Chapter 14 – A Step Beyond Limits
Two weeks had passed in the Arcana Library's timeless halls.In that span, Chris had transformed.
His magic had fully stabilized, his grasp of 3rd Circle spells now refined with the precision of a seasoned mage. Lightning, flame, wind, and even time-imbued spells flowed from his hands as naturally as breath.Simultaneously, his aura cultivation had soared—his breathing technique polished and efficient, guiding the force within his core. He was no longer just a 1st-Star Aura Knight…He stood at the cusp of becoming a 2nd-Star.
Every day had been filled with relentless study and grueling training. Every night with meditation and aura refinement. His body bore the results—hardened, sharpened, empowered.
Then, on the morning of the fifteenth day, Arcanis appeared again.
The spirit hovered before him, flickering faintly with an air of calm curiosity.
"You have progressed far… and fast."
Chris stood, his clothes damp with sweat, eyes gleaming with sharp focus.
"It's still not enough," he replied, "but I'm getting closer."
Arcanis floated around him slowly, examining the changes with interest.
"3rd Circle mastery. Aura on the brink of second star. You've traversed a path that most fear to even dream of," the spirit said, then paused—tone darkening slightly."But know this, Chris. You are walking a path of duality, where one mistake—one wrong breath—can unravel everything. Not even your dragon-forged runes will save you from a shattered soul or ruptured core."
Chris didn't flinch. His gaze was steady, confident.
"I understand the risks. I've seen what lies beyond fear. I'm not turning back."
There was silence for a beat. Then Arcanis… smiled.
"Good. Then you're ready."
Chris blinked. "Ready… for what?"
The librarian turned, extending a translucent hand toward a spiral staircase carved into obsidian stone at the far end of the chamber.
"The third floor."
Chris turned his gaze to the staircase. Until now, he hadn't even sensed its presence. A thin, shifting magical veil had kept it hidden—its mana signature suppressed, like a whisper in a storm.
"Only a few ever step onto that floor," Arcanis continued."Ancient knowledge, forgotten spells, and remnants of the First Duke's research rest there. Even I cannot guide you beyond the threshold. Tread carefully, Chris Celestrius… for even your blood may not shield you from what lies above."
Chris approached the staircase, his heart pounding with anticipation.
"I didn't come here to stay comfortable," he said under his breath.
As he placed his foot on the first step, the air around him shifted.
A subtle tremor rippled through the library. Faint whispers rose—like voices echoing through time.
And so, with resolve burning like a star, Chris ascended—toward the secrets of the third floor.Toward the legacy of the First Duke.
Toward the next chapter of his rebirth.