Two years had passed since I first opened my eyes in this world. Two years of warmth, laughter, and the steady hum of my core’s energy. I was no longer the fragile toddler I had been when I arrived; now, at the age of five, I was beginning to understand the true potential of the magic within me.
The past two years had been a whirlwind of learning and growth. Under Eldrin’s guidance, I had mastered several Tier 0 spells, the most basic level of magic. These spells were simple but essential, forming the foundation of any mage’s education.
My first spell, the Light Orb, had been a breakthrough moment. It was a simple spell, but it had taught me the importance of balance and control. Since then, I had expanded my repertoire to include a Cleaning Spell, which allowed me to tidy up my room with a wave of my hand, and a Stun Spell, a non-lethal spell that could temporarily incapacitate an opponent.
Eldrin had also introduced me to the tier system, a way of categorizing spells based on their complexity and power. Tier 0 spells were the simplest, requiring only a basic understanding of mana control. As I grew stronger, I would learn Tier 1 spells, which were more complex and powerful, and so on, up to the highest tiers, which were said to be capable of reshaping the world itself.
----------------------------------------
My fifth birthday was a quiet affair, held in the cozy confines of our home. Lira had baked a small cake, its surface decorated with swirling patterns of frosting that shimmered faintly with magical energy. Eldrin sat beside me at the table, a proud smile on his face as he placed a small, intricately wrapped box in front of me.
“Go on, Kaelith,” he said, his voice filled with excitement. “Open it.”
I tore open the wrapping, revealing a small, silver pendant. The pendant was shaped like a swirling vortex, its surface etched with runes that glowed faintly in the dim light of the room.
“This,” Eldrin said, “is a focus pendant. It will help you channel your mana more efficiently. But more importantly, it’s a symbol of your family’s magic.”
I looked up at him, my eyes wide with curiosity. “Family magic?”
Eldrin nodded. “Every mage family has a signature magic, a unique ability that sets them apart. For the Veylens, it’s Elemental Manipulation. Unlike most family magics, which focus on a single element with exceptional power, ours allows for control over all elements. It’s a rare and versatile ability, one that requires great skill and understanding to master.”
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
I felt a surge of excitement as I clasped the pendant around my neck. The runes glowed brighter for a moment, and I could feel a faint pulse of energy as it connected with my core.
“Thank you, Papa,” I said, my voice filled with gratitude.
Eldrin smiled, ruffling my hair. “You’re welcome, Kaelith. But remember, this is just the beginning. Family magic is powerful, but it’s also a responsibility. You’ll need to train hard to master it.”
----------------------------------------
As the evening drew to a close, I found myself staring out the window, the pendant’s glow reflecting in the glass. The world outside was vast and full of mysteries, and I was eager to uncover them all.
But more than that, I was excited to explore my family’s magic. Elemental Manipulation was a rare and powerful ability, one that would allow me to control all elements with precision and finesse. It was a far cry from the single-element focus of most family magics, which, while powerful, lacked the versatility of my own.
My fifth birthday marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. In Thalindra, five was the age when children could take the entrance exam for the Aetherium Academy, the prestigious school where Eldrin taught. The academy was a place of learning and growth, where young mages honed their skills and unlocked their potential.
As I sat there, the pendant resting against my chest, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. The path ahead would be challenging, but I was ready.
----------------------------------------
In the days following my birthday, I threw myself into studying the intricacies of magic. Eldrin’s study became my second home, its shelves lined with books and scrolls that held the secrets of the arcane. I spent hours poring over texts on runic theory, elemental manipulation, and the history of magic in Thalindra.
One evening, as I sat at Eldrin’s desk, a particularly thick tome caught my eye. The title, written in elegant script, read The Principles of Elemental Manipulation. I opened the book, my eyes scanning the pages filled with diagrams and explanations.
“Elemental Manipulation,” I read aloud, “is the ability to control and shape the fundamental elements of the world: fire, water, earth, air, and more. Unlike single-element magics, which focus on raw power, Elemental Manipulation requires a deep understanding of the balance and interplay between elements.”
I flipped through the pages, my mind racing with possibilities. The book described techniques for combining elements, creating new forms of magic that were greater than the sum of their parts. It was a complex and demanding art, but one that held immense potential.
Eldrin entered the study, a cup of tea in hand. He glanced at the book in my hands and smiled. “I see you’ve found my old textbook. It’s a good starting point, but remember, Kaelith, magic is as much about intuition as it is about knowledge. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own path.”
I nodded, my mind already racing with ideas. I spent the rest of the evening practicing, using my core’s energy to manipulate small amounts of water and fire. It was difficult at first, but with each attempt, I felt myself growing more confident.