"You both have done very well."
Under the watchful eyes of all the members of the Akabane clan, Akabane Kuukan praised his two sons, standing before him.
"Tenzen has already reached the sixth tier of a mage, and given time, reaching the ultimate eighth tier of a mage will surely be no problem. Narugami, you are also impressive. Although your mage level is lower than Tenzen's, your precision in technique is even higher."
Indeed, while Rozen is currently only at the fourth tier of a mage compared to Tenzen's sixth tier, as Tenzen previously mentioned, a mage's level represents only the difficulty and height, not necessarily the strength.
Imagine if Rozen's "Telekinesis" could manipulate an entire mountain and hurl it towards Tenzen, would Tenzen be able to handle it?
The answer is no.
Thus, while higher mage levels indicate greater power, lower levels do not necessarily mean weakness.
These eight tiers are merely eight types of magical skills; some individuals who have mastered only one of them are already invincible, while others who have learned all eight are still often defeated by lower-level opponents.
Even mages can selectively learn these skills based on their own circumstances.
For example, Rozen could easily skip the fifth tier and directly learn the sixth-tier skill, "Heaven's eye," and it would be completely feasible.
In summary, while Tenzen's mage level is higher than Rozen's, Rozen is stronger than Tenzen in all four skills: "Telekinesis," "Spiritual Vision," "Rigid Body," and "Magic Resistance." Overall, Rozen's strength is higher, so he naturally wouldn't lose to Tenzen.
Of course, Tenzen is by no means weak either. His "Telekinesis" is at the level where he can simultaneously control ten puppets, leaving the clan members in awe.
However, Rozen's "Telekinesis" is even more exceptional than Tenzen's; if not for the lack of enough puppets, he could easily control twenty at once.
This point seems to have been noticed by Akabane Kuukan.
Thus, Akabane Kuukan is very satisfied with the performance of both his sons.
However...
"If only Raishin could be like you two."
Akabane Kuukan sighed slightly, with a hint of frustration.
Rozen also understands why Akabane Kuukan feels this way.
Akabane Raishin.
He is Akabane Kuukan's second son.
The same age as Rozen, both are ten years old this year.
However, compared to Rozen, Akabane Raishin appeared significantly weaker. Not only did he lack any talent in magic, but he also had little interest in the family's hereditary "Puppetry Technique." Instead, he was deeply fascinated by various martial arts, swordsmanship, and boxing. He even declared that he would find a master in the future to teach him and become a skilled martial artist.
This led to Akabane Kuukan feeling quite a headache and being helpless. Akabane Raishin was regarded as a waste by everyone in the clan and was often compared to Rozen and Akabane Tenzen, making everyone look down upon him.
On the other hand, Akabane Tenzen furrowed his brow slightly and ultimately chose to remain silent.
This wasn't because Akabane Tenzen didn't care about Akabane Raishin at all.
On the contrary, Akabane Tenzen genuinely cared a lot about Akabane Raishin.
It was precisely because he cared that Akabane Tenzen knew that no matter what he said, it would be inappropriate.
After all, he was the one who was compared to Akabane Raishin, contributing to his being looked down upon by the clan. Whatever he said would only turn into irony.
Thus, remaining silent was the best choice.
Naturally, Rozen made the same choice and stayed silent as well.
Akabane Kuukan adjusted his expression slightly and spoke to the two of them.
"Today's puppetry practice ends here. The next time we practice, I hope your skills will be more mature. The library is fully open to both of you, and you can come and go as you please."
This was an exceptionally good news.
In the Akabane clan's library, there were various secret techniques, manipulation methods, and even puppet-making techniques. For Rozen and Akabane Tenzen, it was like receiving precious rewards.
Both of them expressed their gratitude to Akabane Kuukan and then prepared to leave the training ground as per his signal.
Suddenly, as if Akabane Kuukan had thought of something, he hesitated for a moment and then spoke to Rozen.
"Nuragami, come to my room tonight."
Hearing this, Rozen was first surprised, but then nodded in acknowledgment. Following Akabane Tenzen, they both left the training ground.
...
As soon as they left the training ground, Rozen and Akabane Tenzen were surrounded by clan members, much like celebrities, and were entangled for quite a while before finally being set free.
After their release, the two of them walked together in the direction of the library.
On the way, Akabane Tenzen asked Rozen a question.
"Is there anything specific that Father wants to talk to you about tonight?"
Akabane Tenzen expressed his curiosity about it.
However...
"I'm just as clueless. I have no idea what it could be about."
Rozen shrugged, looking nonchalant.
"You..." Akabane Tenzen shook his head and said, "Since it's Father's request, you should take it seriously. It must be something very important."
"I know," Rozen replied casually, causing Akabane Tenzen to feel somewhat helpless.
To be honest, Akabane Tenzen quite liked Rozen.
Although they were not blood-related brothers, they had a relationship of competition and mutual improvement. They didn't interact much in their daily lives, but they never had any conflicts. As sworn brothers, they respected and cared for each other.
Thanks to this, Akabane Tenzen knew that Rozen might sound indifferent, but he would still take important matters seriously in his heart.
Having understood this, Akabane Tenzen didn't say much anymore and simply went with Rozen to the Akabane clan's library.
The library was located in the deepest part of the mansion's basement.
The air was slightly damp and a bit stuffy. Ordinary books would not be well-preserved in such conditions. However, this was a library of a mage family, and it was apparent that there was some magical barrier protecting the books here.
And indeed, that was the case.
At least, Rozen "saw" the presence of the barrier.
At this moment...
"I want to look at the books related to puppet-making. Narugami, what are you planning to read?" Akabane Tenzen asked as he picked up a book from one of the shelves.
Regarding this, Rozen hesitated for a moment and then suddenly stopped in front of a particular bookshelf.
On this bookshelf lay the most secretive collection of books within the Akabane clan, such as the tactical styles of the Akabane family, group magic techniques, and the methods of efficiently commanding multiple puppets in combat. All related books were kept here.
At the top of these books, there was an ancient volume that seemed to sit on a throne-like position.
Its name was " Crimson Wing Formation ".
-------- [ Crimson Wing Formation ]
As soon as the name of the book entered Rozen's field of vision, he almost didn't hesitate at all. He reached out and took it down from the shelf.
Beside him, Akabane Tenzen naturally noticed this scene, and when he saw the book in Rozen's hands, his eyebrows furrowed deeply.
"You're planning to read this one?" Akabane Tenzen asked with a deep frown.
Rozen replied without looking back, "For someone from the Akabane clan, isn't it natural to want to read this book?"
That's right.
Anyone from the Akabane clan would undoubtedly want to read this book.
Because...
"This is the Akabane clan's most significant, profound, and advanced secret art," Rozen said without hiding his desire for this secret art, his gaze fixed firmly on the book.
The book before him was the pinnacle of the Akabane clan's secrets, unparalleled in its significance.
And its nature was quite straightforward.
- "Magic Amplification."
In other words, it was a secret art that could enhance one's limited magic power and break through the limits.
It can convert the blood within a person's body into magical energy. After gathering and converging it tenfold, it is released through ten fingers, thereby increasing the user's magical output. The effect is so potent that it can even interfere with an opponent's magical circulation, akin to controlling them like a puppet on strings, stopping or controlling their actions.
Furthermore, if all ten "threads" are concentrated on a puppet controlled by the user, the puppet's output can be amplified tenfold, granting it a much stronger, terrifying, and astonishing power.
This technique is not merely about increasing strength. Its principle treats each of the ten fingers as a separate magician, as though ten magicians are simultaneously controlling a puppet. With sufficient mastery, it might even surpass the tenfold effect by a great margin.
As this secret art amplifies magical power tenfold, it demands strict control over one's own magical abilities. Additionally, due to the conversion of blood into magical energy, it consumes a significant amount of blood from the caster. Mishandling or excessive use could lead to excessive blood loss and death.
However, once mastered perfectly, even an ordinary magician would instantly become a formidable force capable of astonishing the world.
During the use of this secret art, the converted blood will be released as red mist resembling blood wings near the caster's shoulder blades, hence the name "Crimson Wing Formation."
This is the pride of the Akabane clan, a miraculous application of magical power, handed down through generations—an extraordinary technique. of magical manipulation almost like a miracle
-------- [ Miracle ]
The mere mention of this term was enough to captivate Rozen.
Moreover, if he could master the Crimson Wing Formation, his strength would undergo a tremendous transformation. It was important to note that the power of the familiars he summoned or the contracted servants depended on the Magus's magical energy output. The higher the Magus's magical energy output, the stronger the familiars and servants would be. While there might be limitations due to the nature of magical circuits and individual limits, the instantaneous output could still reach tenfold, leading to a substantial overall increase in strength.
Rozen was certain that if he possessed this secret technique during the Fuyuki City's Singularity, he wouldn't necessarily require Caster's assistance. With the not-yet-matured Mash, he could defeat Archer's servant or even take on Saber alone. With such potential, why wouldn't Rozen be drawn to this secret technique?
Since others in the Akabane clan had previously mentioned the remarkable aspects of the Crimson Wing Formation, Rozen had long yearned to learn it. Now that he finally had the opportunity to explore it, how could he pass it up?
However...
"To master the Crimson Wing Formation, you must possess the 'Crimson Wing Blood'," Akabane Tenzen gently reminded him.
The so-called 'Crimson Wing Blood' referred to the bloodline of the Akabane clan. Only members of the Akabane clan could learn this secret technique; for others, obtaining it would merely be a collection item.
And that naturally means...
"Without the 'Crimson Wing Blood,' you cannot learn this secret technique, Narugami," Akabane Tenzen reiterated, emphasizing the main obstacle to Rozen's desire to master the Crimson Wing Formation.
Indeed, the fact that Rozen was not a member of the Akabane clan but merely adopted by Akabane Kuukan was the greatest limitation to learning the Crimson Wing Formation, regardless of his remarkable talent. Knowing this, Rozen still did not give up on the secret technique because of its immense potential benefit.
For Rozen, who primarily relied on summoning familiars and contracting servants for combat, the most crucial resource was magical energy. If he could increase his magical energy, Rozen could summon more, stronger, and higher-level familiars or grant significant boosts to his contracted servants. This made the Crimson Wing Formation highly valuable to him compared to other more advanced and sophisticated magical techniques.
Thus, Rozen declared, "I will find another way."
Holding the Crimson Wing Formation grimoire, Rozen spoke to Akabane Tenzen, believing that there must be a solution to overcome the issue of his constitution.
"Isn't it just a matter of physicality? It's not impossible to change it, right?"
In his previous world, Rozen had heard from Roman that some magicians, in pursuit of prolonged research into magic, would disregard ethical principles and use magical means to transform themselves into beings with extended lifespans.
In other words, a person's constitution is not an absolute impossibility to change.
"Magic itself is a miracle, and no matter what, we must not give up," Rozen said as he patted the grimoire in his hands, his gaze becoming somewhat ominous as he looked at Akabane Tenzen.
"What are you trying to do?" Akabane Tenzen remained silent for a moment before asking, sensing a hint of foreboding.
And his intuition was correct.
"To fully replace the 'Crimson Wing Blood' and perform the Crimson Wing Formation, I need to thoroughly study the uniqueness of the 'Crimson Wing Blood,'" Rozen said with a mischievous smile, his ill intentions hardly hidden in his words.
After all, that's what it came down to, right?
"Brother, can you do me a small favor for the sake of my research? Contribute some blood to help me," Rozen's words made Akabane Tenzen immediately turn and walk away without a second thought.
Unfortunately, in the end, Akabane Tenzen couldn't leave and was pinned down by Rozen, rolling on the dirty ground.
When the two of them emerged from the library, Rozen had a flushed face, while Akabane Tenzen looked pale, seemingly floating on his steps.
//// ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ////
This scene baffled the other clan members.
Did the two young masters have an inexplicable relationship?
This incident spread among the Akabane clan and even reached Akabane Kuukan's ears, leaving him with a grim face, eventually summoning Rozen and Akabane Tenzen to give them a stern lecture.
Of course, that's a story for another time.
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