"…And that's how we invented the technology for space travel."
In terms of boring, it couldn't get any worse.
But apparently, not everyone shared my opinion.
Ethan practically had drool dripping from his chin as he savored every ounce of that information. If I told him there were multiple cities on this planet, what would his reaction be?
He'd probably faint.
"Before finishing the class, I'll briefly talk to you about the different power tiers."
My ears perked up on their own. Finally, something interesting after that dull lesson I had already forgotten.
I'd rather be training with that crazy brunette.
"As you've probably noticed, you're considered 'Martyrs'. That's the title given to those who have harmonized with mana through the vial. When certain conditions are met, you'll ascend to the next tier. Each tier brings unimaginable benefits compared to the previous one—the simplest example being an increase in the number of glyphs your body can handle."
Not a single sound could be heard aside from the woman's voice.
"Your magical power determines how many glyphs you can possess and how strong they are, for instance…"
She rolled up her sleeve, revealing a long, thorn-like mark snaking up her forearm to her shoulder.
"This glyph is called 'Lianae'. If one of you tried to inscribe this glyph, your body would instantly explode."
Incredible. I wondered what effect that mark had—it must be impressive!
"I currently have seven. And it would be impossible for me to carve another one, no matter how weak or powerful it might be. You might think someone extremely strong could just stack low-level glyphs, but no—they're still limited by number."
That seemed contradictory.
"I'll briefly explain how to reach tier two, and tier three. Tier two first requires you to reach a total of one hundred units of magic."
One hundred?! That's insane! And just for tier two! What's next—five hundred?
"But that's not all. In addition to reaching the required points, you'll have to form your nodes. They're like catalysts that enhance your mana absorption as well as your physical and magical power. A total of eight nodes must be formed in very specific spots on the human body, in each ankle, each wrist, the navel, solar plexus, cervical spine, and the back of the skull."
"As for tier three, you'll first need to reach five hundred points of power and pass what we call a contract. I won't go into detail—you'll understand when the time comes."
That was a lot of information to digest.
"Any questions?"
I raised my left hand. I had so many, I didn't even know where to start.
Her eyes locked with mine for a second, then turned away.
"No questions? Very well. Selections will begin next Monday, so there will be no classes until then."
She left the room, ignoring me like I was air. How was I supposed to take that?
But I didn't have time to dwell on it—before I knew it, a fist was flying straight at my face. I instantly materialized a small disc of blood, stopping it just a few centimeters from impact.
"You bastard, you dare block my punch?!"
I'd recognize that way of speaking from a mile away.
"And you dare try to strike the great sorcerer Cain?"
The redhead's face was even redder than her hair.
"You asshole! You completely lost it for two whole weeks and when you finally snap out of it, you don't even come talk to us?!"
"What do you care? I was busy."
Sure, I hadn't seen them in a while—but since when was I obligated to?
"After what you did, you've got the balls to say that?!"
"What I did?"
Oh.
She was probably talking about that time I was in that strange autopilot state.
I could've done anything in that state.
And I think I seriously screwed up.
"You don't even remember, do you? You killed a guy just to take his blood!"
I did that? So that's what the instructor meant when she said she'd cover for me again.
But still…
"So what?"
Since when did other people's lives matter to me ? If it benefit me why would'nt I kill him ?
"That's not the fucking problem, Cain! You almost did the same thing to the little girl! If the instructor hadn't stepped in, you would've killed her too!"
My heart skipped a beat.
I glanced at Julia, still seated, watching us—or rather, watching me.
Her eyes said everything. Amelia was telling the truth.
My head ached.
My vision blurred.
This situation felt painfully familiar—thankfully, someone stopped me this time.
But what about next time?
And the time after that?
Even though I hadn't known them for long, the very thought of hurting them turned my stomach, as if it were unthinkable.
Should I distance myself? To make sure I don't hurt them?
And then I remembered that conversation with Julia.
Wouldn't I be doing exactly what she did if I acted that way?
Then what should I do… what should I…
Nothing—I couldn't do a thi—
A small hand rested on my shoulder. I looked up to meet a pair of brilliant blue eyes.
Her voice echoed through the classroom, now empty except for the five of us,
"Don't worry. If you go nuts again, we'll knock some sense into you."
Amelia added,
"Yeah, but next time, come talk to us first. We're friends, right madman ?"
Friends? Really?
Ethan nodded,
"I had a hard time stopping Amelia from attacking you on sight. Don't give me more work."
Was that his way of saying he cared?
Klaus followed, his expression stoic,
"We'll beat the crap out of you until you snap out of it."
Even him?
But… did I consider them friends too?
What is a friend, anyway?
Someone you have fun with?
I didn't need that.
People who support you?
I was enough on my own.
Close ones you can confide in?
I already talked to myself.
So why?
Why did I feel happy seeing these four around me, looking at me like that ?
Is it really a good idea for someone like me to be friends with them ?
*
After briefly chatting with my new "friends", I made my way to the Blood Hall, book in hand.
I didn't really know what the selection process involved, but one thing was certain,
I was in a military academy.
I would definitely have to fight.
And for that, I had to become stronger.
When I reached the lake's edge, I pressed on the collar,
-----------------
[Name] : [#8]
[rank] : [Martyr]
-----------------
[Physical] : [12]
[Magic] : [16]
[Resilience] : [23]
-----------------
[Affinity] : [Blood]
[Glyphs] : [Heart]
-----------------
As expected, nothing had changed in the last two days—I'd only been training my left hand's dexterity, after all.
But after hearing the instructor's words, there was no more doubt.
Magic came first.
I planned to spend the rest of the week meditating here.
I got into position, crouched down with my head between my knees.
Such a strange posture.
I steadied my breathing, synchronizing it with my heartbeat.
I could hear it clearly now.
I felt every drop of blood coursing through my body—except the right arm.
I stayed in that position for hours… for days.
But I remained conscious, unlike last time.
I no longer needed to be in a trance to meditate effectively.
For the first time, I saw a message appear before my eyes without my consent,
[+1 Magic]
I was so surprised I nearly broke concentration.
Real-time updates! Even better than checking that little screen every few days—this made me want to keep going even more. It was like someone had injected me with dopamine the moment that notification appeared.
I was gaining roughly one point of magic every ten hours. It felt like a lot, but the time required to reach one hundred was still immense—let alone five hundred.
Still, I had to persist. It was the only way for now.
And just like that, four days passed. I didn't eat or sleep—in that state, I felt like I didn't need to.
But I was interrupted on the fourth night.
An echo resonated in my mind.
Was it a sound?
A voice?
Just the whisper of the wind?
I didn't know.
But it called out to me—desperately.
Like a child calling for its mother.
My heart pounded faster and faster as the sound intensified.
I ended my meditation and stood up, looking toward the distant crimson mountains.
The sound was coming from there—I was sure of it.
I didn't know how I could tell its direction, but I was certain.
I hesitated—it clearly wasn't a good idea. The selection trials would begin soon. My magic had increased by nine points, bringing me to twenty-five—I felt immensely stronger.
I was sure it would be more than enough for whatever challenge awaited me.
But still…
Since when did I worry about that kind of thing?
I decided to head for the mountains.
To explore this strange crimson world for the first time.