Chapter 66: Beginning of the martial era
Victor spent the next 40 hours immersed in comprehension. During that period, he continuously studied the intermediate elemental spells recorded within his grimoire. Thanks to Unparalleled Comprehension, what would normally require decades of study and practice was reduced to mere hours.
Water, Earth, Metal, Wind. One after another, the intermediate spells belonging to the four elemental paths revealed their secrets before him.
When the process finally ended, he had comprehended fourty intermediate spells. His mastery over the eight elements had been completed. A transparent screen appeared before him.
[Combat Prowess: 1150 Stars]
Victor slowly exhaled. The increase in power was substantial. More importantly, his understanding of elemental laws had deepened significantly. Every spell he learned became another stepping stone toward higher levels of magical mastery.
Now there was only two things left: Space and Time. Victor looked toward the remaining sections of the grimoire. Compared to ordinary elemental magic, these two paths were fundamentally different. Even Victor felt a trace of anticipation.
His gaze settled on the Space Element section. Only three intermediate spells were currently available: Space Sense, Pocket Storage, and Gravity Distortion. Victor carefully studied the descriptions.
Among them, Space Sense immediately caught his attention. Mana Sense allowed a mage to perceive mana fluctuations and detect living beings or magical energy, but Space Sense operated on an entirely different levels. The spell enabled the caster to perceive distortions within space itself. Objects hidden behind spatial concealment techniques could be detected, dimensional fluctuations could be sensed, and even invisible spatial passages would become visible to the caster. In many situations, it was vastly superior to Mana Sense. Victor nodded slightly. "This is useful."
His attention shifted toward the second spell: Pocket Storage. The concept appeared simple, but the more Victor studied it, the more impressive it became. The spell allowed a caster to create storage spaces using spatial energy. What made it extraordinary was its flexibility. Storage rings were normally expensive treasures that required rare materials and specialized craftsmen. Pocket Storage eliminated that requirement entirely. A stone could become a storage item, a coin could become a storage item, and even a grain of sand could theoretically contain a storage space if the caster possessed sufficient mastery. The spell functioned at a molecular level. Victor immediately recognized its value. With enough skill, he would never need a conventional storage artifact again. Right now he could create only 100 cubic meter storage.
Finally, he examined Gravity Distortion. A thoughtful expression appeared on his face. This spell manipulated spatial curvature to alter gravitational force. The caster could increase or decrease gravity by up to ten times. Although the description seemed straightforward, Victor instantly saw countless possibilities. Ten times gravity could crush enemies into the ground, reducing gravity could cripple movement and throw opponents off balance, and changing gravitational pressure during combat could completely disrupt an enemy’s rhythm. It was an excellent battlefield control spell. "Good," Victor muttered.
His eyes slowly closed, and the room became silent once more. Previously, comprehending a basic space spell had required approximately three hours. Intermediate spells were significantly more complicated. Victor wanted to know exactly how difficult space magic truly was. His consciousness sank into the endless ocean of knowledge contained within the grimoire.
One day later, a familiar voice echoed within his mind.
[Ding! Unparalleled Comprehension Activated.]
[Ding! Intermediate Space Element Spell Comprehended.Space Sense Successfully Learned.]
Victor slowly opened his eyes. A faint spatial ripple flashed across his pupils before disappearing. Immediately, his perception transformed. The world around him seemed completely different. He could sense the subtle structure of space itself. Every object occupied a specific location within reality, every movement created minute disturbances, and even the empty air around him no longer appeared truly empty.
Victor remained silent for several moments, then glanced at the clock. One full day. A single intermediate space spell had required an entire day of comprehension. Compared to ordinary elemental magic, the difference was enormous. "One day, huh?" he muttered. A thoughtful expression appeared on his face. If space required this much effort, then Time Magic would likely be even more difficult.
Just as he was considering the matter, a communicator resting nearby suddenly activated. Arthur’s voice emerged from the device. "Victor, are you free? I have already established the academy and selected more than five hundred elite candidates as you requested."
Victor looked toward the communicator. A small smile appeared on his face. After spending so much time in isolation, he felt that a brief break would not hurt. He stood from his seat. "I am coming out." The communication ended. Soon afterward, Victor left his cultivation room.
At the center of the Moon Empire stood a newly constructed complex. The structure covered an enormous area and possessed an imposing presence. Large silver letters were engraved above the main entrance: Royal Martial Academy. This was the first martial academy in the history of the new civilization. Its creation represented the beginning of an entirely new cultivation system for humanity.
When Victor appeared outside the academy, the guards immediately straightened their backs. Their expressions became respectful. After all, Victor was not merely the founder—he was currently the only person alive who fully understood martial cultivation. "Greetings, Headmaster," the guards bowed respectfully. Victor nodded before entering the academy grounds.
Arthur was already waiting inside. A smile appeared on his face when he saw Victor arrive. "You have come."
Victor nodded. Arthur continued, "The students are all waiting. Would you like to speak with them?" Victor looked at him. "Have you explained martial cultivation to them?" Arthur shook his head. "Not in detail. They only know that it offers a path to power even for those without elemental affinities. Since I am not fully familiar with the system, I decided not to explain further."
Victor approved of the decision. "Very well." He glanced around the academy. "Gather the administrative members first. We need to establish the entire framework before the students begin training." Arthur immediately nodded. "They are already waiting."
The two walked deeper into the academy. Several minutes later, they entered a large meeting room. More than twenty individuals were present. Victor immediately sensed powerful mana fluctuations. Most were accomplished mages, some possessed the aura of warriors, and others carried the subtle presence of trained assassins. The moment Victor entered, everyone stood. "Greetings, Sir Victor." Victor nodded politely. "Hello, everyone."
Once everyone sat down, the meeting officially began. Victor looked around the room. "Let us start with the academy structure." Everyone focused their attention on him. "We will divide the martial cultivation system into three tiers."
The room became completely silent. "The first tier will cover Apprentice through Adept. This tier will be available to everyone." Several administrators exchanged surprised glances. Victor continued calmly. "The second tier will cover Elite through Epic." His gaze swept across the room. "Only individuals who successfully complete the first tier will gain access. Furthermore, they will need to purchase the second tier using their own resources." Many people nodded. Such a requirement made sense—higher cultivation methods possessed enormous value.
Then Victor spoke again. "The third tier will be Sage." A visible change appeared in everyone’s expressions. "Sage level will be reserved exclusively for the greatest geniuses. However, I do not expect humanity to produce such an individual within the next ten years." The statement stunned the room. Most of them had no understanding of martial cultivation. The idea that someone without elemental affinity could eventually reach Sage level completely shattered their previous assumptions.
After several moments, one board member slowly stood. "Sir Victor, may I ask a question?"
Victor nodded. "Go ahead." The man hesitated briefly before speaking. "Can people like us cultivate the martial system as well?" Instantly, every pair of eyes turned toward Victor. This was the question everyone wanted answered.
Victor remained calm. "It is possible." The room immediately became excited. However, Victor raised a hand. "But there is a serious risk." Everyone became silent again. "Mana cultivation and martial cultivation follow different systems. Attempting to advance both simultaneously can create conflicting energies within the body." His voice became more serious. "If that happens, you may die."
The excitement instantly cooled. Victor continued. "You can either stop advancing through your current magical path and focus on martial cultivation, or remain on your current path." Silence filled the room.
Then, unexpectedly, several people stood. Their eyes burned with determination. One elderly mage stepped forward. "Sir, please consider opening the system to awakened individuals as well." Victor looked at him. The old man continued. "There are thousands of people who become trapped in the Third Realm for their entire lives. Many of them would gladly accept the risk if it meant another chance to become stronger." The remaining administrators immediately nodded.
Victor understood their feelings. For countless individuals, advancement had become impossible. Martial cultivation represented hope. After several moments of thought, Victor finally replied. "We will observe the results of the first batch before making a final decision." Relief immediately appeared on their faces. The elderly mage bowed deeply. "Thank you, Sir Victor." Victor simply nodded.
Then his expression became serious. "Now we can begin preparations." Everyone straightened immediately. Victor looked around the room. "Collect five hundred Adept Realm monsters."
