The Royal Magic Academy bustled with renewed energy after the successful mission to the cult's fortress. But beneath the surface, the political tensions and fears lingered like a persistent fog.
Kertia returned to the academy's grand hall where the Council of Mages was convening. The room was filled with representatives from each kingdom, senior instructors, and the academy's elite students. Today's agenda was crucial: to refine the magic tier system—a structure that would determine how magic users were ranked, trained, and deployed in the coming war.
The Council's leader, Archmage Veloran, an imposing figure clad in robes woven with silver thread, began the meeting.
"To face the threats ahead, we must unify and clarify our strengths," he declared. "The tier system will establish clear ranks of magical mastery and responsibility."
Kertia listened intently, knowing this system would shape not only his future but the future of all magic users across the kingdoms.
The Magic Tier System was explained in detail:
Tier 1: Novice — Beginners with basic magical aptitude, mostly learning control and simple spells. Most are young students who have just entered the academy.
Tier 2: Apprentice — Practitioners who have demonstrated basic control over elemental or minor magic, able to perform simple combat or utility spells.
Tier 3: Adept — Skilled magicians with command over multiple magic types or advanced control of one. Adepts begin specializing in combat or support roles.
Tier 4: Expert — Veterans with mastery over complex spells, including summoning, enchantment, and powerful elemental magic. Experts often lead small teams in combat or research.
Tier 5: Master — The highest level of living magicians, possessing extraordinary abilities, knowledge, and strategic command in warfare or arcane research.
Tier 6: Archmage — Legendary figures whose power borders on the divine, often members of the Council and advisors to kingdoms. Few achieve this status.
Kertia's status as an Apprentice, though earned, placed him near the bottom of this hierarchy. Many nobles in the Council doubted his ability to lead given his low rank and necromantic specialty—a magic still viewed with suspicion.
"Necromancy remains a dark art," Veloran admitted. "While valuable in these times, those who wield it must prove their discipline and loyalty."
Kertia stood to speak, his voice steady and clear.
"Necromancy is the power of balance, of respecting the cycle of life and death. It is not darkness but guardianship."
Some in the hall murmured agreement; others remained unconvinced.
After the meeting, Arielle approached Kertia with a small smile.
"You might be low tier, but your power and leadership are already far beyond most Apprentices."
Tomas nodded. "We'll work harder. We can reach Expert or higher together."
Kertia felt a surge of hope. This system, though rigid, was a roadmap to grow stronger—and to prove his worth.
Over the following weeks, training intensified. Kertia focused on improving his control over necromancy, learning to summon larger undead armies and bind spirits without losing himself to their influence.
He experimented with new techniques: animating bone constructs that moved with precision, creating spectral shields, and even communicating briefly with the souls he raised.
One afternoon, during a sparring session, Kertia faced Alric, now a Tier 3 Adept with formidable fire magic.
The battle was fierce. Flames clashed with bone, heat met cold. Alric's arrogance fueled his attacks, but Kertia's calm control and strategic mind countered every move.
With a deft command, Kertia summoned a whirlwind of bones that disarmed Alric and forced him to yield.
The crowd watching was stunned. For the first time, the noble boy who once mocked Kertia bowed in respect.
That evening, Kertia stood on the academy's highest tower, gazing at the moonlit horizon.
"The path ahead is long," he whispered. "But with every step, I grow closer to becoming the Guardian this world needs."
The war with darkness was far from over, but now, the kingdoms had a beacon of hope—and a leader rising through the ranks.
───☠️───⚰️───