Chapter 7

Two years had gracefully glided by since Klaus embarked on his quest to master the elusive Ten Eyes Mantra. A palpable sense of accomplishment radiated from him as he absorbed the message that had just appeared before him.

[The second Eye of the Ten Eyes Mantra has been unlocked.]

[Your constitution has been subtly bolstered by the effects of the Ten Eyes Mantra (Two-eyes).]

[Mana Affinity, Willpower, and Energy have all seen marked improvements thanks to the Ten Eyes Mantra (Two-eyes).]

Klaus couldn't contain his triumphant grin as he digested the message's contents.

'I've finally achieved it.'

Two and a half years of tireless dedication had culminated in the birth of the second Eye of the Ten Eyes Mantra, following the initial one.

The original Eye of the Ten Eyes Mantra nestled in his mental space as a radiant circle with an iris, while its newly formed counterpart, adjacent to the first, emanated with a vivid, spiraling energy.

The message had not only heightened his mana affinity but also amplified his attunement to the mystical energies suffusing the room, gifting him a palpable advantage.

'Now's the time to test that theory.'

Klaus's path toward mastery diverged from traditional mages. Unable to form a magic circle within his heart due to his desire to excel in swordsmanship as well, he contemplated channeling his magic through one of the two open Eyes of the Ten Eyes Mantra. It was an unexplored concept, even for someone with his past life's knowledge.

'Alright, let's begin.'

Klaus inhaled deeply, shutting his eyes to focus. He summoned his mental space, revealing two radiant and potent Eyes of the Ten Eyes Mantra. He honed his attention on the first.

'Good, now let's attempt to infuse it with mana.'

Drawing mana from the surrounding air into his body, Klaus directed it through his veins, ultimately rerouting it to his brain. His eyes snapped open, the irises replaced by an unsettling, pristine white. Within his mental space, a dark void materialized, siphoning the flow of mana redirected to his head.

'Excellent, now let's proceed cautiously.'

Klaus carefully guided the mana currents into the first Eye of the Ten Eyes Mantra, laboriously shaping a circle within.

Zzzzzttt.

A magic circle commenced its rotation within the Eye of the Ten Eyes Mantra, expanding to eclipse the original iris-like structure.

'Finally.'

A sigh of satisfaction escaped Klaus's lips as he beheld the transformation within his mental space. The first Eye of the Ten Eyes Mantra now housed a spiraling, iris-shaped magic circle.

Ding.

[You have successfully formed a first-class magic circle.]

[Your Willpower has been enhanced.]

[Mana Affinity and Energy have both shown significant improvements.]

[Trait First Circle Mage has been unlocked.]

'To think that, at the tender age of four, I've achieved First Circle Mage status.'

This was an unparalleled feat on the continent—a four-year-old capable of wielding first-circle magic. Pride swelled within him.

Ding.

[A remarkable accomplishment has been attained.]

[The title 'Youngest Mage in the Continent' has been bestowed.]

[All stats +2.]

'Ah,' he gasped, sensing his youthful body growing stronger. The power coursing through his veins seemed to surge, invigorating him in ways he hadn't thought possible.

"Phew."

Just as Klaus was about to embark on a practice spell, the door swung open dramatically.

"My son!"

Elisabeth entered, her radiant smile contrasting her somewhat pallid complexion.

"Mother?"

Now past the age of four, he made a concerted effort to address her with greater clarity, though his pronunciation retained its youthful charm.

"Remember when Mommy mentioned that we had somewhere important to go?"

She inquired while placing a deep crimson garment on the bed and gently removing his sleepwear.

'Now that you mention it…'

Several days prior, she had shared the news that his father wished to meet him.

"Don't worry. It won't take long."

Elisabeth's reassuring smile enveloped him in warmth.

"Alright."

Her affectionate words filled Klaus with a sense of security.

"How is my sweet boy so kind and handsome?!"

Elisabeth paused mid-embrace, her cheek nuzzling his.

'Please, not this...'

Klaus's hands fidgeted as he struggled to respond.

It was Lina who intervened, putting a stop to Elisabeth's affectionate display. She reminded her that the carriage awaited their departure.

During their journey towards their destination, Klaus found himself deeply pondering the incredible progress he had made in a mere two short years. The mastery of the Ten Eyes Mantra and his newfound proficiency in forming magic circles within them had unveiled a realm of untapped potential that surpassed even his wildest dreams. Filled with an unwavering resolve, he remained committed to relentlessly pushing the boundaries of his abilities.

' My journey has only just begun ' ...