Cassius's gaze sharpened slightly, while Aqua continued,
"You see...every magical rank before Supreme Mage already has established pathways."
"If you're a fire mage, there are systems made by previous masters."
"If you're a water mage, there are existing frameworks."
"As long as you study hard enough, train enough, and possess sufficient talent, you can gradually climb those systems."
"But Supreme Mage…"
Her voice became reverent.
"…is different."
"You cannot inherit the path. You must create it."
Cassius smiled faintly.
Aqua noticed immediately.
"You understand, don't you?" She asked softly.
He didn't answer directly.
So she continued eagerly.
"To become a Supreme Mage, you must create an entirely original magical system."
"Not just spells."
"Not just techniques."
"A complete magical philosophy."
"An ecosystem of laws and interactions unique to yourself."
Her eyes shone brighter and brighter the more she explained it.
