Chapter 11: Breakthrough — Part 1

— Nor, classes begin in two months. The Academy is currently on break. Do you need help getting there?

Opus's voice changed.

It became more strict and dignified, perfectly matching the image of the Headmaster of the greatest Academy on the continent.

— No, thank you. I think I can get there myself, — Nor replied politely.

— Good.

With a casual flick of his hand, Opus tossed a golden badge toward Nor.

A soft blue glow radiated from its surface.

— Show that at the Academy gates, and you'll be allowed in without any trouble.

Nor carefully caught the badge.

His eyes practically lit up.

— Then I shall take my leave. It was a pleasure seeing all of you again.

As he spoke, Opus swept his gaze across the room.

His eyes lingered on Orlan for a brief moment.

In the next second, the space around Opus distorted ever so slightly, and he simply vanished as though he had never been there.

He just disappeared!?

I want to learn how to do that too!

Nor stared at the spot where the Headmaster had been standing only moments ago, his eyes filled with admiration.

— Well then, since everything has been settled, I shall also take my leave, — Icarus said.

The next moment, she vanished without a trace.

She disappeared too!

Nor could barely contain his excitement.

Watching all of this, Klaus immediately understood what was happening.

They're just showing off in front of a kid.

What kind of people are they...

Klaus let out a heavy sigh.

— Roy. We're leaving.

As soon as he spoke, his body began breaking apart into thousands of sparkling particles of light.

Each particle shimmered softly, creating a truly majestic sight.

A moment later, Klaus had completely dissolved into the air.

Whoa... that was even cooler than the other two...

Nor stared with wide eyes.

Roy remained standing there for several more seconds, looking at the place where Klaus had just been.

A strange expression appeared on his face.

Did His Majesty seriously decide to show off in front of the boy too... just like that idiot Headmaster?

Roy quietly exhaled.

Then he disappeared from the room as well.

Nor continued staring at the now-empty room, his eyes practically shining.

Behind him, a heavy sigh echoed through the room.

Turning around, Nor saw Orlan and Edora.

Only now did he realize how tense they had been the entire time.

With the Emperors gone, both of them looked as though they had just survived a major battle.

— How exhausting... It feels like the first time every single time, — Orlan muttered, rubbing his neck.

At that moment, they heard the door open.

— Damn... My head is killing me...

The voice was familiar.

Everyone turned toward the entrance at once.

A man who looked to be around thirty-five years old entered the room. He had brown hair and light stubble. Holding his head with one hand, he suddenly froze when he noticed the shocked expressions on everyone's faces.

— Uh... Did something happen?

— Chuck? — Edora was the first to break the silence.

— Well, yeah. What, did I become so handsome that you can't recognize me anymore? — he asked sarcastically.

— Actually... that's exactly it, — Orlan replied shortly.

Nor stood there in complete disbelief as well.

Just moments ago, Chuck had looked like a man in his fifties, with noticeable gray hair, deep wrinkles, and the tired face of someone who had lived a long and difficult life.

Now, a man in the prime of his life stood before them.

He looked no older than thirty-five.

The difference was so dramatic that, for a moment, Nor even questioned whether this was really the same Chuck.

Without wasting any time, Nor opened Chuck's status.

Nor had not yet figured out what exactly had changed when Orlan and Edora shouted at the same time.

— You became a Great Master?!

— What are you talki—

Chuck stopped mid-sentence when he saw his reflection in the mirror.

He slowly walked closer.

The person staring back at him was no longer a graying man worn down by age.

Instead, he saw a man in the prime of his life, with brown hair, light stubble, and smooth skin without a single wrinkle.

— This...

He touched his face with one hand.

— That's impossible...

Chuck immediately began circulating mana throughout his body.

A few seconds later, his eyes widened even further.

He had truly broken through.

— But... how?

Chuck turned sharply toward Orlan and Edora.

His face was filled with complete confusion.

— I was certain that the Master Stage was my limit.

Edora slowly raised her hand and pointed at Nor.

— This is all because of him.

— Me? — Nor asked in shock.

He pointed at himself.

— But I didn't do anything...