Reincarnation of the Last Magus Emperor

Within the Outer Court Leadership Pavilion, a charged conversation was unfolding. The room was grand yet austere, designed for function rather than comfort. Long wooden tables bore stacks of scrolls and mana-inscribed ledgers, symbols of the endless administrative work required to maintain the sect's outer court.

At the center of the room stood Deacon Elias, the man who had sparred with Merlin. His expression was tense but respectful as he addressed the other figures present. To his left, the Outer Court Elders listened intently, their faces ranging from curiosity to skepticism. At the head of the room was Outer Court Leader Gaheris, a battle-hardened 5th Circle Master realm mage known for his strict discipline and unshakable presence.

Finally, standing to the side with an air of quiet authority was Inner Court Elder Korra, the one responsible for reviewing promotion requests. Her dreadlocks were tied back in a loose braid, her sleeveless combat mage robe revealing powerful arms lined with faint scars. Her Direbeast gauntlets, crafted from the refined leather of a Storm Panther, gleamed faintly with embedded runes that pulsed with mana.

******

"Elder Korra, Leader Gaheris, esteemed Elders, I am here to formally recommend the promotion of Outer Court Disciple Merlin to the Inner Court. His progress has been… extraordinary, to say the least."

Elder Jorvik, a senior Outer Court Elder, frowned.

"Extraordinary? Young Elias the man was stagnant for 15 years. Now, after a few months of hard work, you expect us to ignore his history and promote him? What if this sudden rise is unstable—or worse, the result of forbidden techniques?"

"With respect, Elder Jorvik, I sparred with him myself. His strength is no fluke. His augmentation technique, though unconventional, is undeniably effective. And his lightning mana control—I've never seen anything like it from a 2nd Circle Novice."

Outer Court Leader Gaheris Leaning back in his chair, his sharp eyes fixed on Elias. 

"You're certain he's not simply burning through his reserves recklessly? Many outer disciples mistake a burst of progress for true growth. Tell me, Deacon Elias, what did you see in him that convinced you?"

"Discipline. Precision. And most importantly, control. His movements were deliberate, his mana perfectly synchronized with his physical strikes. When I pressed him, he didn't falter or panic—he adapted. That level of composure is rare, even among some Inner Court disciples."

Elder Korra, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. Her voice was calm but carried an undeniable weight.

"Deacon Elias, your account is compelling, but sparring performance alone isn't enough to warrant a promotion. The Inner Court demands more than raw strength. Discipline and control are prerequisites, yes, but we also look for vision and purpose. Tell me, does this Merlin possess that?"

After a moment's thought. Elias answered.

"He does. His training isn't just about improving himself—it's as if he's preparing for something greater. He trains like a man with a mission."

Elder Jorvik *Scoffing* quipped "Or like a man desperate to erase his past failures."

Elder Korra turning to Gaheris "Leader Gaheris, what is your opinion? You've been overseeing this court for decades. Do you see potential in this disciple, or is he just another flash in the pan?"

Gaheris Speaking slowly, his gravelly voice filling the room. "Merlin is… intriguing. I've watched him from afar since his stagnation ended. His progress is rapid, but it's not reckless. He's rebuilding himself from the ground up. That kind of transformation takes more than just talent—it takes willpower. I believe he's worthy of closer observation."

Elder Korra crossed her arms, her gauntlets faintly sparking with residual lightning mana.

"Very well. I'll authorize a trial promotion. Merlin will be granted the opportunity to train in the Inner Court for six months. During this time, his performance and behavior will be evaluated. If he proves himself, his promotion will be permanent. If not, he'll return to the Outer Court. Agreed?"

The room fell silent as the Elders considered her words. Eventually, Leader Gaheris nodded.

"Agreed. Deacon Elias, inform Merlin of the decision. And remind him—this is a rare opportunity. If he squanders it, there will be no second chances."

As the meeting concluded, Elder Korra lingered for a moment, her eyes narrowing in thought.

"A disciple like Merlin… could either be a great asset to the sect—or a great threat. Time will tell which."

Elder Korra's intrigue stemmed from more than just Merlin's sudden rise—it was personal. Like her, Merlin hailed from the southern lands, a region renowned for its diversity of elemental affinities. While Lightning mages were exceedingly rare among most ethnic groups, the Southerners had long been unique. Their bloodlines did not adhere to strict patterns, and children were often born with elemental affinities vastly different from their parents. It was a trait that made their mages unpredictable and powerful but also difficult to categorize within the rigid structures of the Empire.

As Korra loosely observed the rest of the meeting unfold, her thoughts drifted to her own past. Growing up as a Lightning mage in the South had been a double-edged sword. The power of Lightning was both a gift and a burden—a volatile force that demanded absolute control. She had spent years mastering her affinity, earning her the respect of an Inner Court Elder of The Dawnsedge Sword Sect. And now, this young man, Merlin, shared her affinity and her heritage.

But it wasn't just that. His connection to Lightning resonated with the Dawnsedge Sect's philosophy. Unlike the other five sects in the Empire, which rigidly adhered to a single elemental focus, the Dawnsedge Sword Sect was founded on the principle of balance and harmony among all elements.

Merlin's rise was not just a testament to his talent; it was a validation of the Dawnsedge Sword Sect's core philosophy. A disciple who could augment his body to such perfection while mastering the rare art of Lightning magic had the potential to embody the very ideals the sect was built upon.

For Elder Korra, Merlin's background, elemental affinity, and rapid growth made him more than just a rising star in the Outer Court. He was a chance to prove that the South's unpredictable elemental diversity could yield some of the most exceptional mages.

"The Inner Court will be watching you, Merlin. Not just because of your potential, but because of what you represent. Don't waste this opportunity."