The night sky was pitch-black and fathomless, countless stars adorning its expanse as Lucian once again harnessed the Star Power within his meditative perception to temper his spiritual power and soul.
Among these streams of starlight, the one originating from his own ruling star of fate was the clearest and the easiest to command.
His spiritual power was gradually dyed a pure, luminous starlight, which spread toward his soul, causing it to seem to emit a faint, resplendent glow.
This layer of luminescence slowly merged into the soul, and Lucian could feel his soul growing stronger at a pace he could clearly perceive.
Before reaching the rank of high-circle Magic Apprentice, the growth and strengthening of spiritual power and soul were this conspicuous — which was precisely why the Witch had been able to advance from apprentice Magic Apprentice to high-circle in a mere year. In this regard, Lucian was no slower than she.
Under the effects of the Storm Potion, Lucian's spiritual power was far more potent than usual, allowing him to control more Star Power and channel more of it into tempering his own being. Before long, a sensation of fullness bloomed within his soul.
Yet embedded in that fullness was also an outward expansive force, and this presented an opportunity Lucian seized — he did not end his Meditation.
His soul seemed to pulse outward and then contract inward, compressing and fusing the Star Power into itself, until at last Lucian noticed for the first time that his soul appeared to take on an illusion of density and solidity.
He ended his Meditation, and the illusion vanished, but Lucian found his mind clearer than it had ever been. He understood that he had finally become a formal Magic Apprentice — his soul had undergone a subtle transformation imperceptible to others. Going forward, he would be able to significantly weaken attacks that controlled the mind, scrambled the spirit, or suppressed the willpower, and his recovery speed would nearly double. Moreover, his spiritual perception had shifted from extremely vague to somewhat distinct.
"Still, a breakthrough like this does real damage to the body. Even with consistent training, if I can't become a formal mage and use Arcane Magic to extend my lifespan, I'm honestly afraid I won't live past sixty." The Storm Potion's cost — its drain on his potential — had faded, and in its wake Lucian was flooded with deep exhaustion and weakness. After checking his condition, he sank once more into a profound slumber.
After becoming a formal Magic Apprentice, Lucian's spiritual power would enter another phase of rapid growth — until the minor hurdle of high-circle Magic Apprentice.
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Over the following days, with the help of Lucian — the "original author" — Victor smoothly refined the melody and its details, then adapted it into a symphonic arrangement. The orchestra rehearsed it repeatedly, and with the assistance of Rhein, the outstanding performer, they finally performed the piece skillfully when
After hearing the Fate Symphony, Othello rose from his seat in the cavernous concert hall and applauded for a long time. "Before, the melody alone wasn't enough to accurately judge this piece's worth, but now I'm convinced — this will cause a sensation. Let me say it again, Victor, you have a remarkable student."
"And Lucian — you truly are an unimaginable genius, but genius always invites controversy, especially when you can't even play the piano proficiently yet. If you can't maintain the pace of producing an outstanding work every year or two, then prepare yourself for an avalanche of doubt and criticism."
"Becoming famous too early is no good thing for you."
Othello still regretted that Lucian had not devoted his musical talent to serious religious subject matter. He shook his head, turned, and left.
Watching Othello's retreating figure disappear through the concert hall doors, Victor said to Lucian with a touch of guilt, "The day I heard this piece, it struck me so deeply that I was too exhilarated, too impulsive. No one will suspect you of plagiarism, of course, and genius needs no justification — but I failed to consider the pressure that early fame would bring you."
"It's all right,
Victor nodded. "I trust in your will to face hardship and pressure. But for the next year, I'll do my best to shield you from other obligations so you can focus on mastering the piano. Otherwise, a musical genius who can't even play his own instrument properly will face serious questioning."
Having settled that matter, Victor continued, "In two days, you'll come with Lot and the others to the backstage area of Sacred Hymn Hall. And as the composer of the piece, if you'd like, you can invite a few friends to attend the concert — though not too many. Keep it to fewer than five."
Although the Sacred Hymn Hall concerts were open only to high society, and a single ticket cost the equivalent of a commoner's savings for one or two years — a full Gold Thaler — they generously reserved a number of seats for musicians, conductors, and performers, allowing their family and friends to attend.
"Really? That's wonderful!" The thought of fulfilling Uncle Joel's wish made Lucian answer happily, because he never knew when he might have to leave the City of Sacred Hymns, nor whether he would ever get the chance to hold a concert at Sacred Hymn Hall.
Though Lucian himself felt no particular regret — he might even breathe a sigh of relief — if he could satisfy Joel's wish while the opportunity was at hand, he would of course be delighted. "Uncle Joel, Aunt Elisa, John, Evan, and
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