During the time Julien was training, significant changes occurred in the Evenus territory.

In the first week of Julien's absence, the three neighboring baronies-Mainz, Hindua, and Kaliak—all attacked at once. Their target was Cleomia, the second territory owned by the Evenus Household.

Cleomia wasn't as rich as Westernborn. There was no gold mine, nor was the land good for agriculture.

However, it was located in an optimal spot, bordering one of the lands owned by the Thorn Rose Guild-one of the fifteen Great Guilds.

Additionally, it was near one of the Mirror Cracks residing within the Empire.

Cleomia's strategic location made it an attractive spot for those traveling to the Thorn Rose Guild, bringing a lot of tourism.

It was an important territory for the Evenus Household, and so, from the moment the three baronies attacked, Aldric had no choice but to send out several troops to defend against their forces.

Within the Household...

"How is the situation?"

Aldric's voice was calm as he scanned the papers on his desk.

There were over a dozen, all reports on the current state of affairs from both territories. Westernborn was currently 'peaceful' - at least on the surface.

However, Viscount Ramsail's army had already infiltrated the gaps Aldric had left for them to exploit.

Communication was slowly starting to dwindle, and the roads were being cut off.

Everything was going according to plan.

"....It's as you predicted, Family Head."

A butler stood at the opposite end of Aldric's desk, bowing respectfully.

"The three baronies have increased their operations, sending several thousand troops into Cleomia to pressure us into deploying more forces. I fear Viscount Ramsail will soon take over the mine entirely."

"Hmm. I see. He's been slower than I anticipated."

According to his original plan, the Viscount should have taken less than a couple of months to completely infiltrate Westernborn and cut off all communication and transportation.

Who would have thought it would take him this long?

"Viscount Ramsail is an extremely crafty and cautious individual, Family Head. It's only natural for them to take their time fully controlling the situation."

"You have a point."

Aldric's eyes shifted to another set of papers.

These contained photos with descriptions beneath them, detailing the profiles of the three barons and the Viscount.

Aldric had done extensive research on his enemies, dating back to the first time they had tried to seize his mine. He never forgot their actions, slowly building detailed profiles through the spies he had placed in each house.

The reason for his diligence was simple:

'Only by knowing my opponent's personality can I predict their actions.'

So far, he had been correct in almost everything.

His only setback was the Viscount's caution, which exceeded his estimates.

'....One month delay. It's still not too bad.'

Aldric closed his eyes and tapped his finger against the wooden desk before reopening them to face the butler.

"It's time we proceed with the plan. Get Leon to bring Julien to me. It's time for the Twin Stars of the Evenus Household to show their worth."

***

One week into the chamber.

"One Rune... Two Runes... Three runes..."

I stared at my hand while a magic circle started to manifest. My eyes stung as I closely alternated my attention from my hand and to the book next to me.

The runes were all in place, and all I needed to do was connect them.

"Five runes... Six runes... Seven runes... Eight runes..."

It was slowly coming together, and unlike a 'Beginner Spell', which required twelve runes to unlock, an 'Intermediate Spell' required eighteen runes to unlock.

.....For that reason, it was a lot more challenging and annoying to unlock them.

Thankfully, with the aid of the pill, I was able to reduce the time it took for me to combine and learn the runes.

My head felt clear and my mana flowed smoothly.

Everything was progressing well.

And soon, the inevitable notification appeared.

Lvl 2. [Nightmare Hex]

"I... did it."

I stared at the notification with a blank look before letting out a relieved sigh as I plopped onto the ground and took heavy breaths.

....I was exhausted but also felt refreshed.

I had finally managed to unlock the first spell.

I wasn't sure how long it took since I had lost track of time, but it definitely took several days.

"Umm."

Blinking my eyes a couple of times to keep my mind fresh, I sat up and extended my hand as a magic circle floated at the top of my palm.

"Nightmare Hex..."

The skill was pretty straightforward.

So long as I touched someone, I could directly induce nightmares to them. It was a skill that I could plant into someone's mind without them knowing, imparting whatever nightmare I

wished to give them.

"....Coupling this with a Fear tag and I'm sure I can break someone."

The only downside with this skill was the fact that one had to be asleep in order to be used. Thankfully, Atlas had thought about this and imparted me the next skill.

[Immersia]

-This spell weaves a powerful curse that forces the target into an immediate and deep sleep, regardless of their current activity or state of mind. The duration is dependent on the target's

strength.

"It's no wonder he gave me two rather than one."

.... It was because the two spells complemented each other perfectly.

Thinking about the endless possibilities that I had with the two spells after I was done recovering, I immediately jumped onto learning the next spell.

"One Rune... Two Runes... The Runes..."

I once again lost track of time and became absorbed in unlocking the second Rune.

Lvl 2. [Immersia]

By the time I was done, I was completely exhausted as sweat poured down on me from all

sides.

My clothes were entirely drenched.

For a moment, I thought about leaving the Chamber but thinking about how I could get side-

tracked in the process, I decided to stay in the room.

Like that, I decided to focus on my already unlocked spells.

[Grip of Pestilence] and [Chains of Alakantria].

... It was about time that I upgraded them.

"Hoo."

Utilizing the plentiful 'Curse' element that lingered in the air, I now focused my attention on

upgrading the two spells.

The process was extremely difficult, with me failing several times to upgrade them.

But unlike in the past, I was more experienced in these types of situations. I knew exactly

what I needed to do, and as such, used the skill on myself to better understand how the skill

worked in order for me to upgrade it.

"Ukeh...!"

I puked several times and pushed myself to a point where I wanted to quit, but eventually, the

pain paid off as I was able to upgrade the two spells.

Lvl 2. [Grip of Pestilence] --> Lvl 3. [Hands of Contagion]

Lvl 1. [Chains of Alakantria] --> Lvl 2. [Shackles of Alakantria]

I sat in silence while staring at the names of the new spells.

In particular, I paid attention to the evolution of 'Chains of Alakantria'.

....I hadn't really paid much attention to it in the past, but what exactly was 'Alakantria'? Was

it a place? Some sort of god?

What did it represent?

'It's probably not a god, but it could be an individual. I'll have to do some research later.

Perhaps there's more to the skill than I know.'

.... It could also be nothing special.

Nonetheless, it didn't hurt to check.

"Haa."

I looked around me

The purple runes that were spread out throughout the entire chamber were now a lot dimmer

than they were before.

Clearly, there wasn't much time left.

'Does that mean that I've almost used all my time?'

No, that didn't really make sense...

It couldn't be that almost two months had already passed, right?

"Well, since nobody has called for me then I guess everything is still fine. Maybe they don't

even need my help."

If that was the case then I was happy.

By the time the Academy started, I was sure Leon would come and pick me up. With such thoughts, I closed my eyes and immersed myself in training once again. It was rare

for me to spend so much time by myself just for training. I didn't want to waste a single

second of it.

...And I didn't.

Before I knew it, the chamber was completely drained

But even then, I remained in the chamber, fully focused on my domain as I would take short

breaks on the occasions when I was hungry.

Like this, I lost track of time once more.

It never occurred to me, even until the end, that the estimated time I'd stay was surpassed.

... It only dawned on me when I came out.

"What did you say?"

Staring at Leon while covering my eyes which were struggling under the sunlight, my heart

sank.

"Three months."

Leon said, his voice light.

"You've been in the chamber for three months. The Academy already started a month ago. It

was the Family Head that decided to keep you here long. The Academy already gave him

permission so you don't have to worry."

"That..."

I didn't know how to react to the sudden situation.

Blinking my eyes a couple of times, I rubbed my face.

"What about the whole plan?" "....Oh, this is why I called you." Leon combed his hair back while turning around.

"The Head has called for us. He said, and I quote; It's time for the Twin Stars of the Eve-

Uke...!"

"Akh!"

I clenched my stomach while cursing ahead as Leon hunched over a wall and started gagging.

"Uekk."

"Akh!" This guy...

He just had to say it!