Arch Magnus

Mages who devote themselves to understanding magic, and perfect their craft over decades, become low level reality warpers able to use transcendent magic. If they devoted their time to mastering a single element then it will be much stronger for them and unbound by normal constraints (fire that doesn't consume fuel, ice that's as hard as steel, and stronger magical constructs). Lifeforce becomes much more potent allowing for increased augmentation and the ability to anchor the soul to the body.
These mages often take the title of archmage and take up residents in isolated towers. They're basically magical nuclear deterrents and there can only be so many of them at a time.
Archmages are usually self chosen and powerful mages compete for the title in a tournament. In some cases powerful mages are identified early in life and given exclusive training; these cases usually end up with a ton of emotional baggage and severe anxiety, like Kirsi.