Following the initial success with the Lightning Rune, Pierce methodically proceeded to test the variations of the Gale Rune and the Earth Rune.

  Unlike the aggressive Lightning Rune, which relied on a weapon to channel its kinetic discharge, these two variants possessed a more versatile application: they could be inscribed directly onto the user’s flesh or attached to their armor and gear.

  Of course, the latter effect was marginal at best—merely reducing the encumbrance of heavy equipment or mitigating the structural wear and tear of prolonged combat. While not entirely devoid of utility, such benefits were trivial compared to the direct enhancement of the physical body.

  The final test results were largely consistent with his earlier hypotheses.

  The Gale and Earth runes could indeed be stacked upon the user’s body to amplify speed and defense, but the physiological burden was immense.

  Even with Pierce's current Constitution attribute exceeding a staggering 150 points—a physique that rivaled magical beasts—his body could withstand a maximum of five stacked Elemental Runes simultaneously.

  Wizard Apprentices, having been tempered by energy particles over years of meditation, could accommodate runes more readily than inanimate steel or leather. However, biology had its limits. Any more than five runes would trigger a mana overload, causing structural damage to his muscle fibers and meridians.

  "Five Elemental Runes? That is sufficient."

  Pierce shrugged, a gesture of calm satisfaction. He dismissed the Argent Star, stowing the liquid metal away and concluding the testing session.

  With the Elemental Rune modification task officially complete, a precious slot in his mental task bar had opened up.

  Without a moment's hesitation, Pierce queued the analysis for the next priority.

  [Task Created. Beginning analysis of Sanctuary Sigil. Estimated time: 158 days.]

  His strategic roadmap was clear: he would accelerate the analysis of both the Sanctuary and Thunderburst Sigils with full power, inscribing them onto his own body as soon as possible. This would also, incidentally, allow him to fulfill Gwen's commission.

  Only after these immediate combat enhancers were secured would he turn his attention to the ultimate prize: the Instant Cast technique.

  "Eleven days remain until the competition. There is plenty of time."

  It was already deep into the night when Pierce finally stepped out of the gates of the Spire Academy.

  The moon had retreated behind heavy banks of leaden clouds, leaving the starlight dim and the sprawling streets of the city largely deserted, save for the occasional patrol.

  Just as Pierce returned to the district housing his apartment, a glimmer of silver light drifting from the distance caught his peripheral vision.

  He paused, narrowing his eyes against the gloom. Upon closer inspection, the light revealed itself to be a construct of pure mana—a silver butterfly, fluttering purposefully toward him with a rhythmic beat of its wings.

  Sensing a familiar magical signature radiating from the construct, Pierce extended his hand.

  The silver butterfly landed obediently in his palm. With a soft flash of light, the spell unraveled, transforming into a thick, sealed envelope.

  Points of silver starlight shimmered on the wax seal, rapidly outlining an Arcane Mark.

  Pierce immediately recognized it. It was Master Morven's personal sigil.

  Curious, he broke the seal on the spot, extracting the heavy letter paper to read under the faint illumination of a streetlamp.

  To his surprise, the contents were not instructions, reprimands, or academic assignments. Instead, it was a detailed intelligence dossier—a breakdown of the three Wizard Apprentices representing Crimson Lotus City in the upcoming duel.

  Just as Pierce was absorbing this critical information, a low, oscillating buzzing sound vibrated in his ears.

  Bzzzzzz...

  He looked up toward the source of the noise. A pitch-black cloud was hurtling toward him from the night sky with incredible velocity.

  Pierce’s gaze sharpened, his muscles tensing for a split second before relaxing as he recognized the signature.

  As the distance closed, he could clearly see that the "dark cloud" was actually composed of countless, buzzing necrotic flies.

  There were very few individuals in Aurora City who wielded such a distinctive and grotesque ability. The visitor's identity was obvious.

  The insect swarm halted a dozen meters from Pierce, swirling and condensing rapidly like a tornado of shadows. In the blink of an eye, the mass of flies morphed into flesh and blood, revealing a tall, curvaceous beauty with striking features.

  It was Cecily.

  "Pierce, I have been looking for you," Cecily said, walking up briskly, her expression grave.

  "Is something the matter, seeking me out so late?" Pierce asked, calmly folding the letter and tucking it into his robes.

  "You should have received the intelligence on our opponents by now," Cecily said, her tone urgent. "Are you free? You, me, and Sutherland need to convene. We must discuss our strategy for the competition."

  Pierce glanced at the pocket where he had stowed the letter. He hesitated for a moment, weighing his schedule, then nodded.

  "Very well. Where to?"

  "A tavern not far from here. Sutherland is already waiting."

  Pierce gestured for her to lead the way.

  Not long after, they arrived before a refined establishment nestled in a quiet corner of the district.

  Though it bore the name of a tavern, it resembled an upscale clubhouse for the elite. The architecture was classical, constructed from dark, polished wood and grey stone. A copper sign hanging above the door frame read "The Black Cat" in elegant, flowing script.

  Pushing the heavy oak door open, Pierce saw a decent crowd inside.

  Most patrons wore long robes, and the air hummed with faint, overlapping mental fluctuations. There were no drunken brawls or raucous songs here; it was clearly an establishment catering exclusively to Wizard Apprentices.

  Pierce understood immediately. A sanctuary for their kind.

  No wonder the atmosphere was devoid of the usual tavern filth. Everyone sat quietly, sipping expensive drinks, their conversations kept to hushed, private tones protected by minor sound-dampening spells.

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  "Welcome. How may I serve you two?" A young, attractive waitress approached them with a polite bow.

  "Private Room 6. It is reserved," Cecily said, waving her hand dismissively as she led Pierce through the main hall with practiced ease.

  Moments later, they arrived at the innermost private room at the end of a corridor.

  Cecily knocked once, waited a beat, and pushed the door open.

  The room was spacious and well-appointed, complete with a small private bar, a wine cabinet filled with glowing bottles, plush velvet sofas, a coffee table, and a dining area.

  Sutherland was perched at the bar, swirling a glass of amber liquid. Hearing the door, he turned, offering a friendly wave.

  "I have been waiting."

  Cecily nodded to him, then moved toward the wine cabinet. "What will you have, Pierce?"

  "Anything non-alcoholic," Pierce replied casually, sinking into one of the sofas.

  Most Wizards avoided heavy alcohol; it dulled the senses and impaired the cognitive functions essential for study and experimentation—unless it was specially brewed magical liquor. Besides, given a Wizard's enhanced constitution, gallons of common ale would hardly result in a buzz.

  Cecily returned with two glasses of emerald-green liquid, placing one before Pierce.

  He took a sip. A sensation akin to concentrated mint exploded in his mouth, sending a cooling wave through his neural network, instantly clearing his mind and sharpening his focus.

  A slight mental stimulant effect... likely only effective for Rank 1 or 2 apprentices, Pierce noted inwardly.

  Such a beverage would cost tens, perhaps hundreds of gold coins in the mortal world. But for those present in this room, the cost was negligible.

  After brief pleasantries, the mood shifted. The three got down to business.

  Cecily’s expression turned serious as she leaned forward. "The three apprentices sent by Crimson Lotus City are named Gareth, Solan, and Xavier."

  "All three hail from top-tier Wizard families within Crimson Lotus. Xavier, in particular, is a scion of a renowned Bloodline Wizard clan."

  Pierce had already committed the dossier Morven sent him to memory via the Eye of Omniscience while walking here. He knew every detail recorded, but he didn't interrupt. Cross-referencing intelligence was always a prudent move.

  Sutherland seemed to have the same idea, listening intently without interjection.

  "Xavier's lineage is derived from an ancient creature known as the Rage Python," Cecily continued, her voice grim. "Legend has it that the Rage Python possessed terrifying innate abilities in illusion and mind control. It could manipulate emotions and warp perceptions with ease. Even Formal Wizards find it difficult to resist such mental intrusion if caught off guard."

  "When facing Xavier, we must be extremely vigilant against his psychic attacks. Physical defense will mean nothing against him."

  Sutherland nodded gravely.

  Apprentices with bloodline inheritances were notoriously difficult opponents. Even a partial awakening granted them physical and magical capabilities far surpassing the norm.

  Monville had been a prime example.

  If it had been anyone other than Pierce fighting Monville, the outcome would likely have been very different. Sutherland knew, with painful clarity, that he himself would not have stood a chance against the transformed wolf.

  I wonder how this Xavier compares to Monville?

  "As for Solan, his path is somewhat similar to mine—biological modification." Cecily frowned slightly, tapping her finger on the table. "According to the reports, his modification leans toward the characteristics of a Magma Giant."

  Her insect swarm was naturally weak against fire; Solan's abilities were a direct, elemental counter to her fighting style.

  "However," Cecily’s voice dropped an octave, commanding their full attention, "compared to Solan and Xavier, I believe the one we must be most wary of is Gareth."

  Sutherland nodded in immediate agreement, casting a side glance at Pierce.

  According to the dossier, Gareth had neither a special bloodline nor extensive biological modifications. He was a traditional, orthodox Wizard Apprentice in the purest sense.

  But that was precisely what made him terrifying.

  To secure one of the three spots without the crutch of a powerful bloodline or body modifications implied a level of spellcasting mastery that bordered on the unnatural.

  Just like Pierce.

  Cecily looked at Pierce with a complex expression. "Gareth is rumored to possess genius-level talent. He is proficient in a vast array of First Circle Spells and has reportedly mastered Silent Spell."

  At the mention of Silent Spell, both Cecily and Sutherland looked at Pierce again. It was common knowledge now that Pierce had mastered that very technique—the hallmark of a true prodigy.

  Pierce remained calm, taking another sip of his green drink, his face betraying nothing.

  "That is the extent of my intelligence," Cecily said, spreading her hands.

  Sutherland shook his head. "Mine matches yours. It seems our sources are consistent."

  "Same," Pierce said concisely.

  With the intel confirmed, the conversation shifted to the format of the duel.

  "I wonder what form the competition will take this time?" Sutherland mused, frowning. "A direct arena battle?"

  "It could be similar to our maze trial," Cecily speculated. "Or perhaps a survival scenario, a battle royale in a hostile environment..."

  "Or a gauntlet run," Pierce suggested.

  "A gauntlet run?" Cecily looked thoughtful. "Like the Tower of the Sacred Ring?"

  The Tower of the Sacred Ring was an ancient construct, a relic from the Dark Age said to be left by a Supreme Wizard. The Astral Coalition had repurposed it into a testing ground for the prestigious Battle of the Sacred Ring, held every twenty years to identify the most promising young Wizards across the alliance.

  Winning the Battle of the Sacred Ring brought massive resource allocations to the victor's city and unimaginable personal benefits. Every past winner had gone on to become a titan within the Astral Coalition.

  Pierce nodded slightly. "It is just a possibility. In the end, guessing is futile. We must be prepared for anything."

  "True enough," Sutherland laughed, relaxing his posture. "As long as our strength is solid, the format is secondary."

  Cecily smiled, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "By the way, have you two spent your five thousand Merit Points?"

  "Naturally." Sutherland’s smile widened, unable to hide his satisfaction. "I secured a High-Level Meditation Technique and a defensive Arcane Artifact. My strength has leaped forward significantly. I feel confident."

  He turned to Pierce. "And you? Did you truly squander your points on Heart-Glass Water?"

  Cecily also looked at Pierce, curiosity burning in her eyes.

  Seeing Pierce nod with a calm, unbothered smile, the two exchanged a look of speechless disbelief.

  To spend precious resources on an item that offered zero immediate combat enhancement right before a high-stakes duel... they didn't know whether to call Pierce arrogant or insane. It was a gamble only someone with absolute confidence—or absolute foolishness—would take.

  But it was his choice.

  "Well," Cecily teased, a competitive spark returning to her eyes, "I have an Arcane Artifact now, too. Next time we spar, I won't lose so easily."

  Clearly, the proud girl still held a grudge over being forced to back down in the labyrinth.

  Pierce simply smiled and said nothing.

  In the blink of an eye, five more days passed.

  The analysis for both the Sanctuary and Thunderburst Sigils was finally complete.

  Pierce sent a message to Gwen via the crystal, informing her he was ready.

  Barely half an hour later, Gwen appeared at his doorstep. She was breathless and flushed, clutching the bag of gem materials as if her life depended on it.

  "In such a hurry?" Pierce chuckled, opening the door wider.

  "Of course!" Gwen placed her hands on her hips, trying to look imposing but failing to hide her anxiety. "I am preparing to enter the Planar Battlefield. I need these tattoos done immediately."

  Pierce was genuinely surprised.

  While Wizard Apprentices did enter the Planar Battlefield, they were almost exclusively soldiers of the Silver Legion. Academy students volunteering for such duty were as rare as phoenix feathers.

  Planar wars were meat grinders. The mortality rate was horrific. Even a Rank 3 Apprentice was often little more than cannon fodder there.

  "Why the sudden desire to go to the Planar Battlefield?" Pierce asked, frowning slightly. "It is not a playground."

  "Because it is the only place I can improve quickly enough," Gwen said, her gaze fixing on Pierce with a complicated mix of emotions—admiration, frustration, and defiance.

  In truth, her decision was driven entirely by him.

  Since starting her path as a Wizard, Gwen had been the golden child, the genius envied by all—until Pierce appeared.

  They were the same age, yet Pierce crushed her in talent, strength, and mindset. He was representing Aurora City against Crimson Lotus, universally acknowledged as the strongest apprentice of their generation.

  Gwen, who prided herself on being at the top, found herself looking up at him like everyone else. She didn't say it aloud, but her pride had taken a massive, shattering hit.

  She had begged her family elders for permission. In the crucible of the Planar Battlefield, amidst life and death, she hoped to break her limits and catch up. She refused to be left behind in the dust of his shadow.

  Pierce looked at her deeply. He understood the fire in her eyes. He didn't offer platitudes or try to dissuade her.

  He simply nodded. "Then I wish you a safe journey and swift victory."

  "I will take that blessing," Gwen grinned, her usual spark returning. "You will likely be heading there yourself before long. Perhaps we will meet on the front lines."

  "Perhaps."

  Pierce smiled and gestured inside. "Let us begin the tattooing."

  Gwen pursed her lips and nodded, stepping over the threshold.

  They went to the living room.

  Little Yi had already pestered the Mist Raven into taking her out to play, leaving the large apartment silent and empty save for the two of them.

  Pierce laid out the gems, sorting them by property with clinical precision. When he turned around, he found Gwen standing stiffly in the center of the room.

  The usually lively and cunning girl seemed uncharacteristically reserved. Her hands fidgeted with the hem of her robe.

  When her eyes met Pierce's, she subconsciously looked away, a faint flush creeping up her neck.

  Magic Tattoos required skin. A lot of it.

  A strange, ambiguous atmosphere settled over the room, thick with unsaid tension.