Chapter 31: Mage Tower Aetheris Spire.

Words : 1050 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

"I still need ten thousand citizens to unlock my level to 400," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. His fingers tap against the armrest of his chair as he calculates. Nyssara brought in around a hundred subordinates—intelligent, capable, and loyal. He assumes Thurn, Veltha, and Groth's subordinates will number the same. Even so, it won't be enough. By dawn, the three former lords arrive with their subordinates. Veltha brings the largest group—over two hundred of her kin, their serpentine bodies slithering through the streets in disciplined rows. Their sheer size demands vast spaces, so they claim one of the largest properties in the area, a fortress-like structure near the western district. Thurn leads just over a hundred of his Arachne warriors, all efficient and orderly. Groth, however, arrives with only around twenty. Alix frowns slightly at the small number but says nothing at first. When he visits Groth's new quarters, he finds the fire-wielding humanoids already at work—conjuring flames, forging weapons, and reinforcing their new home with precise craftsmanship. Curious, Alix opens his system and examines Groth's status. The glowing text appears before him: [Groth – Level 299 – Peak Tier 2 Mage] Alix hums in thought before speaking. "Groth, I can feel it—you're already at the peak of Tier 2." Groth inclines his head slightly, his ember-like eyes flickering. "Yes, Your Majesty," he confirms. "I have reached my limit. I only need a Tier 3 spell to break through." Alix crosses his arms, considering this. This world's system is different from the games he knows. In a game, leveling up is simple—you kill enemies, gain experience, and progress. But here, strength isn't just about numbers. It requires talent, effort, and the right opportunities. "A Tier 3 spell, huh..." Alix murmurs. He glances around, watching the blacksmiths at work. Sparks fly as hammers strike molten metal, shaping weapons with practiced efficiency. Despite their smaller numbers, Groth's kin are clearly skilled craftsmen. "I see your kin are quite adept at forging weapons," Alix remarks. Groth nods. "Yes, Your Majesty. We usually get ores from Nyssara and forge them to sell in town." At that, Alix raises an eyebrow. "Now that I think about it... why didn't you four claim the town for yourselves?" Groth exhales, shaking his head. "We couldn't, Your Majesty. That town was built by the human leaders of Misorn City. It was meant to be a trade hub between humans and monsters. If any of us had taken it by force, the humans would have retaliated swiftly." He pauses. "Someone did try once." Alix leans forward slightly, "Oh, that's right—Groth, gather all your kin who know how to forge. I have a new task for them." Realization dawns in Groth's eyes, and he bows slightly. "A brilliant plan, Your Majesty. I'll gather my best smiths at once." Alix gives a curt nod before turning away. With a flick of his fingers, he summons a communication window through the system. "Draya," he calls. Moments later, her smooth voice echoes back. "Yes, Your Majesty?" "I have a job for you. Groth's people can forge weapons. Take them to the workshop and get them started." She replies. "Understood, Your Majesty. I'll handle it." Alix closes the communication and turns to Groth. "Come with me," he says, his tone leaving no room for discussion. Groth doesn't question it. He simply nods and follows. The two walk in silence, moving through the grand streets of the city. The architecture shifts subtly as they go—massive stone structures give way to towering spires lined with glowing runes. The deeper they go, the denser the mana in the air becomes. Groth begins to feel it—an overwhelming surge, like an invisible tide pressing against his very soul. The sensation is almost suffocating. Each step forward is like wading into a storm, his body instinctively resisting the sheer force of the energy surrounding them. By the time they arrive, Groth is breathing heavily. He looks up, his ember-like eyes widening. Before them stands a colossal tower, so tall it vanishes into the sky. Dark stone spirals upward, etched with thousands of intricate runes that pulse like a living thing. Streams of raw mana flow along its surface, weaving in and out like veins of liquid light. The air hums with power, crackling with an intensity that makes Groth's skin prickle. His grip tightens on his staff as he forces himself to speak. "Your Majesty... what is this place?" His voice comes out strained, the sheer weight of mana pressing down on him. "I can feel... a massive concentration of energy. It's... like a tsunami crashing down on me." Alix glances at him, amused by his reaction. "Welcome to the Mage Tower of the city—Aetheris Spire." Groth swallows hard, still trying to steady himself. "Aetheris... Spire..." He repeats the name, reverence creeping into his voice. Alix steps forward, placing a hand against the stone. The runes nearest to him glow brighter in response, as if acknowledging his presence. "Aetheris Spire is the heart of all magic in my domain. Every spell cast within my city is strengthened by its influence." He turns his gaze to Groth. "And it's where you will obtain your Tier 3 spell." He grips his staff tighter, his ember-like eyes blazing. "What must I do, Your Majesty?" Alix gives him a small, knowing smile. "Nothing," he says. "It's in you. If you understand the Tier 3 skill, you will attain it." Groth furrows his brow slightly but nods. He knows better than to question Alix's words. Instead, he follows him inside. The exterior of Aetheris Spire is unlike anything Groth has ever seen. The walls shimmer as though woven from light and shadow, shifting in ways his mind struggles to comprehend. But what strikes Groth as odd is the emptiness , no mages. A place so vast, so powerful, should be teeming with life, yet there isn't a single soul in sight. His instincts urge him to ask, but he resists. He has no desire to be seen as prying. If Alix wants him to know, he will tell him. If not, then it is not his place to ask.

Chapter 31: Mage Tower Aetheris Spire.

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