Chapter 18 – A Month in Moments
Chris descended from the third floor of the Arcana Library, the ancient runes still glowing faintly under his skin, the whispers of the First Duke's teachings echoing in his soul. Just as his feet touched the marble tiles of the first floor—
"At last, you've inherited some of his legacy,"came a familiar voice.
Chris turned to see Arcanis, the spectral librarian spirit, floating toward him with a strange mix of satisfaction and urgency in his expression.
"But we don't have time to talk."
Chris blinked.
"What do you mean? I just got back—"
Arcanis's gaze sharpened, voice heavy with meaning.
"You have fifteen minutes left. Then, your access to the Arcana Library expires."
Chris froze.
"Fifteen minutes? What...? That can't be right—I was only in there for a few days."
Arcanis sighed.
"That's where you're wrong. Time flows differently on the third floor. A day there equals nearly two weeks in the outside world."
"You've been gone a full month."
Chris's heart pounded.
So much had changed… and so fast. He immediately closed his eyes and focused inward to assess his current state.
What he found shook even him.
His mana core had solidified beautifully—he was now a 4th Circle Mage, and not just barely. His foundation was firm, his circuits refined.
Not only that—
His aura surged violently under his skin. He was on the brink of becoming a 3rd Star Aura Knight. The power inside him was boiling over.
"This… this shouldn't be possible…"he muttered.
Three months ago, he was barely functional—his circles shattered, his body a wreck. And now?
He had achieved what most geniuses take years to touch, all in a span of three months.
And that was a problem.
If the Duke, the nobles, or even his own siblings saw this meteoric rise, suspicion, jealousy, or worse—fear—could bloom.
He couldn't allow that.
So without hesitation, he summoned one of the four inherited runes—the Concealment of Istar.
His body shimmered faintly for a moment, then stilled.
His mana output dropped instantly to a mid-3rd circle level. His aura was entirely hidden. Even a seasoned archmage or knight would think he'd made minimal progress.
He exhaled in relief.
"This should keep the wolves at bay... for now."
Arcanis floated beside him, watching.
"Wise decision. You've learned more than just magic."
Chris gave a small smile.
"Surviving means knowing what to show... and what to hide."
The spirit chuckled.
"Then I have no doubt you'll go far. But remember—power hidden too long may rot in silence. Know when to let the world see your flame."
Chris gave a slow nod.
Then he turned toward the grand double doors at the end of the library.
"Thank you, Arcanis. For everything."
"We'll meet again, I'm sure," the spirit replied. "You carry the mark of the First Duke. This library will open to you again… when the time is right."
With that, Chris stepped out of the Arcana Library, sunlight spilling onto his face, and a gentle breeze brushing past.
But he was no longer the same boy who had entered broken and uncertain.
Now, a storm was brewing inside him.
And the world would never see it coming.