After more than five months of relentless fighting, the war with the orcs was finally drawing to a close. The Magi could feel it in the air, the thick tension that seemed to be growing with each passing day.

The Magi of the allied forces had already regained most of the lands they had lost at the onset of the war. Now, only a couple of border strongholds remained to be liberated.

However, despite their victories, there was no celebration.

Not yet anyway.

For they knew that the final battle that would decide the outcome of this war was not far away.

In the eastern camp, the air was thick with a mixture of hope and dread. The expressions on the faces of the Magi were etched with fatigue.

Yet there was also extreme determination flashing in their eyes.

The once vibrant and enthusiastic energy seen in the camp during the early days of the war had now been replaced with grim perseverance.

Magi could be seen bustling in the marketplace around the central headquarters. They were buying material components for their spells, gearing up for battle, and stocking up on other resources they would require.

Compared to before, however, there were considerably fewer Magi in the eastern camp. This was a given. After all, there had been far too many casualties.

The shadows of the fallen Magi seemed to linger in every nook and cranny of the camp, serving as a constant reminder of the high cost the allied forces had paid.

Despite the gloomy atmosphere, however, there was an undeniable sense of camaraderie permeating the camp.

Over the last few months, the Magi had grown close to each other, forming deep bonds that could only be forged through experiencing life-and-death battles together.

As the sun slowly rose over the horizon, groups of Magi started to depart one after another. Most of their missions were now concentrated toward the north.

The surrounding areas had mostly been cleared of magical beasts and other threats.

Within a certain tent, Adam was sitting cross-legged on his bed and practicing a session of mindfulness. His shoulders were relaxed and his expression was tranquil.

The air around him pulsated with the rhythm of his breathing. A vortex of mana formed with him at the center. If one observed closely, one would see five different colored barely visible motes of light being sucked inside him.

As Adam revolved the Five Elemental Codex, the mana from the five funamental elements were extracted from the surrounding, fusing together and travelling through his mana channels.

After a long period of time, the vortex of mana around the youth subsided and he slowly opened his eyes. His pupils were deeper than ever and flashed with a blinding light.

He lowered his head and sensed the mana channels within his body that were teeming with rich mana.

"I'm close," the youth's lips curled up into a faint smile. "I just need that final push."

In more ways than not, Adam was very fortunate during this war. Had it not been for the contant battles, day in and day out, he would have not been able to progress as quickly as he had.

The constant expenditure and replenishment of his mana reserves during the war had expedited his advancement. Not only that, but it also honed his battle skills and made him a proficient warrior.

Adam started to stroke his chin, deep in thought.

It is said that the advancement from Mana Foundation to Mana Liquefaction is a complete transformation on two levelsphysical and spiritual.

Normal Magi go through a long period of isolation to completely cleanse their body. Then, they begin connecting their mana channels and work toward forming their spirit sea.

The youth's eyes glazed over as he thought back to his recent dream.

What exactly did that expert's teacher meant by Magi reaching unprecedented heights by becoming one with the way?

Why did he tell that expert to find his Way of Magic in order to transform?

How can I find my own Way of Magic?

But suddenly he thought of another thing, his expression turning strange.

What about the countless other Magi that haven't tapped into the philosophy of the Way? I'm sure they hadn't found their Way of Magic when they became Rank 2 Magi.

Could it be that perceiving one's own Way of Magic can bring about unexpected benefits to a Magus?

And that the earlier this is done, the greater the benefits.

Adam's eyes flashed with understanding and he muttered under his breath. "I see, I see. But all this is still contingent on me finding my Way of Magic."

The memories of the experts that he had absorbed were vast. Yet, they were fractured. There was only so much that he could glean from the disorganized memories.

Just as he was pondering, the flaps to his tent fluttered open and a small group of people walked in.

Adam turned his head and glanced at them with a smile, "Is it time for us to leave?" The next moment, his eyebrows rose in surprise as he glanced at the tall and burly young man who was standing behind Edward and Lisa.

"Johnny?"

Johnathan spoke with a toothy grin, "How are you injuries, Adam?"

"Not bad." Adam shrugged. "But how come you're here?"

Lisa who was standing at the front replied instead, "John's team has been grouped with us."

Edward chimed in, "But we haven't been assigned to move up north with the main army."

"Why not?" Adam slightly frowned. "The decisive battle draws near. I'm pretty sure it's going to take place in the heart of the Murky Mountains, somewhere near the orc settlements.

"The vast majority of the allied forces have been assigned to advance north. Given our achievements in the past, I was sure they would ask us to do the same."

"Ah, who knows what the higher-ups were thinking?" Johnathan waved his hand. "But this is better for us, no? We just have to go to a border stronghold and take it back from the orcs. The danger is significantly lesser compared to the main battle up north."

Adam remained silent for a while. In the end, he nodded. "Indeed." He then glanced at Lisa and asked, "When do we leave?"

"As soon as you're ready," replied Lisa.

"Alright then, let's head out." Adam got up from his bed and packed up his things before departing with the group.

At the headquarters in the center of the eastern camp, within a dimly lit room, two figures looked out through the window and watched Adam's team leave the camp.

"You think the other Rank 2 Magi will notice this sudden change in mission assignments?" One of them asked.

"It won't matter," the other replied. "By the time they do, it would already be too late."

"What about the Rank 3 Magi?"

A long moment of silence ensued before a reply was heard from the second person, his tone laced with confidence.

"Heh, we included that young orc in our plans, didn't we?"