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"I am not sure what you are trying to explain,

" Eldrian mumbled.

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"Oh, it is quite a simple thing. You aren't the same as most High Elves, at least not according to what I have heard. I must admit you are the first I have met.

" Sofiera replied.

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"But, given the fact that you Chosen have only been on Gaia for half a year, it is truly impressive what you have accomplished. Rather, what you have accomplished should be impossible.

"

nShe paused as she wondered how to explain herself better,

"What I am trying to say is that if anyone would be able to improve Epignosi, it will be you. However, doing so at your current level might be too much to ask.

"

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"This is why I asked how many titles you have earned.

"

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"I see, you wanted to know if we should wait on trying to modify the spell until I become stronger?

" Eldrian asked rhetorically and got a nod in reply.

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"Alright, but I hope we can keep this between us. I don't mind if you share it with Pelaros, but please don't go spreading it to the public. I already have too many eyes on me. It is starting to feel weird just walking down the street.

"

nSofiera chuckled hearing Eldrian's request,

"Don't you want more fame?

"

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"Certainly not! I already have more than I know what to do with. Alright, you can use Observe again.

"

nSaying this, Sofiera's eyes bulged. Sure, she had expected Eldrian might be hiding one or two titles, but he had been hiding four more. And what's more, they were truly unique and special titles.

nShe immediately realized that the titles he had been showing, outside of the hero one, were all much tamer.

nThey were titles that were actually known, master of the basics was something most Magii (Tier 9 mages) have. Modifier was something mages and craftsmen sometimes managed to gain after reaching Tier 7 and above.

nEldrian certainly didn't know that they were more common, he had simply chosen to only show his titles relating to his magic skill to people.

nNow he showed them all. Those he had been hiding were the following: 'Facing death; and not succumbing', 'Legacy Creation', 'Curse Breaker', and 'Devil's Bane'.

nOne who controls mana - which he gained when first managing to truly cast a spell. A simple acknowledgment that he did so through control and not reliance on the system provided by the gods to even the natives (NPCs).

nFacing death; and not succumbing - which he gained while healing Kydone, he still had no idea what exactly the aura sensitivity meant.

nModifier - which he gained upon managing to alter Magic Inspection and formed Mana Examination. The title seemed to also just be an acknowledgment like One who controls mana. As of yet, Eldrian hadn't used his titles to try and gain a favorable impression. He was finally starting to do so now

nLegacy Creation - which he gained when he had altered his mana pathways, which had been quite painful. The title he was still confused about and also the legacy he had yet to name. Another acknowledgment title.

nCurse Breaker - which he gained after surviving trying to absorb the revenant heart, from which Eldrian had gained little. Or so he felt, considering how hard that fight for survival had been and all that it seemingly granted him was knowing where to hit the undead to kill them. The unique perspective ability - Scourge of Undeath - felt underwhelming but was at least useful and thus the title was more than just an acknowledgment.

nDevil's Bane - which he gained after killing Milgoroth. Eldrian hadn't thought much about this title, nor had he needed to make use of the ability it granted him. However, it certainly seemed like a truly useful ability, probably equal to mana sense once he was to face off against Devils again.

nMaster of the basics - which he gained through diligent training after reaching Rank 4 with all Tier 0 spells. An acknowledgment title.

nOne with mana - which he had gained upon his first and only successful thought cast. Where he had simply wished for an outcome and the magic had done the rest. Currently, his progress on this title was still undefined at 0-1%.

nAnd finally, Hero which Eldrian had gained recently thanks to Pelaros's praise, and Eldrian still felt like he shouldn't have the title. It felt like this one was almost handed to him, unlike the others that he had truly earned.

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"This...

" Sofiera didn't know what to say. Inherently upon observing a title one would know what it signified, at least to a degree.

nYet, somehow, Sofiera had no idea what 'Facing Deat...' and 'Legacy Creation' meant. Curse breaker she understood that he broke a truly powerful curse, one which normally can't be broken. And Devil's Bane she understood he had accomplished something to foil a devil's plan. It was likely related to the entire undead situation in Pyknos forest.

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"That is why I normally hide them,

" Eldrian said, doing just that as he spoke.

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"Understandable, it is indeed a... Bit much, nine titles...

" Sofiera became quiet after saying this.

"That is truly astounding.

"

nEldrian didn't respond, not wishing to sound conceited nor naive. So he just waited for Sofiera to continue.

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"Indeed, your title of Hero is certainly well earned. I believe we can truly work together, though... Perhaps I might slow you down.

"

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"What?

" Eldrian quickly tried to say she wouldn't, but she just shook her head.

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"Maybe I might be able to keep up, but I doubt it. However, it seems just giving you the normal Epignosi will be... Wrong. If you are to be our hero we can't be shy in the resources we give you, though we can't waste resources on you either...

"

nSofiera pondered on this for a moment, realizing that the kingdom wouldn't be willing to sponsor Eldrian simply because of his past achievements. Gifting him a title, spear, and manor was already the limit.

nEspecially when resources were required on other fronts and investments in Eldrian would take time to develop. He was still just Tier 4 after all, and the orc army was compromised of tens of thousands of soldiers above Tier 5.

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"I think this will do,

" Sofiera mumbled and smiled at Eldrian, her smile reminiscent of a grandparent looking favorably on their grandchild.

"Eldrian, please come with me.

"

nNodding, Eldrian followed Sofiera into a room attached to her office. The only entrance was from her office.

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"This is my personal training room. The walls are made from a mix of Rank 1 materials and a hint of Rank 2 metals. That, along with the formation surrounding the room makes it possible to withstand most spells up to Tier 8.

"

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"Along with that, the mana density can be increased to a fifth more than normal. Which, granted, might not sound like much. But when trying to master a new spell it is quite useful.

"

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"Umm...

" Eldrian faltered as he didn't quite know how to call Sofiera. He nearly just called her by her name, but he had slowly come to realize he was too informal.

nAs if sensing his plight, Sofiera smiled,

"You can just call me by my name. No need for formalities, as I feel in just a few years you will be able to stand on equal footing to me. Right, that gets me to my next point.

"

nAN: Hope everyone is well and enjoying the story still. Remember to vote to show your support and comment to share your insights!

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