A large intricate magical circle can be seen drawn on the flat ground of a massive office. Smaller circles were within the large one each with a different ingredient fit for the procedure. They were added steps, necessary to ensure the success of the operation and to ensure the effectiveness of it. For most teachers and magical practitioners the common effectiveness rate on their first mana circle is at the 2 to 4 times multiplier. Those with enough resources can guarantee the procedure to be non-fatal and even achieve a multiplier of 5 or more. For subsequent mana circles the same procedure would no longer be necessary as the spellcaster would have to perform a separate method on themselves, a far more effective procedure with less mortality rates.

This initial hurdle is a must for humans to even stand a chance against the spellcasters of other races who are far more in tune with mana.

Lina waited at one of the private rooms of the academy, upon hearing of the procedure she made sure to give her time to her "big brother." Vance was off to enhance the city's defense, though he did wish Hektor good luck on his procedure.

The procedure, with all of the ingredients and the person operating being the headmaster himself can be said to be 80% likely to preserve his life.

"With the headmaster doing it, it is likely that Captain Hektor will have at least a 3 times multiplier Miss Lina." Her personal guard reassured her.

"Indeed.. Surely the procedure would go smoothly if the headmaster himself is doing it." The young lady was far more nervous about the procedure than Hektor was. To her who considers him as her only remaining family member, it was painful to know.

"Think of the positives madam, with this procedure he will reach new heights in combat. It is less likely for him to die in battle with a higher mana count." The guards were doing their best to calm her heart.

As they discussed in one room, Hektor was preparing in another. 'I still can't believe that it's happening this fast, If…no when I survive this the sky is the limit. I just need to double my mana capacity… If I get to do that then summoning at least one of those insect soldiers every day would be enough.'

Hektor was now shirtless, scars covered his body. Well-toned and tan his green eyes seemingly glowed in the dark. The room's only source of light were the small candles that were laid out for the procedure.

"Are you ready?" The headmaster asked him, with him was a large staff with a red crystal on top.

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Hektor nodded, he walked in the middle of the circle and sat down. He was in a position that most would use for meditation. He closed his eyes as the magic circle around him began to glow. A burning heat entered the area right around the left side of his chest, right where his heart would normally be.

According to what Hektor has read, this is so that the second mana circle can act as a sort of organ all on its own. Demons, elves and other races have naturally occurring organs that produce mana for humans all of it is induced. This is why the procedure is necessary in the first place. Humans are often considered as weak by other creatures that wield such magic but initially they were meant for something else in the first place. Humans have a high inclination with the usage of aura, the greatest heroes in human history even before the start of the Markluzian Empire are all martial artists.

Hektor was stuck in his current state, forced to delve into his own mind once more. A common occurrence during this procedure, he was forced to a point of self-reflection.

Memories of his journey so far flashed into his head. The fall of his batch, the batch of rejects. The first time that the soul counter appeared in his status screen, the moment he unlocked his personal skill.

'I would have died without it if I encountered that group of hunters.'

He remembered his first summons and how they were wiped out. 'I was too focused on surviving… I didn't even give them names.'

His escape from the bandit camp. The moment he summoned his first crow. Visions of his training with Master Bungcao and the instructors of their dojo. 'I still haven't repaid them.'

'It seems that every time I step up to the horde those connections that I've made the people that I end up putting even the least bit of value in… they all just disappear. Am I so cursed that the moment I even gain a bit of happiness, a sense of belonging the world just chooses to take it all away from me?'

The pain from the circle that the headmaster was drawing on his chest stopped.

"And now it begins, prepare yourself." He heard the headmaster before his whole body began to convulse.

Sharp biting pain all over his body.

"AHgghh…haaa." He was breathing heavily.

'I need to repay the kindness that my Master showed me.'

Hektor took in a long breath as the circle on his chest absorbed more of the energy that surrounded him.

'The Horde has taken far too much from me.'

The pain numbed down. His breathing began to reach a normal pace.

'I'll build up my forces and strike the horde, dealing a large blow wouldn't even be enough to repay the master. I'll slaughter them all, I've been hiding this ability for far too long… The moment will soon come, when I finally reveal my power to the world.'

His green eyes met the headmaster's own. A smile that can only be described as one of delight. Hektor finally reached a new stage in his growth.

Hektor looked at the red markings on his chest and felt more refreshed than he has in a long time. He let out a yawn as he stood up. Cracking his neck as he stretched. He gave the headmaster a nod. "Thank you." His gratitude was genuine.

[Mana: 1,500/6,000]

It multiplied by four.