Illusory

At dawn, Leus was awake, but he waited for a bit before actually getting up from the bed

'The lack of mana feels terrible'

He wore his ring for a while, and when he felt that he was better he quickly removed it and got up, to his surprise, Viorica was awake and waiting for him

"Mom? Why are you awake so early?"

Viorica yawned and replied

"Since you're going and this time it's different, I wanted to prepare you breakfast"

"Oh ... You didn't have to, thank you so much"

Leus decided to give her a little bit of a mana boost, so he used Mana Augmentation on her, instantly making her active.

"Magic is wonderful"

She said that as she went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for Leus while he went to fresh up

After a couple of minutes, Leus' breakfast was ready, and when he and Viorica sat to eat Blaze joined them

"What's up Leus"

"All good Dad"

The three started eating together and Leus wanted to ask Blaze something

"So Dad, What will you be doing while I'm gone?"

"For now, I'm lightly training Merlin and accepting jobs from the Guild.

Maybe I'll go back to the front lines soon, but I don't know when exactly."

Leus nodded

"I see. If there's anything I can help with then let me know."

The family continued the breakfast while talking about general matters until they were done.

Before Leus left, Viorica called him

"Leus"

"Yes?"

She came close, Hugged him, and kissed him on the cheek

"Don't carry too much alone, We're here for you"

Once again, Leus felt peace and warmth, which improved his mood.

He smiled and thanked his mom and dad then left the house.

When he reached the library, he saw Felix and Robert standing at the door, so he walked to them.

To his surprise, they didn't salute or bow or do anything that's embarrassing to him this time

'They actually listened ... Wow.

If I knew that all it'd take for them to stop was a punch then I'd have let them punch me long back ....'

He approached and greeted them

"Hello"

"Welcome Young Master"

"Hello, Is there anything we can help you with?"

"Did you tell the other guards about our conversation?"

Felix nodded

"Yesterday we told the noon shift Guards and told them to tell the evening shift Guards, and today we told the night shift Guards and once again, asked them to confirm with the evening shift."

Leus smiled and thanked them

"Thank you"

They were about to bow but quickly stopped themselves and just nodded.

Leus walked inside the library and greeted Arno

"Master, I came"

"Are you feeling better today?"

" ... Sort of, it's better than before."

Arno nodded and came with him to the new room

"I'm here to make sure you activate the barrier and use the Crystal properly"

"Ah? But I still didn't read the book yet"

"It doesn't matter, the book won't take long, it just gives general instructions."

Arno brought his book with him, sat behind the desk, and continued reading it.

"Act like I'm not here, Do what you have to do"

" ... Alright, Master."

Leus went towards the bookshelf that was a bit beside the desk and started inspecting the books

'Interesting ... I wonder how much it'll take me to finish all these Abstracts'

He quickly found a book with a white cover, its title was:

(Light: The Elemental Abstract of Illusory)

Leus picked up the book, sat on the chair that's on the other side of the desk, and opened it.

As soon as Leus opened it he found something strange in it, a black piece of cloth.

He caught it and looked at it

'Is that? A blindfold??'

With it came a note, so he read it.

(Once you activate the Crystal, wear this blindfold.)

The blindfold and the note clearly didn't come with the book but were added inside it

'Definitely Arno brought it'

Leus put the blindfold on the desk and focused on the book

The book itself was very

'These are probably booklets rather than books'

(The Elemental Abstract of Illusory - by, Lucius Mirage)

( - Introduction:

In the vast realm of Light Magic, we encounter the Abstract of Illusory—an exclusive art reserved for masters of Light Magic or those proficient in its ways.

Unlike easily accessible Physical Abstracts, Illusory demands a deep connection to the radiant energies of Light Magic.)

'Hmm, So Physical Abstracts are easier?'

Leus didn't agree

'I don't think Physicals are easier, rather, acquiring them doesn't need mastery over Mana, but that doesn't make them easier ... simply more accessible?'

'Oh wait a minute, That's what the book said.'

'Right, I should stop acting smart'

Leus flipped the page and continued reading

(- Chapter 1, Unveiling Illusions:

At the core of the Abstract of Illusory lies the power to craft optical illusions.

Your mastery of Light Magic and the quality/quantity of your mana influence the outcome.

In simple terms, you can create illusions resembling anything you've seen—a duplicate of yourself to confuse foes or a mirage to lead enemies into a trap.

It's about deceiving your adversaries, making them believe in a reality shaped by the play of light and imagination, a reality shaped by you.)

'That's ... So good, It's like a superpower'

With excitement, Leus flipped the page

( - Chapter 2, Unlocking the Illusory:

To unlock the secrets of the Illusory Abstract, you must learn the delicate art of manipulating Light Mana.

Focus your mind on the mana, willing it to take the form of the image you desire.

Begin with simplicity—a reflection of your fingers or hand—then gradually progress to more intricate shapes, such as the silhouette of an entire body.

There's no shortcut to unlocking this, or any, Abstract.

Unlocking any Abstract is a journey of gradual proficiency, where, once you exceed a specific threshold of mastery, the Abstract manifests naturally within your mind.

It's like a curtain lifting, revealing clarity in the wake of your newfound dexterity.)

Leus nodded to the booklet

'Yeah, That's how I unlocked my Domain.

I started gradually improving in sensing incoming hits until it unlocked.

But I had Dad to help me.'

The tiny booklet was over, so Leus closed it and took a deep breath

'Well now, Illusory huh ... Let's do it.'