Chapter Summaries

After returning to Latvia City, Ang arranged the warriors’ rest, reviewed the battle’s losses and spoils, and prepared to search the region before returning to Tan'anster. He personally brought Baroness Ilsa a gift of Black Magic Crystals, and the two began an intimate relationship.

• Ang ordered the warriors and farmers to recuperate, then met with the brigade leaders and Instructor Todd to plan a search for remaining evil demons and a future return to Tan'anster.
• Ang announced that nearly seven hundred Black Magic Crystals had been recovered and that the fifty fallen warriors’ families would each receive one in remembrance.
• Ang distributed the remaining crystals, setting aside one hundred for Baroness Ilsa, taking thirty for himself, and sharing the rest among the brigade leaders and Instructor Todd; the warriors also gave him the demon hides, Black Magic Mark Skin, and mysterious patterned stones.
• Since the Plane Portal could not be opened again for five months, Ang sent the brigade leaders and cavalry to search Latvia while he stayed behind.
• Ang delivered the hundred Black Magic Crystals to Ilsa, and they kissed and began an intimate relationship.

Ang and Ilsa grew close while resolving Latvia's evil ghost crisis, then faced separation when Ang and his warriors returned to Tan'anster. Ang departed through the Plane Teleportation Array, leaving Ilsa behind in Latvia as he discovered their relationship had helped open more than 130 nodes in his body.

• Ang and Ilsa became lovers and spent the following months growing closer in Latvia City.
• Ilsa told Ang about her late husband and the grief she had carried, and Ang comforted her and promised to protect her.
• Five months after the mission began, the evil ghost crisis ended, but Ilsa said she could not yet return to Tan'anster because she had unfinished business.
• Ilsa hosted a farewell banquet before Ang and his warriors prepared to leave through the Plane Teleportation Array.
• Ilsa embraced Ang and said she would miss him; Ang kissed her forehead and entered the array with his warriors.
• On the journey back to Tan'anster, Ang realized that more than 130 nodes in his body had opened, raising his strength to another level.

Ang returned to Tan'anster after the Latvia campaign and reunited with Charles, sharing his plans to graduate from the Warrior Academy and study magic. He then headed to Donna's estate to sell valuable materials from Latvia and discuss his next steps, including learning Enchanted Armament crafting from Master Louis.

• Ang returned to Tan'anster with the Warrior Academy warriors, while Ilsa's report had earned the duke's praise for their performance in Latvia.
• Ang learned that the fallen warriors' ashes had been sent home and that Teacher Todd would deliver their Black Magic Crystals to their families.
• Ang returned to the academy, reunited with Charles, and told him he planned to graduate and study at the Empire's magic academy.
• Charles told Ang that Donna had become a Senior Squire and that her family's Enchanted Armament had sold for 800 Black Magic Crystals.
• Ang went to Donna's estate intending to sell his Black Magic Mark Skin and evil ghost hides, keep his Black Magic Crystals for an armament, and visit Master Louis to learn crafting techniques.

Ang visited Donna to sell materials from his battle with evil ghosts and asked for her help obtaining Master Louis’s recommendation to the Imperial Magic Academy. After the sale, he left without meeting Master Louis and resolved to focus on getting the recommendation rather than seeking the master’s personal instruction.

• Ang visited Donna’s home, and she welcomed him and introduced him to the household’s recent changes.
• Ang showed Donna the Black Magic Mark Skins and evil ghost hides from Latvia and asked for help securing Master Louis’s recommendation to the Imperial Magic Academy.
• Donna agreed to help contact Master Louis and offered Ang two Black Magic Crystals for the materials.
• Donna told Ang that Master Louis was away gathering materials, so Ang left without meeting him.
• Ang decided to pursue a recommendation letter and prepare for the Imperial Magic Academy instead of expecting Master Louis to guide him personally.

Ang attended the graduation ceremony, declined the dean’s offer to stay at the academy, and received Master Louis’s letter of introduction to the Imperial Magic Academy. After completing his graduation and saying goodbye to the academy, he set out by airship to visit his family before continuing to the Empire.

• Ang celebrated with the Latvia mission graduates, thanked them for their trust, and told them he planned to train in the Empire rather than remain at the Warrior Academy.
• Ang told the dean he would not stay at the academy, then said he hoped to fight alongside his classmates again if he returned.
• Donna brought Ang to meet Master Louis, who gave him the promised letter of introduction and agreed to make leather armor from Ang’s evil ghost hide.
• Ang completed his graduation procedures, left Charles a letter, and packed his belongings before leaving the academy.
• Ang boarded an airship to visit his family and prepare for his journey to the Empire.

Ang returned to River Bay City and reunited with Aisha, Aida, and his parents before telling his family he would travel to the Wilderland Empire’s capital to pursue his ambitions. He left home strengthened by their support and looking ahead to his journey.

• Ang visited Aisha at the Mage Academy, learned her holiday would begin in a few days, and promised to pick her up afterward.
• Ang returned home, reunited with his parents, and spent several days with them and Aida, encouraging Aida’s training and discussing his work in the city guard.
• Ang picked up Aisha after her holiday began and brought her home to join the family reunion.
• Ang told his parents he had decided to travel to the imperial capital, and his family supported his decision.

After spending time with Aida and Aisha, Ang prepared to leave for Akreli to continue his studies. Equipped with Master Louis’s custom Foul Spirit Leather Armor, Ang boarded an airship and began his journey to the Wilderland Empire’s capital.

• Ang trained Aida in Qi force and combat awareness, while Aisha shared her water-magic studies and received his encouragement.
• Ang prepared to travel from Tan'Anster to Akreli, learning about the Wilderland Empire’s provinces and their rulers and resources.
• Ang collected his custom Foul Spirit Leather Armor from Master Louis and decided to enchant it himself after studying at the Imperial Magic Academy.
• Master Louis advised Ang to remain humble and persistent among Akreli’s talented students, and Ang thanked him before departing for the air harbor.
• Ang boarded the airship, reflected on his past challenges, and watched it rise toward Akreli.

Ang traveled aboard a modern airship for twenty-five days toward Akreli, learning about the Empire and its powerful forces while anticipating life at the Imperial Magic Academy. The airship reached North Port, bringing him to the threshold of the capital and the challenges ahead.

• Ang rode an airship that made frequent stops across the Empire and used the journey to rest, train, and observe the scenery.
• Ang overheard merchants discuss Tan'anster's Maple Sugar Plane and adventurers describe the elite Enchanted Armament Regiment.
• Ang resolved to use the Imperial Magic Academy's resources to strengthen himself after realizing how much of the Empire remained unknown to him.
• Ang learned from a crewman that large airships had to land at one of four ports outside Akreli, and that his airship would arrive at North Port.
• Ang watched the airship approach its berth at North Port, adjusted his Foul Spirit Leather Armor, and prepared to enter Akreli.

Ang arrived in Akreli and rode a Red Giant Rhino carriage through the capital, marveling at its scale, order, and magically engineered roads. As the city revealed its advanced infrastructure, he resolved to improve his magic at the Imperial Magic Academy and make a future for himself there.

• Ang left North Port's airship plaza and boarded a spacious carriage pulled by Red Giant Rhinos.
• The driver explained that the carriage would take passengers only to Akreli's northern transportation hub, where they would transfer to other transport.
• Ang watched Akreli's crowded streets and towering buildings as the carriage began its journey through the city.
• Ang recognized that magic arrays in the stone roads made them self-repairing and kept carriages steady.
• Ang reflected on how much he still had to learn and resolved to master magic during his time at the Imperial Magic Academy.

Ang traveled from the North District to the Imperial Magic Academy in Akreli and surveyed the imposing campus. He learned that new students would face a broad assessment to compete for places in advanced programs, and he prepared himself for the challenges ahead.

• Ang arrived at the North District Hub and took the Magic Rail Train toward the East District.
• Ang reached the East District and continued to the Imperial Magic Academy in the Central District.
• Ang entered the academy plaza and observed its buildings, students, mentors, and magical facilities.
• Ang read the new-student notice and learned the assessment would test practical combat, Magic Theory, Magic Array Analysis, and teamwork.
• Ang realized students would compete for places in the Advanced Class or Direct Mentor Class and faced the coming challenges with anticipation.

Ang registered at the Imperial Magic Academy with Master Louis's recommendation and settled into a single dormitory room in Building Seven. With a month before classes began, he planned to explore the academy and strengthen his magic and physical skills.

• Ang followed the signs to freshman registration and waited in line with students from across the Empire.
• Ang gave Master Louis's letter to the registration staff, received his identity plaque, freshman guide, and assignment to Building Seven, and learned the letter had impressed academy mentors.
• Ang followed the guide to his single room in the eastern district and unpacked his books, equipment, and Foul Spirit Leather Armor.
• Ang reflected on Master Louis's confidence in him, which eased his nerves about competing with talented students.
• Ang reviewed the course schedule and rules, then planned to explore the academy and train during the month before classes began.

Before classes began at the Imperial Magic Academy, Ang explored the dormitory, made friends with fellow freshmen, and prepared for his studies. After stopping a regional dispute with his warrior’s pressure, he and his new friends focused on supporting one another and growing stronger.

• Ang studied the enrollment guide, explored the academy’s shared spaces, and began planning his training and studies, with particular interest in Enchanted Armament.
• Ang met Gao An, Bonage, Lulugood, and Angeli, and became friends with the freshmen from the northern region.
• Students from other regions disparaged the north, and Gao An and Bonage nearly fought with a group of southern students.
• Ang released his warrior’s pressure and urged both sides to focus on learning rather than regional divisions, bringing the confrontation to an end.
• Ang and his new friends continued studying and exchanging ideas, gradually forming a team to support one another.

Ang learned the dangers and fundamentals of magical cultivation from his new friends, then began classes at the Imperial Magic Academy after talent assessments and exams. Placed in an elementary class while his friends entered different levels, he resolved to improve through steady effort and continued studying with them.

• Gao An, Bonage, Lulugood, and Angeli shared advice with Ang about elemental affinities, safe cultivation, and the importance of focus and guidance.
• Ang and his friends took talent assessments and magic knowledge examinations at the Imperial Magic Academy.
• Ang’s crystal ball showed a pale blue glow, and his exam results revealed that his talent and knowledge were respectable but not exceptional.
• The academy assigned Ang to an elementary class, while Gao An entered a higher-level class, Bonage and Lulugood joined different classes, and Angeli entered an Advanced Class.
• Ang introduced himself to his classmates, adapted to the academy’s demanding lessons, and kept studying and seeking advice.
• Ang continued visiting Gao An, Bonage, and Angeli to discuss their courses, and they promised to support one another.

Ang studied foundational magic at the Imperial Magic Academy, where mentor Marlena taught him the principles of magic and safe experimentation. After two months, Ang reached a competent level, demonstrated an unusual ability to sense multiple elements, and continued practicing as he began his magical journey.

• Ang attended his first foundational magic class, where Marlena explained elements, Magic Cycle, energy conversion, and the risks of unsafe experimentation.
• Ang spent the following days studying diligently and asking mentors and classmates for help whenever he encountered something he did not understand.
• After two months, Ang mastered foundational concepts and improved his spiritual power and elemental perception through meditation.
• Ang sensed several elements and successfully cast Fireball and Wind Blade in practical class, attracting a mentor's attention.
• Ang stayed humble and resolved to keep practicing despite his progress, viewing his competent foundation as only the beginning.

Ang strengthened his magical foundations at the Imperial Magic Academy and discovered his exceptional affinity for Fire and Light Elements. As he trained in both magic and warrior cultivation, he found that his Qi force drew in elements, leading him toward an unusual path of dual cultivation.

• Ang realized his self-taught spells lacked power and learned that mastery required understanding the elements and controlling his mental power.
• The Academy tested Ang's elemental affinity and found it highest for Fire and Light, with moderate affinity for other elements.
• Ang focused his meditation on Fire and Light, improving his ability to gather Fire Elements and control Light Elements while casting spells.
• Ang discovered that surrounding elements flowed into his body when he circulated his Qi force, making his strength grow and his Qi circulation smoother.
• Ang combined elemental magic with warrior training during combat drills, drawing the attention of students and instructors.
• Ang committed himself to exploring a balanced path of magic and warrior cultivation, continuing to experiment with combining spells, physical techniques, and Qi force.

Ang deepened his understanding of how his Light-element Qi countered Demons and learned to fuse Light and Fire magic while improving his Fireball. At the Imperial Magic Academy, he focused on becoming a Rank 1 Mage and helped his northern friends turn prejudice and isolation into motivation to study.

• Ang learned that the Light Element in his Qi naturally suppressed the Dark Element and abyssal power of Demons, explaining how he had pierced their defenses on the Maple Sugar Plane.
• Ang developed yellow-white magic power by balancing the Fire and Light Elements, strengthening his Fireball while recognizing that he was not yet ready to cast composite spells.
• Ang studied under the academy’s demanding rules, where students faced expulsion if they failed to qualify as Rank 1 Mages within three years.
• Ang adjusted to the prejudice against northern students and resolved to earn respect through his magical ability rather than others’ approval.
• Angeli focused quietly on magic, while Gao An and Bonage resented regional insults; Ang calmed their arguments and encouraged them to channel their frustration into study.

After more than half a year at the Imperial Magic Academy, Ang made strong progress while prioritizing Rune Crafting and alchemy and aiming to become a Rank 1 Mage. When Gao An invited him to help Northern students confront their Eastern rivals in the upcoming semiannual assessment, Ang did not commit, but hoped to support his friends without disrupting his studies.

• Ang studied Rune Crafting and alchemy alongside his magic courses, planning to learn enchanting later and eventually craft equipment suited to him.
• Ang recorded and reviewed lessons, earned recognition for his diligence, and continued pursuing his goals despite prejudice against Northern students.
• Gao An stopped Ang in a corridor and asked why he had stopped attending gatherings; Ang explained that his demanding course schedule left him little free time.
• Gao An told Ang that Northern students planned to challenge the Eastern students in the upcoming semiannual assessment and urged him to join them.
• Ang said that becoming a Rank 1 Mage remained his priority, but promised to support his friends if he had time and considered how to help them while keeping up with his studies.

Ang faced the Imperial Magic Academy’s October assessment with the threat of expulsion hanging over him and learned that his magic power had reached an intermediate mage apprentice level. He prepared to advance from the elementary class, though the formal assessment still lay ahead.

• Ang’s mentor warned him that he would be expelled if he failed the assessment.
• Ang intensified his studies and practice, taking Rune Crafting and alchemy electives while preparing for the October tests.
• Ang followed a detailed review plan focused on Magic Theory and Element Control as the assessment approached.
• Ang tested his magic power capacity with a crystal ball and found it was nearly half a gallon, placing him among the strongest apprentices in the elementary class.

Ang passed the Imperial Magic Academy’s assessment, impressing the examiners with his theory knowledge and Fireball casting, and returned to his dormitory ready to continue studying. In early October, he saw several exceptionally gifted classmates nearing a gallon of magic capacity and resolved to work harder toward becoming a Rank 1 Mage.

• Ang demonstrated strong Magic Theory knowledge and passed the assessment by answering the examiners’ questions clearly.
• Ang cast a Fireball using the standard incantation and gestures, earning the examiners’ approval for his precise technique.
• Ang left the examination hall relieved that he had passed and could remain at the Imperial Magic Academy.
• Ang returned to the dormitory and planned to continue studying Rune Crafting, alchemy, and practical combat while preparing for the intermediate class.
• In early October, Ang observed Koberg, Lilis, Gabrielle, Dominic, and Hibel displaying exceptional magic capacity, which strengthened his resolve to improve.

Ang completed the elementary-class spellcasting assessment and watched Gao An and Lindon fight to a draw in the intermediate-class combat assessment. The later matches became more cautious as students and instructors treated the battles as opportunities to demonstrate skills and learn rather than risk everything for a win.

• Ang demonstrated a stable fireball spell that lasted about a minute before his magic power ran out.
• Ang watched Gao An and Lindon begin their combat assessment match, with Gao An attacking using wind and fire spells and Lindon defending with earth magic.
• Gao An and Lindon continued fighting despite injuries and exhaustion until both ran out of magic power and collapsed, and the examiners declared a draw.
• As Gao An was carried away, he exchanged a gesture of approval with Ang, while Lindon also looked toward Ang.
• After Gao An and Lindon's prolonged fight, most students conceded when they could no longer gain an advantage, and the instructors approved of their measured approach.