Chapter 10: The Invitation

Years slipped by like water between fingers.

Jin Ho, now fifteen, stood atop a rocky cliff with the wind tousling his black hair. In the eyes of the world, he was a normal teenager—a Level 2 magic user with average talent.

But in truth, he had climbed far higher.

[Yggidrasil System Status: Level 29 | Mana Core Level 6]

He had advanced faster than ever before, but carefully veiled his true strength. Revealing it too early could alert the vultures. Could endanger his family.

He suppressed his core, compressed his mana signature, and lived like a ghost in plain sight.

His body, once fragile, had become a weapon. His bones were denser, his nerves faster, his mind sharper.

Yet despite all of that, Jin Ho never let arrogance cloud his heart.

Until one day, an unexpected visitor came to their doorstep.

An old man with a long grey beard, cloaked in blue robes adorned with runes, approached Jin Ho's home. He greeted Jin Ho's father like an old friend.

The man's eyes landed on Jin Ho.

"Level 2 at fifteen? That's… impressive."

Jin Ho smiled humbly, playing the part. "I'm trying my best, sir."

The man chuckled. "You should consider applying to the Dorothrel Academy. It's the crown jewel of the continent—home to the greatest magical minds, and alma mater of dozens of L8s and L9s."

Jin Ho's father looked at him, pride in his eyes. "What do you say, Jin Ho?"

Jin Ho nodded. "I'll go."

Internally, his thoughts churned.

Dorothrel… huh? That place will be crawling with young elites, nobles, and the seeds of future threats.

He would go.

And this time, he wouldn't just survive.

He would crush all his enemies and reign over them like a true KING.