Time flowed differently in the training hall.
Night or day didn't exist in the space-like expanse, so it was difficult to tell what the time was.
Not that any of it mattered, though...
The one who was concerned with such a concept was too busy engaging in his arduous training to gain a Constellation's approval.
"Power."
To achieve this requirement, he needed strength.
The first means to achieve this was to fix the dissonance that existed between the laws of this new world, and this new dimension, to the Arcana properties he had absorbed.
By doing this, it wouldn't matter what world he got into, he would be able to use his full strength.
Using the [Leviathan] Arcana Spell, and making a few improvements, Kuzon passed that phase.
Still, needing more power, he decided to strengthen and expand his Special Grade Mana Core.
His Original Magic also needed work. Anything less than Primeval Magic wouldn't cut it.
"En. Let's skip that phase." Crazy Neron shrugged like it was nothing.
"We can just chalk it up to your 'Flaw' when the time comes."
As a result, they completely skipped the advancement of his Original Magic.
Achieving all of this, Kuzon moved to the next requirement.
"Charm."
What did he have that no one else had? What made him unique? What made him special?
He could think of a few, but when applying it to a multiverse that had too many variations to consider, Kuzon knew he was stuck.
If he was a Singularity, that would definitely get the attention of Constellations, but he wasn't.
He was just a Midas—something quite irrelevant when looking at the grand scheme of things.
"En. I'll teach you a Spell no one else knows. Well, except me. But that should make you unique enough."
The Spell in question was something he had to spend another inconceivable amount of time learning.
It was the idea of 'Life Creation.' Making a Soul from scratch.
"Should be useful if you add it to your Original Magic. Maybe it will help you in advancing it to Primeval Magic. Meh, what do I know. Oh wait... hahahahahaha!!!" Was what the old man said before cackling endlessly.
And so, yet another period of training began.
Finally, Kuzon barely passed the standard after so long, and it was time to move on to the final requirement.
"Flaw."
This was the most difficult to determine, considering Kuzon had spent a majority of his time ridding himself of so many flaws.
However, there were a low of problems with him than he had noticed.
"Your Magic is lacking. If you gain the help of this Constellation, you should be able to further it and improve. Combine that with the Magic I taught you, and you'll eventually reach Primeval Magic in no time."
There were other problems too.
"You worry too much. When that happens, you become timid. You've also lost a majority of your pride and confidence. It can be a good thing, but in the eyes of this Constellation, that's a Flaw they'll seek to correct."
In the end, it seemed he had been more successful in generating Flaws than he initially thought.
"Does that mean...?!" Kuzon widened his eyes as he looked at his teacher.
The crazy old man called Neron.
"Indeed. There is nothing more I can teach you... well, there are a lot, but you probably wouldn't get it, so there's no point."
Kuzon's shoulders dropped instantly, the tiny embers of his confidence slowly dying out.
He used to think he was talented, but after being with Crazy Neron for all this time, he realized he was rather slow.
He was weak as well.
He wasn't too bright either.
These things were revealed to him in his training, and he realized now, more than ever, how much he needed growth.
"You are ready." Crazy Neron finally said, placing his hand on Kuzon's shoulder while exhibiting a proud smile.
"It's time. You know what to do."
As soon as those words were whispered, the old man vanished, leaving only Kuzon in the vast hall.
Despite how alone he must have felt, Kuzon didn't show any hesitation or anxiety.
He simply sat and closed his eyes in meditation.
It was finally time to send the call.
'I know you've been watching. Your interest leaves you wanting. I know you're already in tune. So, heed my call and come through...'
Brilliant bursts of energy slowly enveloped Kuzon, but he was not fazed.
The temperature in the room rose to a terrifying degree, but he chose not to open his eyes.
Instead, he completed his call.
'O' noble and great Constellation... I request to be your Vessel. Grant me your aid and support. I will never betray your trust.'
The promise made to this Constellation was something that served as a double-edged sword.
It was the final and only way he could gain the help of this Constellation despite being so lacking.
'You shall be the only one for me. Forever bound... till all of eternity.'
In conclusion, Kuzon had already forfeited his other two Constellation options for this one.
Perhaps it was a hasty call, borne out of desperation and ignorance. Crazy Neron didn't fault him for choosing this route, though, so the old man must have already known why.
It was simply because Kuzon was that kind of person.
~You will have me and no other, hm? That is satisfactory...~ A deep, imposing voice echoed within and around him.
It felt strange, yet familiar.
~My name is Leo. The representation of authority and sovereign power. My will burns through all, and I subject all to my divine law.~
The flames around Kuzon began to seep within him, entering every nook and cranny of his body, as though purifying it.
It burned, and Kuzon felt like he was melting. Still, he endured.
~I hereby choose you as my host. For just like you, I am the only one among my siblings who despise multiple partners. I shall have you, and only you, as my host.~
The flames finally settled within Kuzon's Ultimate Grade Aether Core.
And thus, the Acceptance Ritual was complete.
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[A/N]
I know what you all might be thinking.
Kuzon is already much stronger than Jared at this point, isn't he?
I mean, is that even fair?
Well, chill out everyone. Let's see what more this story has for us.
