Chapter 43: Personal growth

"So what do you suggest we do" Lucien finally spoke up after remaining silent for a while.

"I believe we should be able to make sacrifices, to better our chances of survival in this world as a team… for that reason, it's best we disregard our old plans and fantasies and pick new paths" Brian said and the other two nodded in response.

As much as they would love to continue with their original plan, none of them could deny the fact that they were lacking in so many aspects and that's why they saw this as the perfect opportunity to sort things out.

"My magic is not so good now but my affinity for my elements hasn't reduced one bit, I think it's best I remain in the war mage path for fire power, Warden class for arrays, traps, and finally the seeker path for scouting… That way I will be of use to the team in other ways" Lucien said after giving it a thought for a while.

The others remained silent for a while before shaking their head in disagreement.

"If we let you follow those paths, you will be useless until the very end when you finally cast a spell… you will be a liability to the team…" Hex said thoughtfully.

"I believe it's better you choose these paths… War mage, Slayer, and Forge master path… The wore mage will assure us of extremely powerful spells but since we can't always rely on it, we believe it's best to join the slayer path too… that way you won't be too reliant on spells… finally, the forge mastery path is just a bonus for us… For you too since you don't have a clan to rely on… this can be another source of income for you too" Brian said.

Listening to him speak, Lucien found this reasonable and even though he felt like these two have planned this before meeting up with him, he couldn't help but feel touched by their efforts. Not only were they looking for the most suitable paths for him, but they also considered his financial condition and added it to their plans.

"Since you both had this all planned before coming over here, there is no need for us to act like we are all making the decisions here… what paths do you guys wish to join?" Lucien said after giving it some thought.

Hearing this their faces turned red and they instinctively evaded making eye contact with Lucien. They have been caught!

"I will join the Creation, Warden, and guardian path… The creation path will allow me to assist you in battle with my constructs while the warden path has to deal with magic arrays, magic formations, and all that, and finally, the guardian path will let me focus on defensive spells… protecting the team using spells is also relevant" Hex said proudly.

"And I intend to join the Guardian path, the contractor path, and the illusionist path… Defense, support, and scouting…" Brian said while gazing at Lucien with a strange look in his eyes. He was expecting Lucien to rebuke him but that didn't happen.

"Interesting… Magic defenses are amazing but mana is not infinite… you can reduce the burden on Hex by becoming a guardian knight… meanwhile the contractor path allows you to have a magic beast as a partner... I suggest you pick a magic beast good at tracking and combat… and finally, the illusionist path will support us in battle and with the Lucardo family techniques passed down to you… you will be able to join the combat and even take down foes more effectively than us… a tank that can fight back… terrifying" Lucien thinking out loud, completely forgetting those around him.

"As expected of a prodigy… even without his magic, he looks more capable than everyone in our class" Hex whispered and Brian nodded in agreement.

Not wanting to continue the discussion, Lucien sent them away and had the Crux lock his door. Many may not have noticed but he sustained some minor injuries from his battle with Raziel and Layla and even though they weren't serious it still hurt. Lucien returned to his bed and pondered on the possible future for him. The Academy may be able to protect him during his period here as a student but once he leaves this academy, no one will be able to protect him from the Raizen clan. For that reason, Lucien was busy considering ways of getting stronger and wealthier fast.

"Well the issue of strength won't be too difficult with your help… what I need now is a way to acquire assets and gold… I guess it's best I take the forge mastery path more serious" Lucien muttered as he gazed at the latest notification he received as soon as Hex and Brian left the room.

[New Quest available]

[Become the leader of the team]

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The next day was more eventful than the previous. Stepping out of his room, Lucien noticed that the place was more crowded than before but that didn't bother him, neither did he try to find out why. He, Hex, and Brian had different morning classes so they chose to register their team later that afternoon.

Following the normal route but only walking this time, Lucien headed towards the nearest teleportation pod, on this floor of the dormitory. His eyes seemed dead and he looked unusually dull. Just when he thought his day couldn't get worse, he soon realized he has become the center of attention wherever he goes. Just like Hex and Brian said, the news of his battle with Raizel and Layla had reached the school, so it's natural people act this way towards him.

Judging based on the whispers he heard from those around, Lucien found out that many believed he won against Raizel and Layla because they refused to fight. According to the reports, Layla and Raizel msuddenly stopped moving and the injured Lucien took advantage of it and killed them off.

"I guess it can't be helped… since no one knows about the emperor's gaze ability, they assume I won using underhanded tactics… Sad" Lucien muttered as he began walking up the stairs leading to the teleportation pod but suddenly a huge figure blocked his way.

"Sad right? I agree with you…" A youth with a massive build said while blocking Lucien's path.

With a glance, Lucien could tell this was a beast-man from the Plivo God beast, a low-level bloodline, and one of the minor clans under the Raizen clan territory.

"A plivo wishes to stand in my way in hopes of gaining the favor of the Raizen clan… Cute…" Lucien said indifferently while looking at the large kid in the eye. His eyes lacked any form of fear and even though the youth was almost twice his size it looked like Lucien was gazing down at the huge youth.

"You dare call the name of my God beast with a disrespectful tone? You must be tired of living!" The Plivo youth growled.

He knew that Lucien was lacking his magic and the Plivo god beast was known for its physical prowess! Without the blessing of the Raizen beast, Lucien should be no different from any man without powers, meaning that in a fight he will have the advantage.

"Why must people be stupid…. Why must they act this way? Here I am experiencing what I refer to as personal growth… my life and mindset have been changing for the better and now you remind me of the reason why I looked down on weaker races… They lick the boots of those at the top to rise but they can never reach the top!" Lucien said with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"You…." The Plivo clan member felt terrified by Lucien's words.

Although he was sure he should be stronger, he couldn't deny that the vibes Lucien was giving off are still the same vibe that he use to give off in the past when he still had his magic. He would have loved to back off now but there were too many people watch! Too many people hoping he would put Lucien in his place… If he succeeds not only will he become famous but he will also gain the favor of the Raizen clan!

This is a risk worth taking!

"You dare speak to me in that manner? Die!" The youth roared as he pushed downward but just before his fist could reach Lucien he stopped. It was stopped by a single finger!

"Impossible!!!!" Many screamed in shock and began even considering this a staged fight, to help promote Lucien's already tarnished reputation in the school!

How could a Riazen stop a punch from a Plivo clan member with just a finger? Impossible!

"You all fail to understand one thing…. Your opinion does not matter… I am Lucien… with or without the Raizen name, I still have the blessing of the Raizen God beast!" Lucien said and then his body let out a bright silver glow, revealing the mighty silver Raizen figure standing behind him.