Chapter 32: Codex Of Ascendance

Words : 1023 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Alix notices Groth's silence and gives an approving nod. Good. He knows when to hold his tongue. Alix continues walking, unfazed by the emptiness, while Groth silently follows, his eyes darting around in curiosity. The vastness of Aetheris Spire is even more overwhelming inside than it was outside. Despite its already colossal size, the interior feels impossibly larger, as though space itself bends to accommodate its presence. Runes flicker along the curved walls, shifting like constellations in an eternal night sky. Strange devices, whose purposes Groth cannot begin to fathom, rest upon floating platforms. Some hum softly with arcane energy, while others pulse with eerie light. Groth has no idea what they are, but their mere presence radiates power beyond his comprehension. At the center of the hall, there's a raised platform—perhaps a service desk or a reception area—but it stands completely abandoned. They move toward a grand staircase that leads to the second floor. Unlike the solid structures below, these steps are translucent, shifting between states of matter—sometimes glass-like, sometimes resembling liquid light. Each step sends ripples through the air, as if disturbing the very fabric of space. When they reach the second floor, the atmosphere shifts. The magic here is different—denser, refined. The very air vibrates with unseen forces, making Groth's skin tingle. And at the center of the chamber, floating in perfect stillness, is a glowing orb. It is unlike any magical artifact Groth has ever seen. It pulses, not with chaotic energy, but with controlled, rhythmic waves, as if breathing. It is neither too bright nor blinding, yet looking at it fills him with an overwhelming sense of vastness. Groth stops walking, unable to tear his eyes away. "Your Majesty... what is that?" His voice comes out softer than intended. Alix steps beside him, gazing at the orb with a faint, unreadable smile. "That is the Codex of Ascendance." Groth's ember-like eyes widen slightly. "Codex... of Ascendance?" He repeats the name, reverence creeping into his tone. Alix nods. "It stores all Tier 1 to Tier 3 magic of this tower." Groth's gaze remains locked onto the glowing orb. He can feel its energy resonating in the air, a silent hum pressing against his skin. His fingers twitch slightly, eager yet wary of the power before him. Before he can step forward, Alix speaks again. "Before you try it, don't you have some of your kin who are also mages?" Groth blinks, collecting his thoughts. "Yes, Your Majesty. I have ten apprentices and two Tier 1 mages among my kin." Alix nods in approval. "Good. Then I'll teach you how to use this. After that, you'll bring them here." Groth bows slightly. "Thank you, Your Majesty." Alix gestures toward the orb. "Place your hand on it." Groth hesitates for only a second before extending his arm. The moment his palm touches the surface, his vision blurs, and his entire being is pulled into the orb. When his consciousness settles, Groth finds himself in a vast space unlike anything he has ever seen. Rows upon rows of towering bookshelves stretch into the distance, their golden inscriptions pulsing faintly. The air is thick with magic, and every step he takes seems to leave a trail of ember-like sparks behind him. "A library..." he murmurs, awe-struck. But this is no ordinary library. The sheer presence of knowledge here feels alive, as if the very walls are whispering forgotten secrets. He doesn't waste time. He moves swiftly through the endless aisles, searching. His instincts guide him toward a particular section—Fire Element Tier 3 spells. The tomes in this section radiate warmth, some even flickering with small flames as if eager to be chosen. Groth scans the shelves, running his fingers along the spines of books that seem to pulse in anticipation. Then, one title catches his eye—Infernal Surge – Releases a concentrated wave of flames that burns everything in a straight path. He reaches out, gripping the book's cover. The moment his fingers make contact, a surge of power rushes through him, and his surroundings begin to fade. Groth gasps as he finds himself back in the real world, his breathing heavy. He blinks rapidly, his vision adjusting, and then he looks down. The book is still in his hands. His heart pounds. It's real. He turns to Alix, unable to mask his disbelief. "Your Majesty... this..." He lifts the tome slightly. "It truly exists?" Alix smirks. "Did you think it was an illusion?" Groth shakes his head slowly. "No... but this power... It's as if the knowledge was calling to me." "That's how the Codex works," Alix states. "It doesn't give knowledge—you take it. And now that you've done it once, you'll be able to guide your kin through the process." Groth bows deeply. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will bring them at once." Alix nods, satisfied. "Now that you know how to use it, I'll leave you to it." Groth hesitates for a moment before speaking. "Your Majesty... may I stay here?" Alix glances at him, raising an eyebrow. "You wish to live in the Spire?" Groth inclines his head. "Yes, Your Majesty. This place... it calls to me. The magic here is unlike anything I've ever felt before. I believe my growth will be faster if I remain within its walls." Alix considers his words before giving a small nod. "Very well. There are rooms here on the second floor. You may choose one for yourself." Groth bows deeply. "Thank you, Your Majesty." Alix says nothing more. Instead, he raises his hand and activates his system. A translucent interface appears before him, displaying a map of the capital city. With a simple thought, he selects his destination—his workspace. In an instant, his body shimmers with blue light, and a second later, he vanishes. Alix reappears in his workspace, the familiar sight of his personal chambers greeting him. The room is lined with shelves filled with documents, reports, and magical artifacts. A large desk sits at the center, its surface neatly arranged.

Chapter 32: Codex Of Ascendance

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