Chapter - 49 Green Magic Tower [2]

"Weak people talk and act on emotion while achieving nothing, while the mighty act, keep quiet and observe." pausing for a second he continued "I shouldn't act so rashly,"

Though the prospect of proposing a duel against Green Tower Master seemed very enticing to Edward, he was not delusional; he knew that, as of now, he was weak.

"I would only be courting death, facing such a foe." Edward mused

Even if the Tower Master emitted a weaker aura than the others, one would also have to acknowledge that Jeneric had enough talent, power, and social standing to be deemed a Tower Master, coupled with his status as an archmage and being the only distant disciple of the Wise Sienna other than Lovellian, the Red Tower Master. 

"Being a mage is a demanding profession, and an achievement just to reach the fifth circle where a person would be highly regarded across the empire. But to those who reach the 8th circle, they are deemed to have reached the pinnacle of contemporary magic." 

"So proposing such a lofty idea would only be a fool's grandeur," Edward said after several seconds. 

"This body is far from tip-top shape, with my left arm nearly being severed by the stone sentinel. It has yet to fully recover," pausing for a brief second Edward continued "Movement is proving to be challenging as well, the pain is nearly nonexistent, but that's not the issue. The nerve endings within my left arm have not fully reconstructed, and any excessive movement would only hinder its progress"

Ice is undoubtedly a versatile element. With a sufficient understanding of its fundamental principles, one can become a skilled Ice mage. 

Exceptional proficiency in this discipline allows practitioners to execute extraordinary feats that might traditionally be regarded 'as within the domain of saints'. The capability to reconstruct the human body, while remarkable, is not exclusive to Ice magic; contemporary magical literature suggests that nearly any element possesses the potential to achieve this, though with certain constraints. Achieving total mastery over ice results in a state of enlightenment, establishing an unparalleled bond between the practitioner and the element. Consequently, the human body transforms into a vessel that exclusively accommodates the element of mastery.

Ultimately, when an individual perfects Ice, the ability to freeze and shatter space enters the realm of plausibility. 

However, with Edward's current mana reserves, he can only manage to replace his lost eye. The original eye had ceased to serve its purpose, prompting him to remove it and substitute it with a prosthetic made of ice, a piece that shares the same essential functions as its organic counterpart. 

"The perception from the new eye leaves much to be desired; my ability to perceive intent has significantly diminished, but I suppose this will suffice until I can create a proper replacement."

Abruptly Edward softly closed his eyes.

Drip. 

Drip.

Drip.

A subtle yet loud dripping noise echoed upon impact with the pavement.

Seeping between his tightly balled fists blood trickled.

Creak 

A loud noise bellowed through the desolate bridge. 

Clenching his jaw muscles with unnecessary force, it sounded like his molars were to shatter under the strain. Even if they were to shatter, Edward paid it no heed.

He sensed the abyss within him increase in strength.

That twisted side lurking in the corners of his mind yearned for freedom—an entity so malevolent it would make demon kings appear benevolent. The shame that nourished his suffering, his chaos. That abyss was increasing its veil over the oh-so-little rationality he currently possessed. 

As he subtly opened and closed his fist to stem the flow of blood, Edward spoke to himself.

"You insatiable little wretch, I allowed you five months to savor the delights of your own maddening cravings, and yet, YET! You dare try and seize control of my body?!"

Receiving silence in return,, Edward pressed on.

"Don't you dare overstep your boundaries"

After a few seconds, Edward eventually tamed the solace within his collapsing mind.

"Sigh…" 

Releasing a begrudging sigh Edward gave the grand view a fleeting glance temporarily halting his gaze on the Green Magic Tower. But that instant evaporated, and he pressed forward, continuing his stride down the bridge, entering the heart of the Pentagon.

"Jeneric Osman, shall we meet soon enough" 

***

On a random tarrance of a fine estate dozed a certain youth. 

His ashen gray hair long and smooth flowed in all diction. His garments changed into a regal set cladded his body. 

Providing the youth a soft padding on the terrace's hard surface, was a priceless cloak carelessly scrunched into the shape of a makeshift pillow.

The sun was positioned in the middle of its sky, perfectly at its zenith. Brightly illuminating the earth. 

Its heat is not known due to a youth physique.

Ring!

Ring!

Ring!

A loud ringing noise pierced the serene environment. 

Adsentmindingly responding to the noise Edward sluggishly emitted "Just give me a few minutes longer"

Ignoring the youth, the alarm's loud obnoxious protest persisted.

Finally getting fed up with the noise, Edward silenced the silver watch's persistent beeping.

Yawn…

Releasing a loud yawn Edward awoke from his temporary slumber.

Groggily opening his eyes Edward abruptly lifted his body.

It had been six days since that moment on the bridge.

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