Blood Upon the Circle
Author's Note – Volume I Conclusion: "Awakening in the Dark"
Dear reader,
You've reached the end of Volume I: Awakening in the Dark, which spans 103 chapters of mystery, schemes, and escalating power. If you're drawn to stories of hidden truths, cursed artifacts, secret organizations, magic,and a protagonist constantly pulled into conflicts that demand strength and doubt—then you've found the right tale.
Many readers have reached out with questions, so allow me to shed light on some key elements of this first arc:
1. The Hero's Enigma: Julius
Our protagonist, Julius, may have seemed confusing at first—and that's by design. His soul has been reincarnated twice, and the pieces of his past begin to fall into place toward the later chapters of this volume. Don't let the initial mystery discourage you—it's all part of a larger puzzle.
The story begins with his first life as Elias Corvin, reborn later as Julius Cross in the shadowed kingdom of Azlan—a vast empire echoing Victorian aesthetics, with carriages in the streets, gaslit lanterns, and gowns flowing through the fog. Once saved by magic a thousand years ago, Azlan now monopolizes it, allowing only three factions to practice and teach magic:
1-The Magic Academy
2-The Sky Society
3-The Grand Cathedral
But in the dark corners of this empire, a different power stirs—one that defies the king's will entirely...
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2. Cursed Relics
Azlan is plagued by Cursed Artifacts, divided into five deadly tiers.
- First-Tier Cursed Artifacts
- Second-Tier Cursed Artifacts
- Third-Tier Cursed Artifacts
- Fourth-Tier Cursed Artifacts
- Fifth-Tier Cursed Artifacts
Though they appear as ordinary objects—dolls, mirrors, trinkets—they harbor terrifying powers. These relics pose such a threat that official mages are tasked with sealing or destroying them. However, Julius's unique power reveals a third path.
(Spoiler ahead — skip this if you're not caught up) Julius uncovers a chilling truth: these artifacts were once people, twisted into weapons through their pain and despair. This dark transformation was orchestrated by none other than the elusive villain known as the King of Darkness...
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3. The Power System: Circles and Classifications
In Azlan, magical power is measured by "Circles"—from the 1st Circle (Novice) to the 8th Circle (Supreme Master). Julius currently resides in the 1st Circle, practicing Shadow Magic inherited from the King of Shadows himself.
1. The Novice(First Circle)
2. The Awakened(Second Circle)
3. The Adept(Third Circle)
4. The Master (Fourth Circle)
5. The Expert (Fifth Circle)
6. The Legendary (Sixth Circle)
7. The Sage(Seventh Circle)
8. The Supreme Master (Eighth Circle)
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Each magic type belongs to a school with unique traits, including:
•Hydromancy – Water control
•Umbromancy – Shadow and stealth
•Osteomancy – Bone and body manipulation
•Noesomancy – Memory and mind
•Floromancy – Plants and toxins
•Pyromancy – Fire and hidden flames
•Echomancy – Sound and resonance
•Spectromancy – Illusions and mirrors
•Venomancy – Disease and poison
•Astromancy – Celestial energy and fate
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Each type progresses through five ranks.
•Whisperer.
•Seer.
•Wielder.
•Enigma.
•Unseen.
Julius currently holds the Whisperer rank in Shadow Magic.
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4. The Forbidden Throne & The Forgotten Kings
A divine-like force tied to Julius's destiny is The Hall of Forgotten Kings, and at its center lies the Forbidden Throne. This realm is a separate dimension, a celestial domain where Julius reigns with godlike authority—but only when seated on the throne.
To harness its full power, Julius must play the role of a Forgotten God named Zarthos, gathering true believers who worship and pray in his name. Through these prayers, his strength grows, allowing him to reshape reality from his celestial hall.
So far, Julius has secured three loyal followers. His current abilities include:
Pulling souls from the capital, Oxenheim, into the Celestial Hall, where he holds absolute dominion. Projecting his spirit through the city like a phantom, untouchable and unseen—though not without limits.
Within the Celestial Hall, his will becomes reality. As he sits upon the Forbidden Throne, he can annihilate enemies with divine force and grant miracles—though even this godlike power comes with its price...
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A Glimpse Ahead: Volume II – "Blood Upon the Circle"
The second volume will raise the stakes. Battles will intensify, mysteries will unravel, and long-awaited answers will begin to surface. New roles await Julius, deeper conspiracies loom, and the war between gods and shadows is only beginning.
Final Thoughts from the Author:
There were times I nearly gave up due to lack of engagement—but your support, no matter how small, keeps me going. I write entirely on my phone, pouring my soul into every chapter. If you've enjoyed the journey, please add the novel to your library, vote, comment, and share it with others. Your encouragement means everything to me.
Thank you for reading. I truly love and appreciate every one of you.
— The Author