Geometric Mage: First Spell, Circle

They could not spare too many resources due to a minor incident that had struck the entire empire in a coordinated manner.

As if the monster siege were not enough, about twenty days after the Gates appeared, the infamous terrorist group that had operated in the empire's shadows for decades launched its offensive.

Nothing too extreme—just the kidnapping and assassination of some important and less important but useful figures.

And one of the people kidnapped by this organization was none other than Sera. Why her and not Patrick, a mage deemed highly talented?

Simple-

Patrick himself was responsible for Sera's kidnapping. A few days after the Gate appeared, Patrick had officially become a Silver-rank Mage.

His power had skyrocketed due to the enhancement of his talent. Thus, the terrorist group, of which Patrick was a part, exploited the chaos caused by the unstable Gates to execute its plan undisturbed.

The result? The kidnapping of numerous common and notable people and the attempted assassination of several important figures.

The governor of Grimreach, one of the targeted individuals, survived thanks to a life-saving artifact he carried, gifted by George Pegasus himself long ago, along with another item useful for his advancement, in exchange for a favor.

After all, the governor was next in line to become a Platinum Mage, and the value of his favor would increase exponentially once he succeeded.

Due to these disruptions, the team meant to enter the Gate to explore and, possibly, rescue those inside was not the best, but it was still strong.

---

At the same time, in Silverlake Kingdom, a similar scene was unfolding.

A group of Mages stood before the Gate, awaiting the order to enter.

Entry into the Gate was coordinated across all four kingdoms. After all, the slots for the Raid were limited; otherwise, they could have sent endless units to eliminate the threat.

Moreover, specific rank requirements had to be met to enter.

A Gold-rank Mage, for example, could not enter a Silver-rank Gate.

No one knew the danger level of this Gate, as it was still in phase two, but estimates could be made based on who was rejected and who could enter.

The mages lined up before the Gate had varying power levels. There was a Gold Mage from the empire, several Silver Mages from Silver 5 to Silver 1, and several Bronze 5 Mages in case the Silvers were excluded from the Raid. Each carried numerous artifacts, including weapons, single-use items, and life-saving tools.

Of course, they could not bring items beyond their level, or they risked collapsing the Gate from within. No one wanted that.

---

Elsewhere in the empire, in Emberfall Kingdom…

"What the hell are they all waiting for! Why aren't they moving to enter!" A imposing figure in full armor stood before the Gate. If not for the emperor's order and the Mage sent by the empire, he would have rushed in.

Sure, he might not have been able to enter, but he could not tolerate this foolish wait.

"We can destroy this Gate alone; we don't need anyone's help," he continued to roar, his furious aura swirling around, threatening to make many of the present figures faint, a tempest of rage barely contained.

"Relax, Lendrik, your daughter will be fine," the figure beside him said suddenly. "Didn't you load her with life-saving artifacts, weapons, and armor? What could possibly happen to her?"

The king, Lendrik Emberfall, did not respond. His gaze was grim as he thought of his daughter. No one knew her better than he did, and he knew things others did not.

Aelya Emberfall was not an incredible talent, but her father loved her dearly. But if there was one thing Aelya loved, it was sleeping. She was incredibly lazy, preferring to do nothing all day rather than train.

And in a world like this, strength was everything.

If not for this flaw, the girl could have become far more powerful. After all, what was the point of having a king for a father if she did not have access to unique meditation techniques, incredibly powerful magic pills, and natural treasures?

Damn Gate, you appeared during my daughter's advancement to Bronze 2… whoever is behind this, I swear they'll pay! The king thought with unveiled anger.

Rumors suggested the terrorist group was behind the Gates' appearance and, consequently, the increased monster aggression, but nothing was confirmed.

Near Windfrost, in Dawnspire Kingdom, the same thing was happening. The Gate was surrounded by powerful beings, all awaiting the order to enter.

"Alright, we're ready!" said the figure sent by the empire. Unlike the other kingdoms, the strongest figure sent here was not a Gold Mage but a Titanium Knight, its physical equivalent.

But he was not the only Knight sent. Many others stood in line, their armor gleaming as they waited with discipline and patience. Their strengths ranged from Steel to Iron, all equipped with the best artifacts available, a formidable lineup prepared for battle.

There was no fear on their faces, only determination.

With a nod as a response, they all began moving in a precise order, starting with the strongest.

The Raid had finally begun!

---

Several hours had passed, and fortunately, Lian had not been disturbed by anything so far. The golems did not frequent this place due to the menacing aura surrounding the tower, while the gargoyles were mere guards.

Waking up slowly, the gray sky was the only reflection in the boy's eyes.

"Am I alive?" was his only thought. Memories of the battle flooded back, making him jolt in fear, a vivid reminder of his brush with death.

What he had faced was total devastation. The gargoyle-shaped monsters had an absurd power that Lian had not expected.

"This time, I came too close to death…" he murmured after recovering, his gaze lowered as he recalled his father Torren's words.

"I must seize this opportunity to become stronger, explore my system, and above all, never become arrogant again!"

Unlike before, there was something different in Lian's eyes at that moment, as if he had grown from a boy to a man in an instant.

His previous cheerful smile was gone. The blood staining his body, the gargoyles' power, and his own weakness were an indelible mark on his psyche.

Rising slowly, Lian began to move further away from that place. He had no intention of entering it a second time. At least for now.

He needed to train. And thanks to his system, Lian could become stronger in many ways.