The next day.

On the territory of the Great house Aeran.

The sky was still shrouded in dark, waiting for the first light of the dawn to shine upon it, and flip away the dark veil. The stars stood out even more prominently in the absence of a moon, making it look more beautiful.

Far away from the crowd of buildings, lay an enormous structure, overshadowing every small or big building around the Aeron City.

The gigantic palace appeared majestic and fierce under the dark. With the brightly illuminated walls and openings, it was like a solitary sun.

The piercing and imposing walls of the palace spread chaotically over the entire mountain range, like a parasite trying to devour every corner of its host.

In the highest room of the palace, the windows were slightly open, welcoming the cold night breeze.

“Do you know who deserves to be called a mage?” Great Sage asked.

“Those who can wield magic and possess supernatural powers. Upon their calling, even mountains have to bow down, and rivers have to part ways.” The voice that answered was buffed with childishness and a trace of longing. Those dark gray eyes reflected an old silhouette, too big for his small pupils.

The boy's thick white hair was neatly tied with a green ribbon, contrasting the balding hairline of the old silhouette in front of him. It seemed like they were standing on the opposite poles of the wheel of time.

Today, Arvad was very excited. After learning language, history, basic fighting skills, and boring aristocratic etiquettes, the day finally arrived where he would learn magic.

“Okay. You can stop.” Great Sage shook his head and bitterly smiled. “It seems that old shit Roland has been telling you his childish fairy tales again.”

“You never tell me tales. Roland says that you hide more interesting ones than him,” Arvad muttered.

“My tales are not for a child. When you get older, I will naturally let you into some.”

Arvad could only sulk in silence. Despite that, there was an anticipation in his eyes which looked for answers.

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“Now. What you said was correct to some extent. However, it isn’t a practical answer. Mage, a practitioner of magic. He has the ability to attain objectives or acquire knowledge using supernatural means. That’s what the book says,” Great Sage slowly said without a hint of impatience. “Though, there’s a twist. Since a human and a demonic beast can use magic and apply it for their objectives, then does it mean that a demonic beast can be called a mage too?”

Arvad thought for a second, and replied seriously, “They lack something vital. They lack wisdom.”

Great Sage had a smile on his face. “Excellent. A mage isn’t someone who is a barbarian, only learned how to cause destruction. Instead, he is someone who knows the significance of his power. Who is aware of the correct and various applications for magic.”

He paused for effect before saying, “But, their knowledge is not limited to magic. There are various other subjects which revolve around magic. They will work like tools, which will help you to mend the magic as you will. Also, allowing you to explore its ways.”

“What are they?” This was the first time Arvad had heard about it, so he was naturally curious.

“They are namely, medicine, mathematics, science, logical reasoning, history, chemistry, botany, zoology.” Great Sage said those words in one breath, suppressing the excitement of Arvad.

“I am confused. What does they have to do with magic?"

“Medicine will help during the crucial times for treatment. Even the healing magician must know medicine, and just having the healing power does not work. Mathematics will help you in the art of rune and spells as well as calculation. Science teaches you about the various aspects of life, not limited to the various technologies of the world including Air Battleships.”

“The potion-making is impossible without chemistry and botany. While zoology covers the natural habits, origin, classification, and evolution of various demonic beasts. You will also come to learn about their tyrannical powers.”

Great Sage took a deep breath. “For the other two, I don’t think there’s a need for me to say.”

The reality hit bitterly to Arvad. He thought he could finally cast legendary spells. Even call the elements upon his will. However, the path ahead just turned out to be more complicated.

“Are you disappointed? Are you unhappy that you could not get the magic you learned in fairy tales?” Great Sage gave him a mocking smile.

Arvad could not speak a retort at that, and kept silent.

“Then that’s more the reason why it should not be given to you.” Seeing him staying silent with his head lowered down, he said, “You don’t even have the courage to speak for yourself. Remember this, don’t ever give up on the conversation. Only words can defend you when even the swords and shields fail. That’s the first lesson of argument.”

There was nothing he could speak. The delusions to help his father seemed to be stretching farther and farther away from him.

At last, Great Sage appeared to feel his disappointment, and sighed. “Do you even know what magic is?”

“No,” Arvad replied.

“Even I don’t know.”

“How is that possible? You must be kidding.”

“I knew you would say that. To be honest, it's been 74 years since becoming a mage but I am still exploring the very answer. I find it at night, hidden beneath the serene breeze and gentle darkness. Sometimes I find it in my thoughts when I wonder about countless highs. It is born from chaos but still sings of peace. Magic is nothing but an irony too real.”

“It sounds too vague. Can anyone feel it?”

“It only comes to those who call upon it, not to those who wish and cry upon it.”

Arvad finally understood what he was trying to say. He hated himself for getting lost in the emotions. There were times where he wished he could get stronger immediately.

However, the road to becoming a mage was a slow and tedious process. It would even take several years to grasp the basics of the subject. Some might still fail in their entire lifetime.

In this world, if there was a luxury he could not afford then it was time. He felt as if there was something that was constantly telling him to speed up.

He knew before all the majestic enemies, he had to fight against the time itself.