Noah nodded, a small but determined gesture, as he took a deep breath, the forest air filling his lungs as he prepared for his first attempt at casting magic. Closing his eyes, he reached out his hand, fingers gently curling before he straightened his palm in a slow, deliberate motion. In this moment of anticipation, he focused on Cedric's teachings echoing in his mind.

"In your mind, imagine a bright light of all colors, warm and glowing. That's your mana. Now, think about what you want it to do, like making a little flame." Cedric's words resonated within Noah's thoughts. He envisioned the vivid expansion of light he saw before, his mana, awaiting his command.

Within the sanctuary of his mind, Noah initiated a silent dialogue with himself. *Alright, Noah. Remember what Mister Cedric said. Picture the mana, feel its warmth.*

As he mentally visualized his mana capacity, a familiar sensation stirred within him. The same radiant energy he experienced during the Magic Awakening presented itself again. Noah felt a newfound connection, a sense of control over the magical essence within him. With determination, he directed a portion of his mana to take the form of a small, flickering fireball in his mind.

Unbeknownst to Noah, Cedric observed from a distance. Witnessing Noah's closed eyes, the focused hand gesture, and the formation of the fireball, Cedric couldn't help but marvel. *This kid, he actually pulled it off the first time, and it's a fire element!* He thought as the magic unfolded in Noah's palm.

The moment Noah slowly opened his eyes, the mid-air fireball manifested in his palm greeted him with flickering warmth. His gaze locked onto the ethereal flames, and a gradual brightening of his expression turned into a burst of utter excitement. He couldn't contain the elation bubbling within him, and his joy erupted into a series of happy exclamations, the pure, unfiltered sounds of a child discovering magic for the first time.

As Noah reveled in the presence of the fireball, a voice broke through his jubilant moment. "Now then, Noah, remember our talk about size?" Hearing Cedric's words, Noah turned his head towards him, nodding as he recalled the lesson on manipulating the size of the magical creations. With an eager "Yes!" and a bright smile, Noah shifted his attention back to the hovering fireball, ready to enter the next step into his magical journey.

The fireball in Noah's palm crackled and hissed, its flickering form accompanied by the distinct scent of burning wood and the warmth that gently kissed his skin, it wasn't the actual smell, but... It spoke the language of fire, a symphony of notes that resonated in the air. And as Noah marveled at the enchanting display, a subtle fragrance of charred remnants from the village incident brushed against his senses, carrying memories that lingered like ghosts in the dance of the flames. Yet, determined to embrace the magic before him, Noah suppressed the haunting aroma and focused on the mesmerizing fireball, a tangible manifestation of the lessons he'd learned.

Noah closed his eyes, immersing himself in the echoes of Cedric's teachings. The term 'Activate' lingered in his thoughts, and in response, a subtle shift occurred within him. It felt like unlocking a hidden door, a connection to a realm where his dormant power waited for release.

Transported into what Cedric referred to as the Activate State, Noah marveled at the newfound intimacy with the fireball. It hung suspended in his imagination, a dance partner awaiting the next move.

Guided by the concept of 'change,' Noah opened his eyes, lowering his hand as the fireball hung mid-air. Determination gleamed in his eyes as he approached the manifestation of his magic. Without touching it physically, his hands engaged in a dance, each movement shaping the fireball into an intricate pattern. Shadows played on the forest floor, casting an ethereal glow as Noah crafted the fire into a mesmerizing structure.

Finally, Noah completed his work, a hut made of fire standing proudly over a meter in diameter in mid-air. The flames flickered with a warmth that mirrored the emotions etched on Noah's face. The forest, now illuminated by it's glow, stood as a witness to the young mage's accomplishment.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Cedric, witnessing Noah's triumph, couldn't help but express his pride. "Noah, what's this?" he called out with genuine curiosity. However, as Noah's gaze dropped and his answer resonated with a touch of melancholy, "Home," Cedric felt a pang of regret. The question had unexpectedly unveiled a poignant memory in Noah's heart, a sentiment tied to the magic they wielded. The silent exchange between mentor and apprentice acknowledged the unspoken complexities beneath the surface.

As Cedric's voice wavered with sadness and regret, he began to utter, "Noah..." However, before he could finish his sentence, Noah, with his eyes closed, turned his head toward Cedric. A reassuring smile played on his lips as he raised his left hand, the gesture of a gentle dismissal. "Nah, it's okay," Noah said with a soft yet confident tone. Simultaneously, as if responding to Noah's unspoken command, the fiery hut he had crafted began to dissipate, its vibrant glow fading away into the cool shadows of the forest.

Noah, reveling in the success of his magical creation, decided to change the topic, sensing an opportunity to explore the vast world of magic. With an eager gleam in his eyes, he turned to Cedric, "Hey, Mister Cedric, can we now please talk about other magic?"

Cedric, understanding Noah's curiosity, nodded with a knowing smile as he partook in changing the sorrowful mood. "Ah, the elements of magic, a fascinating subject indeed. Well then, you see, in our world, there are four natural elements: Water, Air, Fire, and Earth. These are the building blocks, the foundation of magical prowess. Additionally, there are the Dark and Light elements, the primordial elements is what their usually called."

As Noah absorbed this information, Cedric continued with a twinkle in his eyes, "Now, about the other elements beyond these six, well, even I don't have all the answers. The world of magic is big and mysterious, and there are things that even the most seasoned mages have yet to find."

Noah, intrigued, leaned in, "But how people get these other magic? Can anyone have them?"

Cedric settled into an informative stance, ready to unravel the mysteries of elemental affinity. "Indeed, Noah. Every mage starts with a single elemental affinity. It could be any of the Dark, Light, or natural elements—Water, Air, Fire, or Earth. Now, here's the fun part. A mage can choose to specialize solely in their given element, becoming a master of their chosen craft. But, they can also explore and practice other elements, broadening their magical collection you could say."

He then delved into the process of gaining elemental affinity. "When someone first awakens to magic, the element they connect with is often influenced by the emotion, situation, or guidance present at that specific moment. It's a deeply personal and often unexpected journey. For instance, in your case, Noah, you were mostly taught about fire by me, and your initial grasp of magic aligned with the element of fire. Of course, the events of that night also played a significant role as well, but that's for later."

As Cedric unveiled the intricacies of elemental magic, Noah absorbed the information with wide-eyed wonder. The concept of connecting with different elements sparked a curiosity within him, like a beacon calling him towards uncharted territories.

Unable to contain his enthusiasm, Noah turned to Cedric with a hopeful glint in his eyes. "Mister Cedric, can I try the other natural elements? I want to see what they feel like and stuff."

Cedric, recognizing Noah's eagerness, smiled with a gentle nod. "Ah, the thirst for knowledge, a commendable trait. Indeed, you can explore the other elements, but I must warn you, Noah, it won't be an easy journey. Even grasping a single new element takes time and dedication, especially when guided. It may take weeks, even months, as we travel."

Undeterred by the potential challenges, Noah's eyes sparkled with determination. "I'm ready, Mister Cedric! I want to learn everything about magic and become a great mage!"

Cedric chuckled at Noah's eagerness, realizing that this journey was not only about preaching the way of magic to a child, but also about nurturing the spark of curiosity within a young and promising mage.

Cedric, sensing Noah's eagerness, led him to a clear clearing, the sunlight filtering through the open space. Cedric walked past Noah, his gaze rising to the sun, absorbing the warmth and energy it bestowed upon the world. The absence of bushes and trees allowed the sunlight to bathe the area in a radiant glow.

Turning to face Noah with a cool assurance, Cedric reached out his hand, a silent invitation to join him in this moment of connection with nature. The tranquility of the clearing seemed to amplify the magical potential that hung in the air.

"Now then, Noah," Cedric said, his voice carrying the wisdom of one who understood the dance between magic and the elements, "which element would you like to study first?" The question hung in the air, an offering to unlock another facet of Noah's magical journey.