Geometric Mage: First Spell, Circle

The sensation of nausea lasted briefly before Lian could look around, his senses still reeling from the portal's disorienting pull.

But what he saw made him jump in fright for a moment.

What is happening now!? he thought, shocked, raising his hands high, his heart racing with sudden alarm.

In front of him, numerous figures surrounded the boy, as if he were some sort of monster that had appeared out of nowhere, ready to be slain, their gazes sharp and wary.

"Lian?" A figure from the crowd stepped forward, her voice uncertain as she observed the boy who had emerged from the portal, somehow resembling the same person who had been trapped in the gate at the academy's entrance, her eyes searching for confirmation.

But before Lian could identify the figure, someone appeared behind him with a buzz, like a sudden gust of wind.

"This trip was useless, I want a refund!!"

Bibo's heartbroken and broken voice shattered the tense atmosphere that had formed around Lian, as the portal behind him closed with a dull thud, sealing the chaotic journey behind them.

But no one paid attention to the boy's antics. All eyes were fixed on the other boy who had emerged from the portal. After all, his appearance was… a mess? Utterly deplorable, like a discarded rag.

He looked like a large piece of chewed and spat-out filth, trampled, eaten, and spat out again. In short, he was disgusting, his clothes caked with grime and blood.

A strange stench filled the atmosphere, only to be swept away by a casual gesture from the Imperial Mage, his mana flicking away the odor like an unwanted guest.

"You are the first to come out. It does not matter how you do it, even at the cost of consuming yourself; the important thing is to survive." His voice allowed no judgment as he subtly praised the malnourished-looking boy, his tone carrying the weight of authority.

Lian did not know how to respond; he did not understand what was happening or what they were talking about, his mind a whirlwind of confusion.

Shit! I am a mess! The realization hit him the moment he saw his reflection in the gaze of the woman who had approached him, Elora, the Silver Mage who had wanted to introduce the academy to Lian long ago, her eyes reflecting both pity and recognition.

With visible embarrassment, Lian shifted his gaze downward, only to be assaulted by an incredible stench, that seemed to cling to him like a curse.

This is even worse! His nose wrinkled in disgust.

But before he could break down crying, the stoic and imposing voice of the Imperial Mage rang out once more in the area, cutting through the murmurs like a blade.

"Boy, come with me-"

Before he could even register the man's voice, Lian felt enveloped by a sudden warmth. It was pleasant, almost refreshing, like a gentle embrace after a storm.

"Eh? Where am I?!" he murmured in disbelief as he observed his surroundings. The place was not very large, but it had everything Lian needed, a sanctuary of comfort amidst his turmoil.

"A bathroom?" Lian looked around, only to discover there was no one nearby. "I suppose this means only one thing…" His heart leaped with anticipation.

Excitement took control of his body as he stripped off his clothes and dove into a tub full of hot water and foam, the steam rising like a promise of relief.

Splash!

"Ah," Lian let out a sigh mixed with joy, satisfaction, bliss, and relaxation, his voice trembling with pure contentment.

He had dreamed of something like this for so long, too long. A moment of peace in a world of chaos.

Lian's body, weak and malnourished from the efforts made and the lack of food, sank gently into the tub, the warm water cradling his aching limbs.

Slowly, his eyes closed as he allowed himself a deep sleep in a safe place, his breathing steadying for the first time in ages.

Zzz Zzz—

Ten hours later

Lian woke with a start, roused by the rhythmic but loud sound of several knocks at the door of the room where he was, the noise jolting him back to reality.

Water spilled from the tub due to Lian's sudden movements, while the cramps from his growling stomach caused him absurd pain, a sharp reminder of his neglected body.

"Mage Lian, your clean clothes are out here. Also, downstairs you can eat whatever you desire."

The clacking of the woman's footsteps grew fainter as Lian finally recovered from his cramp, his body aching but alive.

"Shit… how much time has passed? I feel awful…" His voice hoarse from disuse.

Lian stood up from the tub, water still dripping over all the edges. His body, soaked for over ten hours, had wrinkled, like an overripe fruit left too long in the sun.

He was even uglier than before, dirty and smelly, a far cry from the hero he aspired to be.

Stretching his muscles, Lian stepped out of the tub, his movements sluggish but determined.

"Not only do I feel awful-" he murmured as he looked at the mirror in front of him. "I really am awful. I do not recognize myself at all…" His reflection a stranger staring back.

The only thing that remained the same about his body was his hair, thick and messy as always, with the lock that did nothing but fall in front of his bright blue eyes, still defiant despite his state.

"Alright, I will recover… after all, I am no longer a mere human, I do not need to worry. The only thing I want to do now is-"

The sound of a stomach growl interrupted his thoughts… a loud, insistent demand.

"Exactly, I want to eat!"

With renewed vigor and determination, Lian dried himself with a towel as he exited the door, his steps quickening with purpose.

His new clothes, the classic Mage robe of the academy, were neatly placed on a nightstand, folded with meticulous care.

Lian dressed quickly, but the robe was a bit… large. After all, he had lost too much muscle tone. Moreover, it was not the typical Bronze 1 robe, like the one he wore before.

It was different.

The bronze veins on it were thicker and more numerous, four in total, not counting all the decorative branches, their intricate patterns gleaming faintly in the light.