Apathy

The last page contained a warning

(Tread Carefully:

Unlocking the Abstract of Concealment may seem straightforward, but the method chosen can have profound effects on the practitioner's psyche.

Darkness Mana, being the antithesis of Light Mana, exudes coldness and apathy.

In rare instances, individuals with weaker mental fortitude, (AKA, a subpar who isn't fit to become assassins) might succumb to an utter loss of will to live when exposed to concentrated Darkness Mana.

S̶h̶a̶d̶o̶w̶b̶l̶a̶d̶e̶'s note: Despite common beliefs among the Mage community that exposure to Darkness Mana is hazardous, the reality is quite different.

Exposure to Light Mana poses more severe risks, as it can cultivate an insatiable craving for its warmth and fulfillment.

Trapped in a vicious world where perpetual immersion in Light Mana is unattainable, Light Mages may morph into resentful beings awaiting a chance to unleash their built-up frustration upon an unfulfilling world.

In comparison, dealing with the eccentricities induced by Darkness Mana becomes a preferable alternative.)

'That sounds scary ...'

Leus gulped and continued reading

(Mastery:

To unlock the Abstract of Concealment, one must manipulate Darkness Mana to envelop their entire being. However, this process often tests the trainees' resolve by making them confront a diminishing desire to unlock the Abstract, a waning motivation to train, and ultimately, the potential abandonment of their training.

Regrettably, there's no witchcraft for willpower; it must be mustered independently.

Simple strategies, such as self-motivation and goal reminders, can aid in overcoming this obstacle. With a robust mentality, success is within reach.

Upon unlocking the Abstract, not only does the practitioner's mind strengthen, but they also gain a nuanced understanding of Darkness Mana, preventing it from excessively influencing their emotions, hopefully.)

'Hopefully huh ...'

Leus closed the book and looked at Arno.

Arno asked him in a serious tone

"Do you think you can do it?"

Leus replied without hesitation

"Yes ... the book says that if my mentality is strong enough I can overcome it, I can do it"

"Still, it won't be easy, are you sure?"

Leus was confident that even if he couldn't unlock the Abstract he could come out of the barrier unscathed, so he confirmed again

"Yes, I am"

Arno agreed but he had something to add

"Since you're confident in yourself then you should go for it, however, take this"

Arno took out a Vial from his pouch and handed it to Leus

Leus took it and inspected it, it was a small vial that had white liquid in it

'A Potion???'

He asked Arno in a confused tone

"Is this a Potion?"

Arno shook his head

"Not exactly. It comes under that category but it's not a typical Potion, it's more like a bottle of pure Light Mana with some Water Mana to keep it in a liquid form, it doesn't have the characteristics of Healing or Cleansing, just Light.

If you feel the need for it, drink it. It'll make you return to your normal state for a while, and as soon as that happens, exit the Barrier immediately"

"Ah ... so it's a Safety Net"

Arno nodded

"It's important to take precautions"

"Thanks, Master"

Arno waved his hand

"No need, just unlock this Abstract ... I want to see your Transformation"

Leus smiled

"I'll do it"

They were done talking so Leus got up with the vial in his hand and walked to pick up a Black Mana Crystal.

He took the Crystal and stood in the middle of the Magic Circle.

Leus put the vial in his pocket and sat on the floor, he activated the Barrier then put his right hand on the Mana Crystal and looked at Arno, Arno nodded and gestured him to start.

Leus took a deep breath

"Release."

As soon as Leus willed the Crystal to release its mana, he became enveloped in Darkness.

On the outside, the barrier became a big black ball that was impossible to see through, but inside, Leus was experiencing a new sensation, things he had never felt before.

Leus felt coldness, not on the outside, but inside him, he felt coldness course through his body, slowly numbing all his senses.

Nothing seemed important anymore, he felt no interest, no concern, and no enthusiasm.

He felt detached from the entire world.

'Complete Apathy.'

Strangely enough ... this feeling reminded him of something

'This ..... this is exactly how I feel whenever I remember something about my previous life'

This revelation was interesting to Leus .... for about 3 seconds, then he stopped caring.

It wasn't something that concerned him

'It doesn't matter.'

For what seemed to Leus like a couple of minutes, he experienced the feeling of apathy

'Nothing matters ... No more pressure or desires, just nothing at all.'

Everything that was on his mind was cleared, leaving it void of any thoughts or emotions.

Slowly, Leus started to remind himself of his goal.

He started remembering the faces of his family

'Mom, Dad, Amethyst, and Merlin ...'

Then his mentor

'Arno'

Then his friends

'Sal, Scar, Kyle and Bones'

Then many faces flashed in front of his eyes

Meli, Melanie, Orison, Young boys and girls he saw in the slums, Random people he helped, people he saw in the guild.

'I have to become stronger'

Kenton's dead body flashed in front of his eyes

'To protect everyone I love, to protect my world, I have to become stronger.'

Leus' resolve was renewed, the apathy started to fade from his heart and a spark of firm determination ignited.

Leus, once again, reminded himself of what would happen if he wasn't strong enough.

He forced himself to remember exactly how Kenton's body looked like

'Limbless ... Eyeless ... Lifeless'

The emotions from that fateful night crept back into Leus' heart, gradually filling it to the brim.

Unbeknownst to him, the Barrier became filled with an overwhelming aura of Murderous Intent.

The spark within him, initially modest, expanded steadily until it evolved into a raging fire fueled by anger and hatred.

Apathy, complacency, and detachment were ousted, making no room for their presence in Leus' heart.

His heart, mind, and entire being, became a battleground, and only one singular thought dominated—all-consuming and unyielding.

"I"

"MUST"

"BECOME"

"STRONGER!"