《The Ringless Mage is actually the Strongest》


 The Grimoire Receiving Ceremony

    The Ringless Mage Is Actually the Strongest Chapter 1: The Grimoire Receiving Ceremony


    In the country of Eldonia, magic was the foundation of life¡ªit flowed through the land, the skies and the very hearts of its people. At the age of fifteen, every child with an aptitude for magic attended the Grimoire Receiving Ceremony, a sacred rite where they received their own Grimoire¡ªa book that would determine their fate.


    The Grimoire, a book of spells, bound to its owner, bore rings on its cover¡ª A single ring marked the weakest of mages, while seven¡ªthe highest ever recorded¡ªwas the mark of legends. In Eldonia, a person''s worth was often measured not by merit but by the number of rings they had on their grimoire.


    In a small border town on the edge of the kingdom, a boy named Orin, who had just turned fifteen, together with his childhood friend Rod, arrived at the towering church-like building¡ªwhite with gold-plated seams weaving a beautiful tapestry coupled with a massive brown door the size which even trolls could fit in.


    Today, they would receive their grimoires. Rod, with a grin, smacked Orin on the back. "Relax, Orin! What are you worried about? We''ll become legendary battle mages, just you wait!"Orin, who grew up a little shy and timid due to the nature of his magic, clenched his fists, and took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing mind. Memories stirred¡ªhe was suddenly a child again.


    Seven Years ago¡­


    The wind was warm beneath the shade of an old oak tree, where young Orin often sat alone. His small palms faced the sky as flickers of light danced on them, taking the form of tiny golden butterflies. Soon, shimmering birds flitted around him, chirping melodically. They weren''t real¡ªjust illusions, simple tricks he had been able to do since he was young. This was his Magic.


    "Look at the little faker, playing with his fake magic again."


    The voice cut through the peaceful afternoon like a blade. Orin barely had time to react before a rough hand shovedhim against the tree.


    Three boysa little olderloomed over him, sneering.


    "You think that''s real magic?" one of them scoffed, kicking dirt over Orin.


    Haha! "Looks like he can use earth magic," they laughed.


    Orin gritted his teethbut he wasn''t strong enough to fight back, no matter how much he wanted to, his illusions couldn''t harm anyone. They weren''t real.


    The leader of the group raised his fist, ready to strike¡ª


    BAM!


    A blur of red crashedinto the bully, knocking him aside. A boy with wild crimson hairand an even wilder grin stood before Orin, arms spread out like a shield.


    "Three against one? Hah! Have you no pride?" the boy shouted.


    Orin blinked. Who¡ª?


    Before he could react, the fight had already begun. The red-haired boy lunged forward, throwing a punch at one of the bullies, "Fire Magic Punch!" He managed to land a hit, but the three boys were much bigger and stronger, within seconds, he was on the ground beside Orin, blood trickling from his nose and a tooth missing from his grin.


    The bullies laughed. "Not so tough now are you?", they said, kicking him one last time before turning and walking away, leaving the two boys lying in the dirt.


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    Orin pushed himself up, back resting on the tree and his arms trembling, "Are you okay?"


    The red-haired boy wiped the blood off his nose and grinned, "Hah! That was nothing!" He pointed his thumb at himself proudly. "You need to be strong like me!"


    Orin frowned. "But¡­ you got beat up too."


    The boy huffed. "That''s only ''cause you didn''t back me up!"


    For a second, Orin was speechless, laughter bubbled up from his throat, mixing with the red haired boy''s chuckles. Despite the bruises, it felt¡­ warm, almost like he wasn''t alone for the first time in a long time.


    The red haired boy stretched out his hand. "The name''s Rod! Roderick Lianhart! Youngest son of the Border Lord! and the Future strongest fire mage!"


    Orin took his hand hesitantly. "I''m Orin."


    Rod''s grin widened. "Nice to meet ya, Orin! So what''s your magic?"


    Orin hesitated. He had never been asked that before, people usually just mocked his magic.


    Slowly, he raised his hand, a soft, golden glow shimmered to life, and the air was filled with tiny, luminous butterflies, followed by birds loudly chirping. They fluttered around the boys, leaving glowing trails in the air like a dream.


    Rod''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Whoa! That''s amazing!"


    Orin blinked. "You¡­ think so?"


    "Of course! It''s like¡ªlike fireworks, but prettier! And you did it without a grimoire! That''s awesome!"


    Orin felt something strangeinside¡ªsomething unfamiliar. Maybe¡­ happiness?


    Rod stoodup, clenching his fists. "When I get my grimoire, I''ll show those losers who''s boss! Just you wait¡ªI''m gonna be the strongest fire mage ever!"


    To prove his point, he held out his hand and concentrated with all his might. A tiny flicker of flame appeared¡ªonly for a second¡ªbefore it vanished with a puff of smoke.


    Rod groaned, plopping back onto the grass. "It''s not much now, but once I get my grimoire, my magic''s gonna explode!"


    Orin nodded, smiling softly. "Yeah¡­."


    Now, at the age of fifteen, Orin and Rod stood at the threshold of their futures¡ªthe Grimoire Receiving Ceremony.


    The ceremony was held within Eldonia''s Archive, a grand magic library that, despite its location in a small border town, held countless ancient tomes and scrolls brimming with new and forgotten knowledge alike. Towering bookshelves lined the stone walls, and the room was illuminated by chanderliers and scones with glowing crystals acting as the light bulb, giving the space an almost ethereal glow.


    The young aspiring mages coupled with some onlookers, stood in a semicircle before the Head Mage¡ªan elder draped in deep violet robes, wielding his silver etched staff, topped with a crystal still crackling with residual magic. Finally it was the moment they had all been waiting for.


    The Head Mage started with a thundering voice. "A Grimoire is more than a book¡ªitis the physical manifestation of amage''s soul, a sacred contract with thedivine, and a direct link to theflow of magic itself. Today each of you willreceive your personal Grimoire, bound to you for life."


    The rings, inscribed upon the book''s cover, determined a mage''s potential strength and destiny, or atleast that is what they believed to be true.


    As the ceremony began, names were called one by one, some receivedone or two rings, a rare few reaching three, each time the crowed murmured in approval or disappointment but whenRodstepped forward, the room fell silent. His hand trembled slightly as he reached for the magic orb presented by the head mage. The moment his fingers touched the orb,a shimmering light momentarily blinded him and when it faded, his grimore lay in his hands."4-rings, Fire Magic Grimoire."


    Gasps rippled through the crowd.


    "Incredible! Four rings!" someone whispered.


    "That''s higher than most battle mages!"


    Rod clenchedhisfists, failing to hide his proud smile, he had always dreamt of this moment.


    The strongest known mages in the world heldfour or five rings, and onlyin ancient myths did the heroes ever reach six rings much less, seven. To most, three rings were already a blessing but a four ring mage was considered a National Treasure.


    More names were called, many received their Grimoires, while others were not so lucky.


    Finally, it was Orin''s turn.


    "Orin."


    He stepped forward. His breath was unsteady, his mind racing. What kind of mage would he be? How many rings would appear?


    "He''s the one with the fake magic, right?


    "I bet he wont even get a Grimoire."


    "He awakened his magic early, he''ll get one, but most likely weak"


    Orin ignored the whispers behind him andplaced his palm on the orb,asoft hum resonated in the air, the glowing light temporarily blinded him¡ªfor a brief second he was hopeful knowing he was sure to receive his Grimoire, then thelightdulled, and there it was his very own Grimoire.


    Silence fell.


    The Head Mage''s face contorted¡ªwas it confusion? was it fear?


    "Blank?"


    With a slow, deliberate voice, he spoke.


    "No Rings: Sto¡­ Story? Magic."

 Chapter 2: The Worthless Grimoire

    The Ringless Mage Is Actually the Strongest Chapter 2: The Worthless Grimoire


    "No Rings: Story Magic,"


    The Head Mage declared, his voice slow and deliberate.


    The room erupted in whispers.


    Then¡ªlaughter. Mocking, cruel laughter.


    "Story Magic? What kind of useless magic is that?"


    "Is it even real magic?"


    "He''s useless."


    Orin''s childhood bullies, who had all received their own Grimoires, smirked with satisfaction. The leader, who had received three rings, sneered. "Guess you really are worthless after all."


    Rod angrily shouted, "Shut it. You don''t even know what Story Magic is."


    "What does it matter? No rings means no power! He''s the weakest mage in the history of Eldonia."


    The Head Mage struck his staff against the ground, and the laughter ceased. "The ceremony is now over, you are hereby dismissed."


    Orin felt numb, so lost in thoughts, he barely remembered how he got home. Tears streaming down his face, his mother¡ªhis only living relative¡ªhugged him tightly, her clothes muffling the sound of his loud cries.


    His mother tried to comfort him, but what could she say? No Rings. No Future.


    Rod later came by to check on Orin, but he brought even more unpleasant news. "Orin¡­ I leave for the capital tomorrow, I am to attend Velkia Magic Academy."


    Orin forced a small, broken smile. "Oh i see... Good luck, Rod."


    That night, Orin sat alone in his room, the blank Grimoire resting on his lap. The moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow


    "No rings Story Magic" Orin muttered


    He opened his grimoire and it was blank, with a sigh he laid his head on his pillow and drifted to sleep


    ***


    On the morning of Rod''s departure, Orin arrived at the entrance of the Lianhart Manor, where a carriage, a few knights and two mages awaited.


    These are probably Rod''s personal guards, he thought.


    Rod burst open the manor door as though he could sense Orin''s Arrival, with his grin even wider than usual he said "Orin! My father would like to see you"


    Orin, curious, asked, "Count Fred wishes to see me? Lead the way"


    On getting to the Counts study, the valet exchanged greetings with Orin then knocks on the door saying "My Lord, the young master and Orin are here to see you."


    A loud commanding voice responded, "Come in"


    Thud


    The door closed behind them as quickly as it had opened.


    As Orin stepped into Count Fred''s study, the familiar scent of aged parchment and ink slapped him in the face. The wall on one side was lined with bookshelves, filled with thick tomes and scrolls¡ªtheir spines appeared worn from years of use. A large mahogany desk stood at the center of the room, its polished surface stacked with neatly arranged documents, an open ink bottle and a brass seal bearing the Lianhart crest.


    Behind the desk sat a bulky, muscular, crimson-headed man with a rough mustache, going through some documents, the scratch of quill on paper being the only sound filling the dimly lit room.


    Count Frederick Lianhart¡ªLord of the Border Town.


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    He was a proud four rings fire mage, with four children including Rod who was the Third child. His eldest son, was off serving in the military, his second¡ªa nineteen year old daughter¡ªwas in her final year at the Velkia Magic Academy, and his youngest, a girl who barely started walking a few months ago.


    After a brief pause, he put down his quill¡ªtaking a break from his work and stared intently at Orin.


    "It''s been a while, Orin," he said.


    Orin forcing a nervous smile "Greetings, Count Fred"


    Rod quickly interrupted, still holding his grin. " Tell him, Father!"


    Count Fred sighed, leaning back in his chair, then reached for a letter. His hand outstretched, he handed it to Orin


    Orin took the parchment, his eyes scanning the contents as his expression changed, He read it again to make sure.


    The letter read:


    To Count Frederick Lianhart,


    I extend my greetings and gratitude on behalf of the Velkia Magic Academy for your continued support. It is rare for us to consider applicants outside of our traditional admission requirements, but given your personal recommendation and history, we are prepared to make an exception


    While his Grimoire lacks Rings, the young Orin Valcrest, effective immediately will be given a place on our admission list. On arrival to the capital he will undertake the entrance exam along the other students.


    However, I must stress that no special provisions will be afforded to him¡ªhe will be evaluated under the same standards as all other applicants.


    Additionally, I was pleased to learn that the young Roderick has awakened a four-ring Grimoire, our academy will ensure he receives the finest training to help him become a worthy Battle mage.


    Yours sincerely,


    Headmaster Aldritch Valto


    Velkia Magic Academy


    Orin, overwhelmed with emotion, bowed deeply, his voice trembling as he screamed out, "Thank You, Lord Frederick"


    Before he could fully rise, Rod smacked him right on the back with a grin. "Go pack your things, we leave in an hour"


    Orin stood upright, wiping his tears, he asked "But why? Why did you go so far for someone like me?"


    Count Fred let out a slow sigh, his expression unreadable.


    "How much do you know about your Father?" he said


    Orin hesitated. "Not much! My mother doesn''t speak much of him, only that he was the knight commander, and he died a few months before i was born."


    "I see"


    Count Fred responded, he stood up, walked over to the tall window. Looking out in silence for a moment, he spoke softly


    "Richard Valcrest and I were old friends, we fought side by side in wars against demons and invading nations. If not for the fact that he was a one-ring mage he would have probably been the lord of this border town."


    He turned around facing Orin, standing with his fingers lightly tapping the desk


    "Richard was strong, for a one ring mage to command a military made up of knights and mages you must understand just how capable he was."


    His expression darkened with the weight of the memory.


    "He died defending this kingdom... He died defending this town. And so i owe him a great debt."


    Count Fred regains his composure, his voice resolute.


    "Securing your future is my way of repaying him"


    Orin clenched his fists, holding back his tears, I''ll become stronger! No! I''ll become a legendary battle mage he thought


    Count Fred''s voice pulled him back to the moment.


    "I''ve informed your mother of the situation, she has, of course agreed to let you attend the academy. Theres a carriage waiting outside, it''ll take you home. Say your goodbyes, and prepare what you must. You and Roderick will leave for the capital in an hour.


    His tone was final. "That will be all."


    Orin bowed deeply once again, "Thank You, Lord Fred"


    ***


    Orin''s departure was nearly delayed by his mother, who clung to him, torn between joy and sorrow. Tears streamed down her face as she held him tightly


    "Be careful, Orin," she said, her voice breaking. "Promise me you''ll take care of yourself."


    Orin nodded, offering a reassuring smile, though his own emotions threatened to spill over. "I promise mother. I will write back as much as i can."


    With one last embrace, he stepped into the carriage.


    The rhythmic clatter of the horses hooves hitting the dirt road filled the air.


    Orin, who had never set foot outside the border town, kept his eyes glued to the carriage windows. His eyes observing every detail of the scenery¡ªthe rolling hills, the scattered farms, and the distant silhouette of cities on the horizon. His mind raced with new ideas, his illusion magic was inspired by nature, and so he could create whatever he imagined. Even though they were just illusions, he had resolved himself to fight with it.


    Meanwhile, across from him, Rod was struggling to read through his notes, he scratched his head, grumbling a few times as he struggled to focus on the book in his hands.


    "Damn written exams," he muttered.


    He could still hear echoes of his father''s words in his mind:


    "The entrance exam isn''t just about combat. There''s a written portion too so you''d best be prepared, Roderick."


    His fiery personality, made it difficult to sit still; he could hardly calm down enough to study.


    Orin glanced over, suppressing a chuckle.


    Rod shot him a glare before groaning.


    Orin smirked, turning his gaze back to the window.


    The journey to the capital had only just begun, the trip to the capital should take a little over a month.


    The Kingdom of Eldonia was the largest empire on the continent of Drakovia. Situated in the southern region of the continent, its vast territory extended, also occupying the western region. To the North lay the kingdoms of Velmoria a longstanding ally, and to south was the newly growing Empire of Taldorn with its borders pressed against counts fredericks domain.


    Orin clenched his fists. His journey to the capital had begun, but if he wanted to survive in a world that only valued power, he would have to prove that "Story Magic" was anything but worthless.