The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Alavin swiftly found the long-sought Combat Magic he'd been yearning for-Gigas Grasp!

A few pages of parchment was light to the eye, yet when held, they weighed as if made of lead, the sensation of heaviness seeping into his very being.

"May I train here?" Alavin inquired, opening the door to address the two middle-aged Protégés outside. Originally, he had planned merely to retrieve Gigas Grasp and depart, but the top chamber of the tower offered such a unique atmosphere that he decided to train there instead, certain to achieve greater results with half the effort.

"An Advanced Mage practicing Master Combat Magic at the outset may encounter danger. Hence, the top chamber is specially prepared for you. The wards and magical ores here function to regulate the magic of the space, reducing the likelihood of your inner magic running amok. You are welcome to train here as long as you wish. We will stand guard outside. Should any mishaps occur, alert us immediately." The two middle-aged Protégés were stern yet amicable.

"Much obliged," Alavin said, securing himself within the room to delve into Gigas Grasp.

The opening section of Gigas Grasp discussed the nature of bodily strength.

Ordinarily, strength in the body was unleashed through the burst of muscle power-the stronger the muscles, the more formidable the strength. A Mage practicing physical Combat Magic channeled magic to bolster that power, drawing strength from every muscle, and converging it where needed for explosive force.

But flesh and bone have their limits, and with greater power comes a greater toll-the more dreadful the strain on the body.

This was why many Mages who recklessly trained in Goliath Force faced peril. It required excessive exertion, and if the constitution could not bear it, it could lead to torn flesh and shattered bones, even risking mortal peril.

Gigas Grasp was more refined than Goliath Force; it was not merely training the body and muscles but seeking Inner Strength!

"Strength is founded on technique, and technique is the focused application of strength."

Gigas Grasp aimed to cultivate Inner Strength, forming a Vigor within akin to magic.

Once mastered, Vigor became the wellspring of power, significantly easing the burden on the physique.

Inner Strength manifested in three forms: Shell! Armor! Core! These were also the three aspects of Gigas Grasp.

The initial phase, Shell. One must forge Inner Strength and blend its Vigor throughout one's muscles, flowing like a gentle stream and, through relentless refinement, achieve unity and balance of mind, breath, and might. The more robust the Shell, the more formidable the unleashed power!

The second aspect is Armor. Upon the transcendence of Shell, Vigor envelops every muscle and bone like a surging river, vast in quantity, terrifying in potency.

And with Core, Inner Strength Vigor coexists with magic, as boundless as the ocean.

Alavin was astounded the further he read; this was akin to forging a third form of power within oneself.

The first is blood, sustaining life; the second is magic, driving Combat Magic; the third is Vigor, igniting power!

Gigas Grasp, when wielded, employed Vigor, not magic. This meant that should Alavin deplete his magic in battle, he could directly harness Vigor to continue the fight.

After much study, Alavin confirmed it-this was indeed the case!

"This will forge me into a war machine."

Alavin was exceedingly pleased; Gigas Grasp was indeed formidable, yet its demanding training requirements meant few had the chance to attempt it.

Although it could significantly mitigate the physical toll of unleashing power, it did not eliminate it entirely. Without an extraordinary constitution, one could not master Gigas Grasp or unleash its true might. "A perfect match for my golden bloodline!"

Alavin had absolute confidence in his constitution, allowing him to train in Gigas Grasp without worry.

"The first layer, Shell!"

"Do not disappoint me." Alavin cast aside all distractions and began training with focused tranquility.

Gigas Grasp was not a method of training that sought explosive increases like Goliath Force, but at its pinnacle, a casual punch could far surpass the so-called fivefold power of Goliath Force. Alavin eagerly anticipated this, rapidly immersing himself in the training, day and night blending into one. His vigorous spirit allowed him to train without rest.

One day... two days...

While the Protégés outside enthusiastically discussed Alavin's combat feats, he paid them no heed. He was wholly devoted to mastering Gigas Grasp, growing more excited as he delved deeper, his burgeoning power freely flowing upon the starlight array.

As he predicted, his golden bloodline transformed his constitution, making the training of Gigas Grasp doubly effective. Strands of Inner Strength formed within him, first coursing through his arms. A full-force punch could now unleash a terrifying power of several thousand pounds, compressing the air with a whistling roar.

Three days... five days...

Inner Strength multiplied, spreading throughout his body.

Alavin felt as if his very being wished to ignite, the power burning within his muscles. With full might, a punch now soared to eight thousand pounds!

To his surprise, training in Gigas Grasp also indirectly stimulated the integration of his golden blood with his body. The two catalyzed and buoyed each other!

Eight days later, Alavin broke through his limits, ascending to Advanced Mage Stage II!

...

In a secluded glen within Cloudveil Woods.

The Grand Elder patiently awaited. After three days, two teams finally arrived!

One was from the Northlands' most fearsome band of assassins, Amber Valley. The other, from the domain of Lord Viperbane!