Regression of the Vector Magician

Preparations for the Final Year

The coming days moved quickly, each one filled with a steady pace of routine, intense study, and silent anticipation. As Reyon continued to delve deeper into his newfound control over his Vector Magic, the knowledge of the past guided him, piece by piece, toward mastery. He no longer had to worry about the constant frustration of failure. The symbols, especially Epsilon (£) and Delta (§), would lead him to success where Leywin had faltered. Reyon's determination was palpable as he honed his magic with unwavering focus.

The weight of the Phoenix Academy's final year trials loomed heavily on his mind. He had heard whispers of the pressure the final year would bring—his father, the patriarch of House Phoenix, had made it clear that this year would decide the future of every Phoenix heir. Failure wasn't an option. The trials were grueling, designed not just to test magical ability but also to separate the strong from the weak.

Reyon stood in front of the mirror, taking in the reflection of a man on the cusp of greatness. His youthful features held a certain intensity now, a sharpness born from the knowledge of what was to come. At 17, Reyon was about to face the trials that had once seemed impossible to him. This time would be different. This time, he would succeed.

He had already prepared himself for the upcoming trials. His first step was understanding mana control, which had always been his strongest suit. His control over the surrounding mana was unparalleled, and with the addition of Epsilon (£), he could now tap into the energy surrounding him and manipulate it with precision. Vectors were the perfect conduit for his new technique, and he felt confident that with the right practice, he could push himself past the 5th circle and reach the 7th or even the 8th—if he could master his control.

But the challenge lay not in mana control alone—it would be the combat proficiency and spellcasting that would truly test him.

The First Trial: Mana Control

The first trial was held in the grand arena of Phoenix Academy, where the heirs of House Phoenix gathered. The courtyard was bustling with anticipation, as students in their final year prepared to showcase their abilities.

The trial for mana control was simple: each participant was required to manipulate the flow of mana within a given time limit, while simultaneously maintaining the precision and fluidity of their spellcasting. It was a test of raw magical talent and the ability to control external forces, an art Reyon had long been perfecting.

At the arena, Reyon stood at the center of a massive circular stage, surrounded by towering stone walls. A crowd of fellow students and faculty gathered in the stands, watching closely. The air was thick with tension, and Reyon could feel their gazes pressing into him.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the trial. Reyon raised his arms and immediately reached out, drawing in the surrounding mana. The Vector Magic in his veins surged as he guided the mana with precise movements, allowing it to flow through invisible lines. He could feel the Epsilon (£) symbol working within the mana, shifting and changing its very structure.

The air around him seemed to hum as Reyon manipulated the vectors. His control was perfect, more than he had ever dreamed possible. The mana followed his commands seamlessly, like a well-oiled machine, forming into sharp edges and perfect geometric shapes, which then dissolved into the air. He barely needed to think—the mana responded to his will, and his precision was unmatched.

As the trial drew to a close, Reyon lowered his arms. He exhaled slowly, his body light from the effort but strong from the experience. It was flawless. No one had ever seen such mastery of Vector Magic except the creator leywin. It was clear that Reyon had surpassed the limits of what was previously thought possible, even among the strongest magicians in the Phoenix household.

The judges were silent for a long moment, their gazes never leaving Reyon. Then, one by one, they nodded in approval. The master of the trial, Professor Wilford, who was renowned for his critical eye, finally spoke.

"Impressive, Reyon," he said, his voice carrying across the silent arena. "Your control over mana is unparalleled. You've surpassed even the expectations of House Phoenix. You're truly one of a kind."

A sense of accomplishment surged through Reyon, but his focus never wavered. This was just one step in a much larger journey.

The Second Trial: Combat Proficiency

The second trial was far more difficult. While mana control tested one's ability to manipulate external forces, combat proficiency demanded the real-world application of magic in battle. This was where raw power mattered—where Reyon's lower mana reserves might prove to be a disadvantage.

The participants were paired against each other in one-on-one battles. Reyon was paired with Astra Phoenix, a fierce and talented third-year student who was known for her brutality in combat. She was a 5th-circle magician, and her battle style was straightforward—she used direct force to overwhelm her opponents, using her power to suppress anyone who dared challenge her.

The battle began with a loud clang as Astra unleashed a powerful blast of fire magic, her element of choice. The flames surged forward, threatening to engulf Reyon. He acted quickly, summoning his vectors to redirect the fire, but Astra was already on him, charging forward with a barrage of lightning spells.

Reyon's heart raced as he danced between the blasts, carefully manipulating his vectors to deflect her attacks. His focus was sharp as he watched Astra's movements, waiting for an opening. Her aggressive tactics were strong, but Reyon knew he could not outmatch her in terms of raw power.

Instead, he used his superior control to create a series of barriers, each one stronger than the last. The vectors absorbed her spells, redirecting them into the air. Astra gritted her teeth and pressed forward, trying to overpower him with sheer force, but Reyon had learned from his previous life: power alone wasn't enough.

He needed strategy.

With a quick motion, Reyon dissolved the barriers and transformed the surrounding mana into sharp vectors. He unleashed them in a fluid movement, catching Astra off guard. The vectors struck her from every angle, leaving her no time to react.

Astra staggered back, surprised by the precision and speed of the attack. For the first time, she looked hesitant, and in that moment of weakness, Reyon pressed forward, using his control to bind her movements.

With a single command, he collapsed the vectors around her, rendering her immobile. The battle ended in Reyon's victory.

A stunned silence filled the arena as Astra fell to the ground. She raised her head, breathing heavily, and met Reyon's eyes. There was a look of both admiration and shock in her gaze.

"You've… you've truly mastered your control," she said, still in disbelief. "I underestimated you."

Reyon nodded. "Control is everything," he replied.

The Third Trial: Spellcasting

The final trial was the most anticipated—the trial of raw magical power. Spellcasting was where the strongest magicians could demonstrate their abilities, and where those with low mana reserves, like Reyon, would typically struggle. But Reyon had learned long ago that strength didn't lie in the amount of magic one could store—it was in the effectiveness of the spell.

The trial was a demonstration in front of the judges, where each participant would cast their most powerful spell. For Reyon, that meant using the full potential of his Vector Magic. He had Epsilon (£) to help him transform the mana, but it was the second part—Delta (§)—that would allow him to show just how powerful his technique could be.

The stage was set. Reyon stood before the judging panel, his stance confident, yet his mind focused. The mana around him seemed to pulse with life as the air shimmered with tension. He began by extending his arms outward, drawing in the surrounding mana.

The Epsilon (£) symbol sparked in his mind, transforming the mana into its base form—ready to be shaped by his vectors. His concentration deepened, and the Delta (§) symbol appeared, guiding the mana into a flow that no one had ever seen before.

The mana exploded outward, not in a blast of destructive force, but in a perfectly controlled expansion—a shield that enveloped him, a field of energy that hummed with power. The energy rippled in every direction, flowing through the vectors like a song played with precision. Reyon had created an unbreakable barrier—the likes of which had never been seen before.

As the final seconds ticked down, Reyon allowed the barrier to dissipate, allowing the surrounding mana to return to its natural state. The entire room fell silent as they realized what had just happened.

Reyon had not only passed the trial—he had redefined it.

The Judgement

The judges exchanged looks, their expressions a mixture of awe and disbelief. Professor Wilford stepped forward again, his voice filled with reverence.

"Reyon Phoenix," he began, his voice ringing across the hall, "You have surpassed all expectations. You have not just mastered Vector Magic—you have become a true innovator. We have never seen anything like this."

Reyon bowed his head slightly, but his heart swelled with pride. He had proven himself, not only to his family but to the world.

This was only the beginning. The trials were over, but the real test was still ahead. Reyon had set his sights on Phoenix Vault.