So... where are they? The Magic Institute of Witches!  

How did they get here? Well, Allan’s parents decided that he should establish better contact with the Institute, despite his moving to Nephavion, you know... so he can keep surprising the world with his creations. Yes, money—the force that runs the world is behind this! Besides, Allan was thinking of showing Marcel around the place, preferably alone. 

“Wait, is that the esoteric Sound Magic?!!!” Shalia squealed as she observed the demonstration put on by the Institute’s headmaster’s best pupils.  

He sighed, “Haa... this again!” He didn’t get to spend some alone time with Marcel after what happened last night and also has to deal with the Institute Head’s agenda of pushing him to take a pupil from his people in order to get closer to him and his family? Can this day get any worse? 

Yes! Marcel was taking interest in the demonstrations too. The little guy would rather watch rare magic that he might potentially get to use in the future thanks to his All-Attributes Affinity as a hero rather than enjoying some alone time with him. Point is, that this is technically what they came for, but for some reason, Allan didn’t like how it was turning out... at all! 

“Look! Look!! Look!!! Rare plant magic, Curse magic I’ve never seen before, Summoning magic! This is heaven~!” As an enthusiast of all things magic-related, Marcel is having the best time of his life, with an unmistakably ecstatic smile on his face, coupled with a meteor shower of sparkles. He was getting inspired! 

 

Marcel wanted to see everything, Shalia just focused on Sound Magic, a rare deviant of Wind Magic, and the Plant Magic, in hopes of bettering her applications of these elements, or at least, the ones she currently controlled. Not talking about you, Sound Magic! 

As for Kenny and Evan, they were gone! Yes, they entered the premises together and met the Institute’s headmaster together, but for some reason, they’d just disappeared by the time the three realized it. They’re probably occupied with something they saw on the way. After all, this Magic Institute is the hub of magic from all around; with research into how to wield and transform it, being its main purpose. Founded by Larkatos Dresden, the White Witch of Infinity, the Guardian of the Great Mother Witch’s residual pure power left in this world after she disappeared. 

I really don’t feel like talking about Larkatos Dresden because she’s technically related to Marcel and the Spirit of the World, but a little bit of info won’t hurt. They’re, um... how do I explain this? Made out of the same stuff! Just know that it takes something unique to hold something as massive and purely powerful as a Goddess’ Essence. Oh, and I’m not talking about Inari’s gift to Marcel.   

 

Now, back to the original topic of discussion... 

The headmaster was still pushing Allan to take one of his pupils with him; a notion that greatly ‘bored’ the lad. He was unfazed by the display of the countless talents that the headmaster showed him, his head, up high, and observing them with decreasingly little interest the longer the headmaster tried to prolong getting to the real reason he was there. All he wanted to do was sign the papers that would allow the Institute to purchase some of his creations when he made them, but this guy was keeping him there. This day is a complete wreck! At least, Marcel’s there—having fun. 

Allan revealed a smile that he hadn’t revealed since the beginning of this long, boring demonstration of people trying to show off what they can do in front of him, and... the strange thing is that he kept that smile. All of a sudden, he had a faint smile and this look of happiness on his face; the reason, incredibly unapparent. His eyes... they changed too! They had this life, fascination to them that none, except the most observant, would notice.  

The headmaster’s mood brightened when he noticed the small change in Allan’s mood. He might be getting somewhere with this demonstration. Maybe he’ll finally make this stubborn fellow do what he wants of him; that is, taking a fucking pupil so he can establish a genuine connection with Allan and the Archlens. Maybe he should do this way more often. Someday, he believed that Allan would cave in. 

Ahem, spoiler alert: Allan leaves this earth pupil-less, not eye pupils, obviously! 

 

Marcel continued to observe the demonstrations, thinking that this was heaven when suddenly, he noticed something. Was Allan looking at him? He had no idea why, but did Allan also blush when they met eyes?  

Yes, he...... must be embarrassed about what happened last night and is looking at him to make sure he doesn’t tell anyone about it. That’s it! Allan must be so self-conscious about letting another person see him cry like he did yesterday. As usual, perceptive, but not even close, Marcel! He’ll just, never get it, so never mind. 

Marcel thought he needed to clarify things with Allan, so he did,  

“I won’t tell anyone what happened yesterday!” He sent a telepathic message Allan’s way, startling its receiver. After all, it’s been years since Allan last received one from Marcel, being that they can figuratively almost read each other’s thoughts without magic assistance now. The power of best friends, I guess. 

“You certainly won’t!” Allan thought. Sigh, Marcel really... ah, forget it! He simply smiled back and, for some strange reason, winked. Cute! 

Shalia, meanwhile, watched the exchange, noticing all the key details needed to piece together the situation. Allan really was... Ah, did you expect me to tell you? Figure it out yourself! 

 

Anyways, from watching the demonstrations, Marcel felt inspired to create some new spells; one of which was the future composite fire-wind-everything spell: ‘Dancing Meteor Blasts’, a three-element composite spell that combined the power of three elements to create meteors by shooting massive amounts of fire magic with wind and a third element into the air. That concoction will later return to the earth as the desired image in his head: a meteor with strange capabilities capable of being controlled, making them seem like actual meteor impacts. It’s something he’ll use in his next big dungeon battle but, you won’t get to see it because, um, I’M TIRED OF THIS! Major developments, like the events about to unfold, are my only priority now.  

 

So, what happened after the very lengthy demonstrations were done?  

Allan went with the headmaster to sign the papers, one of which included a hidden marriage agreement to the headmaster, which he took as some kind of joke. After signing all of them, except the marriage agreement, came an hour-long thigh-hugging session with the Institute’s headmaster who really wanted to get into his family; what an eccentric fellow, then the head’s eventual surrender when he felt so bored that he thought the sun was setting. The poor man received from him an ice-cold glare, with Allan threatening to freeze him solid if he didn’t stop ‘misbehaving'. 

Allan exited the office to find Marcel already tinkering with the spell ‘Dancing Meteor Blasts’, surrounded by others who quietly observed him. Marcel, from their perspective, was a talented, pure demon fellow who seems to be threatening a weather phenomenon to spring into existence. Allan didn’t realize that he was smiling while he watched Marcel busily work and converse simultaneously with Roden.  

Unfortunately, it was time to go and Marcel looked so bummed out.  

“But, it’s still just afternoon~” He whined. 

“Yes, but we promised my mother that we’d be back for lunch when we left this morning. They want to have lunch with you and it shouldn’t be long before she sends a message.” Allan explained in an almost coddling manner.  

“Ha, fine!” Marcel sighed, relinquishing himself to his fated departure from the Institute at that moment. 

Allan laughed, “Haha, you know that we can always return some other time, right?”  

“Yes, yes, boss! Let’s go now before I change my mind and decide to stay here forever.” Marcel sounded so dramatic and commanding in a child-like manner. Allan laughed once more, a very rare sight in the Institute! 

“You’re always welcome to return here, young sir!” The Institute’s Head referred to Marcel like that, “As for you, Allan...” He was really going to do this again, “...think about it! We both stand to gain a lot if we get married~!” He practically announced to the entire school his intentions. He didn’t care that he, a thirteen-thousand-year-old, was asking a barely millennium-year-old ‘boy’ to marry him. He just wanted the sweet benefits! 

“That’s not going to happen!” Allan replied back, practically yelling as he left. 

As they were leaving, however, something happened. 

Shalia gazed at him with a sly expression, “I know, hmph!” She whispered before rudely brushing at his left shoulder and walking ahead. 

“What do you know?!!” He yelled at the girl, who was already a fair distance away from him. He was... genuinely confused about what she meant by that. Really, what did she mean? 

Marcel wondered what that was all about too. 

 

*** 

 

They returned home to Gwendal and Levitae... chatting.  

Ah, I did forget to mention what Gwendal was doing all morning. Well, chatting and making friends with his supposed enemy’s mother, of course! They both loved being graceful and flamboyant in all they do; be it clothing, mannerisms, or whatever else you consider makes someone like that in your head. Oh, and let’s not forget prideful too! 

Also, Levitae had a lot to say and Gwendal wanted to hear them. In the few hours that they’d left, Levitae has managed to guess what kind his magic was, what he genuinely likes most, um... Marcel, and what color expressed their mood on a sweaty summer day with half the attention of their crush and an immense urge to destroy an innocent white flower, all at the same time. It was like he’d met his second soulmate!  

It’s an understatement to say that Gwendal will be a thorn in Allan’s side for a very long time; being that Gwendal will soon promote himself to the status of his mom’s new best friend. Ha, all in a day’s work, I guess! 

 

“So, how did it go, Allan?” Levitae asked Allan’s day during lunch. 

“You know... the usual, except, this time, he tried to trick me into marrying him so he could join our family!” Allan answered nonchalantly. 

Levitae continued, “I see! He’s relentless. He really wants to see our family’s magic arts for himself so much that he’d join our family without a thought. You know, I had to go through a whole lot of struggles before your father agreed to join my family instead of the other way around, but that Peredan wants to abandon his noble family for the chance to see a few secret documents. He’s truly a magic fanatic!” 

“Yes, and...” 

That’s how Allan had his first, non-work-related conversation that wasn’t what happened yesterday when he first arrived, with his mom. He was finally making some progress with his parents. They wanted him to spend a few days with them, so he did. 

During that time, their relationship improved considerably compared to what it once was; which was nonexistent, and some kind of normalcy peeked out its head. They were Archlens, hence, such a thing would never truly be, so they took what could get out of it. 

 

*** 

“Oh, remember when I asked you to help us divine information about your brother? Well, how about now?” His mother asked during that afternoon’s teatime. Ah... he remembered. Allan had almost completely put that thought out of his mind. 

“Yes, yes... Let’s do that now!” Allan peered in Marcel’s direction before he closed his eyes, hoping that this special power would work this time. Marcel being around improved his odds of success, especially if this child’s future was intertwined with his, and in turn, Marcel’s. 

Despite Marcel’s presence, he had expected it to not show him anything the first or second time he asked, especially when he tried to point himself in the general direction by asking himself about his future brother like Silva did when she divined the future. Unexpectedly, however, something had changed, both within himself and the boundaries set by this power!  

He could see it, and they knew it too!  

The atmosphere in the room changed. It grew heavier and more mysterious. The flow of power within changed. Despite being S-classes, both Levitae and her husband, Lancel, could feel the shift in authority happening around them. Allan really had made contact with the divine. 

Allan’s voice grew deeper, his gaze more indifferent, dare I say, unbiased, when he began to read the future ahead that they sought, 

“That child...” He already sounded unrelated to the future ahead, “...will be very special!” Of course, it will be! 

“How? I don’t know! I can’t see it very clearly. Very blurry! Also, it will be born in five years instead of a year and a half. It won’t be like a normal Archlen or even a Wolfram. A foreign dimension has already claimed it as its own. It bears some fate with the elves...” Allan suddenly felt so drowsy. He wanted to fall over and enter a heavy sleep. He didn’t know why but something was letting him see what he saw. It was pushing him. Something within him had changed, and it wanted to keep him speaking despite the strange urge he felt to just sleep. It beckoned him to continue. 

Nonetheless, he did his best to finish it before the drowsiness overcame him, 

“Also, this child has already brought forth a being like no otherrr...” He said before he collapsed completely.  

Alas, he didn’t even finish the foretelling. He didn’t reveal its pre-given name, its special powers, what made this child unique compared to others, apart from this ‘foreign dimension' claiming it or whatever, but, at this point... no one cared about that! 

Everyone, especially his parents, were highly worried sick about Allan. He’d suddenly collapsed from the excess strain and was almost lifeless. They thought he’d just sacrificed himself for his baby brother. Also, they’d wanted to know more, not to be given grounds for even more questions, like the ones I just mentioned. Just, what is this creature Levitae has growing inside of her? 

 

*** 

On this fine day, Allan, for the first time ever, learned of the special price he paid for his divine power. Using it without an immediate emergency regarding Marcel’s wellbeing caused his mortal body to feel extremely fatigued to the point of ceasing normal function. He felt how he wasn’t strong enough to wield it properly yet.  

He learned a hard truth that day: that he could get away with using this power only if it involved getting Marcel out of danger. Marcel was almost like his free token to use the power without paying the special price. If he wanted to access the power’s full scope without Marcel's influence, then he’d need to sacrifice his body. All the times he’d used the powers outside of Marcel being in danger had been freebies, but now, clearly, something has changed. The scope of the power within him had increased and it was telling him! 

 

Anyways, Allan fell into a slumber, awakening after what was a long, stressful month for his friends and family. He, however, felt nothing but refreshed with newfound strength. His entire body was brimming with power and soon, he’d create his first Spell Phantom when days after he awoke, he’d fully understand the power of that special tome. He’d also changed a bit in demeanor.

He’d become more reserved compared to before, as he only let his natural reactions dictate his actions rather than simply putting on a façade because it seems easier. Yes, it makes him seem a bit harder to approach for outsiders, but that wasn’t really his concern. Evan compared his stiff resting face to Kensuke’s and Allan failed to comment anything, as if, he’s unbothered. Ah, what’s happening?! Why has he changed so much while they weren’t looking?!! 

Now, returning to the subject of Allan’s power... 

Allan’s power, after he awakened from his slumber, soared from the earlier rank of A-class to half an S-class, making him a halfway S-class entity and that, also, his adventurer rank. Wishes truly are a powerful thing to hold dear in your heart, for this is all thanks to his own desires.  

Having learned of the consequences of using the power that, maybe, might be meant for more than seeing probable futures where Marcel lives and guiding them towards it, he felt this looming feeling of inadequacy. He could feel how the power within him was so much stronger than he was, and how, if he let things be, then he would soon be torn asunder if it, one day, chose to show him more than his body could bear. 

Unconsciously, Allan managed to gain insight into some of the world’s mysteries, finally embarking on his own journey towards the divinity that existed within himself. To become an S-class is to embark on the path of divinity and shed away part of one’s own mortal self that hinders the individual from reaching into the gates to the Realm of Magic. Luckily for Allan, he really didn’t have much holding him back from shedding the hinders in his path, mostly his insecurities. I did say that everything I show is for a reason, didn’t I? 

With his insecurities gone, coupled with his connection to the mysterious power from ‘above’ within him and his potential to begin walking his own path to his final form, Allan pushed through in one fair swoop when he almost awoke from his slumber, making it halfway to his goal. 

Nearing the center of his magic pool now more than ever before, the power within flooded his body much quicker than it previously did, strengthening him. He adapted just a little bit more, becoming more compatible with the treasures he held within. He could see much better into the future compared to before, especially when Marcel was involved. He could also better predict events to come for others, although not like Silva whose very ability of clairvoyance seems related to the very concept of Truth. Finally, his power has started becoming his own. 

Speaking of powers finally becoming his, yeah, remember that skill called [Ruler of Spells] from way back when? Yeah, that skill which appeared to form a black book that controls Allan’s body to suppress spells, even blackholes? Um, it came back, this time, permanently! 

Vitalis authorized the spell’s complete awakening. What?! I didn’t mention that it was just a semi-awakened skill the first time? Hahaha, yeah... I’m sorry! 

Anyway, this skill, [Ruler of Spells], is a unique and powerful skill that possesses its own consciousness, seeing as how it came about in the first place—Uh, that’s an explanation for another time.  

It’s the perfect skill for one meant to master the pinnacle of magic. By that, I don’t mean someone with the magic power to make things like planets go boom. It’s a skill for someone meant to make all forms of magic achieve greater perfection; one meant to sculpt and rule over spells. It’s a skill that shall only have one owner, seeing as the one who inspired it meant it as a gift to a special someone. 

Now, its abilities! [Ruler of Spells], which appears in the form of a black book to its one true owner, possesses a consciousness within that allows its user to do magnificent things, like analyzing, understanding, and creating spells, absorbing and suppressing them, and, its most power ability: creating Spell Phantoms. 

Spell Phantoms are the very embodiment of a spell’s will. Yes, even spells possess a will of their own. This black book can amplify this will that spells all have, analyze it, and give form to them; almost like spirits, except, the black tome is what keeps them alive. Spell Phantoms are the ultimate forms of all spells, although, their powers might vary based on the spell’s foundation. That’s why this skill is called [Ruler of Spells] because all spells surrender to its very spirit. As for how they’re made, let’s save it for a much later date! Just know that these Spell Phantoms can be a very diverse bunch. Their very existence is so intricate that when Allan created his first one, he earned the title [Spell Master], the ultimate spell crafting title Vitalis can bestow on anyone. 

Creating his Spell Phantom and bathing it in the power he received post-awakening, he was met with a realization. It was a fact that he, as a former A-class, would have never been so easily accepted if he hadn’t verified it himself. Reaching the S-class, or even just a half S-class, with a current magic unit score of 390 000 from his earlier unit score of 160 000, is totally different compared to his former class upgrades. A typical A-class stood no chance in the slightest against an S-class. The very magic he could possibly command in the future was inherently different compared to what he held as a half S-class. It was a power that could only be described as ‘coming from a whole new realm’. 

Just the flick of an S-class's wrist, with the typical magic unit count of around 500 000, is powerful enough to kill any normal A-class. Even as just a half S-class, he is forbidden from participating in any of the future dungeon fights unless absolutely necessary. His rebirth had begun and there was no turning back for him. An S-class was truly a force of nature capable of whimsically wiping out cities. What were mere A-classes to do when someone with more than five times their magic power wanted to destroy a city? Absolutely nothing! The day his soul makes the perilous journey through his magic pool to the Realm of Magic, said to be the birthplace of magic, to attain its wondrous power, will change him and his magic forever. Ahem, I forgot to mention that he’ll only reap the benefits if he survives the journey. 

I should probably mention this right now! Only about an eighth of the people who’ve entered the Realm of Magic through their magic pool have managed to survive the journey and successfully returned intact. It’s a perilous experience that sometimes, leads to pretty freaky stuff, like switching races, getting replaced, and so forth. After all, this place is no joke! Even returners aren’t spared from its endless dangers. 

Hehe~, just kidding! There are no returners.... well, if you count the very small few who manage to wash themselves clean of its mighty power and return there to reclaim it, that is! Spoiler: We have one of those right—here!