasing everything from his age to the intricate spells he had painstakingly developed. He scrutinized the display, his cold demeanor unchanging even as he reviewed his formidable accomplishments.
---
### **Status Window**
**Name:** Lennon
**Age:** 124 (Mental), 28 (Physical)
**Origin:** Former Earthling (Previous life: 20 years), Reborn in Magus World (104 years in Magus World, including time in seclusion)
**Rank:** Third-Circle Magus
**Affiliation:** Independent
**Physical Stats:**
- **Strength:** 7
- **Agility:** 8
- **Endurance:** 9
**Magical Attributes:**
- **Mana Core Grade:** High-Tier Third-Circle
- **Elemental Affinities:** Darkness (Primary), Gravity (Secondary), Fire (Minor)
**Spells Mastered:**
#### **Third-Circle Spells**
- **Abyssal Lance** *(Offensive)*
- **Void Barrier Fortress** *(Defensive)*
- **Graviton Collapse** *(Area Control)*
- **Abyssal Cascade** *(Combined Offensive)*
#### **Second-Circle Spells**
- **Shadow Bind** *(Control/Utility)*
- **Dark Flame Barrage** *(Offensive)*
#### **First-Circle Spells**
- **Shadow Step** *(Utility)*
- **Mana Bolt** *(Basic Offensive)*
**Achievements:**
- Survived Fourth-Circle Inheritance Ground
- Created Four Unique Third-Circle Spells
- Defeated Numerous Level 4 Magical Beasts
---
Lennon dismissed the interface with a wave of his hand, satisfied. "Efficient," he muttered. His voice was low, devoid of emotion.
---
*Seclusion Begins**
Over the next several decades, the chamber remained silent, save for the hum of magical formations and occasional murmurs of arcane calculations. Lennon dedicated himself to absorbing the vast knowledge of Magus Arkhaz, delving deep into the intricacies of Fourth-Circle spell frameworks. However, he knew he was far from ready to attempt their full realization. Even with the inheritance, creating Fourth-Circle spells was a task that could take centuries.
Instead, he focused on refining his existing arsenal. He began crafting runic patterns to enhance the potency of his Third-Circle spells, seeking to perfect them through repeated trials. The process was grueling, but each success brought him closer to bridging the gap between Third and Fourth Circle.
During his meditation sessions, he occasionally broke away to hunt Level 3 and 4 magical beasts. Their mana cores were essential resources, not only for sustaining his research but for powering the advanced Auttis machinery left behind by Arkhaz. These hunts were perilous, yet they sharpened his battle instincts and kept his combat skills razor-sharp.
---
**A Decade of Growth**
Years passed like fleeting moments. Lennon's body remained youthful, but his mind aged further, each passing year tempering his resolve and sharpening his cunning. His time in isolation was marked by disciplined routines: hours of meditation, spell refinement, and occasional forays into the wilderness to test his limits.
He worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The spells he had previously created now underwent further evolution. **Abyssal Lance**, once a simple piercing spell, was modified to include gravitational pull effects. **Void Barrier Fortress** was enhanced with additional layers, allowing it to withstand even prolonged assaults.
---
**Calculations and Precision**
The AI continued to assist with spell optimization, running millions of simulations to test each iteration before Lennon executed them. This partnership saved him decades of trial and error.
"Master, your Third-Circle spells are nearing optimal efficiency," the AI reported one day. "However, your mana consumption remains slightly higher than expected for prolonged use."
Lennon furrowed his brows. "Adjust the circuits. Reroute excess flow to auxiliary reserves during casting."
"Understood. Recalculating," the AI replied.
---
### **The Next Stage**
After nearly five decades, Lennon finally emerged from seclusion, his golden eyes now exuding an even colder, more calculating light. He had become a master of his craft, a Magus whose reputation would soon spread like wildfire through the Endless Void.
But his ambition had only begun to unfold. The treasures and knowledge he had accumulated were but stepping stones to the greater power he sought. And in this world of unending conflict and relentless ambition, he knew one truth above all else: **Only the ruthless survive.*