Daniel lost track of time as he guided the flow of energy. With each rotation, he could feel the power of the Flame Lotus slowly intertwining with his mana. He felt the essence burning his mana veins while guiding the fire essence through his body. It was uncomfortable, but he didn’t let it bother him and continued circling the energy.

If Daniel were to open his eyes, he would see that his white shirt could not withstand the heat emanating from his body. Tiny embers started glowing on his shirt, burning it slowly until nothing was left.

Meanwhile, black sludge started slowly oozing from his pores and dripped onto the floor, hissing and bubbling as it met the cool stone. Despite the faint sounds and bad smell coming from the sludge, Daniel remained focused, his eyes shut tightly as he concentrated on circulating the energy within him.

The process was gruelling, each second stretching into eternity as he maintained his concentration. His muscles ached, and his mind grew weary, but he did not falter. He knew it was crucial to fully absorb the lotus in one go since he couldn't stop the process of the lotus depleting its power. If he were to lose control, he would be incinerated in the blink of an eye. He knew Shadewood would likely be able to save him, but even then, he might be crippled for the rest of his life.

Eventually, he sensed a change. The once intense energy of the Flame Lotus began to falter, its energy almost fully absorbed. With a final effort, the flower released its remaining energy at once, overloading the runes and flooding his body with more essence than he was used to. The sudden surge of energy forced Daniel to circulate the energy faster and faster while the lotus slowly disintegrated into dust. Shadewood quickly extended his hand, caught all the dust using his mana, and carefully funnelled it into a small stone bottle he had prepared.

Once the professor noticed that the heat his student was emitting had begun to lessen, he spoke up. “Excellent work, Daniel,” Shadewood said with a satisfied expression. His voice held a note of genuine pride. “You’ve successfully absorbed the essence of the Flame Lotus. How do you feel?”

Daniel opened his eyes, and the world came back into focus. He instinctively channelled his mana through his body and felt that his mana veins had widened and grown more robust. “I feel… different. For starters, my mana veins feel like they could handle a small stream of mana, whereas before, they could only handle a few drops at most.” Daniel looked down at his bare upper body and noticed the black sludge dripping from his body onto the floor and his pants. “What the… eww, what is this, Professor?"

Shadewood chuckled. “The fire of a Flame Lotus has the property to purify everything it touches when used properly, so what you’re seeing and smelling are the impurities your body has absorbed over the years.” While the professor spoke, he retrieved a white shirt from his storage ring and hung it over the desk chair. “Go shower before we continue, and I have prepared this shirt for you.”

Daniel glanced at the shirt his teacher had prepared. “How did you know my size?”

“I wouldn’t be a good professor if I didn’t know the size of my representative,” he replied with a chuckle. Now, quickly wash yourself; the smell makes me nauseous.” While talking, the professor walked towards the door and activated the clear air rune, and the smoke that hovered near the ceiling began to disappear slowly.

After getting back on his feet, Daniel rushed towards the attached bathroom of his laboratory.

….

After washing off all the impurities from his body, Daniel entered the lab and put on the shirt Shadewood had prepared. He hadn't taken it to the bathroom because his hands were dirty from the black sludge.

While closing his shirt buttons, he noticed that Shadewood had cleaned the room, put the stone table back in its original place, and arranged the small metal plates and the pouch of morning dew stones on his desk.

Meanwhile, Shadewood was sitting on the oversized chair he had bought, holding a strange black cube composed of smaller segmented cubes. Some segments floated up, spun around the cube's axis, then slowly floated into an opening and settled into a new spot. After a few seconds, he noticed Daniel and looked up from the black cube. “Come, take a seat. I want to talk about the changes your body has undergone due to absorbing the essence of the Fire Lotus and reflect on what you have accomplished so far.” The professor gestured to a chair before looking down at the cube again.

After sitting on his desk chair, Daniel slowly rocked back and forth, waiting for the professor to finish his work with the strange cube. “What is that?” he asked quietly.

Shadewood looked up with a smile, and a glint of sadness filled the corners of his red eyes. “This is a puzzle one of my friends at the Qerith Royal Academy left behind for me before they passed.” While he spoke, all the segments flew out of the cube, leaving only a skeletal structure behind. “There’s a message hidden within it if you solve the puzzle.”

“So, what do you need to do to solve it?” Daniel asked.

One of the segments floated in front of Daniel's face, and he could see a thin, squiggly line running across every surface of the small cube.

“Do you see the line?” the professor asked.

Daniel nodded.

“All of the cubes have a red line running across them. I guess I need to form a symbol using them, but everything I have tried so far hasn’t worked.” As he spoke, all the cubes floated back into the skeletal case and formed the “open” rune.

“Even the runes I can form with these lines don’t work,” Shadewood sighed. “But enough, let's talk.” The cube disappeared from his hand, and the professor turned his chair toward Daniel.

“The first and most noticeable change you underwent, and have already noticed, is the refinement and reinforcement of your mana veins. This is due to the fire cleansing your body of every impurity, something you would have needed to do once you were about to reach the third tier. But that won't be required since you have already done it now. The cleansing of impurities brings a lot of benefits, though. Your spells will cast faster and be more potent due to less resistance in your pathways. However, your mana veins are still relatively weak compared to second-tiered mages.”

“You'll also get tired less quickly, improving your overall health. The impurities in your body hinder your energy flow and make you more susceptible to fatigue and illness. With your body purified, your stamina and energy are noticeably better.”

Daniel nodded, absorbing the information. He could already feel the difference in his body, but hearing the specifics made it all the more real.

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Shadewood continued, “Additionally, your mana recovery rate will increase. It's a tremendous advantage, especially for someone at your level.”

“Wow,” Daniel said, marvelling at the changes. “I didn't realise the Flame Lotus would have such profound effects.”

Shadewood smiled. “It's a rare and powerful flower, and you've handled it well. I'm proud of you, Daniel. There have been cases where mages have acquired a new skill, absorbing the Flame lotus. Check your status since you might have received skills, too!”

Daniel nodded and opened his status screen:

Name: Daniel von Mios

Level: 10

Class: [Elemental Mage] Level 10

Attributes:

Strength: 39

Dexterity: 40

Intelligence: 67

Constitution: 41 [+11!]

Charisma: 17

Mana: 64 [+23!]

Free Attribute Points: 24

Skills:

[Abyssal Bolt] Level 8

[Basic Woodworking] Level 9

[Eldritch Knowledge] Level 11

[Eye of Minor Insight] Level 4

[Fire Bolt] Level 15 [+3!]

[Reading Comprehension] Level 10

[Sword Handling] Level 5

[Wood Carving] Level 11

[Writing] Level 8

[Ignisian] Level 1 [NEW!]

Traits:

[Fire Resistance] Level 1 [NEW!]

[Lesser Calm Mind] Level 14

[Low-Light Adaptation] Level 6

[Nimble Fingers] Level 5

[Bloodline: Not Awakened]

[Summons:]

[Gnarl] Level 4

[Abyssal Noble System] [!]

Daniel let out a small celebration. “I got a new skill and a trait!”

Shadewood looked up with interest. “A new skill and a trait? That's impressive, Daniel. What did you get?”

Daniel beamed. “I got the Ignisian skill and Fire Resistance as a trait!”

Shadewood's glasses glowed slightly with a faint blue before he nodded knowingly. “Ah, Fire Resistance. That's one of the best forms of fire resistance you could have gained besides the absolute version, but that's almost a myth since this trait hasn't been documented in 500 years.”

Daniel looked puzzled at the Professor. “There are different types of fire resistance?”

“Yes, let me clarify the different variants of fire resistance. The Slight Fire Resistance is the most common, offering minor protection from flames and heat. It would allow you to handle small flames and embers with minimal risk. The upgraded version is major fire resistance, which provides more substantial protection, allowing you to withstand stronger fires and basic fire spells from novice mages with minimal injury at max level.” The professor said while small flames began running in a circle around them

“But! You've gained fire resistance, which offers the highest level of protection and has a higher potential level cap. It will significantly reduce the harm from most fire-related dangers.”

Daniel nodded while he eyed the flames swirling around the pair. “So, this trait offers the best protection?”

“Yes,” Shadewood confirmed. “But stay vigilant and continue to develop your skills. And never rely on a resistance trait, especially at the lower levels of your resistance. I have seen many great people make and pay for this mistake dearly. Let me demonstrate. Expose the skin of your left arm.”

Daniel unbuttoned the cuff of his shirt and raised the sleeve, exposing his skin.

Shadewood nodded, “Now, don’t be scared; I won't harm you.” The flames started slowly floating towards Daniel’s arm.

When some of the flames finally touched his skin, it felt weird. He felt the flame's heat, which normally would hurt him, but now it just tickled.

“See, you can resist these flames for now, but if I were to do this,” Shadewood flicked his finger, and a dark red flame appeared floating in the air in front of the professor. The flame slowly moved towards Daniel’s arm. “This should hurt you slightly,” Shadewood said sadly.

Before Daniel could question the words his teacher just said, one of the dark red flames made contact with his skin, and an intense pain began from the spot the flame made contact and headed straight through his arm and into his spine, eventually reaching his brain. He screamed, and Shadewood instantly cancelled the flame and applied a healing scroll on Daniel’s arm.

Shadewood looked Daniel in the eyes with a pained expression. “Please forgive me, but I do not want to lose a bright student like you due to your arrogance and overreliance on a trait.”

After a few seconds, the pain stopped, and Daniel looked Shadewood in the eyes, taking a moment to reflect. “I… I understand your intentions, and I understand now why I shouldn't blindly rely on a trait and instead should have other measures in place for my security. But did it have to hurt as much as it did? And what was that flame?”

Shadewood’s expression softened further. “I’m sorry for the pain, Daniel, but sometimes a harsh lesson leaves a lasting impression.”

The professor flicked his finger, and the dark red flame reappeared again, hovering above his hand. “The flame I used is a fire skill I acquired from a skill orb as a reward after defeating a powerful dungeon boss. The skill is called Infernal Ember. This flame penetrates through defences and directly affects the target’s nerves, causing intense pain.”

Daniel's eyes widened. “A skill orb from a dungeon boss? I didn’t know such powerful abilities could be obtained that way.”

“Yes, skill orbs are rare and powerful artefacts that can grant skills or traits, but they are sometimes found as a reward when you defeat a dungeon boss, although super rare. Such rewards are typically kept secret or sold in exclusive auctions inaccessible to the general public. Only those with the right connections or considerable wealth can obtain them.” Shadewood said while standing up

“For instance, I received the Infernal Ember from a skill orb as a reward for clearing the Volcano Dungeon on Emberpeak Island. It was the third time we cleared it before we got some decent rewards, while the party that cleared it before us got lucky and found some good equipment on their first run. Atlas, we got decent rewards in the end,” Shadewood said while cancelling the flame that was hovering above his palm. “Now you know you shouldn't rely on the trait; instead, focus on your defences and magic. You should consider what artefacts and magic you can use in the future if you encounter an enemy with a skill like mine.”

Daniel absorbed the information, his mind racing. “So, I should start looking into these options soon?”

“Yes, but don’t rush. You'll learn more about this in your second semester. The first semester primarily focuses on understanding your awakened class and mastering mana manipulation. As you enter your second semester, you’ll get more detailed classes on artefact crafting, procurement, and integration into your combat strategy. By your second year, you’ll better grasp what you need and how to use it effectively.”

“What about artefacts found in dungeons?” Daniel asked. “Are they also that rare?”

Shadewood nodded. “Indeed, artefacts found in dungeons can be compelling and unique. They are often guarded by formidable creatures or hidden behind intricate puzzles, making them difficult to obtain. However, the rewards are worth the effort. These artefacts can range from weapons and armour to enchanted items that grant various abilities or enhancements. It's important to remember that dungeons can be cleared multiple times and don’t disappear after being conquered, although you should know this already.”

The professor stretched his back before continuing, “You'll learn more about that in your second and third semesters before you actually venture into one during the fourth semester. Don’t worry, you won't go into a high-ranked dungeon, and professors will be there to guarantee your safety.”

Daniel's eyes glinted excitedly as he heard the news about a potential dungeon dive. “That sounds amazing. I can’t wait! But where should I look for artefacts if I want to get some in the meantime?

“There are several ways,” Shadewood explained. “Auctions often have rare and powerful items up for bid, though they can be pricey and are typically for the elite. Markets such as the monthly market at the academy and merchants in cities usually have a selection of enchanted goods, but they are generally of lesser quality; if you want to buy an artefact of decent quality, you should visit a branch of the major merchant companies such as the company of Lucia’s family.”

Daniel could feel the VIP pass burning in his nearly empty storage ring. He couldn't wait to visit the merchant company and do some shopping.

Shadewood placed a reassuring hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “Remember, this is a journey. You’re making excellent progress, and with the right tools and knowledge, you’ll become a formidable mage. Keep an open mind and always be prepared to adapt. And remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Slow and steady makes for a great foundation, enabling you to climb higher than someone who rushes through his classes.”

Daniel smiled. “Thank you, Professor.”

“Good. Now, let’s continue with your analysis of our raid on the rodent’s nest. There’s much more to learn.” Shadewood said.

Daniel retrieved the papers he had prepared the previous night from his storage ring. As he placed them on the desk, an envelope containing Lucia’s dad's letter slipped out between the pages.