"Is becoming the strongest that important to you, Arthur?" Alastor asked, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the wooden surface of his desk.

"Yes," I responded without hesitation. Survival demanded not just raising the level of my peers but also becoming strong enough to navigate and withstand the disasters that had claimed so many lives in the novel.

Alastor's eyes narrowed thoughtfully before he spoke again. "Then, instead of heading to Mount Hua sect immediately, stay here and train in 5-circle magic," he proposed. "I will provide guidance personally, and when I'm unavailable, I'll assign a suitable teacher to ensure you master 5-circle magic and the Laplace method effectively."

I considered his offer, the weight of it settling in. The opportunity to train under one of the most powerful figures was not something to be taken lightly, especially since I was aware how effective his tutelage was.

Lucent Harmony allowed me to access many other elements that I had no experience using. Learning about them from Luna was one thing, but training here, with the Creighton family who ruled the North due to their dominance in magic, was another thing entirely.

This opportunity could transcend my current 5-circle magic abilities. Additionally, it meant less travel overall. My swordsmanship, something I could work on independently thanks to the Grade 5 art I acquired from Mythos Academy, took a backseat to my need to prioritize magic training.

"Take the offer," Luna's voice echoed in my mind.

"Are you sure?" I asked, seeking confirmation.

"Yes," she replied confidently. "I can teach you magic, but my system is too different from what you humans use. Mana beasts, even after developing sapience, use magic viscerally rather than breaking it down like you do."

"Got it, thanks," I said, making my decision.

Turning to Alastor, I nodded. "I accept your offer. I'll stay and train here."

Alastor's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Excellent choice, Arthur. We'll start immediately."

"Now go," he said, shooing me off with a wave of his hand. "Tell Rachel the good news."

I bowed my head and exited the study, not commenting on his parting words.

Outside, Rachel and Lucifer were waiting, both having changed into more comfortable clothes. Rachel wore a white sundress that complemented her golden hair and sapphire eyes, enhancing her natural beauty. She looked radiant, the dress flowing elegantly around her as she moved.

Lucifer, in contrast, had opted for a simple button-down shirt and pants. While their outfits didn't scream royalty, their presence did. They carried themselves with an air of grace and authority that was impossible to miss.

"Hey," Rachel greeted me with a bright smile. "How did it go?"

"I'll be staying here to train in 5-circle magic," I announced. "Alastor—uh, your father—offered to guide me personally whenever possible like before."

"That's fantastic news!" Rachel exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "We'll have more time to spend together."

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Lucifer nodded in approval. "It's a wise decision since you are going to reach -rank soon, Arthur."

"Actually, my Gift allows me to use 5-circle magic," I said, scratching the side of my cheek. "That's how I was able to damage the 6-star beast so badly."

Rachel and Lucifer's eyes widened in shock.

"That's insane," Lucifer said, shaking his head in disbelief. "To be using 5-circle magic at -rank? Your Gift is overpowered."

'Like you're one to talk, Lucifer,' I thought, suppressing a smirk.

"That's amazing, Arthur!" Rachel exclaimed, touching my arm. "Does that mean when you begin the integration process but haven't reached -rank, you can use 6-circle magic?"

"Probably," I replied. "But I doubt I can jump the gap between 6-circle and 7-circle. It's too wide."

"It would be unfair if you could," Lucifer laughed. "You'd be the first -ranker to defeat an -ranker."

'Well, you become the first to achieve that in the future anyway,' I thought wryly.

We continued walking through the lush gardens of the Creighton estate, the sun casting dappled shadows through the canopy of trees. Birds chirped in the background, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a serene atmosphere. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, adding a pleasant fragrance to our surroundings.

"Did you guys send the invite on the group chat yet?" I asked, turning on my phone.

"No, not yet," Lucifer replied. "We were thinking of doing it at night when most of them should be free."

"Good idea," I nodded. "Then we can get faster replies."

The path back to the mansion was lined with vibrant flowers and neatly trimmed hedges. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm golden hue over everything. It was a picturesque scene, one that made me appreciate the tranquility of the estate even more.

As we walked, I could feel the anticipation building. This wasn't just about training; it was about preparing for the challenges ahead and making the most of every opportunity.

Back at the mansion, we found ourselves in a spacious living room, comfortably furnished with plush sofas and a large coffee table. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, inviting light. Rachel and Lucifer settled onto a couch while I took a seat across from them.

"Alright, let's make sure we have everyone on board for the New Year's party," Rachel said, pulling out her phone.

I glanced at my phone and opened the group chat, scrolling through the list of names. "We should definitely include Seraphina, Cecilia, and everyone else from our core group."

"Agreed," Lucifer said, tapping away on his phone. "I'll send out a preliminary message to let them know we're planning something."

As he typed, Rachel leaned over to look at his screen. "Make sure to mention that it's at my place. That should get them excited."

Lucifer nodded, adding the details to the message before hitting send.

The first response lit up the screen almost instantly:

Cecilia: Party at Rach's place! 100% going to be there!

Soon, the other replies started rolling in:

Ian: Sure, count me in! It'll be great to hang out with everyone on New Year's.

Ren: If you manage to catch me when I'm not training, I'll be there.

Jin: Wouldn't miss it for the world!

Seraphina: I'll make an appearance if Arthur decides to show up.

Arthur: I'm already here at Rach's place, so you can count me in.

"Looks like we've got a full house," I remarked, a grin spreading across my face as I read through the enthusiastic messages. "This is shaping up to be a night to remember."

Turning to Rachel, I noticed her expression shift momentarily before a bright smile replaced any hint of doubt. It seemed my initial assessment was off the mark.

With the responses pouring in and excitement building, the anticipation for the New Year's party reached new heights.

As the evening approached, a servant entered the room, informing us that dinner would be served soon. The aroma of delicious food wafted through the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

"Let's head to the dining room," Rachel suggested, standing up. "We can enjoy a good meal before you start your training, Arthur."

We made our way to the dining room, where a sumptuous feast awaited us. The table was laden with a variety of dishes, from roasted meats to fresh salads and delectable desserts. It was a meal fit for royalty, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the hospitality of the Creighton family.

Dinner was lively, filled with animated conversations and hearty laughter. It was the perfect way to relax and recharge before the intensive training that lay ahead.