The dense emerald canopy stretched endlessly below, shrouded in mist and infused with ambient mana. Unlike their ancestral land, this place was wild and untouched, brimming with raw elemental energy. Yet as the dirigibles descended through the treetops, they could see what appeared to be the towering spires of a Magus academy.
This was their new beginning.
Inside the Arcturus, Victor lay reclined in a chair within his private cabin. His Magus robe had been partially restored through enchantment, and his wounds were gradually healing. A magic lantern was illuminating the space around him. Though still pale and sore, he had recovered a portion of his strength through a combination of healing potions, restorative spells, and focused meditation.
Victor Asteriscus
HP: 69%
MP: 1251/2187
Power Rank: Sixth-sigil Elemental Adept Magus | Ki Sentinel
Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (98%) | Chrono (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%)
Mana Aptitude: Superior bright grade
Meditation Technique: Omni-Elemental Fusion Method (sixth sub-level, 34%)
Breathing Technique: Harmonic Resonance Art (second level)
Status: Moderately injured
Strength: (45)
Agility: (44 → 45)
Vitality: (45 → 46)
Magical Power: (57)
Infused Mana (total): (2108 → 2187)
Spell Repertoire:
- Aleph: {Blink Step}, {Spatial Mirage}, {Slicing Wind}, {Zephyr Dash}, {Tempest Burst}, {Wind Guard}, {Flame Whip}, {Flame Dart}, {Flame Prison}, {Ember Shield}, {Heat Wave}, {Demonic Eye}, {Mind Programming}
- Bet: {Warpblade}, {Blink}, {Gap Hole}, {Ethereal State}, {Nova}, {Space Fold}, {Gravity Hammer}, {Time Reversal}, {Time Prison}, {Eyes of Space-Time}, {Volcanic Spear}, {Tempest Gale}, {Blazing Burst}, {Curse of Nightmare}, {Indomitable Will}
Even though it had only been a short time since Victor formed his sixth sigil, he had already improved quite considerably. This was likely the result of his life-and-death battle against Alphonse, a foe who far outranked him, as it also helped him refine the remnant of the elixir inside his body.
Sitting upright slowly, Victor opened his eyes as the dirigible’s engines began to vibrate with the rhythm of descent.
“Patriarch, we have arrived,” a voice reported from outside his door. It was Alvin.
Victor pushed himself to his feet with a slight wince. “Well, it’s about time.”
He moved carefully to the window and looked out. Below, the Thornwood Forest was vast and vibrant. Far in the distance, the towering buildings of the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi, along with its walls, could be seen rising into view. What was more, he could see a new Magus tower that wasn’t there when he left. This was his true domain, the heart of everything he had built.
Victor let out a sigh of relief. Even while there was still a lingering pain in his chest, a glint of triumph appeared in his eyes.
“Once we arrive there, we can begin with the next stage.”
The reason Victor had brought the entire Asteriscus family to the academy was so he could personally implant the Shadowlink Marks on each of them. With these marks in place, he would be able to monitor and manage them more effectively, ensuring both loyalty and coordination. Moreover, they would require resources — construction materials, food, and logistical support, among other things — to begin building their new estate near the lake to the north of Thornwood Village. It would take time, effort, and planning, but Victor had already envisioned the foundation of their future.
When the twelve dirigibles landed just outside the academy’s eastern wall, a small crowd had already gathered to receive them.
Victor had specifically instructed Lizbeth not to inform the players of their arrival. The last thing he wanted was another chaotic welcome like during the grand expedition, where the players had mobbed the area; he didn’t want to make himself look bad in front of other Magi. Unfortunately, it was impossible to conceal the arrival of twelve massive airships from the eyes of over a thousand players currently stationed within the academy grounds. Hence, a small crowd had inevitably formed.
“Whoa! These dirigibles are huge!”
“Yeah, I think they’re even bigger than the one the academy has… though not quite as sleek in design.”
“I wonder who these people are. NPC faction or hidden content?”
“New update alert! I bet we’re getting a massive content drop!”
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“…”
Victor could hear the players’ excited chatter even before setting foot outside, thanks to his enhanced hearing. He couldn’t help but shake his head at the feeling that he was finally home.
To keep things orderly and avoid drawing more attention, Victor chose only Alvin and a few senior elders to accompany him into the academy proper. The rest of the family members and servants were ordered to remain inside the dirigibles until further instructions were given.
Victor descended the ramp of the Arcturus, exuding the aura of a figure who commanded both fear and respect. The elders followed behind in dignified silence, their presence lending an air of authority that subtly quieted the crowd of excited players.
As expected, the moment Victor set foot on the ground, all eyes turned to him.
“That’s the headmaster, right?” the players at the front questioned, squinting.
“Yeah, that’s him! And those people with him… wait, aren’t they Magi? NPCs from a hidden faction?” another murmured, eyes widening.
Since these players were all acolytes, they could roughly sense how powerful Victor’s contingent was as long as they didn’t hide their mana fluctuations.
“They must be part of a major story update!”
The elders following Victor appeared to be quite curious about these players. However, Victor paid the voices no mind, nor did he bother to explain anything to them, keeping his expression composed as he approached the academy gate. Waiting there was Lizbeth, flanked by none other than Roland and Eleanor. Quite an unusual group, considering Lizbeth’s beef with Eleanor.
“Master, you arrived safely,” Lizbeth greeted, fluttering closer toward Victor before pausing, visibly restraining herself from throwing herself at Victor’s face.
Victor nodded. “The journey was not easy. But we made it.”
Lizbeth tilted her head slightly, sensing something must have happened. She also seemed to realize that Victor was slightly injured and his Magus robe slightly tattered, but as she was about to comment on it…
“Yo, Patron! That’s quite the entrance you pulled off!” Eleanor called out with a cheeky grin. “What’s the deal? Are these twelve dirigibles my welcome gift?”
“Ahem.” Victor cleared his throat, subtly telling her not to get ahead of herself.
“Oh, you don’t have to be embarrassed.” She chuckled.
“…” Victor was speechless, but he wasn’t small-minded enough to reprimand her.
“Headmaster,” Roland greeted with a polite bow before looking at the people behind Victor. “These Magi… may I ask who they are?”
“They are the elders of the Asteriscus Magus family,” Victor announced. “And they will serve as the cornerstone of the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi in the days to come.”
“I see,” Roland replied with a nod. “Welcome to the Sanctum, honored sirs.”
The elders of the Asteriscus family returned the gesture with respectful salutes, recognizing Roland’s stature. As a fifth-sigil Elemental Adept Magus and a senior figure within the academy, his presence commanded their respect. Even Alvin offered a slight nod, acknowledging Roland despite being a generation older.
“Roland, please show them around the academy,” Victor instructed.
“Understood.” Roland bowed politely, then turned to the assembled elders. “If you would, please follow me.”
With that, the group of elders departed, trailing behind Roland as he led them into the heart of the academy grounds. Their dignified procession drew further attention from the gathered players, who remained a short distance away.
Naturally, none of the players dared to interrupt. From their perspective, this entire sequence was part of a significant in-game cutscene — perhaps even the start of a major expansion.
Victor remained where he stood, now accompanied only by Eleanor and Lizbeth. The players continued murmuring and chattering in the background, but he ignored them. Whatever the noise or distractions, the foundations of his greatness were finally beginning to take shape.
“Master, are you injured?” Lizbeth suddenly inquired worryingly.
“That’s right, Patron. Is the tattered robe the result of a death or life battle?” Eleanor added.
“Yeah, but it’s nothing serious. At least… it’s no longer life-threatening.” Victor gave a casual shrug.
She didn’t seem entirely reassured, but before she could press further, Victor shifted the subject. “More importantly, what about the land I asked you to prepare?”
Although worry still lingered in her eyes, Lizbeth responded promptly, “The northern section of Thornwood Village has been cleared as you instructed. There’s a freshwater lake nearby and ample land for development. It should be an ideal location for their new settlement.”
“Good,” Victor nodded with satisfaction. “Let’s return to the office.”
Once he took care of the more pressing matters, Victor planned to collapse into the deepest, longest sleep imaginable. After all, this entire ordeal — leading a migration, fending off a Nexus Temporal Magus, and managing the Asteriscus family — surely earned him a moment of respite.
As Victor, along with Eleanor and Lizbeth, started heading toward the Headmaster’s Building, a sudden thought struck him.
“Speaking of which… where’s Lillie?” he asked, glancing sideways.
“Well…” Eleanor scratched the back of her head with a sheepish smile. “I think it’s better if you see for yourself.”
“I’m sorry, Master. I’m powerless to stop this…” Lizbeth chimed in as she sat on Victor’s shoulder.
“Uhh, okay…?” Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
The three of them entered the building, making their way through the halls of polished stone and softly glowing mana lamps. Victor’s pace slowed slightly as they reached the top floor, where the Headmaster’s Office and several other private rooms were located.
Deciding to check on Lillie first, he turned and walked toward her room. After a brief knock, he pushed open the door and immediately froze.
There, in the center of the room, stood Lillie. Or at least, someone who looked like Lillie — if she had suddenly decided to dress up as a full-fledged magical girl.
She wore a shimmering pink and lavender outfit complete with frills, ribbons, and a wand-like accessory in her hand. Enchanted stars twinkled on her boots, and her silvery-white hair was styled into sparkling curls, perfectly matching the aesthetic. Her Shadowlink Mark projected a large holographic screen in front of her, displaying flashy poses of magical girls and their transformation sequence, complete with sound effects and background music.
Victor blinked.
Oblivious to Victor’s intrusion, Lillie struck a final pose with confidence, lifting her wand skyward. “Magic Twinkle Star — complete!”
“What… the hell… am I looking at?”
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