38 Three main characteristics

In his laboratory, Zatiel carefully inscribed a rune directly onto his forehead. This location and the rune's nature made the process excruciatingly painful, even for him. Yet, his hand remained steady, his movements precise.

Usually, transferring a rank 0 rune from parchment to the body was more feasible, as the loss in effectiveness was minimal. However, the rune Zatiel was working on was of rank 1, demanding a direct inscription to preserve its full power.

Completing the task left Zatiel nearly collapsing with exhaustion. Now, a pentagram surrounded by enigmatic symbols adorned his forehead.

'I suppose I can now consider myself a rank 1 runemaster,' he thought, a mix of pride and satisfaction evident in his smile.

This wasn't his first rank 1 rune; he had created others for Ezequiel and Sophia to bolster their abilities for the upcoming battle. Inscribing runes on oneself was far more challenging than on others, further proving his mastery.

Zatiel had no intention of revealing his runemaster skills until he advanced to rank 1. At that point, his abilities, while exceptional, wouldn't draw undue attention. He was confident his progress remained concealed, knowing that without significant expertise or direct witness, identifying a rune's rank from its appearance was near impossible.

'It's been seven months since the trip to the Underground. The confrontation with the Magus is drawing near,' Zatiel reflected seriously on the battle plan.

Their objective was daunting: to defeat and capture a rank 1 Magus while they were still at rank 0. This feat would be deemed implausible by even the greatest minds, considering the full potential of Neo-Demons is unlocked at rank 1.

Zatiel wouldn't rely on the rare phenomenon of advancing in power during a fight. Defeating the Magus was essential for his own advancement.

He glanced at Sophia, who was finalizing her potion work. She was adorned with more runes, including a particularly potent one on her arms. 'She's ready.'

"Little EZ, come here," Zatiel called Ezequiel through their cores for a final review and to discuss the plan as a group.

Ezequiel arrived shortly, visibly taller and stronger. Like Sophia, his body bore additional runes, with the most powerful one partially covering his legs.

Zatiel examined the boy's runes, satisfied. Adding more runes could be beneficial, but there was a limit to what the body could endure. Normally, a single rank 1 rune would overwhelm a pseudo-Magus. Their Neo-Demon constitution allowed for more.

"A.I. Chip, scan all three of us."

[Bip... Scanning targets:

Name: Zatiel Race: Neo-Demon Strength: 16.5 Physique: 19.7 Agility: 15.9 Abyss Aura: 20.5

Name: Ezequiel Race: Neo-Demon Strength: 16.1 Physique: 16.4 Agility: 19.5 Abyss Aura: 20.3

Name: Sophia Race: Neo-Demon Strength: 12.1 Physique: 18.9 Agility: 18.4 Abyss Aura: 20.2]

'All of us have reached the peak of Rank 0. Further energy enhancement would be futile and wouldn't significantly improve our combat capabilities.'

With the trio assembled and individually prepared, Zatiel initiated a core-based communication to discuss their strategy.

"Although our abilities easily overpower Pseudo-Magi, a real Magus is a different story," Zatiel began, aware that Sophia and Ezequiel lacked detailed knowledge about Magi. "There are three main characteristics that distinguish a Magus and make them formidable."

Zatiel explained these distinctions knowing that Sophia and Ezequiel, having avoided formal recruitment, lacked this crucial information.

"First is the ability to use rank 1 spells. These spells are not only more powerful than rank 0 spells but also can be cast more quickly due to a Magus's mastery over their natural energies."

"Second is their Rank Spell. When an apprentice becomes a Pseudo-magus, they choose a spell to specialize in without relying on a spell rune. Their energy becomes attuned to this spell, enabling almost instantaneous activation. Typically, they select a defensive spell, and mastering it is a key step in advancing to rank 1. Upon becoming a rank 1 Magus, their mastered rank 0 spell evolves into a Rank Spell, attaining rank 1 power and able to be activated continuously with minimal energy expenditure."

Ezequiel, looking puzzled, sought clarification. "Master, we've never used spell runes, and I've honed my Lightning Armor to instinctive activation. Does this mean I've already met the condition for my Rank Spell?"

"Yes," Zatiel affirmed. "The defensive nature of the spells I gave you both was intentional, hoping they'd serve as your Rank Spells. Our Neo-Demon physiology and the support of our cores allow us to handle natural energies from an early stage. Mastery of these spells is challenging, which is why many Pseudo-Magi never progress. For us, another critical element is required for advancement to rank 1, offering something even more potent than a Rank Spell."

Sophia and Ezequiel nodded in understanding, their previous questions about advancing to rank 1 now answered.

"The third characteristic is Consciousness," Zatiel continued. "Consciousness, connected to the soul, gives us individuality and safe interaction with the external world. At rank 1, the soul and consciousness strengthen, allowing part of the consciousness to leave the body. This ability varies among races; for Magi, it's known as Spiritual Mind, and for us Neo-Demons, it's Primal Chaos Consciousness. This enhanced consciousness makes surprise attacks against Magi largely ineffective unless you can counteract their consciousness."

Both Ezequiel and Sophia absorbed this information solemnly, recognizing the daunting challenge of facing a Magus. The combination of these three aspects made the prospect seem almost insurmountable.

'Good, they understand the magnitude of our challenge,' Zatiel noted with approval. Understanding the enemy was crucial, and despite the daunting nature of their task, their determination remained unshaken.