Nova

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Nova arrived at the Tower of Dawn five years before Leo's enrollment. Already a Wizard with Level 6 Mental Power Talent, he achieved a perfect 100-point Arcane Hand assessment and an unprecedented 500-point Comprehensive Assessment during his first month. He selected Potionology as his first discipline, joined an S-rank research project within that month, and completed twenty S-rank projects in his first year. He became a teaching assistant in his second year, a seminar instructor the following year, and trained several outstanding Wizards. 17

By the time Leo encountered him aboard a wizard ship, Nova had his own Nova Assembly and enough students. Unlike Wizard Lane, he confirmed Leo's Level 3 spiritual talent and recognized his Potionology aptitude. Although he refused to take Leo as a disciple—both because he had sufficient students and because doing so would antagonize Lane—he brought Leo to the Tower of Dawn and secured him temporary guidance under Sally of the Esmond Gathering. Nova made clear that this assistance was an investment for which Leo owed him a favor. 2 3 4

Nova later encountered Leo again aboard a knightly vessel near the Crimson Sea. He assessed Leo's cultivation, Potionology training, and Battle Mage-related bodily modifications at a glance from several hundred meters away. During the voyage, he provided Leo with guidance on Mental Radiation, Magitech Studies, Battle Mage weaknesses, Advanced Arcane Hand, and the value of Battle Mage techniques for health rather than direct combat. 26 28 29 33 34

Nova's study of ancient texts appears to extend beyond ordinary scholarly interest. He commissioned Leo to protect Fried during a ruin exploration and offered to purchase any ancient books discovered there. Leo later inferred that Nova's interest in ancient literature may be connected to research into the Ancient Wizard Civilization and the origins of Necromancy. 212 213

Nova attempted to advance to Formal Wizard after accumulating dozens of Combination Spells, a Prototype Permanent Defensive Force Field, and a Spell Casket. His attempt failed, allowing other Formal Wizards to seize eight Combination Spells and leaving him physically emaciated. Nevertheless, Nova survived due to his unusual constitution and remained determined to try again after recovering. 297 298 325 326

When Leo later questioned him about traces of Nova's spiritual energy on books from the ancient ruins, Nova falsely claimed that he had merely read and marked non-magical books near the site. In private, Nova worried that Leo might expose the lie and reflected on his years within an unnamed organization and the approaching completion of the Wizard King's plan. The full nature of Nova's connection to the ruins and this organization remains unknown. 347

Appearance

Nova is an elegant young man with an easygoing smile. He is typically seen in long wizard robes and often carries or reads books. 2 36

• Maintains a composed, scholarly bearing even among knights and other Wizards. 2 26
• Commonly appears absorbed in reading rather than social activity. 2 30
• His mental energy vastly surpasses that of Wizard Seedlings, which Leo compares to the difference between a river and a cup of water. 26
• After his failed Formal Wizard advancement, he became severely emaciated after losing eight Combination Spells, though he later recovered into better condition. 325 346

Personality

Nova is deeply devoted to reading and favors people who share that devotion. Leo's accomplishments and potential interest Nova, but Nova explicitly values Leo most for his ability to immerse himself in books. 29 30 39

He is candid and pragmatic. Nova refuses to take Leo as a student because the risk of offending Lane outweighs Leo's value to him, yet he still helps Leo reach the Tower of Dawn because Leo's spiritual talent and Potionology aptitude make him a worthwhile investment. 3 4

Nova follows equivalent exchange closely, offering costly help to the afflicted knights only in return for Magic Stones. Despite this businesslike attitude, he repeatedly teaches Leo, corrects his misconceptions, and protects the Wizards aboard the knight ship when the Siren-influenced knights attack. 28 33 36 37

Nova encourages his students to be genuine rather than imitate his love of reading merely to fit the Nova Assembly's image. His student Fried admits that Nova has specifically told students not to pretend to enjoy books for Nova's sake. 71

He approaches combat with the same seriousness he brings to scholarship. Nova does not underestimate opponents or allow carelessness to create openings, even when facing a less experienced Wizard. 243

Despite repeated failed advancement attempts and the loss of valuable Combination Spells, Nova remains resilient and optimistic. He treats failure as part of the path toward eventual ascension rather than a reason to abandon his ambition. 325 346

Abilities & Skills

Wizard Apprenticeship and Perception

Nova is identified as a First-Rank Wizard Apprentice with mental energy far beyond that of Wizard Seedlings. 26 37

• Accurately assessed Leo's spiritual development, Potionology discipline, and Battle Mage potion modifications from a distance. 26
• Recognized that Leo's unusually rapid Mental Radiation mastery exceeded what Level 3 spiritual talent would normally permit. 28
• Identified the Mandrake Sirens' song as a Bloodline Ability that affects the spirit and explained its effects on knights and Wizards. 37
• Can perceive the number and general nature of spells mastered by another Wizard; he judged that Leo had learned nearly as many spells as Nova himself. 243
• Possesses a broad understanding of disciplines beyond Potionology, including Magitech Studies, Battle Mage Studies, Necromancy, Bloodline Modification, and Formal Wizard advancement. 28 33 34 238 298

Wing-Creating Spell

Nova can create feathered wings on objects and people, allowing flight or disrupting an opponent's balance. 3 26 33 36

• Grew large white wings from a small boat, allowing it to fly to the Tower of Dawn. 3
• Created wings on Leo's shoes to lift him aboard a knightly vessel. 26
• Used wings on Leo's shoes to defeat his Basic Body Fortification charge without directly injuring him. 33
• Disabled Siren-influenced knights by causing wings to appear on their shoes, making them lose balance and fall. 36
• His Bird Wing Spell is considered superior to Wizard Plaisey's Flying Pumpkin Spell, capable of enabling group flight while also disrupting opponents' movements and rhythm. 145 147

Siren Song Suppression

Nova can temporarily restore people affected by Mandrake Siren song and can forcibly remove its effects for payment. 37 38

• Determined that the affected knights would not recover permanently unless the source of the Siren song was dealt with. 37
• Temporarily restored the consciousness of affected knights after receiving Magic Stones. 37
• Removed the Siren song's effects from knights who accepted the required Magic Stone debt. 38

Necromancy

Nova is an exceptionally versatile Necromancy practitioner whose spell knowledge gives him a major advantage even in discipline-restricted combat. 238 243

• Uses a rare Necromancy flight spell that transforms his lower body into smoke, granting aerial superiority over most Necromancy specialists. 238
• Casts the Necromantic Defense Wall, a gray undead-based barrier that neutralizes most Necromancy spells and exposes Necromancy's innate weakness against its own defenses. 238 239
• Can transform into bones and reappear elsewhere to evade attacks. 243
• Casts a sensory-disruption spell that blinds targets and interferes with hearing and smell, creating openings for physical Necromancy attacks. 243
• Summons hundreds of floating undead entities capable of physically striking targets from multiple directions while keeping the caster at range. 244
• Understands that the Necromantic Defense Wall does not prevent physically driven attacks, allowing him to combine sensory interference, summoned entities, and direct force effectively. 243 244

Potionology and Research

Nova is a renowned Potionology prodigy and researcher. 17

• Found a perfect-quality Fish-Fragrant Herb upon arriving at the Tower of Dawn; the next such discovery was made by Leo five years later. 17
• Joined an S-rank Potionology project in his first month and completed twenty S-rank projects within his first year. 17
• Recognized Leo's Potionology talent after observing him reproduce its essential spiritual-energy technique shortly after reading Basic Potionology. 2
• Is associated with the Bloodline Modification Research Institute, where Molly became an experimental subject; Leo cautioned Molly that Nova's reputation alone could not guarantee the safety of a research contract. 218
• Collects and seeks ancient books, particularly texts that may reveal information about the Ancient Wizard Civilization. 212 213

Mentorship and Spell Theory

Nova provides advanced guidance despite not accepting Leo as a formal disciple. 28 29 33 34

• Recommended Magitech Studies to help Leo investigate the difference between ordinary mental-energy manipulation and spells. 28
• Lent Leo Basic Magitech Studies to broaden his thinking. 29
• Explained that Battle Mage combat is easily countered because its direct enhancement methods are predictable. 33
• Clarified that Advanced Arcane Hand, rather than basic Arcane Hand, can change forms after casting. 34
• Reframed Battle Mage techniques as valuable methods for improving health, immunity, vitality, and mental clarity rather than merely direct combat tools. 34
• Described a powerful Wizard as someone who can flexibly wield many different spells to identify and exploit an opponent's weaknesses, a philosophy that later influenced Sephir's Bloodline Modification path. 176
• Explained the requirements for Formal Wizard advancement, including a Spell Pyramid, Prototype Permanent Defensive Force Field, Spell Casket, and the transformation of spiritual energy into a soul. 298 325

Spell Casket and Formal Wizard Advancement

Nova possesses an unusually rare personal Spell Casket and has reached the threshold of Formal Wizard advancement. 297 298

• His Spell Casket was forged from a bone shed from his body shortly after birth. 298
• The Spell Casket can contain his Spell Pyramid, support his body in entering a Permanent Defensive Stance, and serve as the foundation for storing and developing future Combination Spells. 298
• Possesses dozens of Combination Spells and had constructed a Prototype Permanent Defensive Force Field before his first known Formal Wizard advancement attempt. 297
• His Prototype Permanent Defensive Stance automatically activated when Leo's Dark Archmage contained a trace of physical power, forcing Nova to concede a Necromancy-only match because the defense violated its rules. 244
• Failed an advancement attempt after sensing a deathly aura attached to his Spell Casket that seemed to consume living essence; other Formal Wizards subsequently stripped eight Combination Spells from him. 325
• Continues preparing for another attempt and believes his improved stability gives him a realistic chance of success. 346

Relationships

• Leo Danville — A Wizard Seedling Nova assisted after Lane rejected him. Nova recognizes Leo's potential, values his love of reading, and offers him intermittent guidance, though he repeatedly declines to become his mentor. Leo later repaid the favor he owed Nova by accepting a commission to protect Fried during a ruin exploration; Nova considered Fried's safe return fulfillment of the debt. 2 3 28 39 212 243
• Wizard Sally — Teaching assistant of the Esmond Gathering. Nova recommends Leo to Sally after finding no other mentor willing to accept him. 3 4
• Wizard Lane — Fellow Wizard from the initial wizard ship. Nova quietly corrects Lane's wrongful rejection of Leo but avoids directly making an enemy of him. 3
• Fula — Research companion traveling with Nova and Kamon. She notes Nova's unusual concern for Leo and shares an affinity with him as a fellow Prossian. 26 29 39
• Kamon — Research companion who initially dismisses Leo's prospects and Battle Mage path; Nova rebukes him for disrespecting Fula and Prossians. 26 29
• Aifel and the knight order — Nova travels aboard their vessel while seeking herbs and later charges the order Magic Stones to address the Mandrake Sirens' influence. 28 37
• Fried — Nova Assembly member, graduate student, and Nova's Third-Level Wizard Apprentice. Fried admires Nova intensely, defends his mentor's judgment, and was the student Nova entrusted to Leo's protection during the ruins expedition. 71 212 218 220
• Huangtu — Faced Nova in a Necromancy-only match. Nova defeated him by using the Necromantic Defense Wall to expose the limitations of Huangtu's Necromancy repertoire. 238 239
• Wizard Jindeli — Nova fought on Jindeli's side during the Necromancy match competition after promising to secure a victory for him. 238
• Molly — Her decision to become an experimental subject in Nova's Bloodline Modification Research Institute reflects the trust many Wizard Apprentices place in Nova's reputation. 218

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Leo's entry into the Tower of Dawn — Verifies Leo's Level 3 spiritual talent, recognizes his Potionology ability, transports him to the Tower of Dawn, and arranges his placement with Sally. 2 3 4
• Legacy as a Tower of Dawn prodigy — Nova's academic record establishes the standard Leo and Chris are compared against, particularly in Potionology and assessment performance. 17 18 19
• Stonefish hunting voyage — Reunites with Leo, evaluates his progress, lends him Basic Magitech Studies, and observes his battle against two Stonefish. 26 29 31 32
• Battle Mage guidance — Demonstrates the flaws of Basic Body Fortification, reframes Battle Mage techniques as health-oriented disciplines, and directs Leo toward Advanced Arcane Hand. 33 34
• Mandrake Siren incident — Identifies the source of the knights' madness, helps subdue the attackers, and offers paid treatment for the Siren song's effects. 36 37 38
• Departure from the knight vessel — Leaves for the Crimson Sea with Fula and Kamon, expressing hope that Leo will have become a Wizard when they next meet. 39
• Ruin-exploration commission — Calls in Leo's favor by asking him to guard Fried during a two-day expedition near the Crimson Sea, while also seeking any ancient books that Leo can recover. 212
• Necromancy match competition — Defeats Huangtu through the Necromantic Defense Wall, then faces Leo in a Necromancy-only match. Although Nova dominates much of the duel through superior spell variety, sensory disruption, and physical attacks, he concedes after his Prototype Permanent Defensive Stance activates in violation of the match rules. 238 239 243 244
• Formal Wizard advancement crisis — Attempts to become a Formal Wizard despite the danger that other Formal Wizards will seize his Combination Spells if he fails. His first known attempt fails and costs him eight Combination Spells, but he survives and resolves to recover for another attempt. 297 298 325 326
• Renewed advancement preparations — Agrees to synchronize a future advancement attempt with Leo, Anthony, Meys, and Beckum in exchange for copied ancient spell books, helping create a distraction against possible interference. 346
• Ancient-ruin mystery — Conceals his connection to books found in the ruins and reflects privately on an organization connected to the Wizard King's plan, placing his apparent scholarly pursuits under suspicion. 347

Notable Quotes

“In the wizarding world, we abide by the principle of equivalent exchange.” 4

“I rarely encounter someone who can immerse himself in a sea of books like I can.” 29

“We wizards follow the principle of equivalent exchange. If you cannot pay the Magic Stones, then solve it yourselves.” 37

Trivia

• Nova's Remote Spell Class costs 100 Magic Stones, roughly twice the price of equivalent courses taught by other Wizards. 48
• At least a thousand students have selected Nova's remote courses. 48
• Nova's evaluation of Leo's Battle Mage training reveals that he possesses mentor-level knowledge beyond the basic instruction available in the Esmond Gathering. 33 34
• Members of the Nova Assembly display such intense admiration for Nova that Leo compares the Assembly's atmosphere to a religious cult. 218 220
• Although Fried sometimes carries books only to imitate the Nova Assembly's image, Nova has instructed his students not to pretend to share his reading habits. 71
• Nova's personal Spell Casket was made from a bone shed shortly after his birth, rather than the Ink Gold normally required by most Wizards. 298