Raising his circle. Honestly, Alfoy had given up on that idea a long time ago. His daily life was busy enough as it was. Though he’d recently found some relief by being assigned to oversee the mages, whenever things got hectic, he had no choice but to lend a hand. So, when was he supposed to study or gather mana? In reality, he was little more than a lifelong servant. Escaping that fate in his lifetime seemed impossible. These days, his only desires were a cold drink after work and a soft bed to sleep in. Occasionally, he found some joy in wielding his authority to blow off steam. And now, out of nowhere, someone was telling him to raise his circle? Alfoy cast a cautious glance at Ghislain, asking hesitantly, “You’re... giving me a piece of the Dragon Heart?” The fragment, smaller than a fingernail, held an overwhelming amount of mana. He was sure absorbing it could elevate him to the 4th circle. Ghislain nodded without hesitation. “Of course. It’s for you.” “...Why?” The Dragon Heart was a treasure among treasures, and for a mage, it was even more coveted. In terms of the domain’s priorities, Alfoy knew he wasn’t a critical asset. Despite gaining some practical experience, there were still limits to what a 3rd-circle mage like him could achieve. Ever since meeting Ghislain, Alfoy had grown accustomed to being pushed around. So, it was only natural for him to respond with suspicion this time, too. Ghislain clicked his tongue at Alfoy’s wary expression. “This guy’s become nothing but a ball of doubt. And it’s all Claude’s fault.” Though Ghislain bore some of the blame himself, he decided to pin most of it on Claude. After all, it wasn’t entirely unjustified. Still, Alfoy had proven himself during the fight against the Queen Grexes and again during the Crimson Tower confrontation. There was no doubt Alfoy had changed since arriving in the domain. Once an arrogant heir to a magic tower, he had now become a reliable and capable member of the domain’s operations. Others might not see it, but Ghislain genuinely appreciated Alfoy’s growth. “You’ve worked hard, so consider this a reward. No need to overthink it.” “Y-you’re serious? Really?” “Of course. It’s yours. Everyone here is a witness.” At this, Belinda offered a half-hearted clap, while Vanessa sincerely congratulated him. “This is wonderful, Alfoy! Absorbing that fragment will definitely raise your level!” “Y-yeah, I guess it will...” Alfoy’s heartbeat quickened. For a mage, the Dragon Heart was the ultimate treasure. Compared to it, runestones were just pebbles. The prospect of receiving such a gift was exciting, but... his overly cautious nature was getting in the way. Can I really handle it? Mishandling something like this could end with his body exploding. Treasures like this weren’t meant for just anyone. Particularly, the mages of the Crimson Flame Tower had developed a pervasive cautiousness, thanks to their master, Hubert. From the tower lord down to the elders, they refused to train without runestones. Naturally, their disciples adopted the same mindset. If it’s dangerous, just don’t do it. That had become the new mantra of the Crimson Flame Tower. I... I don’t think I can do it... He wanted it, but he also feared it. Alfoy was like a dog whining to go out but refusing to leave when the door opened. Ghislain couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight. “What’s wrong? Scared your body will burst?” “N-no, it’s not that! It’s just...” “Just what?” “...It seems a little risky, that’s all.” “Oh? ‘The Man Who Defied a God’ is scared of a mere fragment of a Dragon Heart?” “I’m not scared! I’m just being cautious!” “Then I’ll give it to someone else.” “You can’t just change your mind like that!” “Then what do you want me to do?” “....” As Alfoy fumbled for words, Vanessa clenched her fist beside him. “You can absolutely do this, Alfoy! I’ll stay by your side to help!” Belinda and Kaor chimed in as well. “Lord, if he doesn’t want it, I’ll take it!” “No, no! I’ll take it! Why give it to someone unwilling?” The knights who had come to watch started clamoring for the fragment themselves. Alfoy, unwilling to let anyone else benefit from his hesitation, finally snapped. “Enough! All of you, shut up! I’ll take it!” Refusing it now would be foolish. Alfoy steeled himself and reached out. Alright! If I could defy a god’s power, I can handle a measly Dragon Heart fragment. Dragons are just overgrown lizards anyway! Pleased with Alfoy’s resolve, Ghislain handed over the fragment with a grin. He should be able to handle it, given how much he’s grown. Alfoy had shown remarkable determination and adaptability during the Crimson Tower conflict. Ghislain believed Alfoy’s experiences had paved his path to enlightenment. With newfound resolve, Alfoy immediately sat down and began absorbing the fragment’s mana. Roooar! “Ugh!” The sheer volume of mana pouring into him was beyond imagination. Alfoy gritted his teeth. Even this tiny piece contains such immense energy... No wonder it’s called a Dragon Heart. I’ll endure! Alfoy thought back to how he had been overlooked after the Crimson Tower battle for not advancing his circle. His petty nature refused to let that go. I’ll jump straight to the 4th circle! The mana continued to surge into him relentlessly. Though his 3rd-circle body was insufficient to contain it, his mana control had improved dramatically. Alfoy skillfully guided the flow of mana, consolidating it in his heart. Those watching were stunned. Is that... Alfoy? How does he look so calm? Can he actually absorb it all on his own? Under their amazed gazes, Alfoy continued to absorb mana. Hah... I was worried for nothing. This is easy! The mana he had absorbed already surpassed everything he had accumulated in his life. Yet, it felt like he hadn’t even reached halfway. Alright, time to forge a new circle— Wait, why isn’t it stopping? Pressure built in his heart. His body began to feel like it was tearing apart. I can’t... take anymore... He tried to let go, but his hand wouldn’t move—it was stuck to the fragment as if fused. W-what? Alfoy’s face twisted in panic. Pain like he had never experienced overwhelmed him. “Argh! I can’t do this! I’m going to die!” Seeing his body swelling dangerously, Ghislain stepped in, pressing a hand against Alfoy’s back. “Calm down! I’ll guide the mana. Hold on, or you’ll really die!” “Gyaaahhh! I don’t wanna die!” Ghislain gritted his teeth, taking control of the rampaging mana. Even a fragment of the Dragon Heart resisted his mastery, but he held firm. “Vanessa! I’ll stabilize the flow. Direct the rest into his heart!” “Understood!” Vanessa placed her hand near Alfoy’s chest, helping redirect the mana under Ghislain’s guidance. Belinda shook her head at the scene. “He’s such a handful.” Half a day later, the chaos finally settled. The mana found a home within Alfoy’s body, stabilizing at last. Ghislain removed his hand, and Alfoy collapsed to the ground in exhaustion. His heart would now generate new circles as the mana integrated. When Alfoy finally regained consciousness, he blinked up at those gathered around him. “Am... am I alive?” Ghislain, resting nearby, smirked. “Yes.” “And... the Dragon Heart?” “You absorbed it all.” “Ha... haha...” Alfoy laughed weakly. Despite his earlier humiliations, he had succeeded. Ignoring the disapproving stares of those who had witnessed his ordeal, Alfoy eagerly checked his heart. “I did it... I reached the 4th circle... One, two, three... wait.” His face went blank. “What’s wrong?” Ghislain asked. “There are... five circles.” “...Wow.” 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎 Everyone stared at him in disbelief. Alfoy had jumped straight to the 5th circle. *** "Wow, that guy actually made it to the 5th circle." "Is this some kind of joke? Alfoy? A 5th-circle mage?" "I'm serious! He's absolutely giddy right now. Ugh, if only I'd gotten a fragment of the Dragon Heart, I could've advanced too." The mages of the domain gathered, wearing expressions of mixed envy and frustration, all while lamenting over Alfoy’s sudden rise. Originally, Vanessa reaching the 7th circle should have been the talk of the domain. However, the outrageous feat of jumping two entire circles in one go had shifted all attention to Alfoy. Given his notoriously difficult personality and arrogance, the mages were now dreading the additional torment they might face under his supervision. “How much more unbearable will he be now that he's stronger?” one of them muttered nervously. Their worries were quickly validated when Alfoy stormed into the hall, wearing an orange armband that signified his rank. Behind him followed his entourage, each wearing blue armbands. "Hey, hey, hey! What are you all loafing around for?" he barked. As if on cue, the mages froze, their murmuring cut short. "Is this how you behave under the orders of ‘The 5th-circle man who defied a god’? Break time is over! Get moving, now!" "Y-yes, sir..." In the hierarchy of mages, one’s circle held absolute authority. With Vanessa as the only mage surpassing Alfoy, no one dared challenge him. After all, a 5th-circle mage was equivalent to an elder of a magic tower or even the chief mage of a noble domain. “Ah, so this is what the 5th circle feels like,” Alfoy mused aloud, basking in his newfound strength. “Could anyone else in the kingdom’s history have reached the 5th circle at my age?” Not even Hubert, the master of the Crimson Flame Tower, had achieved such a feat. Alfoy’s arrogance only grew stronger. But as he basked in his moment of glory, a sharp voice cut through the air behind him. "Alfoy! What are you doing now? Skipping your studies again?" “V-Vanessa?” "You still don’t know even basic 4th-circle spells! You need to catch up immediately!" “...But I hate studying.” Ever since arriving in Fenris, Alfoy had avoided any academic pursuit. Beyond 3rd-circle magic, he knew nothing. What was the point of achieving a higher circle if he couldn’t cast spells at that level? To address this, Ghislain had given Vanessa a direct order: "Make sure he learns up to 5th-circle spells as quickly as possible." Being naturally diligent—and now tasked with Ghislain’s command—Vanessa wasn’t about to let Alfoy’s usual antics slide. He didn’t even get the chance to show off before being unceremoniously dragged off to the research lab by Vanessa. When Ghislain heard the news, he clicked his tongue in mock pity. Though Alfoy needed to master spells appropriate to his circle, the important thing was that the domain now had two powerful mages in preparation for the upcoming war. As Ghislain mulled over this, Galbaric arrived with a spark of excitement in his eyes. “Lord! This time, we’ve crafted it to exact specifications! Try it out!” The goblin-like figure, scrawny and wiry, practically radiated energy as he eagerly presented his latest creation.