Sovereign of the Ashes

The thirteenth Ice Burning Body Tempering Experiment was a success, despite some minor setbacks.

Sein appeared calm as he observed the 1,009 points for his constitution displayed by the crystal ball.

However, internally, he recognized that this data represented a significant transformation within his body.

In the Magus World, a Rank Two Knight’s constitution must exceed 1,000 points.

Yet, constitution alone does not define a Rank Two knight.

Factors like battle qi, muscle strength, and bursts of energy also played crucial roles in determining a knight’s prowess.

Though primarily a mage, Sein’s constitution was the first to reach the Rank Two level, even as his focus and mana levels remained below 1,000 points.

Although he was not the first to achieve such advancement, spellcasters like him are exceedingly rare in the Magus World.

A few years after leaving the Knight Continent, Sein’s constitution surged remarkably.

As a discerning spellcaster, he recognized several contributing factors—relentless body tempering experiments, lingering effects from the Knight Continent’s trial, numerous rare resources gathered in its trial zones, and the recent acquisition of special narwhal oil.

All this had played a significant role in his development.

Although his constitution had skyrocketed due to various factors, his focus and mana levels, which had initially increased after leaving the Knight Continent’s trial zone, had stagnated over the last six months.

Currently, both stabilized at around 850 points.

This was a problematic range.

It marked the threshold where Sein found himself at the peak of Rank One, unable to advance.

Typically, Magus World mages with a focus above 900 points could utilize potent magic potions to aid their progression.

In the resource-rich and expansive Magus Civilization, concocting such potions to boost focus by approximately 100 points quickly was not overly challenging.

With sufficient funds, even the impossible could become possible in the Magus World.

If Sein’s focus reached 900 points or higher, he could then proceed with the necessary preparations for his ascent to Rank Two.

These preparations would take some time to prepare as they included crafting specific potions, constructing the elemental framework for Rank Two magic spells, and finding an optimal location for meditation and breakthroughs.

Sein did not have to worry much about the resources and location required for the breakthrough. However, he would have to pick the Rank Two magic spell with great care.

In fact, it would be better for him to seek Master Lorianne’s counsel.

As a Rank Four mage, Lorianne’s guidance would be invaluable, offering Sein significant insights into the finer details of his next breakthrough and the critical aspects to which he must pay attention.

Based on the experimental data and my own observations, the primary obstacle preventing my focus from reaching 900 points is the knowledge required for a Rank Two mage’s elemental body.

My verdant flame body, though similar to a Rank Two mage’s elemental body, is fundamentally different. I have yet to unravel the profound mystery of fully transforming my flesh and blood into elemental energy, but I have begun to form some theories.

These thoughts occupied Sein as he donned his magic robe with Yuri’s assistance.

Yuri’s form-fitting attire failed to stir any desires in Sein. This lack of interest could be attributed to his recent parting with Leena and Faye, or perhaps it was due to his indulgences over the past two decades.

He had abstained from touching a woman for over half a year.

Sein heard that high-ranked mages sought emotional fulfillment and wondered whether he might eventually become like that.

Sein sighed.

“If only Master Lorianne were here. She would surely have the insight to guide me through mastering the ability to elementalize my body like a Rank Two mage.”

Sein was growing too quickly. When he left the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring, he was merely a newly promoted Rank One mage in Lorianne’s eyes.

Lorianne would have never imagined that in just thirty years, Sein would be nearing the peak of Rank One and attempting to break through to Rank Two.

Even if she were here, she might not be able to offer much concrete knowledge for his next breakthrough.

It was not that she was unwilling to share; rather, Sein’s rapid advancement meant that although his focus and mana levels might meet the necessary thresholds, his foundational skills still required significant development.

The strength of a high-ranked mage was deeply rooted in solid foundational knowledge.

According to Lorianne’s plan, Sein should not be considering advancing to Rank Two until he reached 150 years of age. Until then, his focus should be on solidifying his foundational skills.

Sein was only a little over seventy years old right now...

In this light, Lorianne’s absence might actually be beneficial.

Without her, Sein lacked access to the critical knowledge needed for advancing from Rank One to Rank Two. This limitation meant he had no choice but to continue strengthening his foundational skills.

In the laboratory, Sein pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered to himself, “I guess I’ll focus on unraveling the secrets of cellular elementalization for now. I have a feeling my research idea will work.”

“Can I continue the body tempering experiments though? Will it be problematic if my constitution significantly outpaces my focus and mana levels?” Sein wondered aloud indecisively.

Mages often walked the path of truth alone.

Although Lorianne could offer guidance, Sein’s journey toward enlightenment was ultimately a solitary one.

***

The sea journey from the Western Archipelago to the East Coast spanned nearly half a year.

Despite its stout and seemingly clumsy appearance, the Rank Three Giant Green Mitten Crab was surprisingly swift in the ocean.

With Tourmaline and White Stella likely leaving some sort of aura seal on him, Sein encountered no challenges from any aquatic races along the way.

Despite the prevalent activities of black mages in the waters around the Western Archipelago, Sein never encountered any of them.

It was understandable, though; no black mage would be foolish enough to challenge a Rank Three sea king.

Upon reaching East Coast’s Mauritius Archipelago near the Magus Continent, Sein got off the back of the Giant Green Mitten Crab and bid farewell to the sea king with whom he had journeyed for half a year.

The crab, a creature unaccustomed to strangers and a native of the deep sea, only escorted Sein to this point.

Nevertheless, Sein showed his gratitude and understanding for the crab’s nature.

Over their months together, Sein and the crab had gotten along well.

Sein, using his magic knowledge, had assisted the crab in addressing a severe parasite infestation within the crevices of its shell.

In return, the Giant Green Mitten Crab had allowed Sein to collect many samples from its body and limbs.

After watching the crab disappear into the ocean’s depths, Sein turned and took flight toward the Mauritius Archipelago and the heart of the East Coast.

“That Rank One knight named Ghur whom I met on Knight Continent seems to be from the East Coast. What was his last name again...? Jobbs?” Sein mumbled to himself as he flew eastward.