Extra's Descent

Amelia and Belle were fully absorbed in their training for as long as they could remember.

They were practically researching and experimenting.

Each continent practiced magic differently. For Milis, the focus was on refining complex magic theories.

Every skill was broken down, analyzed, and practiced carefully.

They spent hours on circuit patterns, memorizing formulas, and learning to manipulate mana flow at a miniscule level.

Holy Britannia, however, focused on strengthening both body and mana.

Mages trained to withstand the physical toll of high-level skills, emphasizing durability and stamina alongside technique.

Belle practiced a combination of Milis theories she'd picked up in Milis, while also incorporating physical endurance techniques taught to her in Holy Britannia.

It was a balance of both.

However, for Amelia, who had purely studied in Holy Britannia, it was hard to pick up on complex theories Belle would often diversify to her.

There were also other practices from the Asura continent, which prided in breathing techniques.

But that was too far–fetched, and strayed away from what they had already known from birth.

Amelia, who had tried incorporating Quidell's theorem into her magic circuits, found herself furrowing her brows in frustration.

It was too complex, and she was afraid she would damage her core if she made a fatal mistake in realigning the lines in her already established circuits she was used to.

The circuits she used for her magic swords and weapon materialization were as simple as breathing to her.

So, altering it and realigning her circuits proved to be difficult for Amelia, who had done a different practice for as long as she could remember.

Belle noticed Amelia's frustration and offered a reassuring smile.

"Take it slow. Quidell's theorem isn't something you can just plug into existing circuits. It's a whole restructuring."

Amelia sighed, letting her shoulders relax slightly.

"I know. But it feels like every tiny adjustment could ruin everything."

"You're trying to shift from a linear approach to Quidell's layered flow. Think of it as… weaving strands together, rather than adding lines."

Amelia nodded, attempting the visualization.

Her mana flowed in gentle pulses, aligning briefly before fizzling out. She clenched her fists, concentrating harder.

"It's like it almost connects, but not quite."

Belle gestured to her own circuit diagram, scribbled messily in her notes.

"Look, instead of focusing on perfection, try letting it form naturally."

That was Holy Britannia's practices. Creativity and theory go hand–in–hand, after all.

Holy Britannia's training embraced the natural flow of mana, encouraging mages to blend creativity with theory.

They weren't rigid in their applications. Instead, they adapted, allowing mages to explore how mana best resonated with their own style.

It wasn't about achieving a flawless circuit.

It was about feeling the current, finding the right balance, and adjusting to suit individual strengths.

This practice allowed Holy Britannia's mages to be versatile.

They weren't confined to strict methods. Instead, they built on foundational skills and experimented freely.

For Belle, this philosophy was both freeing and challenging.

She had the room to explore, but she also had to trust her instincts.

Unlike Milis, where rigid precision was favored, here she was encouraged to follow the flow, to let each adjustment reveal itself as she went along.

At least, that's what Belle had told Amelia.

Belle had seen the flaw in Milis' practices.

Since she had both opportunities, she picked up everything she could in Milis, and returned to Holy Britannia after she was offered a proposal to return.

"Hoo…."

Amelia took a deep breath, focusing intently on the adjustments she'd made.

She could feel the altered flow of mana, weaving itself within her circuits.

With a flicker of concentration, she activated her magic.

Swoosh—!

A magic circle formed in the air, and a sword materialized from it in a swift burst.

To her surprise, the timing had improved.

It was a slight edge faster, maybe just 0.1 seconds, but it was noticeable, causing her to be surprised.

But as it shot forward, she quickly realized the control wasn't quite right. Discover hidden content at empire

The sword veered off course, slicing past her intended target, and embedding itself into the door.

"Ah—!"

Amelia gasped, wide-eyed.

The two exchanged glances, Belle's face caught somewhere between shock and stifled laughter.

Clang—!

But before they could react, a metallic clang echoed in the air.

The sword hadn't just stuck to the door.

A figure had appeared, blocking it with the flick of his own weapon.

The man lowered the blade, and his ink—black eyes met with theirs.

"...!"

"...!"

Amelia and Belle froze, recognizing him instantly.

Brandon stood there with calm expressions.

His ink-black hair tied back in a loose ponytail. It was a sight they hadn't seen for almost two months.

"Brandon?"

Belle whispered, a mix of disbelief and relief in her voice.

Amelia's heart skipped a beat. He looked at her with a faint smile, lowering his sword.

"Hey."

He said, his voice as calm as she remembered, causing her heart to flutter.

***

Brandon was surprised. There were a bunch of papers strewn everywhere. Magic circles were intricately written on them, however, incomplete.

Truth be told, Brandon didn't need to put in that kind of effort. The system configured the magic circles of his skills for him.

But there was a catch.

Brandon didn't have the freedom to design his own unique skills.

Unlike Amelia or Belle, who could experiment and develop new techniques through practice and theory, he was limited to what the system allowed.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

For Raven, too, the system configured his abilities.

Both of them could rely on its efficiency, but it came with a kind of rigidity.

The system's magic circle configurations were set in stone. If Brandon wanted to adapt or evolve his skills, he would have to rely solely on the system's growth.

However, the system's restrictions came with a significant advantage.

Unlike skills developed through individual talent, effort, and natural limitations, Brandon's system-configured abilities had limitless potential for growth.

A systemless mage would reach a ceiling defined by their own skill and the natural progression of their affinity.

For them, every increase in power or speed required constant practice, trial and error, and the refinement of raw talent.

They were bound by their physical and magical capacity—limited, ultimately, by their own abilities.

But for Brandon, his skills grew in tandem with his system's parameters.

His abilities were free from personal constraints and could scale beyond what a typical mage could achieve.

But there was a lingering question.

Amelia, too, had a system. Yet, for some reason, she could configure her circuits.

It was as if she was half a system user, and half a regular person.

"Hey."

He mouthed, approaching the two girls.

Brandon wasn't sure what to say to them. But he needed information.

"Brandon, I…."

And so, he posed the question without thinking.

"Amelia, have you been seeing anyone."

"Ah?"

"Oh, my."

Amelia blinked her eyes as Belle covered her mouth, gasping.

"What? Is that all you have to say after disappearing for nearly two months…?"

"Uh…."

Brandon blinked his eyes too, surprised by her sudden reaction.

Amelia's shoulders trembled, her face darkening.

"You didn't even call back. Fifty-seven missed calls…. And now you're accusing me…."

Brandon froze, realizing the mess he'd just stepped into.