The next morning, Alexander met Merlin, Erika, and Elizabeth in the great hall from the previous day. He was now dressed in the same blue robes as Erika and Merlin, feeling a bit out of place but doing his best to adapt.

“Did you sleep alright?” Erika asked, her voice seemed to be filled with genuine concern. “Are you feeling any better?”

Alexander managed a small smile. “As good as can be expected, I suppose. Thanks for asking.”

Elizabeth stood silently, her expression still one of disdain.

Merlin stepped forward, her tone all business. “It’s time for your training to begin. We have much to cover and not a moment to waste.”

Merlin began the lesson without delay. “Magical energies flow through all life, but not all life can call upon them. Only those with a sensitivity to these magical forces can harness that energy to cast spells.”

Alexander raised a hand, his curiosity piqued. “What if I’m not sensitive to magic? What if I can’t harness it or cast any spells? I wouldn’t say I’ve ever done anything ‘magical’ before.”

Merlin chuckled softly. “If you’re a Bellmont, you can use magic. In your world, the Bellmonts are the most magically gifted family of humans in history. The reason you haven’t done any magic before now is simply because you didn’t know how.”

With a graceful motion, Merlin weaved her hands through the air. Sparks appeared, igniting into a spectacular flame. Alexander jumped back in surprise as she masterfully manipulated the flame, making it dance and flow through the air. The fire crackled and illuminated the hall before she clapped her hands, causing it to vanish instantly.

“To use magic,” Merlin explained, “one must learn to channel their own magical energy, then combine it with a specific motion and, in many cases, an incantation.”

Alexander quipped, “Just like in the movies.”

Erika looked confused, not understanding the joke, while Elizabeth remained unimpressed.

Merlin smiled. “If that helps you understand the process, then yes, think of it that way.”

“I’ve seen fire and wind,” Alexander said, “and I remember Elizabeth cloaking her sword in lightning. Is all magic elemental, or is there more?”

Merlin seemed impressed by his question. “You’re already taking note of the different types of spells. There are elemental spells—fire, water, wind, earth, and lightning. But there are also countless other types of spells for various uses.”

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Erika interjected, “Remember how I put up a barrier by the gatestone? A barrier is a popular and effective spell that isn’t elemental in nature.”

Merlin nodded. “Erika is right. Throughout the centuries, practitioners of magic have been creative. If you can think of it, a spell for it probably exists. And if it doesn’t, perhaps you could be the one to create it once you’re strong enough.”

Alexander began to feel overwhelmed. “H-how am I supposed to learn all these spells?”

Merlin reassured him. “You’re not meant to learn them all, but enough to handle whatever situations you might find yourself in. The castle has a library where you can study tomes when you’re ready. But first, you must learn to call upon the magical energy that flows through you. Sit with me.”

Alexander wondered why they had to sit on the floor but awkwardly complied, sitting across from Merlin. She told him to hold out his hands and then grasped them with hers. At first, he felt awkward, but then he noticed a strange sensation. It began in his hands and spread through his whole body. Initially, it felt strange and uncomfortable, but soon it felt good—like a surge of energy flowing through him, as if he were a battery being charged.

The feeling continued to build, making him feel strong and energized. His heart rate increased, and his breathing became rapid. He started to worry it might be too much, but the raw power was too stimulating for him to want it to end.

Merlin abruptly let go of his hands, and the sensation quickly fizzled out, causing him to slump down. He leaned forward on his hands and knees, sweating and trying to catch his breath.

“I…that…that was…” He was unsure of how to put the experience into words.

Merlin suggested, “It was intoxicating, wasn’t it? Feeling that much magical power for the first time.”

Alexander nodded, still breathless. “Yeah…it was…”

Merlin explained, “I sent some of my own magical energy through you so you could get an idea of what it feels like. Now, recompose yourself. It’s time to learn to focus your own magical energy.”

Merlin instructed him to close his eyes and focus. “Think about the experience you just had with my power flowing through you. Remember the sensation.”

Alexander tried to recall the feeling, thinking about the power coursing through his body. He began to feel something welling up within him. It was faint, but it was there. He continued to focus, letting it build. After a few seconds, he felt the sensation again, this time starting in the center of his body and flowing outward. It was weaker but felt more natural.

“I’m doing it!” Alexander exclaimed, much to Elizabeth’s shock and Erika and Merlin’s joy.

Merlin smiled. “Like I said, you Bellmonts are naturals.”

Alexander, feeling a surge of confidence, said, “Since I learned this quickly, maybe I can learn some spells just as easily and then I can go home!”

Merlin’s smile faded. “It’s not that simple. Learning to focus magic is only the first step. Learning basic spells isn’t enough. Knowing magic is only one part of being a World Guardian.”

Alexander didn’t fully understand what she meant but decided to continue with the lessons for now. He was willing to go along with everything, but the weight of being a World Guardian still hung heavily on his shoulders. As he looked around the great hall, he couldn’t shake the feeling of reluctance and hesitation. The path ahead was daunting, and he wasn’t sure if he was ready for it. But for now, he would take it one step at a time, hoping that clarity and confidence would come with time.