six_eldrago

Elias Graham was just a university student—an engineering prodigy who spent more time in his workshop than anywhere else. But when a failed experiment drags him into Arkanis, a world where magic reigns supreme, he quickly learns that power is everything.

Summoned by ancient prophecy, the mages of Arkanis expect him to be a hero. There’s just one problem—he barely has any mana, and he can’t cast a single spell.

Faced with nobles who look down on him, battle-hardened warriors, and an academy designed to train the strongest mages, Elias does what he does best—he builds.

Armed with nothing but his knowledge of modern technology, Elias designs a mana-powered gauntlet, a device that absorbs, redirects, and manipulates magical energy in ways no one has ever seen before. His victories catch the attention of both allies and dangerous enemies, including powerful noble families who see him as a threat to tradition.

As the looming Demon Scourge prepares to invade Arkanis, Elias must push the limits of his inventions, forging new weapons and strategies to survive. If he wants to carve his place in this world, he’ll have to prove that technology can stand against magic—or die trying.

The battle for the future of Arkanis has begun.

Magic versus science. Tradition versus innovation. Let the Engineer’s War begin.

Arcane Ascension: The Technomancer's Legacy

Elias stood in the dimly lit practice hall, his newly assembled team gathered around him. Reinhardt, Cecilia, Marco, and Ivy—four students overlooked by the nobles, now standing together as the first members of House Null.

Lira leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Okay. You've got people. But that's the easy part. Now, how do you plan to make House Null… exist?"

Elias smirked. "We make enough noise that the Academy has no choice but to acknowledge us."

Reinhardt raised an eyebrow. "You mean we fight our way into recognition?"

Cecilia, sharpening a knife, chuckled. "I like that plan."

Marco, the alchemist, frowned. "That sounds reckless."

Ivy, quiet but perceptive, nodded. "If we're not officially recognized, we won't have access to noble dueling privileges, workshops, or faculty backing."

Elias exhaled. "Which means we have to force the Academy's hand."

The Academy had a long-standing rule—anyone could challenge a noble house to a public duel. Normally, this rule was only used for small disputes or personal rivalries between houses.

But there was nothing stopping an independent group from issuing a challenge.

Lira stared at him in horror. "Elias. No."

Elias ignored her. "We challenge a noble house, beat them in front of the entire Academy, and prove we're worth recognizing."

Reinhardt grinned. "I really like this plan."

Ivy tilted her head. "Which house?"

Elias turned to Lira. "Who's the weakest of the noble houses?"

Lira exhaled, already regretting everything. "…House Greystone. They're small, not particularly skilled, and mostly survive by clinging to alliances."

Cecilia flipped her dagger. "When's the challenge happening?"

Elias cracked his knuckles. "Tomorrow."

The next morning, Elias stood in the center of the Academy's dueling courtyard, parchment in hand.

A crowd was already forming, whispers spreading as students gathered. A public challenge was rare, and even rarer when issued by a group with no house affiliation.

Elias cleared his throat and held up the parchment.

"I, Elias Graham, on behalf of House Null, formally challenge House Greystone to a dueling gauntlet."

One student muttered, "House what?"

Another whispered, "They're not even real."

From across the courtyard, a group of students in silver-trimmed uniforms emerged—House Greystone. Their leader, a smug-looking noble named Edwin Greystone, stepped forward, glaring at Elias.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Edwin sneered. "You're not part of any noble house. You have no crest, no authority—this challenge is a joke."

Elias grinned. "Then it should be easy for you to win, huh?"

The crowd murmured. Edwin's face reddened, but he quickly smoothed his expression. "Fine. You want a duel? You got one. But when we crush you, don't cry about it."

Elias smirked. "See you at sundown."

Step Three: The Fight for Recognition

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the dueling arena was packed. Students filled the stands, eager to see the bold newcomers face off against House Greystone.

At the center stood Elias, Reinhardt, Cecilia, Marco, and Ivy.

Across from them, Edwin and his four best duelists, all radiating smug confidence.

An instructor stepped forward. "This is a formal challenge duel. Each team must eliminate the opposing members. No outside interference. The fight continues until one side is unable to continue. Are both houses ready?"

Elias cracked his knuckles. "Let's do this."

Edwin sneered. "I'll make this quick."

The fight for House Null's existence had begun.

Chapter 22: House Null Rises