As I have said, I am planning to assert my dominance. There are just some things that cannot be explained through words and this is one of those things. It must not go back to the way it was before. She is currently not a possible threat to me but still a slight detriment. From our interactions, I have noticed that she treats me like a son? or maybe a little brother? She dotes on me a lot, up to the point that I think I might throw up but strangely enough, I find it enjoyable. Its a new and pleasant experience. Though I don't know why.

Its probably me being immature... I think.

But since she dotes on me a lot... she is also very protective. I mean seriously, when she asked me to practice the stances of the glaive, she always asks if I am tired or uncomfortable. Once, I unwittingly answered yes, and the training stopped prematurely. That sucked.

Then on an occasion where I tried to cook something but ended up with a scalded palm due to a careless mistake, she panicked and tried to look for medicine on her storage ring... which did not work as she had her mana core disabled. I treated my hand with a [Heal] and showed my hand to her but she still did not relent.

Therefore I was banned from the kitchen, which I built on my own for a month. I think I was eight-years old at that time. A feeling of perplexity slowly grew in me as series of events where she becomes overprotective continuously occurs. Even when we were sparring, I could tell that she was holding back. In the past, I could not have noticed it but the small and mysterious upgrade from Liz as well as my newly created Divine Art: Parallel Thought, which effects are not only to add an additional "mind" but it also increases my perception, thought processing speed, and memory after each breakthrough.

She was definitely holding back. Her strikes are slow and I could tell that she was rarely aiming for my vitals. She only tries to disable me by sweeping me off my feet or disarming me.

I kinda feel like I'm being treated like her last family member. Its not disconcerting but it is a weird feeling nonetheless. Still its pleasant somehow. Again I don't know why.

Anyway, if she is able to use mana again then there is a slight chance that she might prevent me from doing what I think is necessary to achieve Frelinia's task. Her restrictive patronizing of me might clash with the usual stupid, impulsive and dangerous decisions that I make, which are very effective on my opinion, and she might strive to stop me. Not that I can blame her. Protecting is a vague concept. It can either be good or bad and her sincerity will only make matters worse.

She can definitely prove to be detrimental to my plans because she is stronger than before. Well, its a matter of course. I was the one who assimilated the poison with her anyway. She'll be able to use it by intuition. And I also strengthened the foundation of her mana core while I was at it.

She is now stronger than most mana manipulators at her level but it might prove to be difficult to be superior against other Middle-Staged or Late-Staged Grand Knights/Magus that have their own specialties.

Salratia is boundless after all. Who knows if a divine beast blessed an individual or if a secluded member of a large clan came out of meditation. There are many coincidences that are happening out there.

And since Kiralne is powerful already, I'm not only worried about the actions that may prove to be unhelpful for me... I'm also worried that she might get conceited or something. Five years of being a cripple mellowed her down a lot and she is very likable-no lovable, Very lovable. But even though she has mellowed, I can tell that she is ashamed and frustrated on the inside.

Think about it. If a person at the top suddenly fell out from grace, would that person not feel wronged or angry? This is Kiralne's situation. If she suddenly gain back her power again she'd get arrogant to be able to regain back her dignity. I would not want to see her become arrogant again... wait was she even arrogant?

Hmm... let me see. I guess she was arrogant before but not overbearing. Maybe its just the pride of an ojou-sama that I can sense from her back then. Even back on Earth, a lot of girls and boys exuded that aura... though they are pathetic in my eyes. Kiralne is definitely more high-class and graceful than them, plus, she is more beautiful and charismatic.

Well, whatever. I lost track of my objective. Though our relationship is very good, I still don't have absolute control over her. Not that it is possible to do that but I at least want her to be predictable. I do not want a wild card out in the open. It is very troublesome to deal with those kinds of issues. Therefore I must "tame" Kiralne.

"Show who is superior? What do you mean?" (Kiralne)

Kiralne asked me but I did not answer. She displayed a look of questioning and a bit of impatience. I think she is sulking a bit but its very cute. I ignore that question as I faced Kiralne, whose bearing became majestic and is clad in Aura Essence and stated this question instead with a playful tone.

"Hey, Kiralne. What do you think my rank is now~?" (Krey)

To my question she look a bit puzzled and even more impatient but she still conceded. She sighed and gave me a long and deep scrutinizing gaze. Told you. She is quite doting. Unnaturally so. Come to think of it, when we first met and I wanted to buy stuff, she did not reprimand me and just sighed and handed me two gold coins. She is soft on the inside.

"Your rank? I think you are a Senior Magus already. Possibly on the late stage but..." (Kiralne)

As Kiralne was saying that, she suddenly froze as if she received a shocking revelation. Her eyes widened and her lips trembled. Her Aura Essence flickered, as if it was about to dissipate but it soon became normal again. With her finger she rudely pointed at me and asked in a flustered voice.

"Init-tial S-staged E-e-e-elder M-magus?! How is that possible?! Clearly you were a Middle-Stage Magus five years ago and should be a Middle-Staged Senior Magus with the help from your master but this is just too ridiculous!!" (Kiralne)

Good. Good. Yes, be surprised. Step one is done and now to begin step two of taming Kiralne. As Kiralne issued out those words oozing with complete surprise and disbelief, I willed my own Aura Essence to appear.

Refined mana erupted out of my body, though not as extreme as Kiralne's as she and I have different ranks. Hers is much deeper and more vigorous than mine. But it doesn't mean that my refined mana's explosiveness pales in comparison. We stood there facing each other, though Kiralne is still stupefied and I, a little eager to test myself out.

Gradually, the clouds of refined mana slowly transformed into nine types of elemental mana. Just like Kiralne's Aura Essence, they slowly filled the area around me. Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Nature, Light, Darkness, Lightning and Destruction.

In the first place, refined mana is simply raw mana, a jumbled combination of various elemental mana, purified by the mana core into something easily controlled by mana manipulators. One of its purposes is to aid in using elemental mana, a basis of power for mana manipulators.

Surprisingly they came out in different colors. Usually it would take some time before the refined mana slowly changes into elemental mana. The mists of elemental mana has nine distinct colors around me. Fire is bright red. Water is dark blue. Earth is golden brown. Wind is... colorless? No, its milky white. Lightning is purplish gold. Quite weird actually. Nature is light and subtle green. Destruction is a dark and dense violet. Light is a yellowish silver while Darkness is... well black...-ish. Its dark. Not much to say about the color.

A multi-colored mist exuded from my body which is in fact, manifested elemental mana.

Aura Essence is after all a Divine Art that makes use of refined mana and turns it into an elemental mana mist as an enhancement, per say, to raise the mana manipulator's abilities and power by a lot. A little similar to the Aura Domain but its more powerful than that.

But it still depends on the mastery of the Divine Art as well as the insights gained by the mana manipulator regarding the Profound Truths and Profound Mysteries of the elements.

Sensing the collaboration of all the elements in the air, Kiralne sported and even more confounded expression, along with a glint in her emerald colored eyes that contained vague traces of fear but mostly astonishment. Her face is a bit pale but other than that she still kept that speechless bearing.

After a while, she uttered disbelievingly-

"Five-no... Seven? No!! I-its all of them!! Nine! All nine elements?! That's too much! Only the champion of Azaroth has that blessing-" (Kiralne)

Ignoring that insensible comment that I usually encounter on light novels, I took a step forwards and willed the surrounding elemental mana... to fuse. Fusing the elements together is another trick towards this Divine Art that needs a lot of insights. Something I have plenty of. Fire first merged with Earth. Even though my Aura Essence has all elements in it, it's still not enough to match the Aura Essence of an Arch-level mana manipulator. And Kiralne is probably a casual activation. I need to force her to be serious.

My Aura Essence instantly became more powerful than before. It became more ravenous and thick. Though I can still feel the horrendous pressure of that ridiculous Aura Essence coming from Kiralne, I don't back down and take another step.

Soon, Water joined the two fused elements and my Aura Essence went up another level. The colors of red, brown and water no longer repelled each other but they are now mixed together, creating a surreal three-colored cloud around me. Coupled with the other colored clouds, I look a bit funny if seen from an outsider's perspective but I'm obviously brimming with power.

I stared at Kiralne for awhile and said-

"Come on, Kiralne! This is your big fight in a long time~ Don't make my efforts in hiding my battle prowess meaningless~" (Krey)

"Eh... what?" (Kiralne)

Seriously?! This is supposed to be an epic display of power between the two of us and the other side can't so shit! I am a bit annoyed at how she is still shocked about what just happened. I am not happy with this unusual indecisiveness of hers. She is acting like a headless chicken!

"W-wait! This development is too fast isn't it?! I don't know where we are going anymore!!" (Kiralne)

"Tch. Its just an Aura Essence battle. Stop complaining!" (Krey)

This is not fun anymore. I was hoping she'd go with the flow but I guess its impossible. The power of my tri-elemental combination Aura Essence already matches that of hers, but its not enough. Let's take it up a notch. I took another step and willed another element, Wind to fuse with the tri-elemental combination and soon the power of my Aura Essence became more ferocious, exceeding that of Kiralne's. The three-colored clouds became four-colored clouds! They almost drowned out the other elemental clouds but I can still sense the other elements in my area.

"Fine! You asked for it!" (Kiralne)

A pleasant response was heard and I got even more excited. Yes, step two complete! Force her to try and stop me. Even if she had doubts about my abilities, she'll have to compete in full force. It'll be a hit to her pride after all. Now I must complete the next step and force her to activate her Aura Domain. Then completely overpower it with Aura Essence. Fufufu~. This'll be the greatest embarrassment for someone of her level.

As I was rehearsing the plan on my mind, Kiralne did something that is very surprising. The clouds of Aura Essence surrounding her also began... to fuse. Wind an Nature elements fused together and a shocking energy billowed out from her, almost suppressing my own quadra-elemental Aura Essence.

"Hoh. I guess I'm not the only one to have sufficient understanding regarding the elements." (Krey)

I lightly smirked and soon understood that she has not yet fully understood the profound truths and mysteries of water. Otherwise, if she did a tri-elemental combination and implement it in her Aura Domain... I'll have to fuse all elements together to suppress her.

"*breathing heavily* I'm still not done y'know... Haah..." (Kiralne)

Kiralne, who was already breathing heavily said defiantly. Good. I'll crush that resistant will of yours! I think this sadistic thought to myself as she suddenly forced out even more power on her Aura Essence. Moreover, its intensity surpasses mine! Kuuh! I don't know why but it causes my blood to boil!

As I withstand with all my current strength, the pressure coming from Kiralne's Aura Essence, I took another step and willed another element, Lightning to fuse with the quadra-elemental Aura Essence. And with a *boom* the originally solid room began to have cracks all around it. The distance between me an Kiralne is just a meter now.

Aura Essence doesn't really affect the surroundings that much as it simply cloaks the mana-manipulators body. Very rarely does it cause external damage in the area... unless the minor pressure coming from the Aura Essence is simply too intense then it will cause damage. My and her Aura Essence are colliding, both trying to gain the upper hand over each other, but it has reached a stalemate.

Kiralne is still breathing heavily with sweat coming out of her body. She is lightly glaring at me while I give her my carefree smile. Fufu. Fusing elements together can take a toll towards the body and mind if you do not have complete understanding. Hers is probably a forced fusing, supported with a great understanding towards the wind and nature elements. A nice try, but I sincerely hope she'll use her Aura Domain now. I want to see how powerful it really is!

As I was about to urge her to let go of her pride and activate Aura Domain when I felt someone pulling my shirt from the back and got surprised. When I looked back, I found a sulky black-haired little girl. Her golden eyes are a little wet and her brows are drooped down. She had a pouting face on and held a part of my shirt. She gazed at me with upturned eyes and said-

"Krey nii-chan, let big sis Kira rest for a while. She will still receive a backlash from breaking through the Arch Knight rank, don't you know that? And also, stop throwing lightning at me when you don't want to talk!" (Liz)

"Eh? Liz? You're awake already?" (Krey)

Hmmm... I'll have to develop a more effective and non-lethal lightning element spell next time. She's waking up too fast. Lisana, who was clad in that unruly dragonic mana pleaded to me. She can clad herself with dragonic mana and made something similar to an Aura Essence huh? I wonder what system of strengthening dragons follow?

But wait... let her rest? But I won't be able to tame her then! This is a waste of effort on my part if I do so! I want her to unconditionally obey me and this is one of the ways to do it. The other methods would take too long. I won't be able to play around if I use other methods.

*sigh* Whatever. Liz wins.

I willed my Aura Essence to fade away and inquired Liz about the backlash as the colorful clouds around me slowly and quietly disappear.

"What do you mean "backlash"?" (Krey)

"Its what you experience all the time Krey nii-chan. You always get a major headache once in a while right? I asked big sis Kira about it and she said that its a backlash you get when breaking through. Except that its different for mages and warriors." (Kiralne)

"Eh? Warriors get backlashes too?" (Krey)

Now, this is new. I thought that its only me who get backlashes because of fast breakthroughs but it seems that all mana manipulators get it too. But I really didn't expect warriors to have them as well. And to think that Liz noticed my breakthroughs. If so then...

"So what kind of backlash to warriors get?" (Krey)

I ask Liz when suddenly-

"Aaaaahhhh!!!" (Kiralne)

I heard the sound of Kiralne screaming and I turned my head towards her direction. I caught the scene of Kiralne, her Aura Essence flickering and fading, falling powerlessly on the ground. I caught her before she fell with {Telekinesis}. I still can't carry something with the weight of a ton but my maximum capacity is probably 300 kg. Kiralne is light so it doesn't really take too much effort.

"This backlash, Krey nii-chan." (Lisana)

Liz says as she watched me drag Kiralne over in mid-air with {Telekinesis}. Her golden eyes stared accusingly at me while I scratch my head in confusion.

"Oookkaay... Now what?" (Krey)

"*sigh* Krey nii-chan. You made it harder for big sis Kira. Making her expend such effort after breaking through is really harsh." (Lisana)

Ignore it.

"Uhuh. So what's gonna happen to Kiralne?" (Krey)

I ask Liz while gesturing towards the floating Kiralne, who had her eyes closed. Liz is the one who has the most contact with Kiralne. I basically spent my time meditating and training while Liz and Kiralne played around. Kiralne helps me with training every other time but she mostly spends her time with Liz. They probably have a lot of conversations.

"When I asked big sis Kira about it, she said that warriors experience something similar to metamorphosis. They're bodies change and become stronger because of the excess mana flowing to every part of their body. The mana seeps through their cells and strengthens the warrior. They're appearances might also change during this process." (Lisana)

"Hmm. Is that so? What should we do now?" (Krey)

I have no experience with a breakthrough backlashes in regards to warriors and I can't base the treatments of mages to help Kiralne. That would be stupid. Of course I don't feel guilty about putting Kiralne through this. Nope. Not at all. I was originally a shameless person on Earth. Old habits, die hard.

"I don't know but... Kiralne said that the body of a warrior would be shrouded in a light but... Oooh! There it is!" (Lisana)

As Liz said, a soft three-colored light was being emitted from Kiralne's body, covering her entirely. Its like a human-shaped lightshow. Seeing this, I became a bit jealous of warriors. They receive such a cool backlash while we mages have to suffer severe headaches.

"It's not like that y'know Krey nii-chan. Throughout the metamorphosis, the warriors experience the searing pain of having their body modified. And they're conscious the entire time." (Lisana)

"Eh? How do you know what I was thinking?" (Krey)

"Its written all over your face Krey nii-chan. Also you're saying your thoughts out loud." (Lisana)

Really? I should control my facial expressions a bit. But thinking out loud? I'm pretty sure that I don't do that sort of thing.

I willed Kiralne to float towards the exit. I followed after her and Liz, who surprisingly didn't turn back to her dragon form and walked alongside me.

I floated Kiralne over to the bedroom and placed her upon her and Liz's bed. I sat down on my own relatively small bed and turned to Liz who is sitting on her and Kiralne's bed. *sigh* I have no idea what Kiralne did to her but they are very close. I kinda feel isolated. Something I haven't felt in a long time.

"So Liz... how long will this take? (Krey)

I'm curious on how long this so called "metamorphosis" would take. It'll suck if it takes too long.

"It won't be too long, Krey nii-chan." (Lisana)

Liz shook her head and gaze at me meaningfully for a moment and said-

"I want to ask you something, Krey nii-chan. Why did you fight with big sis Kira?" (Lisana)

Hearing her say that question, I weighed the pros and cons and the possible consequences I'd get if I tell her. Liz is unnaturally smart and she might see through my lies and get angry at me. I shrugged internally and decided to tell the truth.

"Well, you see Liz..." (Krey)

And so began the long explanation. I tried my best to say it in a way that would be logical and effective while minimizing the ridiculous points in my actions. I kinda feel like a company worker reporting about the monthly fees to a CEO. Glossing over some mistakes and such.

Liz listened attentively, with the her eyes shining once in a while. I think it took about an hour to assert my point during, which the three-colored light surrounding Kiralne continued to get brighter. Its a little irritating.

"Krey nii-chan, you could have just asked nicely y'know? Big sis Kira is quite soft towards us and she might listen to you if you explain your request properly." (Lisana)

"And if I want her to let me do something dangerous and not stop me? You do know that she is protective of us and she won't sit back and let me jump into danger." (Krey)

"Big sis Kira is quite gullible so you just have to tell her a lie and make it believable." (Lisana)

"And if she saw what I was really doing?" (Krey)

"Hmm... then try your best not to get caught." (Lisana)

Such words of wisdom-not! Well at least she didn't get angry. It would be hard to appeal to her if that happens. I might get the silent treatment for a whole week. Maybe two, if I'm unlucky.

"Big sis Kira should be done right now." (Liz)

As Lis said, the three-colored light shrouding Kiralne gradually became dimmer. I got up and went closer to Kiralne. After a few seconds the three-colored light finally died out, revealing Kiralne in all her entirety. With a few surprising changes.

"Uwaahh... big sis Kira became cuter!" (Liz)

"I think she became younger..." (Krey)

Liz exclaimed excitedly with shining eyes while I said a certain fact observantly. Kiralne... became younger looking. She had a mature twenty-year old face that made her look regal and refined in my eyes before but now... her face became softer? No. More innocent. Younger even. Probably in the age of seventeen. Her skin became smoother and had a pinkish glow. Her original blonde hair seemingly became brighter, giving off a healthy sheen. I think she also became shorter and thinner. She was originally 180 cm tall but she is now 170 cm tall. Her arms, legs and torso gave of a feeling of being... weaker for some reason, making her thinner in my perspective.

A typical body size of a teenage girl.

"Liz, is this one of the changes during metamorphosis?" (Krey)

"Un. I think so, Krey nii-chan. It matches with what big sis Kira said." (Lisana)

I squinted my eyes, immersed in observing for anymore changes that happened to Kiralne. My eyes stopped to a certain part of her body and gave a sigh of relief. At least her chest didn't get smaller.

My eyes wondered over to her pointy ears and I had a sudden urge to touch them. I haven't touched it yet and Kiralne doesn't let me for some reason. Isn't this a good chance now? It will fulfil one of my dreams if I do so. Heeding to my urges, I leaned towards Kiralne. She is showing signs of waking up so I move my hand faster and stroked her ear.

"Hyaan~!" (Kiralne)

... Its a bit disappointing. Although its interesting to touch, Kiralne's ears don't give of the same addiction as touching Lily's ears. Oh well. I'll touch it some more.

"Hyuu! Kya! Ahn! W-wha..." (Kiralne)

Kiralne opened her eyes and our gazes met, Then she saw where my hand was and felt something touching her ear. Her face suddenly become red. She sat up and ran away at a speed of sound, leaving a faint afterimage behind. Um... what just happened? I get that she can run that fast because she is a warrior but why did she run?

"Krey nii-chan... you're quite audacious aren't you." (Lisana)

Liz also had a red face but her golden eyes are glimmering. No, seriously what did I do?

"Liz, what just happened?" (Krey)

"Well... big sis Kira told me that for elves, touching or stroking the ears is the same as k-k-kissing... or proposing! Its something sacred for them and is usually done by elf couples!" (Lisana)

"Oh good! I thought it was something serious! I'm gonna go repair the meditation room." (Krey)

Whew! I thought I did something bad. I don't care if its sacred to them. Its just simple skin-ship to me anyway. I hum a carefree tune as I go towards the meditation room, leaving behind a stupefied Liz behind. Now then, should I fix the walls first or re-align the ?

(Third Person P.O.V.)

In a simple wooden room adorned with some medicinal plants, two figures sat down in a wooden table. The first figure was an old man in thick brown robes. He had a kind face and white flowing hair and beard. Although he is old, he exuded a hearty air, as if he is not impeded by age.

The second figure was a middle-aged man. He had short blue hair and red eyes and had pointy ears. But it was different from an elf's. This man is a demon. He wore a magnificent coat and underneath are beautiful robes. The two men sat down in a table together, drinking tea and chatting harmoniously.

"So how is your family, Arles my boy? I hope the brats are still the energetic critters that I am fond of." (Old Man)

"Ahaha. Yes, yes of course Lord Turlan. They are both studying in Arles City and are getting along with the rising genius." (Arles)

The old man, Lord Turlan made an approving nod.

"Ah yes. Sally was her name was it? To think we missed such a talent five years ago... A shame we didn't get to meet her master." (Lord Turlan)

"Yes sir. It seems that her master disappeared five years ago, and she refuses to talk about it. Her friends also benefited from the teachings of her master." (Arles)

"Mmm. On another note, you are quite the crafty dog aren't you Arles? To immediately drag her over to our faction must have took some effort didn't it? Kekeke." (Lord Turlan)

"Its just my job sir. But..." (Arles)

The harmonious atmosphere seemed to get dragged down and became dreary. The temperature seemed colder and the room became darker. This is not an exaggeration. Its as if the room is tightly connected to the moods of these two men.

"...compared to losing Kiralne, what I did was simply adding a drop to an already empty bucket. We've lost too much already." (Arles)

While saying that, Arles sighed in defeat. Lord Turlan also had a solemn air and his face was no longer jolly. In fact, it seemed that he got older in that moment.

"Nine Grand Soldiers, Seven Grand Magus and one pseudo-Arch Knight... all dead. Lumen Isles Union had hit us hard. Our 'Colonnades' got reduced by half making this war of ours difficult." (Lord Turlan)

Arles no longer spoke, and instead was quiet with his head down. A lonely image of a man can be seen when looking at him.

Lord Turlan sighed, and looked out the window staring at the distance. This room, this house is located at a mountain-top. In fact, it is at the very peak. When one looks out the window, all they can see is the boundless blue sky. The clouds in all their majesty. And monsters capable of flight flying around. It was such a picturesque scene. Yet the old man seemed to see further.

He looked back at his own tea cup and saw that it was empty. He filled it up with some fragrant tea out of a pot and sipped lightly. He said softly-

"Kiralne that lass... I miss our usual bantering. A lonely little girl and a lonely old man. *chuckle*" (Lord Turlan)

While saying that, he closed his eyes then suddenly re-opened them. His face morphed into a mixture of surprise and ugliness. Arles too, seemed to vaguely sense what was going on and hurriedly asked Lord Turlan-

"Lord Turlan, what is the matter?" (Arles)

"Somebody broke through." (Lord Turlan)

He stated blandly. Arles put on a shocked expression and said-

"What?! But I didn't sense anything..." (Arles)

"Its either too weak or too strong for you if so. But this is clearly the mana... of an Arch-level Mana Manipulator. Probably a dog from Lumen Isles Union." (Lord Turlan)

"There is no other peak late-staged Grand-level Mana Manipulator here in Tolkium Kingdom. It really must be Lumen Isles Union! To think they're so arrogant to meditate in our land!" (Arles)

As he said that, a two-colored aura seeped out from his body as he stood up. Ice started to form on the floors and walls.

Then, Lord Turlan waved out his wide sleeve and a gust of hot wind blew Arles back into his seat. The ice also started to melt.

"Do not be brash! Immediately contact the sentries in Arles City and put them in high alert! Request help from the other factions as well! " (Lord Turlan)

"Lord Turlan! The source of that mana..." (Arles)

"Yes. Its direction coincides with the direction of Arles City is." (Lord Turlan)

When he heard that, Arles clenched his teeth and ran out of the room. Lord Turlan flicked his sleeve, revealing an old hand. In his bony finger, a storage ring was put on. By his will, a staff made out of white wood with an elegant design appeared in his hand as well as four floating purple gems appeared in his vicinity. They revolved around him and his eyes flashed a cold glow.

"This old bones would soon lose its purpose... but not before annihilating Lumen Isles Union. You will pay." (Lord Turlan)

Lord Turlan began to walk towards the door. Light began to congeal in his back and formed a three-colored wings of light. They gave of a noble air yet they seem sinister.

Author Note: So yeah... I'm super late. I don't think I'll put a schedule anymore. I have an incoherent schedule IRL. Really sorry about that. Here is the 21st chapter! Hope you enjoyed it!