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Chapter 26: Phantom Magic Upgrade, Materialized Magic
🕑 Added 2025-03-11 19:52:32 +0000 UTC[You have performed phantom magic seriously once, and you have gained a lot. Phantom magic proficiency +4. Your phantom magic has been upgraded. The upgrade is materialized magic!]
Illusion magic had finally reached LV5.
Aaron rubbed his head lightly, feeling the weight lift from his mind as he glanced at the new abilities his magic had unlocked.
Materialized Magic.
This was the true advancement he’d been striving for.
Materialized magic wasn’t about turning the imaginary into reality or creating objects from nothing—it was about bringing forth an entity nearly identical to reality itself. The difference between this and illusion magic was night and day.
In the earlier levels of phantom magic:
LV1 could only create crude illusions, enough to fool only the most naive individuals.
LV2 expanded this, crafting illusions capable of blinding most people's vision.
LV3 introduced energy-based duplications, making it almost impossible to tell the difference with just a visual inspection.
LV4 added a physical aspect, granting the illusion a portion of the real body’s strength, including some magic power. These entities could cast magic and fight effectively, similar to the way old Loki had feigned death to escape Thanos.
But LV5... that was an entirely different world.
The phantom entities created at this level transcended illusions. They weren’t mere figments of imagination anymore. They possessed real combat awareness, the same fighting skills, and a version of the caster’s magic—though at a reduced capacity.
In short, this wasn’t illusion magic anymore. This was materialization magic.
The phantom entity at this stage was almost indistinguishable from reality itself. It possessed the ability to perform tasks and functions just like a real object, provided the caster understood the principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and more. The magic was not yet perfect—it needed more than just creativity—it needed knowledge.
Aaron frowned as he thought about the requirements for mastering this magic.
"So, I need to become a physicist, mathematician, chemist, and biologist?" he muttered under his breath. "I’m going to be forced to read an entire library just to create better illusions."
He sighed. While he had always enjoyed magic, he now saw how much more work it would take. He couldn’t afford to spend all his time on magical studies and ignore other disciplines.
"Illusion magic shouldn’t be so constrained," he mused. "It’s my imagination that limits it, not the laws of the universe."
"When the level is high enough, the rules won’t matter anymore. I won’t need to follow the standard boundaries of materialization magic."
In fact, Aaron had come to an epiphany: the process of materialization in LV5 was somewhat similar to how Green Lantern’s ring works—imagination turning into physical form. The Green Lantern ring could create tangible objects from pure energy, and although this magic didn’t have the same energy source, the potential was similar.
"In the future, I’ll surpass the Green Lantern ring’s abilities," Aaron thought, determination lighting his eyes. "I just need the time."
But for now, LV5 materialized magic was sufficient. Aaron wasn’t focused on perfection yet. He only needed to be ready for his upcoming confrontation with Amora. This power would suffice for now.
"All I need to do is deal with Amora, for now," he muttered. "There’s no need to use the most advanced magic. My priority is to continue improving my mind barrier and Energy Absorption."
His magic reserves were limited, and the key now was to gather enough energy to fuel his abilities. If he could do that, then maybe, just maybe, he could push his magic even further.
With his thoughts settled, Aaron began to focus, slipping into a meditative state. He activated Energy Absorption, absorbing the magical energy that flowed through the air, steadily increasing its proficiency as he deepened his focus.
Meanwhile, in the training grounds...
Fandral, still reeling from his defeat to Aaron in the sword fighting duel, had quickly recovered his confidence. He spent more time training his swordsmanship, determined to regain his title as the best swordfighter in Asgard. He couldn’t allow Aaron’s growth to be a permanent reminder of his failure.
Fandral believed his failure was due to his own negligence—he had been distracted by the finer things in life, losing focus. He attributed his loss to laziness, as he had not found a suitable rival for some time. But now, Aaron had surpassed him because of his tireless effort.
"I’ll get my revenge soon," Fandral muttered to himself.
Meanwhile, Aaron had stepped back from his warrior training, turning instead to the deeper ocean of magic. He had his sights set on greater goals, and for now, that meant abandoning his sword to focus on mastering his magical abilities.
Thor, noticing Fandral’s new training regimen, had invited him and the others to a reception. But seeing Fandral so dedicated to improving, Thor and his companions eventually joined Fandral in his practice, trying to match his intensity.
Just when things seemed to settle, Heimdall arrived, bringing important news.
"Father has ordered me to lead the army to quell the unrest in Vanaheim," Heimdall announced.
Thor jumped up, enthusiasm radiating from him. "Gather everyone! We’ve got work to do!"
Before anyone could respond, Thor turned to Heimdall. "And tell Aaron to join us! This is the perfect opportunity to show off his skills. We need him on this."
Heimdall, ever expressionless, nodded in acknowledgment. "The God-King said it would be a week before action is taken. Remember."
With that, Heimdall departed without a further word.
Thor, full of energy, was eager to rally his friends for the upcoming mission. But Heimdall’s loyalty was to Odin alone. No matter Thor’s excitement, Heimdall would only follow Odin’s orders—something Thor was still learning to understand.
