Nox's Journey Begins

Four months had passed, and Nox found himself immersed in his training within the castle's training grounds.

"Brother, brother!" A voice called out from behind.

"Noah, stay back. It's not safe," Nox replied, his concern evident. Noah was his younger brother, six years younger than him, and the youngest in their family.

"Why are you here, Noah?" Nox inquired, turning to face him.

"Mother has called you," Noah answered.

"Alright, just give me a moment," Nox said, nodding towards Noah before making his way towards the garden in the left wing of the castle. His mother, Layla Diablo, had a fondness for tending to the gardens there. "Every time I see this place, I'm amazed. It's so refreshing here."

As he approached the garden, the aroma of blooming flowers greeted him. His mother, Layla, welcomed him with a warm smile.

"Hey there, Nox and Noah, come join me. I've prepared some tea and your favorite cookies." His mother greeted them with a warm smile.

Nox couldn't help but admire his mother's grace and kindness. Layla Diablo was not only a sixth-class magician with an ice attribute but also one of the most powerful individuals in the Nyxia Kingdom. She could easily rank among the top fifty most powerful people in the entire Nyxia Empire.

"How's your training with Master Diluc going?" Layla asked her son, her tone filled with genuine concern.

"It's going well, Mom," Nox replied.

"Don't push yourself too hard, my son," she advised, her eyes reflecting both motherly care and wisdom.

"Okay," Nox nodded before excusing himself to head to the library to delve deeper into the study of magic.

During his training with Master Diluc, Nox discovered a remarkable affinity for magic. Surprisingly, he found that he could grasp most concepts effortlessly, despite his missing memories.

In this world, magic was divided into various types: elemental magic—fire, water, earth, air, lightning, and ice—and primordial elements like Dark magic, time & space, healing, and telekinesis. While some individuals could wield multiple elemental affinities, mastering even one could bestow immense power. Affinity with elements was innate, but through the formation of a mana circle, one could use any elemental magic with the right spell. However, primordial magic required not just affinity but extensive knowledge and cultivation of mana, making it a formidable challenge.

Of all the magics, time & space held a particular allure for Nox. It remained shrouded in mystery; its requirements for cultivation were unknown. Existing knowledge was limited to ancient texts, mostly theories. As Nox delved into these texts, he couldn't help but wonder about the secrets hidden within.

"The Diablo Family was renowned for their mastery of Dark Magic, a skill deeply ingrained in their bloodline. Nox's father, a 7th circle mage, was among the esteemed practitioners, excelling not only in dark element magic but also in close combat magic.

"Nox's genius shone through as he formed his first mana circle at the age of 11," jake contemplated quietly.

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Author note:

Mana circles are formed through a process of channeling and concentration, where the mage focuses their mana into a specific pattern or shape. This pattern acts as a conduit for mana flow, allowing the mage to harness and control magical energy more effectively. The manipulation of mana. Through practice and mastery, mages learn to create increasingly complex and powerful mana circles, unlocking new levels of magical ability and control. The mana circle is created around the mage heart in the form of a circle.

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"I've regained most of Nox's skills and power remarkably fast, almost as if I've done it all before," he thought, feeling a sense of déjà vu. "This is certainly intriguing and entertaining," Nox mused to himself.

Yet, despite his newfound abilities, uneasiness lingered within him. "Who am I? Am I Nox or am I Jake, the memories I possess?" he pondered.

"The memories of the man named Jake felt familiar yet elusive, as if important pieces were missing, scattered like fragments of a puzzle waiting to be solved. I don't like this feeling of the unknown, as if someone had purposefully erased the memories, leaving behind a hollow space where they once belonged." Lost in these thoughts,

"I don't like this feeling of the unknown, as if someone had purposefully erased the memories, leaving behind a hollow space where they once belonged," he admitted to himself, grappling with the unsettling truth.

Lost in these thoughts, Jake was interrupted as someone entered the library.

"What are you so lost in?" the man inquired.

"Oh, Mr. Diluc, you're here. Well, I was just thinking something," Jake replied, his mind still preoccupied with the enigma of his memories.

"Is that so? Anyway, today we need to finish your training," Mr. Diluc stated.

A 4th circle mage with a fire affinity, Mr. Diluc was a knowledgeable and good instructor. Jake had learned a lot from him, and Mr. Diluc had played a crucial role in his recovery.

"So, what are we going to do today?" Nox asked with genuine excitement, eager to put his skills to the test.

"Today is the day of your test," Mr. Diluc announced.

"What kind of test?" Jake inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Sparing. The rules are simple: I will use basic 1st class magic spells, and you need to hit me once to pass the test," Mr. Diluc explained.

"Okay," Jake responded, his excitement building as he prepared himself for the challenge ahead.

Both of them go to the training hall and get ready to start the dual, and Jake grabs a dragger from the weaponry. 

"Okay, are you ready?" says Mr. Diluc

"Yes," Nox replied

"Ok, then start."

Nox concentrated and formed a dark mana to cloak his footsteps and harness the shadows around him. With a swift motion, he executed the shadow step technique, closing the distance between himself and Mr. Diluc in an instant. His attack, fueled by the dark magic, was swift and calculated.

However, Mr. Diluc, with lightning reflexes, dodged Nox's strike with ease, his movements fluid and precise. In a seamless counterattack, he used a basic magic spell, forming a fiery bullet that hurtled toward Nox with precise accuracy.

Nox barely had time to react. Instinctively, he twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the blazing projectile as it whizzed past him. Gathering his focus, he prepared himself for the next exchange in this intense duel of magic and skill.

"I have to throw him off guard and attack him from the rear," Nox thought, strategizing his next move.

With a surge of mana, Nox created small spheres of ice around him, launching them at Mr. Diluc with precision and accuracy. As Mr. Diluc dodged the icy spheres, Nox seized the opportunity to throw a dagger and swiftly employed the shadow step technique to close the distance and strike Mr. Diluc from an unexpected angle. However, Mr. Diluc was quick to react, erecting a barrier to block Nox's attack.

"I have lost since I have used 3rd circle magic," Mr. Diluc admitted.

"His movements were so precise and calculated, as if he had fought many times. And the second time he used the shadow step, it was faster than before, remarkable for a 1st class magician," Master Diluc remarked, admiring and proud of Nox's prowess in combat.

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Author note:

1st class mage: (1 mana circle)

2nd class mage: (2 mana circles)

3rd class mage: (3 mana circles)

4th class mage: (4 mana circles)

5th class mage: (5 mana circles)

6th class mage: (6 mana circles)

7th class mage: (7 mana circles)

8th class mage: (8 mana circles)

9th class mage: (9 mana circles)

Throughout history, only a select few individuals have ever ascended to the revered status of the 9th circle, a feat so rare that it stands as a testament to unparalleled mastery and skill in the magic arts.

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"Our session ends today; now you need to train yourself and hone your skills by yourself in the Imperial Academy," says Diluc.

"I will keep that in mind, Mr. Diluc," Nox responds.

As the day comes to a close, Nox finds himself in his bedroom, contemplating the future.

"I now have around six months before heading to the Imperial Academy," he reflects. "It's an institution independent of any empire, formed through an agreement between the four kingdoms: Arcane, Nyxia, Dragonheart, and Stromfist. Situated on an imperial island, the academy encompasses the entirety of the island. It's quite vast and provides all the requirements for students. Moreover, it represents the Nebula continent itself as a united group."

The sole purpose of the Imperial/Nebule Academy is to nurture the talent of the Nebule continent, uphold peace across the land, and equip individuals with the skills necessary to combat the monstrous threats that encompass two-fourths of the world's territory.

Apart from the Nebule continent, there are two other continents inhabited by humans, while the remaining parts are unexplored due to the monsters and dangerous beings that reign over those lands.