Manuel Lucas

Manuel Lucas was one of the most legendary figures in the history of the world of Rondel. Known as the Grand Duke of the Brigham Empire and a 9th-Class Wizard—a rank achieved by only three individuals in history—he was a pioneer who defined the Golden Age of Magic. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, leaving behind immense power, knowledge, and wealth, collectively known as the Curiosity. This legacy sparked a global treasure hunt following his cryptic declaration before his death.
==Personality==
Manuel Lucas was known for his unwavering dedication to magic and research. He was eccentric, reclusive, and completely consumed by his work, to the point that he refused to take disciples, marry, or have children. His enigmatic nature added to his legendary status, and his decisions often reflected a desire to ensure that only the most deserving individuals could access his legacy.
==Background==
Born during the transition into the 'Era of Magic,' Manuel Lucas was instrumental in the development of magic engineering, which fused magical principles with advanced technology. His efforts were critical in establishing the Brigham Empire as the leading power in magic. Despite his contributions to the empire and the world, Manuel's personal life was marked by isolation, as he chose to focus entirely on his research and refused to share his knowledge freely.
Before his death, Manuel announced: 
"Power, knowledge, wealth. I have hidden everything I have somewhere in this world. Aspire. You could be the one who takes possession of an ownerless gift." 
This statement ignited a worldwide race to uncover his hidden Curiosity, including treasures like his magic tower, a sky fortress, and the creation of advanced homunculi, such as Arsia Klein.
==Appearance==
While little is known about Manuel Lucas’s physical appearance due to his reclusive nature, his aura as a grand wizard and archduke is remembered through countless historical depictions and magical records.
==Relationships==
* Curiosity Seekers: Manuel indirectly created global intrigue through his cryptic statements, making him a revered and sought-after figure among adventurers, treasure hunters, and scholars.
* Arsia Klein: One of his creations, Arsia is a Homunculus and serves as a living testament to Manuel Lucas’s brilliance.
==Role in the Story==
Manuel Lucas serves as a pivotal figure in the story's lore. His legacy, hidden throughout the world, becomes a central driving force for the protagonist, Adrian Lawrence, and countless others. Adrian, having discovered Manuel's Earthly origins, sees himself as uniquely suited to understand and inherit Manuel’s genius.
==Abilities==
As a 9th-Class Wizard, Manuel Lucas’s magical abilities were unparalleled. His contributions include:
* Creation of Curiosity: A collection of immense magical power and knowledge, hidden globally.
* Advanced Magic Engineering: Development of technologies that revolutionized magic in Rondel.
* Homunculi Creation: Arsia Klein, a Grandmaster-level homunculus, is one of his most notable achievements.
==Trivia==
* Manuel Lucas was revealed to have been an Earthling, transported or reincarnated into Rondel, as evidenced by his use of Earthly terminology in his creations and cryptic statements.
* His Curiosity is believed to be so vast that it could rival the national budget of the Brigham Empire.
* Despite his unmatched power, Manuel remained humble, never abusing his position to gain personal power or dominance.
* His legacy, scattered in various forms, includes treasures like a magic tower, advanced devices, and blueprints for groundbreaking magical innovations.