{Cosmo Lock} grimoire
A grimoire that contains the spell “{Cosmo Lock}.” It grants the caster the ability to seal a section of space, making it impossible for enemies to escape or use any teleportation spell within the area. The blocked spells must be of lower power than the caster.
Spell Tier: Gimmel
Elemental Type: Cosmo
Victor stared at the title, blinking slowly. “A Gimmel-tier grimoire… huh. You’ve got to be kidding me!”
Sure, it wasn’t a bad spell — in fact, judging by the description, it was an extremely situational but powerful utility spell. But a peak Elemental Adept Magus like him wouldn’t be able to cast Gimmel-tier spells!
What use would it be for him?
Victor shelved the book inside his interspatial ring for now while sighing. “So much for jackpot luck…”
“Should I do another two pulls?” he murmured. Even though there were enough for two more chances, Victor was reluctant to use all of his academy points. If he didn’t get the remaining pieces, then it would be all for nothing. No resources, no insurance, no emergency reserve.
In the end, he shook his head. “No, I must hold back…”
As his rationality took over, Victor knew that patience would reward him. Still, two pieces were more than enough. He glanced down at the two Rubik pieces now joined together in one smooth core. I’m halfway there. I’ll find the rest eventually. The System never gives everything at once.
And he had a feeling the coming missions would deliver what he needed, one way or another.
Thus, he instead focused on claiming the other reward of the main mission, which was the deeper insights into the Omni-Elemental Fusion Method. Maybe, just maybe, this would help him overcome his current limits and ascend to the Nexus Temporal rank.
Victor closed his eyes and pressed his hand against the Nexus Beacon to claim the reward. The moment he did, a torrent of knowledge and magic rushed into his mind, not as words or diagrams, but as pure comprehension — threads of logic, harmony, and resonance between opposing elements converging into one.
He staggered slightly from the influx, feeling that the comprehension seemed to propel him on his path as a Magus.
“Wow… this is incredible.”
The Omni-Elemental Fusion Method was a meditation technique that allowed him to fuse two or more incompatible elements together for more potent spells. But this new layer of insight refined that knowledge further. It wasn’t just about brute-forcing different elements into a fusion… it was about understanding their origin — the primal signature that connected all elements.
Pyro and Hydro. Geo and Anemo. Lux and Umbra. Bio and Necro… Each was a branch from the same source.
By stabilizing his mana flow to match the universal resonance of that source, Victor could create a core that acted as a focus anchor — a temporary internal connection through which all elements could pass, twist, and combine without collapsing.
His breathing slowed as the revelation sank in. “So this is the path forward to become a Nexus Temporal Magus…” A gleeful smile lit his face. At last, his efforts weren’t in vain.
If he could construct this internal focus and sustain it for even a short period, it would serve as the gateway to the Primordial Nexus and the next realm of magic. With that mastery, there was a high chance he could ascend to the rank of Nexus Temporal Magus!
“I need to meditate and make the most of this.”
Having said that, Victor walked to his meditation chamber and immediately worked to perfect his comprehension and accumulate more infused mana.
***
Elsewhere in the academy grounds, Roland walked calmly at the head of a dignified procession. The elders of the Asteriscus family followed behind him, their robes fluttering gently as they moved, eyes sharp with curiosity as they studied the unfamiliar surroundings.
“This building is where most of the foundational-level classes are conducted,” Roland explained steadily, looking at the academy’s main building. “You’ll find that the academy is highly self-sufficient. All acolytes contribute to its operations, from maintenance to magic production. We also have numerous facilities, including alchemy labs and craft workshops, where all sorts of alchemical products such as potions, elixirs, and magic tools are produced regularly.”
The elders nodded, absorbing the information in thoughtful silence. Although many of them had over a century of experience, the layout and design of the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi were unlike anything they had seen before. With its blend of traditional Magus architecture and the bizarre, strange influence that was somehow here, it was both alien and fascinating.
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
“This academy is… unique,” one of the elders murmured.
“Indeed,” another said, turning his eyes to the training field where a group of acolytes were testing spell models. Some were conjuring tentacles, others summoning spinning orbs or even puppet-like familiars that bore no resemblance to traditional magic spells. “Are these… self-created spells?”
Roland nodded. “Yes. We encourage innovation. Many of the acolytes here develop their own spell models through a certain program, contributing to the academy’s spell arsenal. Although their spells are… unconventional, there are many surprisingly effective spells.”
Alvin, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up. “I see what the new Patriarch meant. This place truly holds remarkable potential.” His gaze lifted toward the distant construction site — an enormous Magus tower taking form under the hands of hundreds of diligently working acolytes.
Never had any of the Asteriscus elders seen a bunch of true acolytes, whose status stood well above that of ordinary mortals, willingly engaging in manual labor. They hauled materials, carved stones, and even operated complex machinery, all without a hint of complaint. In any other academy, such labor would require vast amounts of mana crystals as compensation, yet here, it seemed to be happening without any such incentives.
What was even more baffling were the golems. Dozens, if not hundreds, of mechanical constructs worked in tandem with the acolytes. Where did this newly founded Magus academy even acquire so many golems?
Roland, sensing their astonishment, smirked slightly. “The headmaster’s vision goes far beyond traditional Magus doctrine. What you see here can’t be explained with conventional logic. These acolytes are… different than those you saw in other places.”
The elders exchanged glances at this fact. They had all sensed something unusual about these acolytes from the moment they entered the academy grounds. Unlike most young mages who carried themselves with arrogance, these ones were grounded, curious, earnest, and filled with a hunger for knowledge. They acted more like children discovering the world for the first time than heirs to power. This made them wonder where Victor had gathered these people from. Perhaps this academy, strange as it seemed, could be the rebirth the Asteriscus family had long been waiting for.
“Come,” Roland gestured ahead. “I will show you the industrial zone where the workshops are, then the teacher’s dormitory. I believe you’ll find them… enlightening.”
The elders followed him through the brick-paved road that led south and then to the west — to another section of the academy that buzzed with activity and all sorts of noise.
As they approached the industrial area, the noise became more pronounced — the clang of hammers, the whir of gears, and bursts of steam from vents. This district was unlike anything they’d encountered in traditional Magus academies. Towering chimneys let out thin trails of smoke, and magic conveyor belts ferried parts and supplies between buildings. Hundreds of acolytes were working enthusiastically, crafting alchemical potions, assembling mechanical constructs, and running experiments with highly questionable safety standards.
“W-Wait… is that one using a spell model to power a blender?” one elder stammered, pointing at an acolyte who was indeed using a spell to mix juice while simultaneously saying something in front of a floating interface. “Yo, yo, yo! Today I’m making a {Mimic Smoothies} — guaranteed to NOT bite, probably. See how I will drink it all in one gulp.”
“And that one… he’s riding a broom upside-down while holding some kind of speaker?” another elder added in disbelief, watching as the acolyte soared past with strange, foreign music blaring, followed by cheers and jeers from other acolytes.
Nearby, a group of acolytes had gathered around a peculiar machine — a strange contraption with food and drink items visible behind a glass panel. They laughed uproariously as one of them pressed a button, only to get promptly kicked by the machine’s retractable leg.
The elders could only stare at the peculiar sight all around, completely stunned speechless.
“This is a Magus academy… right?” one of them muttered doubtfully.
“…This is madness…” Another elder had his eyes twitching at the sheer absurdity of it all.
Roland gave a faint chuckle, entirely unfazed. “Yes. These acolytes might be eccentric, but they learn fast, and their results speak for themselves.”
“And this is normal?”
“Well,” Roland said with a wry smile, folding his arms behind his back, “you’ll get used to it.”
About four days later, Victor was still in the basement, seated cross-legged in his meditation chamber. The air around him shimmered faintly, distorted by subtle waves of mana. He was deep in meditation, immersed in the flow of insight that had come with the mission’s reward.
The space around him was twisting, folding in on itself in quiet, complex patterns. Dots of Cosmo and Chrono elemental particles drifted like starlight across the chamber, converging around Victor’s body in synchronized orbits. He wasn’t merely meditating; he was manipulating the very fabric of space and time as a form of advanced mental refinement.
“I’m close to the next breakthrough…” Victor opened his eyes and activated his Master Shadowlink Mark, showing his status screen.
Victor Asteriscus
HP: 100%
MP: 2274/2274
Power Rank: Sixth-sigil Elemental Adept Magus | Ki Sentinel
Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (98%) | Chrono (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%)
Mana Aptitude: Superior bright grade
Meditation Technique: Omni-Elemental Fusion Method (sixth sub-level, 77%)
Breathing Technique: Harmonic Resonance Art (second level)
Status: Healthy
Strength: (45 → 46)
Agility: (45 → 46)
Vitality: (46 → 47)
Magical Power: (57 → 58)
Infused Mana (total): (2187 → 2274)
Spell Repertoire:
- Aleph: {Blink Step}, {Spatial Mirage}, {Slicing Wind}, {Zephyr Dash}, {Tempest Burst}, {Wind Guard}, {Flame Whip}, {Flame Dart}, {Flame Prison}, {Ember Shield}, {Heat Wave}, {Demonic Eye}, {Mind Programming}
- Bet: {Warpblade}, {Blink}, {Gap Hole}, {Ethereal State}, {Nova}, {Space Fold}, {Gravity Hammer}, {Time Reversal}, {Time Prison}, {Eyes of Space-Time}, {Volcanic Spear}, {Tempest Gale}, {Blazing Burst}, {Curse of Nightmare}, {Indomitable Will}
As he read through his progress, a melodious ding suddenly appeared inside his head as a notification came into existence before his eyes.
[Mission Accomplished!]
[Congratulations on passing the mission. You and your players have built and completed a Magus tower.]
[The reward (500 progression value points) has been issued.]
[Congratulations, the academy grade has leveled up to level 5!]
[Requirements for total acolytes and progression value points have increased to 5000.]
[Virtual Combat Chamber is now available.]
[Nexus Tower has leveled up to level 3.]
[It is now possible to set a 4:1 time dilation between Seraphia and Earth.]
If you are looking for more to read, consider checking out my new series or join my server