The Supreme Mage

Chapter 5

“Nolan…”

A soft voice drifted through the room, gentle but persistent. “Wakey wakey… it’s morning already.”

Nolan groaned as he forced his eyes open, his head heavy with sleep. He pushed himself up slowly, rubbing his temples as if trying to wake his mind along with his body. “It’s morning already…?” he muttered, his voice still thick with drowsiness.

“That’s right, sleepyhead… didn’t you miss us?” the voice teased.

Still half-asleep, he turned his head lazily toward the sound—then froze.

A woman stood before him, breathtaking in a way that made his thoughts halt completely. Her blonde hair flowed softly over her shoulders, catching the morning light like strands of gold. Her blue eyes shimmered with a quiet brilliance, calm yet captivating. She wore a light night dress that draped gently over her figure, the soft fabric outlining her slender waist and graceful curves without losing its elegance. Everything about her—from her posture to her gaze—radiated natural nobility.

Who is this stunning lady…? he thought, momentarily lost.

[System activated.]

[Name: Layla Weldon, Nolan’s mother]

[Age: 45]

[Class: Light Mage]

[Level: 90 (Tier-7)]

Ohh my God… she’s only 45 and looks like this? And already Tier-7… he thought in disbelief.

“Hi there, mother… it looks as though you’ve made it,” he said, forcing a smile, though it came out slightly awkward, his eye twitching faintly.

“That’s right, dear… mommy is home!” she said cheerfully as she suddenly pulled him into a tight embrace.

“C-can’t breathe…” Nolan choked out, his voice barely escaping as she squeezed him. He tapped her back quickly. “Time out—time out—!”

She released him, and he immediately leaned back, gasping for air.

Damn… she could’ve killed me, he thought, steadying his breathing.

“Oh, I almost forgot… how did the event go?” he asked, regaining himself. It was never explained why they left, he thought. But when they returned, they brought someone… a mage known for unlocking a person’s inner abilities…

“Oh right!” Layla clapped her hands lightly. “You can enter now, Master.”

The door opened quietly.

A woman stepped in, dressed in long mage robes that flowed with quiet authority. The fabric shimmered faintly, layered in white and deep violet, stitched with intricate magical patterns. Her silver hair fell straight down her back like silk, and her pale skin gave her an almost unreal presence. Her eyes were sharp, unreadable and cold, yet not empty. She didn’t need to speak to command the room; her presence alone was overwhelming.

[System activated]

[Name: Hilda Whitewhale]

[Age: 57]

[Level: 98 (Tier-8 – Supreme Mage)]

[Class: Light and Dark Mage]

Whoa… a Supreme Mage… Hilda Whitewhale, Nolan thought, his eyes lingering slightly too long. She wasn’t even in the original story… not in the records…

Or… is she part of the unwritten future?

“I might be stunning and all,” Hilda said calmly, “but staring like that makes a woman uncomfortable.”

Nolan snapped out of it immediately. “Ah—my apologies, miss. I just… haven’t seen someone this stunning besides my mother and Issa—miss Roselite,” he said, bowing slightly from where he sat.

“It was a joke,” she replied flatly as she took a seat beside the bed. “But you are quite flirty.”

A joke…? With that expression? Nolan forced an awkward laugh. “Ah… haha…”

Her gaze sharpened slightly.

“Show me a fire spell.”

“But Hilda—” Layla started but Hilda raised her hand, silencing her instantly.

“Nolan Weldon,” she said, her tone dropping. “Show me a fire spell.”

Confused, Nolan closed his eyes and focused. Mana began to gather faintly around him, uneven and unstable. He raised his hand slowly.

“Fire…”

Nothing happened.

He tried again.

And again.

Still nothing.

Hilda watched him without moving, her expression unreadable.

What the… why isn’t my magic working? he thought, frustration building.

Then the familiar chime echoed.

[System activated.]

[User’s magic abilities are blocked.]

[To unlock magic, user must gain experience and level up.]

[EXP: 0/10]

What…? How am I supposed to level up if no one explains it?

Another prompt appeared.

[System activated]

[Gathering data on leveling up…]

[Data complete.]

[Push-ups: 0/10]

[Running: 0/10 meters]

[Meditation: 0/5]

[More under process…]

Wait… so I level up by doing these? he thought, staring blankly ahead. From the outside, however, it looked very different like he was staring at Hilda's bottom.

“You really are a pervert, aren’t you?” Hilda said as she stood up, her tone completely flat. She walked toward the door, stopping briefly.

“It’s hard to tell whether you truly can’t use magic… or if you’re pretending,” she said. “For the next three days, I’ll be training you.”

Then she left.

“Don’t worry, my dear,” Layla said gently. “You’ll be able to use magic. She’s the best in the world.”

She gave him a reassuring look before leaving as well.

Silence settled. “Best in the world…” Nolan muttered then his eyes widened.

“Best in the world?!” He sat up straighter.

It’s her… the hidden character… the only Tier-8 mage who reached the Supreme Court…

But why is she here now?

Season two was never even written…

A few moments later, Nolan stood before a tall mirror, adjusting his attire. He wore a refined noble outfit. Dark fitted trousers and a tailored coat lined with silver embroidery along the edges. Beneath it was a crisp white shirt fastened neatly at the collar, paired with polished boots. The outfit carried both elegance and authority, marking his status clearly.

He tied his long black hair back neatly, revealing his sharp features. His blue eyes shimmered faintly, reflecting both his thoughts and his resolve.

“Time to find out how this mansion really works,” he muttered.

He stepped out into the hallway. The mansion stretched wide and grand, with polished marble floors reflecting the morning light. Tall pillars lined the corridor, engraved with detailed patterns, while portraits of past Weldon nobles hung along the walls. Servants moved quietly, maintaining order without drawing attention.

Nolan walked through the estate, observing everything. The kitchen was busy with chefs preparing meals, voices overlapping in controlled chaos. The bathhouse was empty, steam lingering faintly in the air. His mother’s room remained closed. The living room was spacious and elegant, while the library held towering shelves packed with books.

Eventually, he reached the training grounds.

There, he found Isabella and Ralph sparring. Their movements were sharp and controlled, blades clashing with precision as they tested each other’s skill.

“Ralph! Roselite!” Nolan called out, raising his hand.

They stopped and turned toward him.

A faint smile appeared on their faces.

“Good to see you’re well, young master,” Ralph said.

"What new thrilling danger is up ahead."

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