Still, Vampirism remained the worst-case scenario.
It was an option Arlette placed on the back end to be used only during emergencies. Option one remained to break through the barrier that kept the Twelfth Circle from reach.
Not much was known about the Twelfth Circle. It was essentially a legendary level of strength and a mage of that level hadn't been seen in the Acheron Empire in tens of thousands of years. And any records of such an existence were shrouded in such mysticism, it might as well have been a myth.
Still, everyone knew it existed.
Once one steps onto the ladder of magical excellence, they can instantly sense/feel how many Magic Circles exist. The Twelfth Circle was real. It just couldn't be achieved, as far as anyone was concerned.
Hell, Mages at the Eleventh Circle were insanely rare as the Circle was difficult in its own right. Many expend their lifespan before they even achieve it and before they have the chance to attempt the Twelfth Circle.
