Geometric Mage: First Spell, Circle

The sun streamed into the room through its new windows as Lian opened his eyes.

He had spent the entire night absorbing blue orbs, drawing some lines, and assimilating the Bronze 4 Mana Pill.

Unlike the previous night, during which he had absorbed the Bronze 1 to 3 Mana Pills, the absorption of the Bronze 4 Mana Pill had been much more… taxing.

His body did not digest it as quickly as the other pills.

"Well, it does not matter," he murmured, undressing and preparing for a morning shower. "As I predicted, I can break through at any moment!"

Excitement colored his face. The mere thought of unlocking something unique from the system sent shivers down his spine.

"Today I will speak with Torin about my promotion to full-fledged Rune Master. I need a house of my own to work around the clock!"

After stepping out of the shower, Lian dressed and headed to the Rune Forge.

"Of course, I could stay at the Rune Forge, but the idea of sharing my space with Torin does not thrill me…" he murmured, recalling the dirt covering that boy's face and his dull gray robe.

A shiver ran down Lian's spine at the mere thought. It was not malice; it was just the truth!

"And that place does not have a shower; I could never live there…"

"Besides—" he added. "I wonder what Rick got up to last night… he probably embarrassed himself… is that girl really looking for someone, or is she just there to scam some random guy?"

After some time, Lian reached his workplace.

"Torin, I am here! I need to talk to you about something—" the boy's words caught in his throat as he heard the sound of a door slamming open.

Behind it, a tall, burly man with a radiant smile appeared before Lian.

"Kid, we meet again at last!"

After a moment of shock, Lian gave a wide smile. "Master Corvan, you are finally back! How was your vacation?" he said, approaching.

Needless to say, Corvan's charisma and kind, approachable demeanor had captured Lian's heart.

A stark contrast to the grumpy Torin…

A soft laugh echoed in the room. "It was great; we had a blast," Corvan replied, stepping closer to Lian. "Come here, give me a hug."

The moment he heard those words, Lian's happy smile faded, replaced by a conflicted expression. Damn, there is no difference between him and Torin, actually… they are both so dirty—

But before Lian could refuse, Corvan reached him and hugged him with all his strength, nearly making him cough up his lungs.

He was not a Silver 5 for nothing, after all.

"My boy, I heard you have become really skilled since I left," he said, setting him down. "How was Torin? Did he behave well, or was he too… rude?"

Lian was doubled over, gasping for breath. Corvan's grip had been lethal.

"Yes, yes," he said between breaths. "He was very good. Look at this!"

Fueled by Corvan's enthusiasm, Lian showed the man his creations from the previous day.

Genuine Bronze 4 artifacts!

Eyes wide, Corvan quickly grabbed a sword, closely studying the matrix Lian had crafted and the application of the enchantment.

After a few seconds…

"Incredible, it is really well done, congratulations!" he said, casting another glance at the other weapons.

"And this must be your signature, am I right?" he added, pointing to the symbol Lian had created: an oval containing a triangle, which contained a square, which contained a circle.

Lian nodded proudly.

"Quite peculiar… I like it! It is official: from now on, you are a Rune Master!" Master Corvan flashed a toothy grin while giving vigorous pats on the boy's back, making him cough with each hit.

Lian and Corvan exchanged a few more words before Lian brought up the main reason for his visit to the Rune Forge today.

He had intended to discuss it with Torin, but Corvan's presence was even better, given his greater prestige and authority.

"Master Corvan, now that I am a full-fledged Rune Master, can I request a house of my own, right?"

He gave him a slightly distressed look. "You want a house, huh? I understand, just like everyone else… am I the only one who likes working at the Rune Forge?" he muttered, frustrated.

Lian forced a smile, trying not to offend Corvan.

After a few seconds of silence and a frustrated sigh, "Of course, you have earned it…" Corvan said, heading toward the exit.

"I happen to be quite free right now," he added. "Follow me; I will show you your new place."

The two left the Rune Forge, walking side by side toward another area. There were not many students around; classes had resumed, and attendance was mandatory.

While Lian was visibly excited about his new home, Corvan was slightly downcast. "Why does no one want to work at the Rune Forge… I am there, and I am so good and kind…" he muttered as he walked.

With a few midlife crisis rants here and there, Lian and Corvan reached the location.

Is this not the area we Bronze students cannot access? Where the Silver Mages live? Lian thought distractedly, looking at the grand houses decorating the area.

"You figured it out; this is the Silver students' dormitory," Corvan said, continuing to walk through the area as if it were his own home. "I lived here in the past too. But over time, you realize simplicity is the best thing. That is why I spend my days at the Rune Forge," he murmured with a smirk.

After walking for another ten minutes, drawing the gazes of older students roaming the area, Lian and Corvan reached a peculiar building.

"Here, this is your new home," he said, pointing to a building that stood out like a diamond in a pile of coal.

Lian did not respond immediately. He merely shifted his gaze between Corvan and the house, trying to figure out if this was a joke. "You are joking, right?"

"Not at all, I am not joking," Corvan said with a nod. "Do you not like it?"

Lian stared at the building before him with sparkling eyes. He could not believe his eyes. "It is… stunning!"