7: family

As Brian ascended the spiral staircase from the first floor and stepped onto the teleportation array on the third floor, he couldn't help but inwardly complain:

"When we build the intermediate mage tower, I absolutely must have them install a magic elevator—climbing three floors every day is practically a leg workout for a Mage!"

The teleportation array suddenly burst into dazzling light, and Brian's figure instantly vanished from the spot. When he opened his eyes again, he was already standing in the teleportation chamber on the first floor of the Jose Family Mage Tower.

As he stepped into the space, a mechanical synthetic voice sounded without warning:

"Good afternoon, esteemed Lord Brian Jose. Tower Spirit Rosen of the Jose Family Mage Tower greets you."

Brian's lips curved into a gentle smile: "Good afternoon, Rosen. Where is my father now?"

"Lord Lyle is currently handling family affairs in his study on the top floor," Tower Spirit Rosen's voice was as steady as ever, carrying a peculiar rhythmic quality.

Brian nodded, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the magic runes along the edge of the teleportation array:

"Alright, please inform Father that I've arrived."

"Yes, Lord Brian." As soon as he finished speaking, an invisible ripple spread out from the teleportation array, like a stone dropped into a lake.

Brian was not in a hurry; he walked into the first-floor hall of the Mage Tower, leaning against the stone wall, waiting quietly. His gaze swept over the portraits of past Jose Family Mages on the wall.

Those yellowed paintings recorded the family's glory and also reminded him of his childhood spent there—from the first time he stumbled up the stairs, to later discovering his first magic book in the tower's library, this Mage Tower had witnessed every step of his growth.

"Lord Brian Jose, Lord Lyle requests your presence upstairs," Tower Spirit Rosen's voice sounded again.

Brian adjusted the collar of his mage robe and walked up the stairs embedded with magic crystals.

With each step, he could feel a subtle vibration beneath his feet, proof of the Mage Tower's energy flow.

When he stood before the door to the top-floor study, he took a deep breath and gently knocked on the oak door.

"Come in," a steady and authoritative voice came from within.

Brian pushed open the door and saw his father, Lyle, sitting at a large desk, the ink on the parchment still not dry.

Lyle looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Brian, you're here. Oh! You've broken through to Second-level Mage?"

"Yes, Father," Brian walked to the desk and bowed respectfully,

"Not only have I broken through to Second-level Mage, but I've also fully mastered Second-level magic power. I'm here now to claim the reward you promised me earlier—the intermediate mage tower."

Lyle put down the quill in his hand, a gratified smile spreading across his face:

"Good! I knew you could do it. The materials for building the intermediate mage tower are ready. When your third uncle, Klein, returns, have him help you expand the Mage Tower. He is already a late Third-level Mage, so he can guide you in improving your spells and choosing your career path."

A hint of pleasant surprise flashed in Brian's eyes: "Thank you, Father!"

Lyle stood up and patted his son's shoulder:

"You also need to seriously consider your future path, whether to become a Research Mage, an Alchemist, an Artificer, or a Battle Mage. Since you're here, go see your mother and your sister. Fannie has been talking about you."

With that, Lyle led Brian out of the study and towards the family castle.

Along the way, Lyle asked Brian about the details of his breakthrough to Second-level Mage, and Brian answered each question in detail.

Lyle listened, nodding occasionally, his eyes full of gratification and pride.

When they arrived at the family castle, a burst of cheerful laughter came from the living room.

His mother, Judy, was sitting on the sofa, chatting and laughing with his eldest brother, Desac, and his sister, Fannie.

Seeing Brian enter, Fannie was the first to leap off the sofa, pouncing on her brother like a joyful fawn, pulling on his sleeve and whining:

"Brother, you're here! I missed you so much!"

Brian smiled and patted Fannie's head, saying, "I missed you too, little one. How have you been doing in the territory lately?"

Fannie tilted her head, her eyes sparkling as she said, "I've been great! Big brother even bought me lots of fun things."

At this moment, Judy also stood up and gently held Brian's hand:

"Brian, you're back. How are Alice and Joey?"

"Mother, they are both very well." Brian turned to his mother, a relieved smile on his face,

"Alice's body is recovering very well, and Joey is becoming more and more lively."

Upon hearing this, Judy's face immediately showed a relieved smile:

"That's good. Your father and I will take Fannie to see them in a while."

"Okay, Mother, just let me know the time in advance!"

Afterward, Lyle announced the good news of Brian's breakthrough to Second-level Mage to everyone.

The entire living room immediately became lively. His eldest brother, Desac, walked forward and heartily clapped Brian on the shoulder:

"Well done, Brian! I knew you could do it!"

His sister, Fannie, hopped and cheered nearby: "Brother is so amazing, brother is the best Mage!"

His mother, Judy, smiled from ear to ear, her eyes full of pride and gratification.

The family gathered around and began to chat animatedly.

After Brian had dinner at home, he took the teleportation array back to his territory to rest... Three days later, in the early morning, sunlight streamed through the castle's stained-glass windows, casting colorful light and shadows in Brian's room.

He slowly opened his eyes; a new day had begun.

After Brian got up, he quickly washed up and then went to the Mage Tower behind the castle.

The family message said that his third uncle, Klein, would arrive via the teleportation array this morning, so he had come early to wait.

When he arrived at the teleportation chamber on the third floor of the Mage Tower, the teleportation array was already glowing faintly, indicating that someone was in transit.

Brian stood to the side, waiting quietly, wondering what his third uncle, Klein, looked like now.

After all, it had been several years since he last saw his third uncle, who was then only a late Second-level Mage. Now, he had already entered the late stage of a Third-level Mage.

As the light gradually dissipated, a tall, resolute-faced middle-aged man appeared in the teleportation chamber.

He was dressed in a deep blue mage robe, intricately embroidered with magic runes, making him both mysterious and dignified.

This person was Brian's third uncle, Klein.