Chapter 14

Klaus stood at the threshold of an expansive training ground, his eyes drawn to its vastness. There was no time to savor the sight of the picturesque lake that beckoned just beyond, for the training ground's magnetic pull held his focus hostage.

He approached the table positioned prominently at the entrance, where the vial containing the healing potion lay. Klaus couldn't help but marvel at its exquisite craftsmanship, even as the daunting knowledge of its precious contents weighed heavily on him.

*Such opulence,* he mused. His analytical mind assessed the potion's worth, but a sense of gratitude swelled within him, aimed squarely at Ludovic for providing such a valuable resource.

With a surreptitious glance around to confirm his solitude, Klaus arranged the whistle alongside the healing potion. Both now hung from a slender cord around his neck, ensuring their accessibility whenever required.

Satisfied that he was indeed alone, Klaus set his gaze on the table and the tools at his disposal. The healing potion was ready for use, as was the whistle—an important contingency in the event of an emergency.

A slow exhale preceded a half-smile. His self-assured demeanor was a mere façade, masking the mounting excitement and resolve coursing through him.

However, for a moment, his reverie was broken by the overwhelming realization of solitude. Klaus couldn't help but appreciate Ludovic's insistence on his privacy. The training ground lay bare, absent of any watchful eyes. It was as though the world beyond had melted away.

His gaze fell upon the track, and he prepared to confront a personal challenge. *How long can I last without relying on magic?* This was his first assessment—a means to measure his current limitations.

Taking a deep breath, Klaus set off with a light jog. His strides pounded the ground in rhythmic cadence, but his body resisted, heavy and unyielding. The air in his lungs seemed to deplete with each breath, making every inhale a challenge.

Attempting to breathe through his nose yielded no better results. With a sense of impending doom, Klaus found himself gasping for precious air. His stamina dwindled with alarming rapidity, leaving him on the brink of exhaustion.

*Damn,* he thought, his self-assured demeanor unshaken by the difficult start. He refused to let this initial setback deter him.

Gulping in the last vestiges of air, he crumpled to the ground in a panting heap, his stamina depleted within mere seconds.

With eyes squeezed shut, Klaus delved into a silent, introspective analysis of his body. He refused to be defeated and thus sought innovative solutions to transcend his limitations.

After a short pause to regain his composure, Klaus resorted to using his magic. He opened the first eye, and then the second of the Ten Eyes Mantra, feeling a surge of revitalizing energy course through him. His breath steadied, his demeanor regained composure, and his resolve remained unshaken.

Next, Klaus unleashed the power of his magic further. The blue luminescence that emitted from his eyes illuminated intricate magic circles within. They danced beneath his feet as the spell took hold.

Second Circle Magic: Feather

His body became shrouded in a soothing grayish light, the sensation akin to being freed from the relentless pull of gravity. His steps carried newfound grace and ease.

*Better,* he mused, his confidence brimming. This was an excellent start—a promising glimpse of his latent potential.

But there remained one insurmountable challenge—the consumption of oxygen. His stamina was woefully lacking, and the traditional methods of breathing through his nose or mouth could not suffice.

'What I'm about to attempt is no simple feat,' Klaus acknowledged, his decision marked by an unwavering resolve. He recognized the audacity of this endeavor, despite his Second-circle Mage status.

In a moment of contemplation, Klaus examined his surroundings, reconfirming his solitude. He was acutely aware of the risks inherent in the next course of action.

With determination etched upon his face, he resolved to proceed with his daring plan. The microscopic magic circle that emerged within his lungs and the nearly invisible water sphere that materialized within became his essential tools.

Klaus was committed to his mission, no matter how challenging.

A second microscopic magic circle appeared within his lungs, and a surge of electricity shot forth, striking the minuscule water sphere. His goal was to electrolyze the water, separating it into hydrogen and oxygen. These two gases were vital—oxygen, in particular.

The intricate dance of magic circles within his mind's eye intensified, a testament to Klaus's unyielding determination. He knew that even a Fifth-circle Mage would struggle with this task, but he was resolute in his goal.

With his eyes closed, Klaus honed his concentration, his thoughts on precision and control. Every aspect of the delicate procedure rested on his shoulders.

Focus.

More.

More.

More.

The electric charge within the microscopic magic circle reached a crescendo. His keen focus allowed him to split the water into its constituent parts. Oxygen, so vital to his endeavor, was meticulously redirected into his lungs and throughout his body.

'Perfect,' he whispered with satisfaction. He opened his eyes and resumed his jog, exhilaration flooding his senses.

His body felt incredibly light, and Klaus couldn't resist the temptation to increase his pace. With newfound freedom, he transitioned from a light jog to a brisk run, his steps echoing with renewed strength.

As he continued to run, the pain and fatigue that had haunted him at the start of his journey began to fade into a distant memory. Each step carried with it a sense of triumph and liberation. His movements were swift, his breath came effortlessly, and the world seemed to blur around him.

The sensation of his body working in harmony with magic was invigorating, and Klaus couldn't help but revel in the newfound capabilities he was unlocking. Every breath he took infused him with a renewed sense of vitality.

Running had never felt this exhilarating, and the once-arduous training ground had transformed into a realm of endless possibilities. He felt as if he was flying, unburdened by the limitations that had previously held him back.

After completing the circuit for the second time, Klaus's muscles ached with an intensity he had never experienced before. The exhilaration that had coursed through him moments ago was replaced by the undeniable physical toll his efforts had exacted.

'No,' Klaus thought, pushing through the pain. 'Not yet. I can't stop with just this much.'

With unwavering resolve, he once again turned to the magic that had been his salvation. The magic circles spun even faster, their intricate patterns converging in a radiant display of power. Klaus called upon his magic, letting it envelop his body.

Second Circle Magic: High Heal.

A brilliant, luminous magic circle materialized around his waist, emanating a soft, gentle light. As the magic worked its wonders, the pain began to ebb away. His muscles, which had felt like they were ready to tear, now felt as though they were mending themselves.

"Yeah, this is it!" Klaus declared with a triumphant grin, surging forward with newfound determination. He continued to run, the aches and fatigue melting away with each step, making way for a growing sense of strength and endurance.

Running faster than before, he felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted from his body, and he was finally free to explore the full extent of his capabilities.

It was in this moment, amidst the rhythm of his breath and the pounding of his feet on the ground, that a notification window appeared before him.

*Ding*

[Stamina stat increased by 2]