Chapter 3 – Disciple

“Di…disciple?” Redius stumbled the words at the lifeless skeleton.

“Yes… I am but a part of my soul, I have waited here for millenniums to pass on my life’s knowledge and power. To find a successor.”

“But I can’t even sense or channel the elements…”

“… You can’t sense or channel? What?” The voice raised questioningly.

‘I knew it…’ Redius thought slumped and proceeded to tell the voice that on the day of his testing, the stone did not light up at all. It would light up a colour according to the element the person was affiliated with. Just when Redius was down in grief the voice laughed.

“HAHAHA… As if that kind of stone could possibly measure your ability. Tell me, do you see tiny lights flying around?”

“How did you…” Redius never told anyone. When it was found that he had no sensing ability, he had thought it was his imagination.

“Just tell me.”

“Yes…”

“Exactly how many colours do you see?”

“A few… but its vague. They come and go.”

“Close your eyes, I’m going to open your mind’s eye. Open up a whole new world to you.”

For some reason Redius felt like he could trust this voice. He was sure if the owner of the voice wanted to kill him, he could with a snap of his finger. And so he followed his instruction and closed his eyes.

“Good. Now feel the air around you. Brushing your face, your body…” As the voice became hypnotic, unseen by Redius, a colourless energy shot into his forehead.

Redius shook a little as the energy entered him and suddenly he could feel, no, he could see in the darkness, numerous floating tiny light particles of different colours. He slowly opened his eyes and although he couldn’t see it, he knew it was there. He closed his eyes again and there they were. He reopened his eyes and tears began to flow down his face. He knew what this meant. It meant he could sense the elements.

“Now tell me… how many colours do you see?” The voice unwavering at the sight of the crying boy. Redius readily did what he asked, trusting him ever so much.

“1…2…5…” Redius steadily counted with his eyes closed. He opened them and looked towards the skeleton. “10.” He replied with a little confusion in his voice.

“HAHAHAAHAHHAHAHAHAH” The voice boomed and echoed through the entire ravine. Straight above the ravine in the forest, birds and monsters ran amok at the sheer force of the laugh. Finally after some time the voice settled.

“To think it would be real... That I would meet a Propheti.” The voice shaking from excitement.

“What’s a Propheti?”

“It is none of your concern right now.” The voice said sternly. “Now… I’m sure you understand what it means. Yes, they are the elements.”

Even though Redius guessed what it was, having it confirmed shocked him. Normally if you had one element, you were considered special by the world. Maybe not by major households but none the less, you could make a name for yourself in normal citizens. If you had 2 – 4 you were considered extremely gifted even in major families. And above that is genius level, where even the four major families in Darabas have not witnessed anyone of that level.

But now, Redius had 10.

“Don’t get too happy just yet. This just means that you have to train and work 10 times… no… at least 15 times harder than everyone.” The voice soiled his moment of happiness. But none the less, it was amazing.

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“But I can’t channel anything. I’ve tried thousands of times…” He raised the only concern bothering him.

“Hmmm… Let me see…” The familiar warm air embraced him and it felt like it went through him. “Try channelling now.” And Redius did so.

“I see… I see… No wonder. Your body is not ready for all these elements just yet. People who are born with specific elements are able to adapt to them and command them much easier than people who aren’t. Though it does not mean that people that aren’t born with the element cannot channel them. Using certain techniques or artefacts, one can learn to channel them.”

“However for you, who are adapted to all elements, when you channel them inside you, it is too much for you to handle right now. Although I have never seen anyone of your calibre, it seems that you must only train in a few to begin them. Until your body can handle more.”

“Yes… I would say… 3 for now. And you will slowly know the time to learn more. Hmm.. it seems that this is more troubling than I thought…” He paused as the energy examined Redius. “Looks like it would require even more… yes… seems it is the only way.”

Redius sat listening intently when he stopped. A whirlpool of air gathered and at it’s centre was the skeleton. Suddenly a transparent figure could be seen seated in the same way, an old face began forming. An old, ancient look. His eyes opened and stared at Redius. Redius could feel himself bearing at the figure, as if he was naked in front of him, never could escape the gaze. The eyes shone a wisdom that could transpire the universe. Redius knew the figure, it was the owner of the voice.

“Now then… it seems that your body cannot handle so many elements at once. By my estimate, it would take you at least being an Archmage to learn other elements. However, if you go down the path of a Knight as well, each advancement should entitle you to a new element.” The figure smiled warmly and explained.

Redius looked a little confused and asked why.

“Your body is a container. Right now, it’s a bowl. And your elements are like an ocean of water, your body cannot handle it. However, by training your body and mind, that container can become a jug, a bucket, and even a world to host that water. Normally people tend to focus on one path as it takes twice the effort to train in Knighthood and in becoming a Magician. But this is the only way for your body to properly handle that power you have.”

Redius listened intently and nodded his understanding.

“Good… Now, do you wish to become my disciple?” The figure smiled and sheepish grin.

Redius stunned for a second but came back to his sense. He switched his position till he was kneeling infront of the figure, and bowed his head on the ground three times. A tradition to becoming Disciple and master.

“Good good.” A warm caring smile as he looked at Redius. “Now then, if my theory is correct, you will only be able to choose 3 elements to begin with. I will help you start off in both paths with all that I can. Now… choose, which 3 elements would you want?”

Redius sat thinking deeply. Because he had the opportunity, he could choose elements suited for battle. It was a dangerous world after all.

Finally he decided.

“Ice. Darkness. Fire.”