An Unordinary Extra

Grasping the Fuller Method and its implications for achieving seven-circle magic was proving to be a challenge. But that was expected. Groundbreaking concepts don't reveal themselves easily, and for now, I was content to wrestle with the complexity—at least outwardly.

Spellcasting in this world bore a striking resemblance to physics, brimming with advanced mathematics applied to streamline and expand its use. It wasn't just about bending the arcane to human will; it was about structuring and ordering it, making it accessible to mortal minds.

Thanks to Mythos Academy, I had a strong foundation in advanced mathematics even with my lower years degree. However, the frequent interruptions in my education left gaps, something glaringly evident when compared to Rachel. She handled the intricacies of the Fuller Method with a fluency that left me trailing behind, her mind cutting through the labyrinth of equations and theories like a razor.

The Fuller Method fundamentally redefined the nature of mana. No longer was it simply a fluid-like presence pervading the world; it was now understood as a quasi-quantized field of energy, alive with potential. Of course, this wasn't something that could be explained entirely by the laws of physics. It required a synthesis of magical principles and mathematical elegance, a framework that felt alien and familiar all at once.

The key was in imposing structure on the chaos. The method employed a non-linear scaling function to compress mana particles within this field, making them approach a state closer to astral energy. Beyond that, it integrated nested resonant systems—circles that weren't just stacked but intertwined—and utilized anchors to stabilize the volatile mana flows. Tuning and calibration ensured harmony within the system, enabling it to function at an unprecedented scale.

It was as if the universe had been revealed in a new light. My view of magic and its workings had been upended. Wrapping my mind around these concepts was like trying to hold water in my hands; every time I thought I had a grasp, it slipped through my fingers.

And yet, that struggle was the point. To understand this was to climb the Wall and step into Ascendant-rank, a realm of power that demanded more than brute strength. It required enlightenment. 

Rachel, of course, was studying less than I was. Her efforts were directed toward increasing her mana rank, which made sense. She had only recently crossed into high Integration-rank and was still some way from reaching the Wall herself. Where I fought to untangle complex equations and abstract theories, Rachel's sharp mind sliced through them with minimal effort, leaving me both impressed and a little envious.

She didn't need to put in the same hours I did. For her, this was a matter of sharpening an already brilliant blade. For me, it was forging a new one from raw ore. But that was fine. If reaching seven-circle magic was a mountain, then every inch I climbed would make the summit all the more satisfying.

'Just how complex is the Astraeus method?' I thought, letting out a sigh that felt as heavy as the tome in my hands.

The Astraeus method was the pinnacle of spellcasting theory, a monumental expansion and refinement of the Fuller method. A closely guarded secret of the Creighton family, it was a privilege reserved for those of their bloodline—or those they deemed worthy. The Tower of Magic had its own proprietary iteration of the Fuller method, an advanced version available only to its sworn members. But even their improvements couldn't hold a candle to the Astraeus method.

In essence, it was the most sophisticated framework for casting seven-circle spells in existence. Its elegance lay in its unmatched efficiency and the speed it offered in battle. Yet, as with all things of immense value, it came with a price: its sheer complexity. Understanding it wasn't just about knowledge—it required insight, intuition, and a profound connection to magic itself.

I rubbed my temples, trying to untangle the dense theory. My thoughts were interrupted by a familiar warmth wrapping itself around me from behind.

"Arthur," Rachel's soft voice reached my ears as her arms encircled me. Something soft pressed against the back of my head, and I froze in place.

"Rach," I managed to respond, unsure whether to laugh or sigh.

"Stop reading and play with me," she teased, her fingers finding my cheeks and pinching them mercilessly. Her tone was playful, almost sing-song, and as I turned, I noticed the telltale blush on her cheeks.

"Did you drink with your father again?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at her. Rachel's golden hair shimmered in the bright light, framing her face in a way that made it hard to be annoyed, even if I wanted to be.

Her sheepish grin confirmed my suspicions. Alastor and Rachel had been spending more time together recently, bonding over shared drinks. I occasionally joined them, but more often than not, I left them to their father-daughter time while focusing on my training.

"Maybe," she admitted with a giggle, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "But you can't blame me for wanting some fun. You've been glued to that book for hours."

I closed the tome with a deliberate thud. "It's not exactly light reading," I said, leaning back to look at her more closely. "The Fuller method isn't going to teach itself."

Rachel pouted, leaning closer until our noses almost touched. "And here I thought I was supposed to be the one distracting you."

Her words made me chuckle. For all her brilliance and poise, Rachel had a knack for reminding me that there was more to life than relentless study and training. Maybe a break wasn't such a bad idea.

"If I had your brains, I wouldn't need to study nearly as much," I said as Rachel plopped herself onto my lap with a casual ease that only she could muster.

Her blue eyes narrowed into a mock scowl. "Oh? You want my genius on top of everything else you already have? What's next, Arthur? Planning to rule the world?" She crossed her arms, her tone half-teasing but sharp enough to make her point.

Her words struck a chord, echoing something my master, Li, had once said. A shiver ran down my spine as I shook my head quickly, dismissing the memory before it took root.

"If you are, this Saintess is more than happy to march into a few wars for her Arthur," Rachel added, gesturing grandly to herself. She puffed out her chest and tilted her chin up, radiating an over-the-top pride that made me laugh.

"I'm not," I assured her, chuckling at her theatrics. "World domination sounds like too much paperwork."

Rachel frowned in exaggerated disappointment. "You're no fun."

"You're adorable when you pout," I said, reaching up to ruffle her golden hair. She swatted at my hand but didn't pull away.

Her demeanor shifted slightly, her voice lowering into a whisper as she leaned closer. "You know I'm not a child, right?"

Before I could respond, she pulled me into a tight embrace, and my face was suddenly caught between two undeniably soft—yet strategically placed—pillows.

"Does this feel like a child to you?" Rachel asked, her voice carrying a victorious edge as she released me, leaving me momentarily stunned.

"Point taken," I managed, my voice a little hoarse as I adjusted my posture, earning a satisfied smirk from her.