Reincarnation of the Last Magus Emperor

Merlin steadied his breathing as he prepared to leave for the Leadership Pavilion. With his newfound mastery of the 8 Angles of Attack and the foundational footwork ingrained through countless hours of training, he decided to utilize Thunder Steps—a Lightning Element Augmentation technique he had honed during his recent breakthroughs.

The technique surged through his body like a current, amplifying his speed and agility. Every step crackled with energy as he launched forward, his movements swift and fluid, the sound of displaced air trailing behind him like a faint rumble of thunder.

Thunder Steps wasn't simply about speed; it required precise mana control to align with the angles of attack. By focusing on these angles, Merlin ensured his footwork complemented his positioning, allowing him to remain balanced and ready for any potential engagement along the way.

His speed wasn't quite at the level of true light speed, but it was more than sufficient to evade the notoriously fast Lightning-based spells. His mastery of Thunder Steps allowed him to exploit the element's natural affinity for reaction and reflex, enabling him to dodge attacks that would overwhelm even the most seasoned mages.

Within minutes, he arrived at the Outer Court Leadership Pavilion, his body coming to a smooth halt as the crackling energy around him dissipated. He adjusted his robes, ensuring he appeared composed and unruffled despite the speed of his arrival.

The Pavilion loomed before him—a grand structure of dark stone and glowing sigils that pulsed faintly with mana. Its imposing entrance was guarded by two Outer Court Deacons, who gave him a curt nod as he approached.

The Deacon standing to the left was the first to speak "Elder Korra is expecting you, Disciple Merlin. Proceed inside."

Merlin nodded in acknowledgment, his mind already focused on the upcoming encounter. With his foundation solidified and his confidence in both his body and mana refinement growing, he was ready to face whatever awaited him within.

As Merlin strode past, the two Deacons exchanged a quick glance, their expressions a mix of curiosity and quiet disbelief.

"That's him, huh? The one everyone's been talking about. Fifteen years of stagnation, and now suddenly, he's storming through the ranks like an Asura reborn." Said the Deacon to the right.

"I sparred with him last year. Back then, he was decent—stubborn, but nowhere near this level. Now, it's like he's a completely different person. That speed…did you feel the mana ripple when he used that step technique? His control is almost frightening."

"It's not just his control. Did you notice how composed he looked? Like he wasn't even trying. I've seen plenty of talented disciples burn bright and fade out because they couldn't handle the pressure. But him…there's something different. He feels…grounded."

"Grounded, sure. But did you catch the aura around him? That wasn't just the result of training. There's an edge to him—like he's been through something most of us wouldn't survive. Makes you wonder what's driving him now."

"Whatever it is, it's working. If he keeps this pace, he won't stay in the Outer Court for long. Elder Korra wouldn't bother with him otherwise."

The two Deacons fell silent, their gazes lingering on the entrance where Merlin had disappeared. One of them clenched his fists slightly, a spark of determination flickering in his eyes.

"Maybe it's time I stopped coasting. If someone like him can come back from that, what excuse do the rest of us have?"

Merlin moved with purpose, his thoughts focused entirely on the path ahead. The whispers and glances of others were nothing more than background noise to him. He neither sought their approval nor feared their judgment. His journey was his own, a solitary road paved by the mistakes of his past and the relentless drive of his present.

As he ascended the steps of the Leadership Pavilion, a strange, unshakable feeling settled over him—a sense of detachment from the sect. It wasn't bitterness or dissatisfaction, but rather a quiet certainty.

"This place," Merlin thought to himself, "was only ever meant to be a stepping stone. My path leads elsewhere. I don't belong here, not forever."

The sect had given him tools, structure, and, to some extent, a purpose during his years of stagnation. Yet, the deeper he delved into his training, the more he understood that his aspirations and the sect's teachings would eventually diverge. The Dawnsedge Sword Sect was a cradle for growth, but it could not contain the boundless potential he now felt stirring within him.

"When the time comes," he resolved, "I'll leave without regret. My path doesn't end in a sect—it stretches far beyond it."

Merlin pushed open the heavy doors to the pavilion, the aura of his confidence and conviction rolling off him like a stormfront. He had no interest in proving himself to anyone here. His only goal was to refine himself, to perfect his balance of mana and body, and to walk the path that destiny had laid before him.

The sect was a chapter in his story, but it would not be the final one.

*****

Elder Korra stood tall, her body shifting with fluid, precise movements as she continued her Kata. Each strike and stance was a testament to her discipline, the elegant form of her fists and body an embodiment of her strength. The rhythmic flow of her movements was interrupted only by the surge of lightning mana that prickled the air, announcing Merlin's approach.

Her eyes narrowed with focus as the sensation of his mana reached her, strong and unmistakable. There was something raw, almost primal in the way his mana resonated, signaling his rapid growth. Elder Korra could feel the subtle shift in the atmosphere as he neared, the force of his determination pulsing through the air like an electrical charge. It made her stop, a small smile creeping onto her lips. He's different, she thought, sensing both the power and the purpose in his energy.

The air around her crackled for a moment as she flared her own mana, releasing the tension and sweat that had accumulated on her skin, evaporating it in an instant. Her posture remained flawless, every inch of her body poised and prepared. There was no need for further exertion; she was ready.

Just as the last trace of moisture vanished, Merlin's knock echoed through the door. A slight shift in her expression signaled her approval of his punctuality.

"Enter," she called out, her voice calm, commanding, and cool, as though nothing could shake her composure. The door creaked open to reveal Merlin standing there, his presence still charged with the energy of his lightning-infused cultivation.

She gestured toward the center of the room, her eyes studying him carefully. "Come in, Merlin," she said, her voice laced with curiosity. Her voice was steady and firm as she spoke, her gaze unwavering as she assessed him. "Merlin, do you understand why you've been called here today?" Her words hung in the air, clear and to the point.

Merlin stepped into the room with a measured stride, his eyes focused and calm, as if the weight of the situation didn't faze him. He knew the path he had chosen was one that would eventually lead him away from the sect, but he wasn't about to let that cloud his mind. Not now. Not when he was standing before Elder Korra, the woman who had already taken note of his progress.

Merlin's posture remained confident, though his mind momentarily sifted through the possibilities. He had known this conversation would come eventually, and he had been preparing for it. But he also knew that this was not about simply accepting the offer—it was about proving his worth, his understanding, and most importantly, his direction.

"I believe I do, Elder Korra," Merlin said, his voice steady but thoughtful. "You've seen my progress, and you've heard the rumors about my recent cultivation. But I understand that this isn't just about power. It's about understanding what this sect stands for—and if I'm truly ready to walk this path."

He stepped closer, his eyes locking with hers, his expression serious. "I've spent 15 years in stagnation. But those years weren't wasted—they were a part of my journey. I've learned that true strength comes from more than just raw power. It's about balance. The connection between body, mind, and mana. And most importantly, it's about purpose. My purpose has never been just about advancing for the sake of it."

Merlin's gaze softened slightly, revealing a deeper sense of awareness. "I'm not here to follow a simple path like others who seek power for its own sake. I've felt the weight of this journey. I've felt that I'm moving toward something greater—a deeper understanding of my own strength. But I know that if I'm to move forward, I have to master both the physical and the mana realms in equal measure. That's why I was called."

He paused, letting the silence hang between them for a moment. His words weren't just a response; they were a reflection of his true thoughts. "I want to join the Inner Court not for prestige, but because I believe that this is where I can push my limits further. I need to be challenged. I need to test my understanding. If I don't, I'll be stuck. And stagnation will return, no matter how much I fight it."

He finally straightened his back, a glimmer of resolve in his eyes. "I know I've not yet earned the trust of the Inner Court. But if you believe I'm ready, I'm willing to prove myself through this six-month trial. I will do whatever it takes to earn my place."

Elder Korra studied him in silence for a moment, her sharp gaze never leaving him. She could sense the sincerity in his words, but also the unspoken weight behind them. His conviction was real—but she had to be sure that his path, whatever it was, was the right one for the sect.

She finally spoke, her voice low but carrying the weight of authority. "You've shown growth, Merlin. Your understanding of both body and mana is impressive, and you've demonstrated the kind of discipline that many others lack. But this trial isn't just about strength. It's about commitment, the willingness to follow the sect's ideals, and most importantly, your ability to work with others." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "This trial will test more than just your personal power. It will test your character."

Her gaze softened, but there was no mistaking the seriousness of her words. "I'll take your request to the Inner Court. But remember, the trial will not be easy, and the consequences of failure are not light. Do you still wish to proceed?"

Merlin nodded firmly, his resolve unshaken. "Yes, Elder Korra. I'm ready."

She paused for a moment, her gaze piercing.

"Outer Court Leader Gaheris has already agreed to this. You will report to the Inner Court for classes starting tomorrow morning. Make no mistake—this trial will test your limits in ways you have not yet encountered." She then reached into a pouch at her waist and pulled out a small, intricately carved token. It was a smooth, dark stone with markings that seemed to glow faintly with an ethereal light.

Without warning, she tossed it to Merlin, but the token wasn't just thrown casually—it was infused with Peak 3rd Circle Lightning mana, crackling with energy. The test was clear: she was challenging his reflexes, his focus, his ability to respond under pressure.

Merlin, already anticipating her move, reacted without hesitation. His hand shot up, and in the blink of an eye, he activated the body augmentation technique Lightning Veins, a technique that coursed his body with enhanced reflexes and speed, augmenting his nervous system to its peak. His fingers closed around the token, catching it effortlessly, his body flowing in perfect harmony with his mana.

He held the token in his hand, his fingers still wrapped around it, and with a slight bow of his head, he spoke softly but firmly.

"I will prove myself, Elder Korra. Thank you."

The room was silent for a moment, the tension thick as Korra regarded him closely. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she dismissed the moment, her voice cool and controlled.

"Good. Be prepared, Merlin. The Inner Court will push you to your limits, and more."

She gave a short nod, signaling that the conversation had come to an end. Merlin, without further hesitation, turned and left the room, the inner court identity token now safely in his possession, his thoughts already turning to the trials ahead.