I wonder if my Master knows… Thought Glenn Courtwell, Dario’s younger brother, Lord Vicegerent’s Apprentice. Seated high above the heavens, Holy Manalum, the giant crystal castle is where Glenn is often gazing down below. An action reminiscent of his Master where Jinn would often gaze upon the world of Soa. He probably does. Glenn continued thinking.

He was thinking if his Master would know that Glenn had once been lost in a time spell. It happened during the climax of the Omen Campaign when Glenn was kidnapped by the Coalition Army and was subject to torture and arcanic experimentation. Back then, there were Archmages in the enemies’ armies that combined their Arcane prowess to send people into the future and back to the present. However, such a spell had taken the lives of the Archmages who attempted such a grand ceremony. Glenn Courtwell was one of the few who were sent to the future. Dario was 12 years old at the time, making Glenn close to a young child.

Out of all that the war had sustained the Courtwell family, this is one of the top two that brings anguish to Dario’s heart, the fact that he could not save his younger brother from going through such trauma. Still, those experiences gave glimpses of what Glenn had witnessed. What he had witnessed was a lifetime of him getting old and learning many secrets that the future showed.

Looking at his hand, a swirl of energy began to form around like a sphere. At last, I have ascended. Thanks to the knowledge of future events, Glenn broke the record in world history of the youngest person to ever achieve the Mystic Realm at 14 years of age. Faster than I anticipated. The future that Glenn had seen was a version of the future in which the Lord Vicegerent was not present.

“You remind me of your older brother. Gazing upon creation is a favorite pastime of his, is it not, young master?” Veda enlarged his holographic image to the size of a fully grown human. The butler was referring to the hobby that Jinn enjoys from time to time.

Chuckle. Glenn slightly smiled, “I was reflecting on how things have developed so much in a short amount of time.”

Veda began to serve the young apprentice coffee while he continued with the conversation. “Pray tell.”

Glenn went on and talked about the events from the beginning. When his Master made his first appearance in the desolate village of the Omen Nation was when he thought that the time spell that sent him to the future may have been a grand illusion spell because Jinn was not seen at all in the version that Glenn was sent to. What he had seen was a future of prosperity and redemption for the Omen people. Most importantly, Glenn had knowledge of the chi cultivation technique that can save him from his terminal illness.

Anyhow, shortly after the announcement when Jinn decreed that Dario would be his disciple, Glenn was also given a similar position. Officially, it is uncommon to take more than one disciple or successor. However, Jinn did not bequeath all of his power to a single person, Dario has inherited the Heavenly Demon Aura, and the Soul Buster. The other half was given to Glenn and he was blessed with quantum nanomachine infusion and the privilege of using the technology in Jinn’s possession. With all this said, one half is equal to the other, but Dario is the true successor to the position of the Vicegerent. On the other hand, it was always intended for Glenn to fully inherit Jinn’s martial arts and technology and not that of the Vicegerent.

Anyhow, Jinn knew what he was doing when he appointed Dario as his disciple and Glenn as his apprentice. One would be known in public while the other was hidden in the shadows, a yin-yang philosophy relating to Taoist/Daoist wisdom. Just like how two moons are orbiting around the planet, Soa, Lord Vicegerent will also exercise the right of having two successors.

“So you can perceive wisdom at this level? You barely have a speck of hair on your chin, young master. It will truly be a marvelous era for the Omen Sect to have such a person like you.” Veda praised the young apprentice for grasping the intention behind Jinn’s actions.

And so, Glenn continued with his trustworthy confidant, telling the events that have occurred. The announcement for Dario’s discipleship was made public, however, Glenn was made in the shadows. Only Elder Saru, Hades, Dario, and Jinn were the ones present at the time. It was also when Jinn gave his young apprentice the option of being like him, to fuse with quantum nanomachines. In addition, Glenn was told that it would cure him of his terminal illness, Taeyang-Jichae. At the time, Glenn had secretly cultivated the chi cultivation method he knows from the future like the back of his hand and practiced ever since being rescued from captivity. He knew that once the seeds were planted and the foundation was built in his Dantian, then he knew it was a matter of time before a reverse effect would take place that would be a sign of being cured. Even then, Glenn did not hesitate to accept the mysterious power that Jinn has yet to show to the world.

Moving forward, Dario and Glenn were trained together from the beginning. The bulk of the time was spent personally being taught by Jinn while receiving guidance from Veda, Elder Saru, and Hades. Additionally, thanks to the virtual training technology in Jinn’s possession made it easier to instill the basics. With that said, it was meant to progress Dario and Glenn into seasoned veterans at a young age. Shortly, when the time came for Dario to be sent to missions, Glenn remained with Jinn for further training. It was at this moment that the young apprentice would learn the martial arts of The Angel of Death, Malak.

***

In the beginning, it was hard to comprehend the weapons that Jinn would use in battle or even the strange “technology” altogether was the thoughts of Glenn. Fortunately, there was a specific piece of machine that enabled time to compress by factors called the Holographic Virtual Chamber. It was a machine that helped with everything that was needed for Glenn to understand the technology that humans use on Earth. Additionally, there are memory sequences that can view other people’s memories like recordings. In this case, Glenn was allowed to view Jinn’s life at certain times.

After learning all that was needed, Dario was facing Deluc at this time. Half a year spent in the Holographic Virtual Chamber was equivalent to the time when Dario first entered the tomb. The results produced a young rising star, truthfully, a monster had been born.

Glenn Courtwell Lvl. 44

Class: Peak Realm

5th Class Mage

Main Job: High Sorcerer

Sub-job: Quantum Engineer

Sub-job: Mystic Archer

Titles: Lord Vicegerent’s Apprentice (sealed)

One-Winged Angel (passive)

Night King/King of Night (equipped)

HP: 5521

MP: 659

AP: 2970

STR: 308

DEF: 307

INT: 311

WIS: 320

SPR: 305

VIT: 400

DEX: 302

SPD: 303

LCK: 50

Evasion rate: 50%

Critical chance: 75%

It was only a matter of time before the young apprentice would attain the “Master Class,” an individual who crossed into the Transcendence Realm. All that was needed was to gain real-life actual experiences. Given the fact that Glenn was in perpetual space for a long time, it was good to be out in the world again. Spending too much in a room where time and space are compressed and manipulated may harm the psyche of the young apprentice, therefore, there was a halt to the Holographic Virtual Chamber due to that fact. Still, the results were impressive enough to surprise Jinn.

Immediately, Glenn received missions during the night to “clean” the area surrounding Mount Tian and Hollow World. By “clean,” it is a tactful way of saying “to kill,” or “to assassinate,” would be the true intention of missions such as this. For the most part, bandits were near the Omen Village and monsters were festering near roads used by travelers and wayfarers.

Glenn wasted no time erasing the bandits near his home. Unlike Dario who prefers to fight physically, Glenn had always dreamed of mastering the arcane before fighting like a warrior. Now that his terminal illness has long been cured, his development as a mage was outstanding. So much so, that attaining 5 Arcane Circles around the heart was something only Tower Masters could achieve outside of the Omen Sect. Glenn’s arcane power was more than an actual 5th Class he had already mastered numerous schools of magic such as Destruction, Illusion, and Restoration.

The way that the Omen Nation has always guided and trained mages was an education in numerous “schools” of magic. One of them is the School of Destruction. It is a school of magic that focuses on offensive spells. And, of course, the higher the affinity it is for the user with each corresponding element, the higher the damage rate it produces. In Glenn’s case, his stats show it all.

Elemental Affinity:

Fire Attribute: SSS

Ice Attribute: EX

Wind Attribute: SS

Earth Attribute: S

Water Attribute: S

White Attribute (White Magic): SSS Black Attribute (Black Magic): SSS Blue Attribute (Blue Magic): S Dragon Language/Tongue: S

His preferred tactic is similar to Jinn’s ways of killing the likes of bandits. However, he is pressed for time so efficiency is the key factor in mopping up trash. So, Glenn decided to wipe out bandit hideouts with extreme veracity.

Hanging far above the sky, the spell, Fly, was maintaining the position of the young apprentice. In the same breath, the spell, Invisibility, was also being maintained, albeit, being silently cast every once in a while. Thanks to the mastery of the Illusion School, Silent Casting ensures that all spells are silent to others. It was a deadly perk that allows Mages to get the jump in most situations. In Glenn’s case, his favorite thing to do when dealing with bandits was skewering them with the spell, Icy Strike.

Arcane Spells: [Icy Strike] -Hails large razor icicles at the enemy. Rank: 9th-tier Proficiency: 90%

Hundreds of spears of spiky ice were hurled toward the bandits.

Swoosh! The speed of those ice spears flew fast like a speeding bullet.

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Sounds of ice-piercing flesh. The outcome was like as if a crime scene occurred where long ice spears pierced the heads, chests, and other body parts of bandits. It took less than 5 seconds to eliminate those guarding the outside of their hideouts without raising the alarm. Indeed, hunting for Glenn has changed since when he can only fight physically. And so, the young apprentice went inside the cave in the mountainous region surrounding the Omen Village to butcher those who do not belong in their territory.

***

A few days passed by and the young apprentice cleared more than 15 bandit encampments and several boss-level monsters prowling the roads at night in the region to and from the Omen Village and Hollow World. Although he had reached quite a high level, Glenn never had enough time to properly ascend to the Transcendence Realm due to practicing the arcane. Fortunately, there were a lot of monsters before defeating the boss monsters prowling the roads during the night. He had plenty of opportunities to fight physically which he did for the sake of attaining that prestigious, Master Class.

“You’ve returned, young master,” said Veda. Aboard the ship, The Regalia, Glenn was ready to ascend to the next realm of martial arts. “Veda, please prepare the Holo Chamber,” replied Glenn.

(Author’s note: shortened the Holographic Virtual Chamber.)

“Why the rush, young master, would it not be fine to rest?” Veda rebutted, advising the young apprentice for a change of pace from his current routine.

Mhmm… Glenn lightly smiled. “I appreciate your candor, Veda, then after my ascension, please have a cup of coffee freshly brewed.

The butler lightly chuckled in response. “What would you like for refreshment, young master?”

“That Mocha drink.”

“Very well,” My god, such resolve at that age and the conviction in his eyes.

“My brother has entered Hollow World for major ‘cleaning’. Once he moves on, I will have to shave the monster population from 50% to 25% which will take a long time, even for me,” the young apprentice deduced.

“Correct. Very astute of you, young master. It has not been long since you were assigned such missions, yet, you understand the grand scheme of things,” Veda praised the young apprentice for being quick on the uptake. Once Dario was finished with his business at Hollow World, war preparation would soon come right after. Glenn could not afford to lose one second.

Making his way to the decadent piece of art, the futuristic yacht that catches all eyes, there is a room where a portable Holo Chamber is installed. Glenn intends to use that room to further level his chi cultivation method, the future breathing technique that he acquired by drinking a lost alchemical concoction potion. With it, the Divine Ether Rebirth of Earthen Body is attained and can absorb all kinds of energies (chi). Technically, Glenn is still afflicted with the Taeyang-Jichae, which constantly drains the user to have 0 MP, now, the reverse will occur once a certain stage is met.

They say that a person’s body transforms to the will of the user, meaning that if a martial artist wishes to have a body purely for combat, then the body will acquiesce to that will. Big bro crossed to the Transcendence Realm when he ingested a Rainbow Pill.

Glenn had handed Dario several Rainbow Birds before they would head out for their missions. The young apprentice had chance encounters with a few of them and he managed to slew all of them while doing missions cleaning the roads at night and clearing bandit hideouts. Dario understood and produced 3 Legendary-Rated Rainbow Pills and 2 EX-Rated Rainbow Pills. Glenn gave Dario 2 Legendary Rated Rainbow Pills as thanks.

Sitting in a lotus-style breathing form, Glenn looked at the EX Rainbow Pill. It was a concoction so pure, that it can only be refined by one of the most talented alchemists. Unlike Glenn who was only an expert in the School of Alchemy, Dario had been an established master for years. No one else was more qualified for the job.

Items: Rainbow Pill

-Created from the mysterious Enigmatic Bird, Rainbow Bird. Concocted in a facility that enabled the most refined chi pill to be produced.

Rated: EX

-Increases chi by 200 years.

-A significant chance a “boon” may be achieved after ingesting the pill.

-(unsealed) A major chance a random “body trait” will be given to the user.

To those who don’t know, a “body trait” is like Dario’s Complete Diamond Body Modification or the Twin Veins of Control. And, a “boon,” can be considered something like a “Title,” or even an abnormal blessing.

Gulp. Glenn ingested the pill and began circulating his quantum-natured chi around the Rainbow Pill as it slowly digests within his body. The strange thing about having quantum nanomachines is the production of energy is phenomenal. He was already at a point where his MP/AP was comparable to the size of an ocean.

I can’t let a single ounce of chi leave this body no matter what. Kugh! The young apprentice spat blood out as he guided the energy from the Rainbow Pill to every neurotic nerve while simultaneously guiding chi points. Certain boons were added as well thanks to the speed that the energy was being guided in each blood vessel. At this rate, with his talent, Glenn would be guaranteed a mastery over the Twin Veins of Control and half Body Modification. It could be said that his knowledge of the future played a great role in experiencing how to control mana in such an efficient manner. Finally, I love it when a plan works out. Glenn fell unconscious. Before hitting his head on the ground, Veda saved him and placed the young apprentice on a bed in the medical bay.

***

The door unlocked and the appearance of Glenn came into view. “Well, well, not only have you achieved the Master Class, but you have also entered the prestige of an Archmage. Congratulations are due, young master,” Veda congratulated Glenn for doing more than what was originally planned.

Glenn grinned. “A Complete Twin Veins of Control, half of a Body Modification, King of Day title, and 7 Arance Circles was more than what I could ever ask for.” It was a grin like a devil as if he had the entire world in the palm of his hands.

Glenn Courtwell Lvl. 66

Class: Transcendence Realm

7th Class Archmage

Main Job: Archmage

Sub-job: Quantum Engineer

Sub-job: Mystic Archer

Titles: Lord Vicegerent’s Apprentice (sealed)

One-Winged Angel (passive)

Night King/King of Night (equipped)

King of Day/Sunshine King (equipped)

HP: 9999

MP: 999

AP: 9999

STR: 850

DEF: 899

INT: 1023

WIS: 1030

SPR: 1080

VIT: 847

DEX: 911

SPD: 1592

LCK: 200

Evasion rate: 85%

Critical chance: 90%

Veda brought forth new equipment. “Gifted by your older brother and Master.” Glenn’s eyes locked on to the various gifts. “The time will come when they will personally come to congratulate you. Unfortunately, we are pressed for time and need you to undertake missions.” Understanding the situation at hand, Glenn inspected all the weapons and armor.

Name: Illiyin Grade: Legendary Artifact -A non-elemental sword forged by the Fair species. It is said that it was created to destroy and compete with the holy sword Sijjin that exists somewhere in the world. Name: Armageddon Grade: Soul Artifact -Crafted by Jinn and Dario, a collaboration of the best artisans on Soa. A pair of Soul Weapons inspired by the Soul Weapon, Soul Buster -Designed sleek and slender with gold inlays, silver greavings, and a platinum finish with a pearly white grip. -Soul Weapon activated when infusing Soul Magic into the soul saber. -Pairs with its twin, Ragnarok. Name: Ragnarok Grade: Soul Artifact -Crafted by Jinn and Dario, a collaboration of the best artisans on Soa. A pair of Soul Weapons inspired by the Soul Weapon, Soul Buster -Designed sleek and slender with gold inlays, silver greavings, and a platinum finish with a pearly white grip. -Soul Weapon activated when infusing Soul Magic into the soul saber. -Pairs with its twin, Armageddon.

(Author’s note: In design, both are similar to a lightsaber. The original intention of the creation of the weapon was made to mock the Arcadian Empire by their national colors of gold, silver, and platinum. Insulting their arrogance and superficial beliefs and delusions of grandeur. Even its name is meant to be a reminder of their inevitable demise.)

Lord Apprentice Cape - Woven similar to Dario’s “Mantle of the Disciple” cape. A magical robe that covers all but the right side of the body, leaving space for the left arm and silhouette to be visible. There is platinum woven at the edges detailing leaves and a red insignia on the back. Overall, a cape or robe is often depicted as the standard clothing for Omen Sect members. A sense of refined elegance is seen whenever someone looks upon it. Rank: Mythological Type: Cape Restriction: Glenn only

Effects:

+1000 MP

+10000 AP

-50% cost reduction on MP/AP

+250% HP & MP regeneration

Archmage Robes - An Arcane sleeveless robe that belonged to Dario. Was modified and upgraded over time and has several different changes to its look. The collar of the garment is lined with fur and the hood grants the enchantment of “hide mana presence,” and “complete incognito.” Essentially, the aesthetic of the robes was to adorn a cross between an Archmage and a Martial Artist. Rank: Mythological Type: Robes Restriction: Glenn only

Effects:

+500 MP

-Doubles spell damage

Gauntlet and Glove of the Archmagus - A razor-sharp gauntlet made out of a magically infused ebony material. A mastery of both magical and physical creation. Worn on the right hand.

-The Black Glove is of simple design and is banded with straps. Worn on the left hand and the fingers are exposed halfway through.

Rank: Mythological Type: Light Gloves Restriction: Glenn only

Effects:

+100 Magic

+120 MP

+increases elemental affinity by 100%

Archmagus’ Ascension - Razor-sharp boots made out of a magically infused ebony material. A mastery of both magical and physical creation. Plates that bring wonders to the eyes as if a sliver of midnight was worn. Rank: Mythological Type: Light Boots Restriction: Glenn only

Effects:

+180 Magic

+110 MP

+increases White, Black, and Blue affinity by 100%

Immediately, as soon as the armor and weapons were equipped, the effects made Glenn several times more powerful. “Amazing,” the young apprentice said. Veda had a proud look on his face with his trimmed mustache slightly curving. The holographic butler brought out a scroll that contained the holy orders of Lord Vicegerent. Glenn kneeled as if knowing what was to be expected. “The Lord Vicegerent orders the newly born Master Class, Lord Apprentice, to reduce the population of the monster infestation to 25% of the total sum. Time limit is imposed and must be done before the Meloirean Conquest. You are permitted to command members of the Omen Sect.”

“I accept the holy decree,” replied Glenn. With cold eyes shrouded with conviction and resolve, the One-Winged Angel was born.