Geometric Mage: First Spell, Circle

"In truth, I have a high affinity for runes… Soon I will become a Rune Master, and at that point, I will be able to repay the debt with ease—"

Marcus's eyes widened with surprise. The entire area, once filled with whispers and murmurs, became silent. The two lackeys behind Marcus stopped laughing, their mouths slightly open in disbelief.

"Forget the debt. If we win, you will create a custom artifact for each of us three!"

Lian tilted his head slightly as the situation instantly became bizarre. He did not expect such a reaction, but it played in his favor.

He had no idea about the academy's dynamics, but above all, he had no idea that the artifacts sold in the academy had very limited power. They were simple artifacts mass-produced, all standardized for bulk sales.

But custom artifacts were a different story!

That was why the prize for first place in the academy event had caused such a stir.

A custom artifact made by one of the best Rune Masters in the academy!

"You talk as if victory is already in your pocket. We will see who wins." Lian smiled slightly at Marcus. The reaction of everyone made him slightly proud of himself. He was becoming arrogant again, but this time without reason. After all, he was not yet a Rune Master.

"You are right," Marcus nodded slightly. His demeanor had completely changed. "May the best team win, then." He gestured to his companions while his gaze lingered on Lian for a second longer. Then he turned and left.

Rick let out a breath he had not realized he was holding. "Lian, are you sure about this? Creating a custom artifact for each of them is insane!"

Before Lian could respond, the crowd of students who had overheard their conversation began to approach with fervor.

"Master Lian, can I request a custom artifact—"

"Master Lian, one for me too, I am willing to pay in advance!"

"Master Lian—"

"Stop!" Rick positioned himself in front of Lian, trying to shield him from the boys trying to overwhelm him. But he soon found himself surrounded by shameless girls. Their bodies kept brushing against Rick as they tried to get noticed by Lian.

"Stop—" he murmured, trying to calm the crowd, but it was an impossible task. With the girls accidentally rubbing against him, Rick's willpower vanished as his knees grew weak.

He had never received so much attention—

The same went for Lian, however, after seeing beauties like Sera and Seline, the ordinary academy girls did not seem so… interesting.

They were all pretty, but they did not exude that unique aura that distinguished the two women.

Nevertheless, Lian and Rick could not shake off everyone despite their repeated calls. They all seemed crazy!

"Geometric Spell, Triangle!" With a determined look, Lian began to create a series of small triangles. His intention was not to harm, obviously, but only to create an opening to escape.

"Ventus Surge, Aura Levis"

A gentle but firm wind rose from his body as he firmly grabbed Rick.

Not expecting such a thing, all the other people fell on their backsides, bouncing a few steps.

"Now!"

Lian shouted as he held Rick by the arm. With speed, Lian ran toward the administrative building. They needed to sign up for the challenge, after all.

Some time later…

"Phew, that was close! I thought I was going to die!" Rick began to pant heavily as he recalled the incident. He did not expect women could be so… wild!

Lian smiled, the lock of hair falling over his eyes as he nodded. "Yes, friend. Women are dangerous. But is that not why we like them?"

The two continued to walk slowly toward the administrative building in sight. It was large, but not as much as the arena.

A gentle breeze blew through the entrance columns, while the line of students wound along the portico, a mix of excited and nervous faces, each holding a form tightly in their hands. Lian and Rick got in line silently, trying to attract as little attention as possible.

Which was very difficult to do, since by now almost everyone knew Lian.

Many eyes turned in their direction, but fortunately, no one approached the duo. Occasional murmurs and fingers pointed at Lian were all they did as they talked about him as if Lian could not see them.

"Being famous is not as nice as I thought…" Lian whispered as the line moved forward.

"And imagine when everyone finds out that you are not only strong but also a—"

Before Rick could finish speaking, Lian put a hand over his mouth. "Quiet, idiot! Do you want the same thing to happen again, do you?"

Rick shifted his eyes to the side, his gaze slightly embarrassed.

"What?? Do you want to be overwhelmed again? Friend, you absolutely need to find yourself a girlfriend!"

"Do not talk nonsense, brother! I would never do that!" he replied, placing a hand on his heart, as if swearing it. "Besides, you know I am very shy with girls… it is impossible for me to get one…"

"…anyway," Rick's gaze shifted from shy to serious in an instant. His eyes locked onto Lian's, who for a moment feared Rick might confess to him.

"I wanted to thank you for covering for me earlier… without you, I would have been in a sea of trouble—" His eyes never left Lian's, who returned the serious look with a reassuring smile.

"Relax, Rick. We are friends, remember? I am sure you would have done the same for me."

Rick's black eyes were full of gratitude as he smiled carefree. He would definitely return the favor.

The two waited patiently for their turn while exchanging a few more words.

When they finally reached the counter, an academy official, an elderly man with a white robe rich with silver veins and a bored expression, handed them two forms. "Name, rank, faction," he said without looking up. "And sign the disclaimer here at the bottom. You know, for death, mutilations, and so on."

Rick raised an eyebrow, taking the form. "Death and mutilations? Seriously?"

The official looked up, a glint of irony in his gaze. "The event organized by the academy will not be a picnic, kid. The monsters you will face out there are as real as they are ferocious. And even if the Elders will oversee everything, they cannot always intervene in time."

A flash of realization hit Lian immediately. I knew it. So it is exactly as I thought. The academy is sending us to war. This means only one thing… the situation is more serious than it seems. I must hurry to become stronger!

"Sign, or go back to your room." The official added after a moment's pause.