After sorting through his numerous rewards and updates, Percy finally allowed himself a moment of reprieve. As Beta disengaged the Domain Expedition, the familiar comfort of his room greeted him. The contrast between the chaotic battles in Gaianterra and the stillness of home was stark, but not unwelcome.
Collapsing onto his bed with a heavy sigh, he stretched his limbs, the weight of exhaustion finally sinking in. "That expedition was something else," he muttered, his voice laced with both satisfaction and fatigue.
Beta, ever the analytical observer, hovered near. "Indeed, Master. Such expeditions provide unique opportunities to refine your abilities while keeping your true strength concealed from external forces."
Percy, eyes half-lidded, hummed in agreement, but something felt…off. The silence in the house wasn't just quiet—it was empty. A gnawing sense of absence settled in his gut. "Beta, scan the area. I don't sense anyone else here."
A moment passed as Beta processed his request. Her voice, typically composed, confirmed his unease. "No mana signatures detected nearby, Master."
Frowning, Percy pushed himself upright, running a hand through his hair. Where the hell is Angelica?
"Beta, how long was I gone?" His tone was sharper now, urgency creeping in.
"A full week in real-world time, Master. Time dilation within Domain Expeditions is inconsistent, but this particular realm ran at a seven-to-one ratio."
His body tensed. A week? That was far longer than he expected. He immediately grabbed his phone, tapping Angelica's contact. No answer. He tried again. Still nothing. His frustration deepened as he left a voicemail.
"Angel, it's me. Call me back when you get this."
Lowering his phone, he exhaled sharply. What a mess. He hated uncertainty. With no immediate answers, he needed to shift gears. Worrying wouldn't help right now.
Checking the clock, he noted he still had time before nightfall. "Might as well get something done."
Standing, he stretched out his limbs before uttering, "Teleport."
The scenery changed in a blink, and he now stood before a familiar bookshop—the same one he had visited just before his expedition. Beta materialized beside him, her form flickering momentarily before stabilizing. "What's the plan, Master?"
Percy cracked his neck, shifting his bag over his shoulder. "We've got new elements to study. Time to stock up on spellbooks."
Beta nodded in understanding as they stepped inside.
The moment Percy reappeared, he was met with the familiar soft chirping of mana birds. The blue, glowing creatures fluttered excitedly around him, their tiny bodies shimmering in the evening light.
"Hey there," Percy greeted, his voice softer as he extended a hand. The mana birds nuzzled against his fingers, their energy intertwining with his own. He had come to respect these creatures—not just for their unique connection to magic but for the purity of their existence.
Noticing the glimmering lake before him, Percy turned to the flock. "I need to use the water here again. That okay?"
A chorus of enthusiastic chirps answered him.
Percy smirked. I'll take that as a yes.
The mana birds, delighted, settled around him, clearly intent on keeping him company. A small price to pay for their blessing.
Lowering himself onto the ground, he set out two of the most valuable books he now owned:
📖 'Mana Circle Method'
📖 'Mana Core Blessing Enhanced Scripture'
His fingers traced the edges of the aged tomes, his mind already racing with theories. Forming a magic circle was the next major milestone.
Beta materialized beside him, watching as he flipped through the first few pages. "I assume we're accelerating the process?"
Percy cracked his knuckles. "Damn right we are."
Bringing up his status screen, he scrolled through his available AP balance and quickly located the skill he needed.
[Purchase 'Photo-Eidetic Memorization' skill? Y/N]
Without hesitation, he pressed Y.
A surge of cold clarity rushed through his mind as the skill activated. His vision sharpened, every line of text in the books before him suddenly imprinting itself into his memory permanently.
Percy smirked. "Let's speed things up."
And with that, the real training began.
The system pulsed, seamlessly upgrading 'Photo-Eidetic Memorization' to Level 3—a direct result of Percy's formidable intelligence attribute. Information flooded his mind, each line of text sinking into his consciousness with unparalleled clarity. As he absorbed the contents of the books, an unmistakable shift took place.
"This… this is what I was missing," Percy realized, his mind now a vast, meticulously structured archive of magical knowledge. All this time, I was approaching magic like a brute force technique—when in reality, it's about efficiency, about fluidity."
With newfound understanding, he stepped into the lake, its tranquil waters wrapping around him in a silent embrace. The mana birds, ever-present, chirped curiously as they circled him, their ethereal blue glow shimmering in sync with the lake's own ambient energy.
Hours passed in deep meditation. Percy emerged transformed. His aura pulsed with a radiant intensity, the sheer density of his mana so potent that any unprepared observer would have been blinded.
"In just half a day, I've awakened two additional mana cores and formed my first mana circle." His voice was steady, but even he couldn't ignore the raw surge of power thrumming within him.
Yet, as he gazed back at the serene lake, a pang of bittersweet gratitude stirred within him. I've outgrown this place. It had been his foundation, but now, he had surpassed its limits.
"Thank you," he murmured, bowing slightly toward the water. The mana birds chirped in response, their melodies carrying a strange, wistful emotion—as if they, too, understood.
As Percy walked back toward the school, his mind swirled with thoughts of the changes within him. The foundation of most mages was a single magic circle centered around the heart, but… he had taken a different path.
"If I had formed my circle conventionally, the strain on my heart could have been catastrophic. But by merging my mana cores with my circles, the pressure disperses evenly."
His fingers brushed against his abdomen as he closed his eyes, feeling the effortless flow of mana threading through him like a perfectly tuned instrument.
"Three mana cores. Three distinct mana circles. The balance was flawless—mana no longer surged in chaotic bursts, but rather, flowed smoothly and with purpose."
Yet, amidst these reflections, his gaze fell upon the golden ticket in his hand.
"No time like the present."
Tearing it open, golden light exploded outward, and suddenly—a grand list materialized before him, floating in midair.
"Welcome, Traveler! Please select your desired Job-Class."
The system's voice resonated through his mind as the glowing interface displayed an array of choices:
Primary Classes: Knight | Wizard | Assassin | HealerSecondary Classes: Necromancer | Druid | Summoner
Percy's eyes locked onto one option.
Necromancer.
He spoke the name aloud, his voice unwavering.
A ripple of dark energy coursed through the air as the system acknowledged his decision.
A master of dark magic and controller of the undead, the Necromancer excels in casting curses and manipulating life forces. Ideal for those drawn to the darker aspects of magic.
The moment he read it, he knew—this wasn't just about wielding darkness. This was about understanding the essence of life and death itself.
This isn't just a class—it's a gateway to a new level of control.
Just as he was processing this, another notification materialized before him.
"Job-Class Trial Pending. Please be prepared for a spontaneous assessment of your capabilities."
Percy's brows furrowed slightly. A trial?
Beta, always one step ahead, clarified immediately. "Yes, Master. Securing a job class isn't as simple as selecting one. You must prove your proficiency through a trial—and the nature of these trials is often unpredictable."
Percy merely grinned at the challenge.
"Good. I was starting to get bored."
Summoning the spellbooks he had purchased, Percy quickly flipped through their pages, his mind drinking in the knowledge at an accelerated pace. His newly upgraded memorization skill turned each spell into second nature, his mastery over his new powers sharpening with each passing second.
This isn't just about learning anymore.
It's about dominance.
As he closed the final book, he swiped open his status screen, preparing for the trial ahead.
Whatever test awaited him—he was ready.
∞ INFINITE OMEGA SYSTEM ∞
System Level: 1 Job: Necromancer (Pending—Class trial) Bloodline: Human Level: 2 (Current EXP: 60.78%) Mana Grade: E Potential: Level 4 [Body Grade: A+, ??, ??] Abilities: Eternal Lucky Charm | Life/Death Benefits | Absolute Immunity | Mergence | Blessing of Mana | Enhanced Mana Core Blessing Scripture | Unbreakable Will | Photo-Eidetic Memorization | Heavenly Eyes | Celestial Bond Whisper Skills: Sensory Field | Whirlwind Kicks | Fleeting Palm Strike | Lightning Fist Jab | Basic Weapon Mastery. Spells: Teleport (Lvl 2) | Spatial Slash (Lvl 2) | Spatial Bullets (Lvl 2) | Spatial Blast (Lvl 2) | Shadow Pulse (Lvl 1) | Black Bullet (Lvl 1) | Shadow Spikes (Lvl 1) | Darkness Grasp (Lvl 1) | Rock Wall (Lvl 1) | Earth Spikes (Lvl 1) | Mud Shots (Lvl 1) | Liquid Ground (Lvl 1) Features: Infinite Skills Library | Omega Artifact Store | Eternal Gacha Lottery | Domain Expeditions {Bestial Conqueror} | Alpha Quests. Element: Space | Earth | Darkness Stats: Stamina: 60 | Constitution: 100 | Strength: 60 | Intelligence: 47 —> 53 (+6) | Mana: 60 —> 80 (+20) AP: 522}
Percy, his mind buzzing with newfound power, tapped a finger thoughtfully against his chin. His expanded spell repertoire and the surge of mana coursing through him had elevated his capabilities, yet he knew—diversity was key. He needed more.
💠 "Beta, let's check out the Infinite Skills Library." His voice carried a mixture of curiosity and purpose.
Within an instant, the familiar ambiance of the library materialized around him—the air thick with the scent of ancient parchment and ink, the towering bookshelves stretching into the unknown, whispering secrets of lost civilizations and forbidden arts.
Percy inhaled deeply, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Nothing beats the aroma of ancient books, right Beta?"
Beta, floating beside him in her ethereal glow, shared his sentiment. "Absolutely, Master. The weight of history lingers in places like these. It adds… charm."
A Meeting with the Monk of Fate
As Percy stepped deeper into the library's labyrinthine corridors, a familiar presence emerged from the shadows—the monk from his previous visit.
The monk, draped in humble robes yet exuding a quiet, undeniable authority, approached with deliberate steps, his gaze sharp and knowing.
"Hello, Great One." The monk bowed slightly, acknowledging Percy's presence.
Percy inclined his head in return. Before he could speak, the monk's piercing gaze flickered across him, assessing, measuring.
"I anticipated your return," the monk mused, his voice carrying an edge of intrigue. "Though I must admit—your progress far surpasses expectations. A Necromancer now, and wielding new elemental affinities… You walk a path few have dared to tread."
Percy raised a brow, intrigued by the monk's tone. There was no condemnation—only curiosity… and perhaps, a sliver of approval.
Before Percy could respond, the monk turned slightly, his weathered hand gesturing toward a secluded section of the library.
"What you seek lies there," the monk stated simply before vanishing into the vast labyrinth of shelves, leaving Percy alone with his curiosity.
The Path of the Scholar... and the Shadows' Call
Following the monk's direction, Percy arrived at a towering bookcase, its shelves stacked with tomes radiating wisdom of eras long forgotten. He scanned the titles, a spark of excitement igniting within him.
📖 'Echoes of a Forgotten Empire: Imperial Swordsmanship Legacy'—A manuscript detailing the lost techniques of ancient warriors, their strikes like poetry in motion.
🔥 'Forging Fundamentals: Anvil and Flame's Guide into Blacksmithing'—A guide chronicling the artistry of weapon crafting, a skillset honed through fire and steel.
Percy smirked, his arms already laden with books. "Seems like I'll be up all night reading."
Yet—amidst the hallowed wisdom of warriors and smiths, a different kind of call beckoned him.
A whispering pull from his Darkness Element… something unseen yet undeniable.
Percy stiffened slightly, his instincts picking up on the shift in the atmosphere. The library, bathed in soft golden light, remained serene—yet one corner, shrouded in deep shadows, felt… different.
It called to him.
A sensation like cold fingers trailing down his spine, urging him to step beyond the light.
Percy clenched his jaw. "What exactly is pulling me over there?"
He tried to ignore the magnetic pull, attempted to focus on his original goal—but the darkness persisted, curling around his senses like a shadowy embrace.
Finally, he relented.
Slipping into the dimly lit corridor, the energy shifted drastically. The further he ventured, the more the shadows thickened—as if this part of the library existed in defiance of time itself.
There, amidst dust-covered relics, lay a collection of ancient scrolls.
Percy's fingers brushed against the first one, and immediately—a notification flared to life:
'Bone Shield'—B-Rank. A defensive necromantic art that summons an exoskeletal shield formed from condensed spiritual remains.
'Soul Harvest'—A-Rank. A powerful ability that allows the wielder to collect the residual soul fragments of the fallen, converting them into life force or spell fuel.
'Nether Chains'—S-Rank. Cursed chains that ensnare the living and dead alike, suppressing mana and spiritual flow.
Percy's breath hitched slightly—these weren't just ordinary necromancer spells. They were high-level techniques—abilities that didn't just control death… but dictated it.
His fingers twitched with temptation.
Then—their costs appeared.
200 AP Each.
Percy exhaled slowly, clenching his jaw. He was tempted—deeply tempted—but he knew better. This was not the time.
Reluctantly, he released the scrolls, letting them settle back into the shadows.
"Not yet." His voice was quiet, but resolute.
The Darkness Element within him stirred—not in protest, but in anticipation. As if it understood.
💀 Soon.
Gathering the books he had originally chosen, Percy turned away from the abyss, stepping back into the light—but something had changed.
The darkness had taken notice of him.
And it was waiting.
Percy glanced down at the ancient tomes cradled in his arms, their leather bindings exuding an undeniable weight of time itself. The Infinite Skills Library was unlike any other—a sanctuary of wisdom, yet a crypt for forgotten truths.
"Beta, how do I pay for these?" he inquired, shifting the weight of the books slightly. Unlike traditional shops, this mystical library seemed to operate on its own obscure rules.
Beta was about to respond when a familiar presence stirred the air.
The monk materialized once more, stepping forward with silent grace.
"Allow me to handle the transaction," he said, his voice carrying the same cryptic yet knowing tone as before.
Percy observed as the monk took the books from his hands, carefully examining them. For a brief moment, an expression of surprise crossed the elder's face.
"These volumes…" he murmured, his fingertips grazing the covers, "They haven't been used in quite some time."
Percy arched a brow, intrigued. "Is that unusual?"
The monk didn't immediately answer. Instead, he waved a hand over the books, and Percy watched in fascination as ethereal chains—previously unnoticed—suddenly unraveled, loosening and falling away.
"150 AP per book," the monk finally declared.
Without hesitation, Percy transferred the required 300 AP, confirming the purchase.
As the transaction concluded, the monk's gaze lingered on him a moment too long, as if sensing something beneath the surface—something yet to be spoken.
Then, his eyes narrowed. "Child, did you happen to step into the restricted section of the library?"
A Question Drenched in Shadows
Percy's muscles tensed involuntarily. The directness of the question caught him off guard—as if the monk had known before even asking.
For a moment, he considered downplaying it, but something in the monk's tone demanded honesty.
"Yes," Percy admitted, his voice steady. "I found myself drawn there. It seemed… abandoned. But there was something else—like a presence. A voice calling to me."
The monk's expression remained neutral, but Percy did not miss the slight shift in his stance—a hint of concern woven beneath his usually composed demeanor.
"That area…" the monk began, "houses knowledge not meant for the uninitiated. Its secrets are ancient and often perilous. I am curious—what exactly drew you there?"
Percy took a breath, recalling the strange pull—how the very air had felt denser, how the shadows had seemed alive.
"I don't know," he admitted truthfully. "It felt like something—or someone—was guiding me to it."
The monk's fingers curled subtly, a barely perceptible movement—but Percy caught it.
A long silence stretched between them. Then, the monk finally nodded.
"Your intuition serves you well. But be cautious—places like that hold as much danger as they do knowledge."
Percy could tell there was more to be said, but the monk simply stepped back into the dim light of the library, offering a final nod.
"Safe travels back, young one."
With that, Percy vanished from the library, leaving behind the weight of an unanswered mystery.
The Abyss Stirs
Long after Percy had gone, the monk remained.
Slowly, his footsteps carried him toward the restricted section, his gaze piercing into the thick shadows that pooled in the forgotten corridors.
And then—he spoke.
"Revealing yourself was a gamble."
His words carved through the silence—not just spoken, but woven into the very fabric of reality.
For a moment, nothing responded.
Then—a sound like dry laughter scraped through the air, reverberating against the bookshelves, powerful enough to send a shiver through the ancient tomes themselves.
"I needed to ascertain the potential of that young Necromancer."
The voice was low and resonant, rippling like a presence that had slumbered for centuries—waiting, watching.
"He is unaware now, but his destiny is intertwined with mine."
The monk's expression hardened.
"You will not interfere in his path again."
The shadows shifted, their presence writhing like sentient ink dissolving into the air.
And then, a whisper—a declaration that dripped with certainty.
"His path?"
"…He is the key to my return."
The very foundation of the library trembled at the words.
And then—the books near the shadows began to rot.
Tomes that had withstood the march of time itself suddenly withered, their pages blackening, curling into nothingness, as if reality itself had forsaken them.
The monk's eyes flashed with sorrow as the destruction spread.
Then—he acted.
A wave of radiant light exploded from his fingertips, clashing violently with the creeping abyss, forcing it back into its domain.
The once-effortless act now drained him—a sign of diminishing power, of the erosion of an old era.
The voice chuckled, mocking.
"Your power wanes, elder.
Once, a mere glance from you was enough to repel me.
And now…"
A pause.
"…Time and the fall of the Godly Realm have severed you from your true essence."
The monk did not answer. He merely stood amidst the ruins, his expression as unshakable as the library itself.
Yet—the encounter left a mark.
Not just on the books.
Not just on the library.
But on reality itself.
The voice, once amused, now carried a lingering trace of solemnity.
"It is a pity, in a way."
A sigh, almost contemplative, drifted through the void, its resonance stretching across eons of conflict.
"The passing of an old friend is always a somber moment."
Then, the tone shifted. Mocking. Cold. Drenched in inevitability.
"Yet, as you weaken, I find new strength."
The air trembled. Something ancient stirred beneath reality itself.
"You, a guardian of 'The One's' creation, will soon falter. And the child? He will be mine once more."
The monk's patience fractured.
Without hesitation, he unleashed a spear of divine light, its brilliance piercing the depths of the abyss. The void howled in agony, its torment splintering through the very foundation of the library.
But the monk felt it too.
The act had drained him. Weakened him.
He gasped for air, but his resolve remained untouched.
"My end may be near," he admitted, his voice carrying the weight of centuries.
"But my resolve is unyielding. I will fight until my very essence dissipates."
A presence emerged, shifting from intangible whisper to something… real. Something watching.
Then—a shadow curled around the monk's shoulder, whispering against his ear.
"Your determination is commendable."
The voice slithered through the cracks of time itself.
"But time is on my side. In this place—beyond space, beyond time—our battle is endless. Your mind will fracture, your form will crumble, and I will wait."
"Eons… are but moments to me."
The monk turned away, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I had hoped my sacrifice would mean more."
As his footsteps echoed through the darkened corridor, he knew—this war would never end.
And somewhere in the shadows, something smiled.
The warmth of home greeted Percy as he stepped inside, the familiar scent of books and crisp evening air grounding him back into reality.
Yet, as his gaze swept across the space, he noted the subtle disarray left in his absence.
"Alright, let's restore some order."
Hours passed in methodical organization—folding, sweeping, adjusting. By the time dinner was prepped, the house once again felt like home.
But a sense of unease remained.
"…Angelica should be back by now."
Then—keys jingled at the door.
Percy turned, the sound pulling his attention instantly.
And there she stood.
"Angel?"
Her fury—a week's worth of worry, frustration, and longing—dissolved the moment their eyes met.
And before Percy could say another word, she crossed the distance in three strides and leapt into his arms.
Percy, ever perceptive, adjusted effortlessly, catching her without disturbing the carefully set dinner table.
A soft chuckle escaped him.
"I was bracing myself for an earful."
Angelica, still nestled in his embrace, murmured against his shoulder.
"I was fuming… but seeing you… all that anger just melted away."
The warmth of their closeness spoke louder than words.
Percy pulled her tighter, voice dropping to a soft, affectionate whisper.
"I missed you, Angel."
A furious blush spread across her cheeks, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she peppered his face with light kisses—each one unspoken proof of her relief.
Their lips met.
A slow, deep, lingering kiss.
A moment of undeniable connection.
But before the night could drift into something more, Percy gently tilted her chin up, smirking.
"I've prepared dinner. Shall we?"
Angelica laughed softly, shaking her head.
"Only you would ruin a perfect moment for food."
"Priorities."
After dinner, they settled onto the couch, steaming cups of tea warming their hands as the conversation drifted.
Angelica studied him for a long moment.
"Tell me about your week away."
Her voice was soft—but layered with unspoken emotions.
Percy chose his words carefully.
"I found a place rich in ambient mana… focused on developing my first magic circle."
The truth.
Just… not all of it.
Angelica's eyes widened, her mana sensitivity flaring.
And then—her lips curled into a stunned smile.
"You actually formed your magic circle?! That's incredible, Percy! I'm so proud!"
Her excitement bubbled into laughter, the genuine warmth infectious.
Percy's smirk softened as he let her celebrate, but inwardly…
"Beta, why didn't she sense all of my magic circles?"
Beta, perched atop his shoulder, responded with casual efficiency.
"Master, your unique mana configuration means each core holds a single magic circle. Officially, you are a first-circle mage. However, your power rivals that of a third-circle mage."
Percy arched a brow.
"So you're telling me I'm technically OP?"
"Master, you were always OP. This is merely confirmation."
Percy rolled his eyes and flicked Beta's holographic form.
"Lucky for you, Angi's here, or you'd be in for it."
Beta huffed indignantly, nodding in faux obedience.
And as Angelica snuggled closer, Percy simply sipped his tea, content to let the moment linger.
Angelica tilted her head, a mix of admiration and disbelief flickering in her eyes.
"Percy, do you even realize how rare this is? It usually takes years for someone to form their first magic circle."
Percy shrugged, his expression unreadable.
"Is it really that big of a deal? I thought it was pretty straightforward."
Angelica exhaled sharply, setting her teacup down with a soft clink before leveling him with a look that demanded his full attention.
"Percy… the journey to forming a magic circle isn't just a simple next step in magic. It's an ordeal. It starts in early schooling with basic mana theory, then moves into understanding physical and spiritual pathways in middle school. By high school, students finally begin attempts to form a magic circle—but even then, most take years to succeed."
She leaned forward, her voice a blend of awe and exasperation.
"And you… just did it—without formal training. Do you understand how unheard of that is?"
As the weight of her words settled in, Percy rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Huh. I see."
A newfound appreciation for his progress flickered in his gaze, but he still wasn't entirely convinced.
Beta, ever perceptive, decided to reinforce Angelica's point.
"Master, it's not just about forming the circle. Each additional one exponentially increases a mage's power. The difficulty scales far beyond what even high-tier mages can manage."
Percy finally relented, exhaling as he admitted,
"Alright, alright. Maybe it's a bigger deal than I thought."
His gaze softened as he turned his attention back to Angelica.
"And you, Angi? You've formed your magic circle too?"
Angelica's confidence wavered for the first time that evening.
"Not really… I've only managed a half-circle. My mana is too weak to complete it."
Percy, noting the frustration in her voice, felt a spark of determination ignite within him.
"In two days, I'll take you to where I trained. The mana there is rich enough to help you complete it."
Angelica blinked, momentarily stunned by the casual yet absolute certainty in his tone.
"You'd do that for me?"
Percy stood, gathering their empty teacups, and offered her a small, reassuring smirk.
"Of course. Prepare yourself for the day after tomorrow, okay? I wish I could take you sooner, but I've got things to handle tomorrow."
Before she could respond, Percy leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead, the gesture gentle yet firm.
Angelica, still absorbing the unexpected kindness, murmured,
"Okay."
As she disappeared into her room, Percy turned toward the books stacked neatly on his desk, their ancient bindings glinting under the soft glow of his room's light.
He ran his fingers over their worn covers, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Alright… time to dive into these."
And with that, he embarked on yet another sleepless night of relentless pursuit for knowledge.