Rylan reached Damian's barrier, trying to ignore the burning stares, and looked around. Over half of the imperial Mages had already been killed, but it was obvious that Ceotha's Mages were trying to capture the rest of them. The veritable storm of mana that had been created by their arrival had calmed down considerably. Rylan slowly turned around.

Calm down. You'll just need to explain some things to Damian and your friends.

The first thing he saw was Aelfric's smiling face. Rylan blinked.

"I knew you could do it," Aelfric said from behind the barrier, keeping his wide smile. "You never fail."

Rylan couldn't help but give his younger brother a warm smile. Then, he looked at Gerard and Elizabeth. His mother still looked a bit out of it and was staring at him with some surprise and awe, but Gerard only nodded at him with his chest a bit puffed out.

"Great work, son," Gerard said, clearly trying to remain calm. "We can talk about everything later. Let's get those injuries treated first."

Elizabeth blinked, looking like she had snapped out of a daze, and hurriedly stood up. She walked closer to the barrier's surface, slapping both hands on it as if she were trying to break it down.

"Rylan!" she exclaimed. "You need a healer!"

Rylan smiled at her.

"It's fine," he replied. "None of the injuries are serious."

She narrowed her eyes at him.

"Do they hurt?"

He tilted his head.

"Yes."

"Then they're serious and need someone to look at them. I don't want you to suffer," she turned to look at Damian, who was still staring at Rylan as if trying to drill a hole through him. "Lower the barrier, please."

He acted as if he couldn't even hear her, making her frown. Avoiding his gaze, Rylan looked at Regis and Lillia, who were both staring at him slack-jawed. Still, Lillia smiled at him, and Regis slowly nodded, his eyes filled with respect. Rylan smiled back at them.

Finally, he turned to his master and two friends. Damian continued to stare at him, just like Hayden and Jasmine. However, there were differences between their gazes. Hayden was looking at Rylan like he had just seen a mythical beast, but there was also wonder and admiration in his eyes. He was grinning. Rylan smiled at him.

The expression of someone who can't wait to learn and try to surpass me.

Hayden's outlook was much healthier than many, much more powerful warriors from Rylan's past life. No matter how large the gap between Rylan and him, he never looked envious or angry. Was it because they were already friends? Rylan was thankful that Hayden could still remain positive.

Rylan looked at Jasmine. She was looking at him with a dreamy expression, as if she couldn't believe what she was looking at. Her face slightly flushed, she said nothing. Despite that, her expression still showed some signs of conflict and deep confusion. Rylan smiled awkwardly at her.

Finally, he turned to look at Damian. The two of them stared into each other's eyes for a few seconds.

"When I concluded that your swordsmanship was your strongest skill," Damian started, making Rylan focus on his words. The others turned toward him. "I never imagined that it would be to this extent. How?"

Rylan let out a small sigh and looked around. The battle was over, and some of the Mages, including Alice and Henry, were already flying toward him and his loved ones.

"You'll get to know in a bit," Rylan replied. At the edge of his vision, he saw Damian frown and follow his gaze.

It took less than fifteen seconds for the dozens of Mages to surround Rylan and the others. Damian waved his hand, making the cracked barrier disappear. Henry threw a long look at Rylan before looking at Damian and waving his hand. Three Mages dressed in white robes, two women and one man, ran to Damian and crouched next to him, who was sitting on the floor. A moment later, green mana streamed out of their staves, flowing into Damian's body. Rylan kept his eyes on him. The stump that used to be the man's left arm squirmed before flesh and bone started to rebuild themselves. From now on, it was only a matter of time before Damian's arm regrew.

Nodding to himself, Rylan looked at Henry, who was staring at him. Behind Henry were Gael and Nathan, who were doing the same. Gael was smiling, looking at Rylan like a man looking at a mountain of gold.

"What happened?" Henry asked in a grave tone. His voice oozed with the majesty one expected from someone in his position.

Rylan could tell that all the Mages around them were waiting for his answer with bated breath.

"I would like to say that lying would be pointless," Henry continued before Rylan could reply. "Judging from the mana that leaked out of the Tower and the state it was left in, I already have a decent idea of the power level of the enemies. Please, be truthful, Rylan Flameheart."

Rylan looked into the man's eyes.

"It was an assassination attempt by imperial Mages. Three Sixth Circle Mages and ten Fifth Circle Mages," he replied simply.

The atmosphere froze.

Henry furrowed his brow, then looked at Damian, who was still sitting on the floor.

"That's way too much firepower to kill you, old friend," he said to Damian.

Damian scoffed.

"We both know they weren't here for me," he replied.

Henry slowly nodded, then looked back at Rylan with a complicated expression, his eyes filled with a variety of emotions.

"Which makes me wonder why they were willing to go so far to kill a teenager. Even if it's one who's reached the Fourth Circle so quickly."

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Damian turned to look at Rylan, just like everyone all around him. Rylan could hear his family approaching him from behind. Gerard stood by his side after a second, and Elizabeth laid her hand on his back. Aelfric, Regis, and Lillia stood to his left. Rylan took a deep breath.

Only one thing left to do.

The Empire wouldn't stop here. Now that their assassination ploy had been foiled, it was entirely possible that they would retaliate with even greater force. To keep his family and this kingdom safe, Rylan needed able soldiers who could protect everyone while he was away. No matter how powerful he was, he couldn't be in two places at the same time. To achieve that, he needed Ceotha to become much more powerful. There was only one way to do it quickly.

"I have created a new method of using mana," Rylan stated. Henry blinked, and most other Mages flinched. "The System has recognized it and acknowledged it as Mana Cultivation. It allows me to strengthen my body using mana."

One could hear a pin drop.

Rylan didn't say anything else, keeping his serious expression and letting the information sink in.

"…Sorry?" Henry asked in utter disbelief after almost ten seconds.

Instead of replying, Rylan moved. His right hand wrapped around Silver Twilight's hilt, then drew it out of its scabbard in a flash. He sliced the air above him horizontally with casual ease, making the atmosphere split in half. The sharp winds ruffled the hair of all Mages. Henry's jaw dropped.

Damian let out a deep sigh, making everyone reflexively look at him.

"My student, Rylan," he said. "Is already stronger than me."

Rylan rubbed the back of his head. All Mages slowly turned to look at him with colorful expressions.

Henry smiled, clearly both relieved and happy.

"What now, Rylan?" he asked tentatively.

Rylan met his gaze.

"No way around it. I'll teach it to as many people as I can. We need to be ready for the Empire."

It was the only way to prepare to face the Empire in the shortest amount of time possible.

"…Does that mean I get to do it, too?" Hayden asked from behind in a low voice, almost as if talking to himself.

Rylan couldn't help but smile.

We need to try.

The next few days would be quite something.

***

Emperor Lucius Sertorius Mansuetus sat on his crimson blood, drumming his fingers on the armrest. His scarlet hair draped over his shoulders. The color matched his eyes.

His gaze was fixed on the messenger ahead of him, after the steps leading up to the throne. The red carpet stretched from the room's large entrance to the throne itself, contrasting with the beige stone that the palace was made of. Crimson-and-gold banners and velvet flowed down from the second floor, emblazoned with the image of a golden hawk. To the sides of the speaking messenger were ten people, five on each side. Five men, five women. The Gaidar Empire's High Generals. He glanced to the right.

To the right of the throne stood a young man with black hair and red eyes, who was staring at the messenger with an unreadable expression. He donned formal attire that matched the color of his hair and eyes. To the left of the throne was another, smaller throne, where a black-haired, red-eyed woman sat. From their features alone, it was obvious that they were mother and son.

Lucius looked back at the messenger and listened to his words.

"—And so, we have concluded that there are two possibilities, given everything we know about the Ceotha Kingdom. One, the Kingdom of Mar has assisted Ceotha and sent a hidden expert to protect them, one powerful enough to deal with even three Sixth Circle Mages. While possible, it's unlikely, as Mar can't spare any fighters right now. The possibility that Ceotha has a hidden expert has also been ruled out. As such, the second possibility is that," the messenger gulped and took a deep breath. "Rylan Flameheart is simply strong enough to defeat Mages of that level. We have also concluded that it would only be possible with Mana Cultivation. This is the end of the report."

The High Generals around the man shifted in place. Some outright smiled, while others frowned. The young man next to Lucius, Marcus, clenched his fists. Lucius continued to drum his fingers on the armrest.

"You may leave," Lucius stated. His voice was both deep and melodic.

The messenger kneeled before hurrying out of the room. Once the doors to the throne room shut, the room returned to its previous silence.

"Your Imperial Majesty," Marcus suddenly started, making everyone look at him. "Please, let me go. I'll make sure Rylan Flameheart is dealt with."

The black-haired woman immediately frowned, but said nothing. Lucius looked at the crown prince.

"No," he replied simply. Marcus's eyebrow twitched, but he only lowered his gaze. Lucius looked back at the High Generals. "At eighteen years old, Rylan Flameheart was powerful enough to overcome three Sixth Circle Mages. Not only did he discover Mana Cultivation on his own, but he also mastered it to such a degree."

While it was possible that Rylan had been taught by an unknown figure, it was as far-fetched as him discovering Mana Cultivation on his own. In a situation like this, it was far more beneficial to assume the worst. Lucius had learned it early on – it was much better to overestimate a possible foe than attribute their achievements to someone else. Lucius stood up from his throne.

"I hereby decree," he continued. "That Rylan and Ceotha must be left alone for now. Prepare envoys. We must bring him to the Empire."

"Your Majesty!" Marcus exclaimed, but swallowed his words once Lucius looked at him calmly.

"Marcus. You're an incredible genius and someone who will lead the Empire for many years to come. You have even managed to transcend your brothers and sisters. But," Lucius' voice became heavier. "Rylan Flameheart might be this continent's greatest talent. With no master and no resources, he achieved so much at such a young age. I'm sure you understand it as well."

Marcus frowned, gritted his teeth, and looked down. Lucius looked back at the High Generals.

"Mar will soon be within our grasp. However, Rylan can be considered a higher priority. I believe Harpas has already investigated him. Learn as much as possible from him and prepare yourselves to make contact with Rylan."

One of the High Generals, a very tall, burly man with short brown hair and hazel eyes, looked at Lucius.

"And if Rylan Flameheart treats us as enemies, Your Majesty?" he asked tentatively.

The other High Generals shifted in place. Lucius furrowed his brow. Of course, it was a very likely possibility. After all, the Empire had just tried to assassinate the boy and put his family in danger. It was even the most likely scenario.

"Then, I'll have to intervene personally," Lucius replied simply.

The eyes of all High Generals widened at the same time. Next to him, Marcus almost jumped in place, but remained silent.

"I think you should reach out personally from the beginning," the woman on the throne next to him said, speaking for the first time in the audience. Lucius looked at her. She looked as beautiful as ever, her dark hair contrasting with her scarlet eyes and white skin. "We owe him that much."

Lucius slowly nodded and looked back at his officers.

"Leave for now," he said. "I'll call for another audience once I decide what to do."

All ten High Generals bowed deeply. Lucius narrowed his eyes at them. He could feel it – the fighting intent slowly leaking out of a few of them, as well as wonder and curiosity. It was only obvious. At their core, all ten of them were warriors. It was the only reason that they'd gotten so far in the military. He resisted the urge to sigh as they raised their bodies and walked toward the doors. None of them said anything, but as soon as they crossed the threshold, he could hear their loud voices. The doors shut, sealing out the noise completely.

Lucius sat back down on the throne with a grave expression.

There is another possibility.

What Rylan Flameheart had achieved was too much to be attributed to simple Mana Cultivation. No matter how skilled he was, he was too young. Even if he'd discovered and trained in Mana Cultivation since he was ten years old, it still wouldn't have been enough to kill three Sixth Circle Mages. If the possibility that he'd received help from a mysterious master was disregarded, there was only one other left.

A powerful Aspect.

Rylan Flameheart had awakened Aura and a combat-related Aspect.

Lucius clenched his jaw and looked through the nearest large window. The sky was clear, unlike his mind. Was it truly possible for someone so young to have discovered how to awaken Aura entirely on his own? Or had it simply been a coincidence due to an almost nonsensical abundance of talent? How powerful would Rylan Flameheart be ten years from now? Amidst the endless questions, only Lucius' conviction still glowed brightly within him.

…I must keep going. For the good of the continent.

The continent's enemies continued to grow stronger. He needed to unify it as soon as possible, even at the cost of so many lives. Lucius sighed deeply.

There was much to do. He needed to keep fighting.

The continent wouldn't save itself.

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