Chapter 6

The soft glow of dawn filtered through the entrance of the cave, casting elongated shadows across the rough stone floor. William stirred, the unfamiliar scent of earth and mineral filling his senses as he slowly emerged from a deep sleep. Blinking away the remnants of dreams, he gazed up at the craggy ceiling, tracing the patterns formed by centuries of geological shifts. The cool air was a stark contrast to the warmth of the makeshift bed he lay upon—a pile of soft furs and woven blankets that bore intricate patterns of unfamiliar design.

He pushed himself up to a sitting position, the fur slipping from his shoulders. The cave was quiet, save for the distant dripping of water echoing from unseen crevices. Shadows danced along the walls, cast by the gentle flicker of enchanted crystals embedded in the stone. Their luminescent glow bathed the chamber in hues of soft blues and purples, creating an otherworldly ambiance that was both serene and slightly eerie.

William glanced around, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. Aurelith was nowhere to be seen. He recalled their conversation from the night before—the unlikely alliance formed, the revelations shared. The memory of her transformation into a dragon still lingered vividly in his mind, a mix of awe and disbelief.

Stretching his limbs, he felt a slight soreness in his shoulder—the lingering effect of being thrown across the forest by an irate dragon. A wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Well, that's one way to make an introduction," he mused softly.

Deciding to take stock of himself, he called up his stat sheet. With a thought, a translucent interface materialized before him, hovering in the air with faint lines connecting various attributes and skills. The familiarity of it was a small comfort in this strange world.

* Name: William Amberhall

* Race: Manaborn

* Level: 0

* Class: N/A

* Health: 100

* Focus: 50

* Mana: 50

* Attributes:

* Strength: 5

* Dexterity: 5

* Willpower: 6 (enhanced by 20%)

* Stamina: 5

* Charisma: 115

He blinked. "Wait, 115?" he muttered, leaning forward as if getting closer would somehow make the numbers make more sense. The last he recalled, his Charisma was slightly lower. Scrolling through the interface, he searched for any indication of how this sudden increase had occurred.

As if responding to his unspoken request, the interface shimmered and shifted, displaying a detailed breakdown:

* Charisma Increases:

* +100: From bringing a god to question himself.

* +10: By convincing a hiding dragon to take him as an apprentice in a forbidden art.

* Current Total: 115

His thoughts shifted to Aurelith—the elusive dragon who had agreed, albeit grudgingly, to teach him spellcasting. Convincing her had been no small feat, especially considering her initial hostility. A small smile formed as he recalled their banter, the fiery glint in her golden eyes when provoked.

"So, my Charisma spikes when I convince dragons and challenge deities," he chuckled. "Good to know."

He leaned back, the interface fading as he rested his head against the cool stone wall. The implications of these changes intrigued him. Charisma, as a stat, often influenced persuasion, leadership, and social interactions. If his was now exceptionally high, perhaps it could prove useful in navigating this world's complexities.

His musings were interrupted by a distant sound—a sharp, guttural cry echoing faintly through the cavern entrance. He sat upright, ears attuned to the noise. It was followed by another sound, a mixture of snarling and high-pitched squeals. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled.

"Sounds like... an animal in distress?" he thought aloud.

Curiosity and a hint of concern propelled him to his feet. He made his way toward the mouth of the cave, footsteps cautious against the uneven ground. The ambient light grew brighter as he approached, the shadows receding.

Emerging into the open, he was momentarily blinded by the brilliance of the morning sun filtering through the dense canopy of trees. Speckles of golden light danced across the forest floor, illuminating dew-kissed leaves and the delicate spiderwebs strung between branches. The air was fresh and crisp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and the faint perfume of wildflowers.

Scanning the surroundings, he caught sight of movement in the distance—a flash of iridescent blue and green weaving through the underbrush with remarkable agility. As the figure drew nearer, he recognized Aurelith in her dragon form, her lithe body moving with predatory grace. Clutched securely in her jaws was a strange creature that squirmed and thrashed, emitting muffled squeals.

William watched in fascination as she approached, her scales shimmering with each fluid motion. The creature she carried was unlike anything he'd seen before—it resembled a pig but was larger and more robust. Its skin was a mottled gray, coarse hairs bristling along its spine. Prominent horns, reminiscent of a bull's, curved menacingly from its skull, and sharp tusks jutted from its lower jaw.

As Aurelith reached the clearing before the cave, she set the creature down with a thud. The beast wriggled and let out a disgruntled snort, its small eyes darting between her and William. It resembled a boar but had peculiar features: short, curved horns like those of a bull and sharp, protruding teeth that glinted in the morning light.

William approached cautiously. "What is that thing?" he asked, eyeing the creature warily. "And why did you bring it here?"

"It's some local beast," she replied casually. "I don't know its exact name, but it's common enough around these parts." She nudged the creature with the toe of her boot. "I brought it so we can have breakfast."

He noticed that the beast was still very much alive, its flanks heaving with each breath. "It's still alive," he pointed out. "Why didn't you... you know, finish it off?"

She tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Because you need to awaken and pick a class before I start teaching you the basics," she explained. "You'll have to kill it."

William blinked, taken aback. "You want me to kill it? How am I supposed to do that? I don't have any weapons."

Aurelith huffed softly, a hint of impatience in her golden eyes. "Humans," she muttered. "No claws, no fangs... Fine." She gestured toward the cave. "I have some basic weapons somewhere inside. Go fetch one."

He hesitated. "Alright," he agreed, turning toward the cave entrance. As he walked inside, the dim glow of the enchanted crystals illuminated his path. The air was cool and carried the earthy scent of stone and mineral. He began sifting through a pile of assorted items—old satchels, tarnished coins, and various trinkets—until he found a simple short sword. Its blade was a bit worn but still sharp enough to serve its purpose.

As he held the weapon in his hand, William couldn't help but reflect on the situation. "So this is how people gain levels here," he thought. "By killing creatures? It's strange that I can level up just like that." He wondered about the ethics of it all but reminded himself that survival and adaptation were paramount if he ever hoped to return home.

Returning to the clearing, he found Aurelith tapping her foot impatiently. "Took you long enough," she remarked.

He held up the short sword. "Found one."

"Good," she said. "Now, end its life swiftly."

He approached the creature cautiously. It stared up at him with a mix of fear and defiance. "Is there no other way?" he asked, gripping the sword tightly. "This feels... wrong."

Aurelith crossed her arms. "To awaken and choose a class, you need to face a challenge," she replied. "Consider this your first step."

He took a deep breath. "Alright." Summoning his resolve, he swiftly brought the blade down, ending the creature's life as humanely as possible.

Immediately, a soft chime resonated in his mind, and an interface appeared before his eyes:

You have slain a Horned Grunter. You are now Level 1. Please select your class.

He glanced at Aurelith. "It worked. But it's odd that I can level up just by doing this."

She shrugged lightly. "Levels are crucial to humanoids," she said. "But in truth, I don't find them particularly important. The real challenges are the Ascension Trials from what I heard."

Curiosity gnawed at him. "What's your level, if you don't mind me asking?"

Aurelith smirked. "Dragons don't bother with such trivialities," she replied. "Only weaker beings rely on levels to measure their strength. We grow in power through other means."

"I see," William said thoughtfully. "So for me, leveling up is necessary."

He looked back at the interface, options swirling before him. As he contemplated his choice, he couldn't shake the feeling that this world operated under rules both familiar and entirely alien. The path ahead was uncertain, but with newfound purpose, he was ready to take the next step.

He glanced over at Aurelith, who had already begun attending to the beast. With practiced efficiency, she extended her claws—glimmering like obsidian blades—and began to skillfully separate the hide from muscle. Her movements were fluid, almost artful, as she worked. It was clear she'd done this countless times before.

Despite himself, William was transfixed by the sight. "She's butchering it with her bare hands," he thought, a mix of astonishment and mild unease swirling within him. The metallic scent of blood mingled with the earthy aroma of the forest, grounding him back to the task at hand.

Refocusing on the floating interface, he noticed an extensive list of class options—far more than Lorevion had mentioned. Titles like "Pugilist," "Medic," "Warrior," and even unfamiliar ones like "Psion" scrolled before him. The sheer number was overwhelming.

"I don't have time for this," he muttered. The longer he hesitated, the more tempted he was to delve into each option, but that would only lead to indecision. Trusting his initial plan, he selected Mage.

Immediately, a new prompt appeared:

As a Mage, you have three skill slots available. Please select your starting skills:

A list populated before him, showcasing various low-level spells:

* Arcane Spark

* Luminescence

* Minor Shield

* Gust

* Stone Throw

* Mana Dart

But what caught his eye were the passive skills listed beneath:

* Mana Regeneration (Minor)

* Elemental Affinity (Basic)

* Mental Fortitude (Basic)

* Target Precision

* Physical Conditioning (Minor)

* Enhanced Perception (Minor)

"Passive skills?" he mused. Lorevion hadn't mentioned these. Intrigued, he began weighing his options. Active spells would grant him immediate magical abilities, but the passive skills promised long-term benefits that could enhance his overall capabilities.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

He knew he needed to choose his skills wisely; these initial decisions could shape his path in this world.

He began examining the options:

1. Mana Regeneration (Minor)

* Description: Slightly increases the rate at which mana regenerates over time.

* Benefit: Allows for more frequent casting.

"Boosting my mana recovery would be essential," he thought. "If I'm going to learn spellcasting, I'll need to practice often without exhausting myself. Faster regeneration means more opportunities to train and less downtime."

1. Elemental Affinity (Basic)

* Description: Enhances effectiveness with a chosen primary element (e.g., Fire, Water).

* Benefit: Increases damage or potency of spells from that element.

He considered this. "Specializing in an element could make me more powerful in that domain, but I don't even know which element I'd prefer yet. Picking this now might limit me before I've explored my options."

1. Mental Fortitude

* Description: Strengthens the mind against manipulation and mental attacks.

* Benefit: Adds resistance to charm or fear effects.

"Resistance to mental attacks could be useful," he mused. "But as a beginner, I'm unlikely to face such threats immediately. Perhaps it's better to focus on foundational skills first."

1. Target Precision

* Description: Improves accuracy of targeting and reduces miss chance.

* Benefit: More likely to hit intended targets.

"Accuracy is crucial," he reasoned. "There's no point casting spells if I can't control where they land. This would help ensure my efforts aren't wasted and could prevent unintended collateral damage."

1. Physical Conditioning

* Description: Increases overall stamina and resilience.

* Benefit: Enhances Stamina stat for prolonged physical activities.

"While endurance is valuable, my focus will be on magic rather than physical exertion. I can work on my stamina over time through practice and training."

1. Enhanced Perception (Minor)

* Description: Heightens senses, making it easier to detect hidden objects or entities.

* Benefit: Improves chances of spotting traps, secrets, or invisible foes.

"In a world filled with unknown dangers, heightened senses could be a lifesaver," he thought. "Being able to detect hidden threats or opportunities might give me an edge."

After weighing his options, William made his decision. "Choosing Mana Regeneration (Minor) is a given. I'll need the extra mana for practicing spells. Enhanced Perception (Minor) will keep me alert to my surroundings, which is vital for survival. And Target Precision will help me control my magic effectively."

He confirmed his selections on the interface. A subtle warmth spread through him as the skills took effect—a tingling sensation that settled into a sense of heightened awareness. Sounds became a bit sharper, and he noticed subtle nuances in the flickering shadows of Forest.

Aurelith glanced over, her golden eyes appraising. "Have you made your choices?" she inquired.

He nodded. "Yes. I went with Mana Regeneration, Enhanced Perception, and Target Precision. I figured they'd provide a strong foundation for my training."

She gave a slight nod of approval. "Prudent choices. Those skills will serve you well as you begin mastering magic."

William felt a surge of determination. Equipped with his new abilities, he was one step closer to navigating this unfamiliar world. The path ahead was daunting, but with careful choices and guidance from allies like Aurelith, he felt a glimmer of confidence.

"Thank you," he said, meeting her gaze. "I'm ready to begin."

"Good," she replied, a hint of a smile touching her lips. "We start after breakfast."

With that, Aurelith deftly finished preparing the meat, her movements fluid and efficient. Gathering the neatly cut portions onto a broad, flat stone, she lifted it effortlessly and carried it inside the cave. William followed, the cool air greeting him as he stepped into the softly lit chamber. The enchanted crystals embedded in the walls cast a gentle luminescence, their colors shifting subtly like the hues of a calm sea.

Inside, Aurelith placed the stone near the center of the cave. She extended her hand, and with a graceful flick of her wrist, a small fire sprang to life in mid-air. The flames danced without fuel, a mesmerizing blue that emitted warmth but produced no smoke. William watched in fascination as she adjusted the height of the fire with a mere thought, suspending the meat above it on slender metal skewers.

"Convenient," he remarked, noting the absence of wood or kindling.

"A simple spell," she replied, sprinkling a blend of fragrant spices over the meat. The rich aromas of herbs mingled with the savory scent of cooking, filling the cave with an inviting warmth. "It keeps us concealed. No smoke to draw unwanted attention."

As the meat sizzled gently, Aurelith turned her attention to William. "While we wait, I can begin explaining the theory of spellcasting."

He nodded eagerly, settling himself on a smooth rock opposite her. "I'm all ears."

Aurelith raised her hand, and a glowing symbol materialized above her palm—a simple, angular design that pulsed softly with energy. "This is a Glyph," she began. "Specifically, the lowest tier Fire Glyph. Every elemental affinity has its own Glyph, serving as the foundation for spells within that element."

She rotated her hand, and the Glyph spun slowly in the air, its lines tracing patterns of light. "The Glyph acts as a vessel for your mana. The higher the Glyph's tier, the more mana it can contain, and the more powerful the spells you can cast. Mastering higher-tier Glyphs allows you to wield greater energies."

William leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the shimmering symbol. "So, to cast a spell, you first conjure the Glyph?"

"Exactly," Aurelith affirmed. "But conjuring the Glyph is just the beginning. The effect you wish to produce is controlled through an incantation or by exerting your Will. Incantations are safer—they provide structure and help maintain focus. Relying solely on will can be risky, especially for beginners."

He considered this. "Why is using will alone more dangerous?"

"Because maintaining the Glyph and directing the spell's effect both require concentration," she explained. "If your focus wavers on either aspect, the spell can fail—or worse, it can backfire in unpredictable ways. Incantations serve as a mental aid, guiding your intent and stabilizing the process."

She closed her hand, and the Glyph dissolved into faint sparks. "The key is balance. You must hold the Glyph steady in your mind, channel your mana into it, and clearly define the desired outcome."

William took a deep breath. "Sounds like juggling while walking a tightrope."

Aurelith smiled softly. "An apt analogy. But with practice, it becomes second nature."

She gestured for him to try. "Extend your hand and visualize the Fire Glyph. Focus on its shape, its energy."

He raised his hand, palm up, and closed his eyes briefly to recall the Glyph's design. Slowly, he traced the shape in the air with his finger, concentrating on every line and angle. A faint glow began to form, tracing the pattern he envisioned.

"Good," she encouraged. "Now, channel your mana into it. Feel the energy flow from within you."

William focused intently, reaching inward to tap into the wellspring of mana he sensed within himself. A warmth began to build in his core, spreading through his chest and flowing down his arm toward his outstretched hand. The Glyph before him glowed brighter for a brief moment, its lines shimmering with potential. Just as he began to channel the energy into the Glyph, a sudden flicker of doubt crossed his mind.

The complexity of maintaining the Glyph's structure while directing his mana proved to be more challenging than he anticipated. His concentration wavered, and the Glyph began to destabilize. Before he could regain control, it shattered into fragments of light that fizzled out in the air like fading sparks.

He let out a frustrated sigh, lowering his hand. "I thought I had it," he muttered, a hint of disappointment lacing his words. "It's harder than I expected."

Aurelith offered a gentle smile. "You're doing remarkably well," she assured him. "Most novices can't even materialize the Glyph on their first try. The fact that you could envision and project it is impressive."

He looked up at her, surprise evident in his eyes. "Really?"

"Truly," she affirmed. "Don't be disheartened. Spellcasting is a delicate art that requires patience and practice. The important thing is that you've made a strong start."

Encouraged by her words, William straightened his shoulders. "Alright. I'll give it another go."

She nodded approvingly. "Take your time. Focus on each aspect individually—the shape of the Glyph, the flow of your mana, and then bringing them together."

He inhaled deeply, centering himself once more. Raising his hand, he traced the Glyph in the air, visualizing its intricate lines and curves with greater clarity. The symbol glowed faintly, hovering just above his palm. He concentrated on the steady pulse of his mana, willing it to flow smoothly into the Glyph.

Again, the Glyph flickered and dissipated. Undeterred, William repeated the process, each attempt bringing him a step closer. Hours passed as he dedicated himself to the task, the light in the cave shifting as the sun moved across the sky. Beads of sweat formed on his brow, but his determination never wavered.

Finally, as afternoon light filtered softly through the cave entrance, he succeeded. The Glyph held steady, glowing brightly and humming softly with contained energy. A triumphant smile spread across his face. "I did it," he whispered, scarcely believing it himself.

In his moment of accomplishment, he didn't notice Aurelith moving quietly behind him. With the stealth of a predator, she approached, her footsteps silent on the stone floor. Leaning in close, she spoke just above a whisper, "Well done."

Startled by her sudden proximity, William's concentration shattered. The Glyph wobbled, its lines blurring as his control slipped. Before he could react, the accumulated mana surged outward. A burst of flame erupted from the Glyph, singeing his hand and forearm.

"Ow!" he exclaimed, jumping back and shaking his hand to dispel the lingering heat. A faint reddening marked his skin where the flames had touched.

Aurelith laughed, the sound rich and melodic, echoing off the cavern walls. "It seems your focus is still easily broken," she teased.

He stared at her incredulously. "You did that on purpose!" he protested. "I could have been seriously hurt!"

She raised an eyebrow playfully. "A minor scorch is hardly serious. Besides, it's a valuable lesson."

He frowned, flexing his fingers to ensure no lasting damage. "What kind of lesson involves setting your student on fire?"

"One that teaches the importance of maintaining focus in any situation," she replied smoothly. "Distractions are a constant in the real world. Enemies won't wait for you to prepare yourself. You must be ready to complete your spells under pressure."

He paused, considering her words. While he didn't appreciate the surprise, he couldn't deny the truth in what she said. "I suppose you have a point," he admitted reluctantly. "But a little warning would've been nice."

"Warnings won't always be afforded to you," she countered, a mischievous glint in her golden eyes. "Better to learn that now, in a controlled environment."

He sighed, the initial sting of irritation giving way to resignation. "Fine. Lesson learned. I'll work on keeping my focus."

She smiled more gently. "Good. You're progressing well. Despite the... fiery setback."

He couldn't help but chuckle slightly at her jest. "You have an interesting teaching style, you know that?"

"I prefer to think of it as effective," she said with a wink. "Now, shall we continue? Or do you need a moment to recover?"

He shook his head, determination returning. "No, I'm ready. Let's keep going."

"Excellent." She stepped back, giving him space. "This time, try to anticipate potential interruptions. Strengthen your concentration."

He nodded, raising his hand once more. Closing his eyes briefly, he visualized the Glyph with renewed clarity. The symbol appeared swiftly, its lines crisp and shining. He channeled his mana into it, feeling the now-familiar warmth flow through him.

Minutes passed, and the Glyph remained stable. He opened his eyes, maintaining his focus even as he glanced around cautiously. Aurelith remained in view this time, observing him with a satisfied expression.

"Excellent," Aurelith said, her eyes reflecting the Glyph's light. "Now, focus on a simple effect—a small flame."

"Do I need an incantation?" he asked.

"For now, speak the word 'Ignis.' It's the basic incantation for conjuring fire."

He took a steady breath. "Ignis," he intoned softly.

A small flame flickered to life above the Glyph, dancing gently. This time, he maintained his concentration, even as a distant sound echoed from deeper within the cave. His focus held firm, the flame steady.

Aurelith nodded approvingly. "Well done. You're learning quickly."

Relief and pride surged within him. "Thanks," he replied, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

She allowed the moment to linger before speaking again. "Remember, mastery comes with practice and resilience. I'll continue to challenge you, to prepare you for the unpredictability of the path ahead."

He met her gaze, a newfound respect evident in his eyes. "I appreciate that. Even if your methods are... unorthodox."

She laughed lightly. "Unorthodox perhaps, but effective."

They continued their training, the hours slipping by as William grew more confident in his abilities. The initial setbacks served as stepping stones, each challenge honing his skills further. With Aurelith's guidance—and occasional surprises—he began to grasp the intricacies of spellcasting.

As dusk approached, painting the sky outside with hues of amber and violet, they paused to rest. William felt a pleasant exhaustion, his mind buzzing with the day's accomplishments.

"You're making excellent progress," Aurelith remarked, handing him a flask of cool water.

He accepted it gratefully. "I couldn't have done it without your help," he acknowledged.

"Perhaps," she conceded. "But the dedication is all yours."

He took a sip of water, savoring the refreshing taste. "What's next on the agenda?"

"Rest for now," she advised. "Tomorrow, I teach you some more low tier glyphs for you to practice. After that you can practice on your own while looking to join a Artificer Guild."

He nodded, a sense of anticipation stirring within him. "Sounds good."

As they settled in for the evening, the cave illuminated softly by the glow of enchanted crystals, William reflected on the day's events. Despite the unexpected trials, he felt a growing confidence. The road ahead was still uncertain, but with Aurelith's mentorship, he was beginning to find his footing in this new world.

"Thank you," he said quietly, glancing over at her.

She looked up, a curious expression on her face. "For what?"

"For taking the time to teach me. For pushing me to do better."

A subtle warmth touched her eyes. "You're welcome. It's been... fun to have someone around."