Research & Freya Breakthrough

Phaistos found himself alone, perplexed, and frustrated. He had hoped to get answers, but the instructor's attitude only added to his confusion. He stood up, determined to find answers on his own. He decided to go to the library, hoping to find information that could help him understand what he had experienced.

He had first thought of trying to break through in his mastery of the light element, but he realized he was unable to call upon it. In addition, his magical core seemed greatly weakened by what he had just gone through. "It seems that breakthroughs can be very dangerous if they are not well controlled. Later, I will have to maximize the chances of breakthroughs when I take this risk. Otherwise, it will be too late when irreversible damage appears," Phaistos thought.

He wasn't stupid; he knew that the further he advanced on his path, the more dangerous the breakthroughs would become, given the level of energy they would require.

While Phaistos was lost in his thoughts, he quickly arrived at the entrance of the library. He pushed open the massive door and entered this sacred space of knowledge. The air was fresh, and the smell of old books and parchments filled his nostrils. Shelves rose to the ceiling, filled with ancient volumes and precious manuscripts. It was a place where the past and present met, offering answers to those who knew where to look.

He decided to look for someone working there. Even though the high magical technology present in these places should be capable of taking care of the library, Phaistos refused to believe that the academy had not hired someone to oversee it all. After all, even if it should not bother the members of the upper worlds to interact with high technology, it was logical to try to make life easier for the people of the lower and middle worlds.

After searching for a long time, Phaistos spotted a young girl arranging books in one of the aisles. He approached her, hoping to get help. "Excuse me," he said in a calm voice, "I need information about a book I borrowed from the library yesterday. I was hoping you could enlighten me?"

The young girl turned to him with a welcoming smile. "Of course," she replied. "My name is Alina, and I've been working here for a few years. I'm familiar with many of the books in this library. Even if I don't know all the elements, I should be able to help you."

Alina is a graceful and elegant young girl. She has long chestnut hair that falls in soft curls around her face. Her eyes are a deep green, captivating and full of curiosity. She wears fine glasses that highlight her studious and attentive demeanor. Her face is gentle, with clear skin and delicate features.

She wore the academy uniform, indicating that Alina was still a student like him. Nevertheless, he could sense a power in her that was only inferior to the instructors he had met. There was no doubt that the girl in front of him was the strongest student he had encountered so far.

"Very well, I will do my best to help you," said Alina, adjusting her glasses. "What is the title of the book you borrowed?"

"The book is called [Basic Combat Strategies]," Phaistos replied, trying to contain his excitement. "It contained interesting information, but after reading it, I had a troubling experience."

When Alina heard the name of the book, her expression changed instantly. "I didn't expect it to be that grimoire. Unfortunately, I can't reveal the secrets of that manual. Only those who manage to rise in the hall of combat can have the secrets of that manual."

While Phaistos was desperate over this new refusal to learn information, Alina continued. "Nevertheless, I can advise you to take the entrance tests for the hall of combat on Saturday during your individual learning time. That will allow you to get some answers. I must also warn you that this book is very precious and that there is a certain race for its acquisition. Few people can be offered this book by the library orb, but many covet it. Don't tell anyone you have it."

As Phaistos was about to question Alina on what she had just said, she excused herself and left, claiming she had more work to do.

Phaistos had come to get answers to his questions, but he had to leave with even more questions. What he did not yet know was that Alina's words had just saved him from an immense catastrophe. Unfortunately, the new students were not yet aware of the immense competition that reigned in the academy.

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Phaistos left the library, his mind tormented by the new questions that had added to those already present. The school day was over, and he decided to go to his room to meditate on what he had learned.

Once there, he sat on his bed, trying to put his thoughts in order. The book [Basic Combat Strategies] seemed to be at the heart of many mysteries. He wondered why he had been chosen to read this grimoire when so many others coveted it.

He thought about what Alina had told him about the tensions within the academy. It seemed to be an immense weight, but he thought that each burden could bring its own rewards if he played his cards right. He knew he needed to strengthen his magical core and master his emotions to succeed.

He decided to set aside the book [Basic Combat Strategies] to focus on learning his light element. He thought it was best to wait a while for his mind to calm down before delving further into the mysteries of this grimoire.

After spending an afternoon reorganizing his magical core, he had finally resolved the problems he had created for himself. He could finally start cultivating again without risking further injury. He decided to go downstairs as it was almost time to eat. In the living room, there was no one, and just as he was about to knock on his friends' doors to see if they were still there, Freya burst out of her room.

An icy aura accompanied her every step, her inability to properly control her aura being proof of her breakthrough.

Freya, still enveloped in a glacial aura, made an effort to master her energy as she approached Phaistos. Her silver hair waved slightly with each movement, and her piercing blue eyes fixed on Phaistos with a new intensity.

Phaistos immediately inquired about his friend's feelings. "So, how does it feel to be at the intermediate stage of understanding your element?"

Freya's cold demeanor instantly melted away, overwhelmed by the emotion of her breakthrough. "Oh, it feels really good. Watching all of you break through day after day had left a bitter taste in my mouth. Fortunately, now we're all at the same level. But what about you? You look a bit pale."

"I understand your state of mind; I feel something similar regarding my affinity with light. In any case, I sincerely congratulate you. I'm happy to know that we can continue our training as a group of five," Phaistos replied. However, as he continued his story, his face hardened a bit. "Unfortunately, while trying to break through in my cultivation, I was disturbed, and it caused me to fail. The backlash injured me, but I just finished repairing the damage. Starting tonight, I can fully cultivate again."

Freya felt reassured to learn that her friend was doing better and thanked him for his advice. After a few moments, they were all reunited. After warmly congratulating Freya, they headed to the cafeteria.

[Freya Sigurdsson]

[Rank 1: Initiate]

[Magic Power: 16]

[Combat Power: 20]

[Ice middle stage - 0%]

[Spiritual Origin: C+]

[Magical Control: E]

[Lineage: ???]

[Talent: ???]

After the meal, they returned to their respective rooms to rest and prepare for the challenges ahead. Phaistos, still preoccupied with the mysteries surrounding the grimoire, decided to meditate a bit more before sleeping. He hoped to find some clarity in his thoughts and further strengthen his magical core.

The warm sun he visualized during his cultivation seemed to gradually chase away the various traumas that lingered in his psyche. He felt that the act of killing was still very hard for him to cope with, but the sunlight seemed to offer him the right reasoning. He started to realize that he hadn't killed anyone; it was just a dream.

Hundreds of galaxies away, a bonfire was being erected. On it, the bodies of comrades fallen in battle were being burned. For the orcs, this was a way to honor the noble warriors who had sacrificed themselves. To them, graves prevented souls from repenting peacefully. They lived for war, and the only way for them to find peace was for their ashes to travel the world in search of a new battlefield.

An orc priest chanted various prayers. After a while, he turned around and exclaimed, "Gorak the Brutal is dead. We will now follow his son Kazrak the Mad."

"Ouh... Ouh," cried the crowd of orcs below.