Gravity Mage with Level-Up System

From MC's Perspective:

After storing the killer's body, I took the aircraft outside. A sleek, gleaming form of the special aircraft awaited me. Its polished metallic surface shimmered under the fading sunlight, a testament to its advanced craftsmanship.

I could feel the hum of its engines even before I approached, a faint vibration in the air that promised immense power. Taking a deep breath, I climbed inside, the interior cool and comforting, filled with cutting-edge controls and a cockpit that fit me like a second skin.

Click!

I activated the main console, and with a flick of my hand, the engine roared to life.

Swoosh!

The aircraft lifted off effortlessly, ascending smoothly from the barren ground. I gripped the controls, and as I engaged the thrusters, the craft surged forward, slicing through the sky like an arrow shot from a bow.

Below, the desolate landscape of the barren region shrank away, a wasteland of jagged rocks and lifeless soil.

I set the flight to full speed, eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of movement. The Magic Forest lay ahead, but before I could reach it, I had to escape this forsaken land.

The aircraft tore through the air, leaving behind a roaring wind tunnel in its wake. I had to push forward, to get beyond this barren region – only then would I find some measure of safety.

With each passing second, the barren landscape disappeared into the distance, a memory of peril as I sped toward my destination.

---

Tolu Country:

In the grand halls of Tolu Country's capital, a chilling silence fell. The ornate, high-ceilinged chamber was filled with the highest-ranking wizards of the nation, each wearing a solemn expression.

The air was thick with tension, and the flickering magical flames that lined the walls seemed to pulse in time with the unease.

A messenger had just delivered the grim news—Elite Wizards, the pride of Tolu, had been killed. Wizards who had been dispatched to investigate strange occurrences at the barren border region were now confirmed dead.

The faces of the Superiors were masks of shock and disbelief. How could it be? These were no ordinary wizards; they were elites, seasoned in battle and arcane arts.

For them to perish so swiftly, so thoroughly, was unthinkable. And yet, the truth had been confirmed. Something was indeed happening at their border—something deadly.

The room buzzed with whispered suspicions. Who could be responsible? One of the Superiors stood, his hands clenched behind his back as he paced the room. "It must be the work of Sand Rock Country," he muttered, his eyes narrowing with malice. "Who else would dare strike at us with such force? Only they possess the cunning..."

The others nodded, but doubt still lingered. Could Sand Rock truly have orchestrated such a devastating blow? The suggestion was made, quietly but with conviction: a Peak Wizard might be involved. Only someone of immense power could have taken down their high-level wizards in such a short time.

And so, the decision was made. The Peak Wizards of Tolu would investigate the barren region themselves, to uncover the truth and strike back at whoever dared threaten their nation.

---

Yellow River Academy:

In the dim, ancient chambers of the Yellow River Academy, the atmosphere was heavy with the weight of secrets. The dean, an old man whose age belied the sharpness of his mind, sat in his high-backed chair, his fingers steepled before him.

His eyes, sharp and calculating, bore into Galvin Martin, who stood before him with a tense posture. The glow of magical lamps flickered across the dean's face as he listened intently to Galvin's report.

Several minutes passed, and the dean finally spoke, his voice a low rumble that seemed to echo in the silent room. "Are you sure no one spotted you?" he asked, his tone cautious, yet firm. His gaze never wavered from Galvin's face.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Galvin hesitated for a brief moment, sifting through his memories. He recalled the journey vividly—each twist and turn, each moment of tension.

He remembered the forests they passed, the stretches of wilderness that had seemed to stretch endlessly, and the careful steps they had taken to avoid detection. With a slight nod, he confirmed, "Yes. As far as I know, our journey was smooth. No one saw us. Vincent Carey should be well on his way to Ancient Redwood Country by now."

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The dean leaned back in his chair, exhaling softly. His eyes softened slightly, though his expression remained serious. He stared off into the distance for a moment, as if weighing the information. "Good. That is all I needed to know."

He sighed inwardly. This was more than just a routine mission—Vincent Carey's departure was of great importance, and the dean would soon have to report to the Magic Lord of the Sub-Taboo Hall.

The consequences of failure were unthinkable. Soon, the entire academy might learn of Vincent's absence, and when they did, questions would arise. Questions the academy might not be ready to answer.

"Very well. You've done an excellent job, Galvin," the dean said, his tone dismissing the matter.

Galvin gave a respectful nod before turning to leave. As he walked down the darkened corridor, his mind was already focused on his next task—he had to inform Vincent Carey's senior brother and sister, who would be anxious to hear of his whereabouts.

...

Taboo Hall:

Mike Curtis paced back and forth within the grand, shadowy halls of the Taboo Hall, his mind consumed with a singular thought—Vincent Carey. Ever since their last clash, a fire had been ignited within him, a burning desire for a rematch.

His fists clenched involuntarily as he recalled the intensity of their fight, the raw power Vincent had displayed. But no matter how many times Mike replayed the battle in his mind, one thing remained certain—Vincent Carey had disappeared from his grasp.

Days had turned into weeks, and yet, there had been no word from Vincent's side. No challenge. No training. No sign of the fierce competitor he had once faced. Mike had grown restless, sending people to investigate Vincent's whereabouts. But every report he received only deepened the mystery.

"They say he's locked up in his room most of the time," one of his informants had said, their voice tinged with confusion. "Or spending hours within the Sub-Taboo Hall, isolated."

Mike frowned at the thought. Ever since Vincent Carey had returned to the academy after the Library Incident, something had changed in him. Gone was the ambitious, determined fighter Mike had known. In his place was someone...reclusive. Withdrawn. Vincent had taken on fewer missions, often disappearing into the depths of the Sub-Taboo Hall, where few dared to follow.

"What is he doing in there?" Mike muttered to himself, his frustration mounting. Was he training in secret, preparing for some great challenge? Or had he been broken by the weight of the academy's pressures? The more Mike thought about it, the more puzzled he became.

He wasn't naive—he knew that Vincent had been targeted by many within the academy. Rival factions, jealous peers, even political enemies. But no one would dare act within the academy itself. Not with the eyes of the Sub-Taboo Hall watching.

So why had Vincent Carey shut himself away?

His thoughts drifted to Alicia Park, the only person who might have been able to give him answers. She had always kept a close eye on Vincent's movements, and Mike had hoped she would be his key to understanding Vincent's behavior.

But the timing couldn't have been worse. Just as Alicia had been gathering information, the border conflict erupted. Now, she was knee-deep in battle, her attention entirely focused on defending against the enemy forces.

Mike cursed under his breath. His options were running out, and the silence from Vincent's side was gnawing at him like a festering wound. He wasn't the type to sit back and wait for things to unfold. No, action was in his blood, and every moment he spent in uncertainty only fueled his desire to take matters into his own hands.

"Enough," he said, his voice low but resolute.

After a quick deliberation, Mike made his decision. He would go find Vincent himself. The academy was vast, and while the Sub-Taboo Hall wasn't a place you entered lightly, Mike wasn't afraid of drawing attention. Let them watch, let them whisper—he didn't care anymore. Something was wrong, and he intended to find out what.

His resolve hardened as he stepped out into the corridor, his mind already racing through the possible outcomes of his decision. He knew his actions would attract eyes, perhaps even suspicion, but it didn't matter. The rematch had been hanging over him like a storm cloud, and he couldn't let it go.

With a final glance back at the darkened halls of the Taboo Hall, Mike set off toward the Sub-Taboo Hall. Whatever secrets Vincent Carey was hiding, he would uncover them.

As he walked, he was spotted by a crowd of wizard students. Their eyes were wide with awe as they recognized him instantly.