chapter 8 : Promotion

In an underground laboratory, a youth can be seen mixing various liquids, finally forming a glowing blue potion. "Finally, I've completed the basic formula of the chakra-enhancing potion. Now all that's left is to advance."

"System, what are the chances of my success as a Tier Two Wizard Apprentice?"

"Reporting: The host has an 85% success rate in promotion to Tier Two Apprentice."

"85% ain't bad. How's the progress on the wizard apprentice promotion magic circle? I hope the knowledge I got from the antique shop is useful."

"Reporting: The promotion magic circle is completed." Replied the system.

"System, monitor my body condition during the promotion."

As Merlin instructed, the system, he walked into a complex magic circle. Standing at the center of the circle, Merlin activated his chakra.

Soon, a huge amount of chakra could be seen swirling around him. Without wasting any more time, Merlin entered his soul space. As he reached the familer place, he saw already engraved runes, but he found out he had more space to engrave the runes.

"System, transfer the completed rune formula."

"Now I can add five more runes in my soul space. I must ensure to add an attack spell now; previously, I had no spell to attack." Making up his mind, Merlin recalled the spells he meant to add:

"Healing Whisper," "Ember Blast," "Shadow Strike," "Domination Grasp," and " Root bind".

"After the promotion, I'll have enough spells to deal with enemies below elite jonin." Without wasting time, Merlin started to engrave the new rune. As he engraved the three runes, he felt the soul space shaking tremendously. "I can't stop here; I must complete the engraving of the last two runes." As he finished the fourth rune, he found himself shaking due to the immense pressure releasing from his soul space. "I must complete the final rune."

"System, are there no mistakes in the previously drawn runes?. Why is my soul space emitting this pressure?" Inquired Merlin.

"Reporting: The space is reaching its limits; only one more spell can be added."

"Okay, this is my last spell rune." Bracing himself, Merlin completed the final rune.

After completing the last rune, Merlin found his soul space stabilizing itself. Leaving the soul space, Merlin asked the system about his current body condition.

"Reporting: Host body and soul have been strengthened. Host life force has also increased, reaching a lifespan of 150 years."

'So, my life force finally increased after the promotion. I wonder how much life force will increase after my promotion to official wizard. Now, I need to test my current power.'

Eagerly, Merlin activated his newly constructed spell, 'Ember Blast,' using the chakra inside his body to release a red stream of fire element chakra, finally forming a cone shape. Aiming it at the tree, Merlin released the spell. Soon, the spell hit the tree, causing a large explosion and completely uprooting the tree from the ground. Next, Merlin tried the spell Shadow Strike. In the air, one could see many magic formulas forming. When the spell was completed, many dark tendrils were formed, widely striking the surroundings. The spell lasted for 2 minutes. Now, he checked his binding spell, 'Root Bind', forming a magic circle below his feet. As the spell was completed, many tree roots came out, surrounding the huge rock. Merlin also found that if he wanted, he could further strengthen the bind.

'For the last two spells, I need to capture someone to experiment.' "System, is there any improvement on the rune formula of 'Ethereal Barrier,'' Breeze Lift', and 'Shadow Veil?"

"Reporting: The spells the host mentioned have been further strengthened during the promotion."

'I expected that. Now let's leave the place; the sound from earlier might have alerted the shinobi.' Casting the veil of darkness, Merlin found he could now completely merge into the shadows. But without testing the spell's strength, he left the place.

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The next morning, Merlin can be seen working in the antique shop. However, he noticed that shinobi were constantly flickering through the forest, but no one came to check up on him. After all, to the outside world, Merlin is someone who has not activated his chakra.

'My attempt to try the spell might have alerted the shinobi of the village. For the next few weeks, I should lay low. And staying here might not be useful anymore. If I want to practice blood sacrifice, I need to find a Chakra-mutated beast.'