Erek sat alone inside his room.
The royal palace of Frostalia was unusually quiet.
Beyond the tall windows, the pale morning sky stretched over the frozen kingdom. Snow drifted slowly through the air, carried by the cold northern wind. The faint sound of footsteps occasionally echoed through the distant corridors, but inside Erek's room...
There was only silence.
Erek sat upon the edge of his bed.
His black hair fell loosely across his forehead.
His eyes were fixed upon his right hand.
Slowly...
He raised it.
His fingers opened.
He took a deep breath.
Then closed his eyes.
Mana.
He reached inward.
At first...
Nothing.
Erek concentrated harder.
A faint sensation stirred somewhere deep inside his body.
There.
He found it.
His expression sharpened.
He pulled that energy toward his hand.
A tiny glow appeared around his fingertips.
Barely visible.
Erek stared at it.
Then he frowned.
"...That's all?"
He tried again.
He pushed more mana toward his hand.
The glow became slightly brighter.
Then stopped.
Erek's eyebrows tightened.
His breathing became slower.
He concentrated harder.
His fingers trembled.
"Come on..."
He pushed again.
Nothing.
The tiny amount of mana surrounding his fingertips flickered...
Then disappeared.
Silence returned.
Erek lowered his hand.
His expression darkened.
*Even though I obtained the power of Darkness...*
He stared at his palm.
*...why is my mana this weak?*
His fingers slowly curled into a fist.
*I thought gaining the power of Darkness would make me stronger.*
He looked toward the floor.
*But this amount...*
His jaw tightened.
*It's barely anything.*
Erek remained silent for several seconds.
Then another thought entered his mind.
Magic.
Mana.
The Twelve Ranks.
He had learned about them long ago.
Every kingdom in Eryndor recognized twelve ranks of magical ability.
They weren't simply measurements of how much mana a person possessed.
A mage could have enormous reserves of mana and still be incapable of controlling them properly.
True magical strength came from understanding.
Control.
Knowledge.
Experience.
And the ability to manipulate mana.
Erek slowly stood from his bed.
He walked toward the window.
*The first rank...*
His memories surfaced.
**Rank One — Mana Awakening.**
The beginning.
A person who reached Mana Awakening could sense the mana flowing through their body and manipulate it intentionally.
Simple spells became possible.
A small flame.
A weak gust of wind.
Moving a light object.
Nothing extraordinary.
But it was the first step.
The first proof that someone had entered the path of magic.
Erek's eyes narrowed.
*And anyone capable of using magic can reach it.*
Then came the second.
**Rank Two — Mana Weaver.**
At this stage, a mage no longer merely released mana.
They learned to shape it.
Their spells became more stable.
Their control improved.
Their casting became faster.
A Rank Two mage could defeat an inexperienced Rank One mage with relative ease.
Erek continued staring through the window.
Then came—
**Rank Three — Arcane Adept.**
This was where a mage's understanding became considerably deeper.
Mana could be combined with magical formulas.
More complicated spells could be created.
Multiple techniques could be used during combat without losing control.
Most professionally trained battle mages and magical practitioners eventually reached this level.
But advancing wasn't easy.
Each rank demanded more than the previous one.
More practice.
More knowledge.
More discipline.
More experience.
Erek's expression became thoughtful.
*So simply possessing mana isn't enough.*
His eyes lowered toward his hand.
*I need to understand it.*
The fourth rank followed.
**Rank Four — Spell Master.**
The highest of the Common Ranks.
A Spell Master possessed refined control over mana.
They wasted far less magical energy when casting.
They didn't merely understand how a spell worked.
They understood **why** it worked.
They could modify existing spells.
Combine techniques.
Develop their own magical methods.
For many mages...
Rank Four was the highest level they would ever reach.
Erek remained silent.
*But there are still eight ranks beyond it.*
The next stage was where the true difficulty began.
**Rank Five — Arcane Master.**
The beginning of the Advanced Ranks.
The difference between Rank Four and Rank Five was enormous.
An Arcane Master could manipulate complicated spells with remarkable precision.
They could maintain several magical techniques simultaneously.
They could alter spells while casting them.
They could even use their surroundings to strengthen their magic.
But talent alone wasn't enough.
Years of continuous practice were usually required.
Erek's eyes narrowed.
*Years...*
Then came—
**Rank Six — High Arcanist.**
A mage at this level had moved beyond ordinary magical techniques.
Their understanding allowed them to create extremely powerful spells and manipulate enormous quantities of mana without immediately losing control.
A High Arcanist could change the course of an entire battle simply by appearing on the battlefield.
They were extraordinarily rare.
Many talented mages spent their entire lives trying to reach Rank Six...
And failed.
Erek's gaze slowly hardened.
**Rank Seven — Grand Arcanist.**
The highest of the Advanced Ranks.
A Grand Arcanist stood among the greatest living mages of their generation.
Their control over mana was extraordinarily precise.
They could cast massive spells while maintaining enough control to prevent their own magic from destroying them.
They could fight armies.
Destroy fortifications.
Reshape battlefields.
Perform feats ordinary people would consider impossible.
And yet...
Rank Seven still wasn't the end.
Erek's expression became serious.
Because beyond Rank Seven...
Were the Grand Ranks.
**Rank Eight — Archmage.**
The point where the true monsters of magic began to appear.
An Archmage possessed an understanding of magic far beyond ordinary practitioners.
Their spells could reach enormous scales.
Their control over mana allowed them to perform feats that lower-ranked mages could barely comprehend.
Only a small number of people in an entire generation could ever reach Rank Eight.
An Archmage wasn't merely a powerful mage.
They were a force capable of changing history.
Erek slowly exhaled.
Then came Rank Nine.
**Sovereign Magus.**
At this level...
Magic itself seemed to obey the mage's will.
Their mastery allowed them to manipulate enormous quantities of mana while maintaining extraordinary precision.
They could create spells capable of devastating cities.
Alter the environment around them.
Overwhelm lower-ranked mages with frightening ease.
Very few people had ever reached this rank.
Those who did were often given kingdoms, titles, or positions of enormous authority.
Then...
**Rank Ten — Celestial Magus.**
The realm that bordered on the impossible.
A Celestial Magus possessed an understanding of magic so profound that their spells could affect vast areas.
Their magical reserves were immense.
Their control was extraordinarily refined.
Their understanding of spellcraft approached the limits of what mortal beings could comprehend.
Only the greatest mages of an era could hope to approach Rank Ten.
Erek's eyes slowly narrowed.
*And then... Rank Eleven.*
**Transcendent Magus.**
The final step before legend.
A mage who reached this realm had surpassed almost every known limitation of mortal magic.
Their control over mana was extraordinary.
They could manipulate enormous magical forces without sacrificing precision.
Their spells could devastate armies.
Reshape landscapes.
Destroy ancient magical barriers.
Influence events across vast distances.
There might only be a handful of Rank Eleven mages alive at any given time.
And even among them...
Almost none could reach the final rank.
Erek's eyes slowly closed.
He remembered the final name.
The name that stood above all eleven ranks.
**Rank Twelve.**
The Divine Ascendant.
The highest known realm of magic.
A realm where the difference between Rank Eleven and Rank Twelve was no longer simply a matter of power.
It was considered a difference in existence itself.
Only three people in recorded history had ever reached it.
Fellis.
Rose.
And...
Kritos.
Erek's eyes opened.
His reflection stared back at him from the glass.
For a moment...
He saw himself.
Then he saw someone else.
Kritos.
The Demon King.
The being who had once stood at the summit of magic.
His expression became complicated.
*I reached the Divine Ascendant once.*
His fingers slowly tightened.
*So why...*
He looked down at his hand.
*...am I struggling to release even a small amount of mana now?*
The question remained unanswered.
But there was something else he remembered.
Not everyone could even begin this journey.
There was a rare anomaly.
A person could be born with absolutely no mana.
Not weak mana.
Not low reserves.
None.
Such a person could never sense mana.
Could never manipulate it.
Could never reach even Rank One.
They were called...
**Mana-Barren.**
Erek's expression darkened.
He remembered how society treated them.
In kingdoms where magic was deeply valued, being Mana-Barren could become a lifelong burden.
Children born with the condition were often mocked by other children.
Families sometimes considered them disappointments.
Some people treated them as useless because they could never become mages.
A person could train for years...
Study magic for decades...
Practice every day...
And still remain exactly where they started.
Because without mana...
There was no path to the first rank.
Erek's eyes became colder.
*But having little mana isn't the same as having none.*
His gaze returned to his hand.
*Someone with little mana can still become strong.*
Magic wasn't simply about being born powerful.
A person could strengthen their control through relentless practice.
They could improve their understanding.
Study magical theory.
Train their body.
Gain experience.
Learn from failure.
Develop better techniques.
Refine their spells.
Continue advancing.
The higher they climbed...
The more difficult the path became.
A Rank One mage might advance within months.
A Rank Four mage could require years.
A Rank Seven mage might spend decades pursuing greater mastery.
A Rank Ten mage could dedicate an entire lifetime to understanding magic.
And Rank Twelve...
The Divine Ascendant...
Was a realm where countless generations had failed.
Erek slowly looked at his palm again.
A tiny flicker of mana appeared.
Weak.
Almost pathetic.
But it was there.
His eyes narrowed.
*Then I just have to train.*
The tiny glow disappeared.
Erek closed his hand.
*If I can't obtain more mana...*
His expression hardened.
*Then I'll learn how to use what I have.*
He turned away from the window.
His eyes were no longer frustrated.
They were determined.
*And if that isn't enough...*
He remembered the overwhelming darkness.
The endless void.
The throne.
Orion.
Erek's gaze became cold.
*I'll find another way.*
Outside...
The wind swept across the frozen kingdom.
Snow continued to fall.
Erek slowly stood from his bed.
His hand rested briefly against the edge of the table as he steadied himself.
Although his body felt better than before...
There was still a strange weakness lingering inside him.
He took one final glance toward the window.
Then turned toward the door.
Click.
His fingers wrapped around the handle.
The door opened.
The moment Erek stepped into the corridor—
"MY LORD!"
A figure suddenly rushed toward him.
Erek barely had time to react.
Zox threw himself forward and grabbed tightly onto Erek's leg.
"My Lord!"
His voice trembled.
"I am so happy you're alive!"
Erek stared down at him.
Zox's eyes were already wet.
"I thought..."
His voice cracked.
"I thought I was going to lose you again."
Erek's eyebrow twitched.
He stared at the Archdemon General clinging to his leg.
Then—
*THUMP!*
Erek's fist landed directly on Zox's head.
"Ow!"
Zox immediately released his leg.
Erek glared down at him.
"Let go of my leg, you idiot."
Zox rubbed the top of his head.
"My lord..."
Erek crossed his arms.
"Shut up."
Zox blinked.
Erek's expression softened slightly.
"I'll never die."
Zox stared at him.
For several seconds...
The Archdemon General simply looked at his master.
Then a relieved smile slowly appeared on his face.
"...I'm glad to hear that."
He wiped the corner of his eye.
"Really."
Erek sighed.
"Anyway..."
Zox straightened himself.
"Your father is calling for you."
Erek's expression changed.
"My father?"
Zox nodded.
"King Asfer wishes to speak with you."
Erek's eyes narrowed slightly.
"About what?"
Zox shook his head.
"I don't know."
He stepped aside.
"But he ordered that you come immediately."
Erek looked toward the end of the corridor.
Then began walking.
"Fine."
Zox followed behind him.
---
Several minutes later...
Inside another chamber of the royal palace...
King Asfer sat upon a large chair positioned at the head of the room.
His expression was heavy.
Before him stood two men.
Thorek Icepeak.
And Cedran Whitecrest.
The atmosphere inside the chamber was tense.
Thorek's hands were clenched behind his back.
His face carried the exhaustion of a man who had watched his kingdom weaken year after year.
Cedran remained composed.
But his eyes were sharp.
"My King..."
Cedran finally spoke.
"You should send the army of Frostalia to Icepeak Territory."
Thorek immediately turned toward him.
"Cedran."
His voice carried frustration.
"Our kingdom is already in decline."
He stepped forward.
"And you're suggesting that we send soldiers into a territory where Dark Beings may be hiding?"
He shook his head.
"We don't have enough soldiers."
"We don't have enough food."
"And Noxmere and Sanctoria have already waged war against us."
His expression hardened.
"We are surrounded by enemies."
"If we send our army away now..."
"...who will defend Frostalia?"
Cedran opened his mouth.
But before he could respond—
"Silence."
Asfer's voice cut through the chamber.
Both men stopped.
The king slowly looked between them.
His expression was stern.
"Thorek is right."
He leaned back.
"I cannot make decisions as a father."
His eyes hardened.
"I have to think as a king."
A heavy silence filled the chamber.
"As long as I sit upon this throne..."
"I must protect Frostalia."
Asfer's fingers tightened around the armrest.
"We will prepare our army."
Thorek looked at him.
"To defend Icepeak?"
"No."
Asfer's gaze became cold.
"To fight Noxmere and Sanctoria."
The doors suddenly opened.
Everyone turned.
Erek stepped into the chamber.
His black hair moved gently behind him as he walked inside.
Asfer immediately looked toward his son.
"Erek."
His expression changed.
Concern replaced the coldness in his eyes.
"What happened to you?"
"Why did you suddenly collapse?"
Erek stopped several steps before the king.
He lowered his head respectfully.
"Your Majesty..."
"I know why."
Asfer frowned.
"Why?"
Erek raised his eyes.
"I began sensing mana."
Silence.
Cedran's expression froze.
Thorek stared at him.
Asfer's eyes widened slightly.
Erek continued.
"I am no longer Mana-Barren."
Cedran's face changed.
"What?"
His voice escaped before he could control it.
"That's impossible."
Erek looked toward him.
Cedran stepped forward.
"A Mana-Barren cannot obtain mana."
"It is an anomaly that cannot simply disappear."
Erek's expression remained calm.
"I've already been examined by the Royal Mages."
"Their examination confirmed it."
"The sudden surge of mana within my body was so great that I collapsed."
Cedran's face remained frozen.
But inside...
His thoughts raced.
*How is this possible?*
His fingers slowly curled.
*We were already close.*
*The throne was within reach.*
*And now this bastard can sense mana?*
His eyes shifted toward Erek.
*Alendero is missing.*
*We don't even know whether he's alive.*
*If Erek continues growing stronger...*
Cedran's expression remained composed.
But his mind was already searching for a way to stop him.
*I have to do something.*
*Before he gets any closer to the throne.*
Asfer looked at Erek.
A faint smile appeared on the king's face.
"I am happy to hear that you're finally able to sense mana."
Erek remained silent.
"But..."
Asfer's expression became serious.
"Right now, you are only at the first stage."
"Mana Awakening."
"You have taken your first step onto the path of magic."
His eyes narrowed.
"But that is not enough."
"If you wish to be worthy of being called a prince..."
"You must become stronger."
Erek nodded.
"I know, Father."
"And I will."
His voice was calm.
But there was certainty behind it.
Asfer raised an eyebrow.
Erek continued.
"Actually..."
"I have an idea."
Asfer leaned forward slightly.
"An idea?"
Erek nodded.
"An idea that could help us win the upcoming war against Noxmere and Sanctoria."
The atmosphere inside the chamber changed.
Thorek stared at Erek.
Cedran's eyes narrowed.
Asfer looked at his son with curiosity.
"How?"
Erek slowly stepped forward.
"Meledia."
Cedran frowned.
Erek continued.
"Meledia is considered the strongest kingdom in Eryndor."
"One of the reasons is their Dragon Raiders."
"Those dragons are Dark Beings."
His eyes sharpened.
"Dark Beings are naturally stronger than humans."
"They are born with physical abilities that humans cannot match."
Erek looked toward his father.
"So..."
"If the reports are true..."
"If there really are Dark Beings within Icepeak Territory..."
"Then we should recruit them."
Silence.
Thorek stared at him.
Asfer's expression became thoughtful.
But Cedran...
Started laughing.
At first, it was only a quiet chuckle.
Then louder.
And louder.
"Hahahaha!"
Erek slowly turned toward him.
Cedran covered his mouth.
But the laughter continued.
"Kid..."
He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.
"You truly don't understand what you're saying."
He shook his head.
"Do you really think Dark Beings will simply bow before you?"
Cedran's smile widened.
"King Zeek was the one who brought those dragons under his command."
"Do you know how?"
"Through overwhelming strength."
He pointed toward Erek.
"And you?"
His eyes moved over Erek's body.
"You just awakened your mana."
"You're only a Rank One mage."
Cedran laughed again.
"You think you can accomplish what the Sword Hero himself accomplished?"
Erek stared at him.
He didn't become angry.
He didn't raise his voice.
He simply looked at Cedran.
Calmly.
"Yes."
Cedran's laughter stopped.
Erek took another step forward.
"I will be the one."
The room became silent.
Cedran stared at him.
Then—
He laughed again.
"Hahaha!"
"You?"
"You just obtained mana."
"You think you're powerful because you can finally sense it?"
Erek's eyes remained completely calm.
Then he spoke.
"If I bring those Dark Beings under Frostalia's command..."
He paused.
His gaze locked directly onto Cedran.
"...will you kneel before me?"
Cedran's smile slowly faded.
Erek continued.
"And apologize?"
The room fell silent.
Thorek looked between them.
Asfer's expression became unreadable.
Cedran stared into Erek's eyes.
For several seconds...
Neither moved.
Then Cedran slowly smiled.
"Fine."
His voice was quiet.
"It's a bet."