Elric woke up with the first light of dawn filtering through the small window of their cottage. The early morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew-covered grass. Today felt different, filled with an unspoken anticipation. He had spent the previous night thinking about the magical world he now inhabited and the possibilities it held.

After breakfast, Elda called him over to the table. "Elric, I think it's time you learned more about the magic of our world," she said, her voice gentle but firm.

Elric's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really, Mother? You're going to teach me magic?"

Elda smiled and nodded. "Yes, but first, you need to understand that everyone has different affinities for magic. These affinities determine what kind of magic you can perform and how strong you are in that particular type."

Elda went on to explain that there were various types of magic affinities in Elaria, each categorized by elements or abilities. There were affinities for fire, water, earth, air, light, and darkness, among others. There were also special abilities like telekinesis and healing. Each affinity was ranked from S to F, with S being the highest and most powerful.

Elda held out her hand, and with a small gesture, a jar floated across the room and settled gently in her palm. "This is telekinesis," she explained. "I have a rank C affinity for it. It's not very strong, but it's useful for everyday tasks."

Elric watched in awe. "That's amazing, Mother! What else can you do?"

Elda's expression softened. "I also have a healing affinity, ranked S. It's much more powerful and rare. It's what allows me to heal wounds and illnesses."

With that, Elda placed her hand over a small cut on Elric's arm from the previous day. A soft, golden glow emanated from her palm, and the cut closed up as if it had never been there. Elric stared at his arm in disbelief.

"Wow," he breathed. "Can I learn to do that?"

Elda chuckled softly. "We won't know your affinities until you take the magic affinity test. The church administers the test to children when they turn seven. Until then, I can teach you basic knowledge about magic and how to sense mana."

"Mana?" Elric asked, curiosity piqued.

"Mana is the energy that fuels all magic," Elda explained. "It's everywhere around us, but not everyone can sense it. With practice, you can learn to feel and manipulate it."

Elda led Elric outside to the backyard, where they could practice undisturbed. "Sit down and close your eyes," she instructed. "I want you to take deep breaths and focus on the sensations around you. Try to feel the flow of energy in the air."

Elric did as he was told, closing his eyes and breathing deeply. At first, all he could feel was the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze on his face. But as he concentrated harder, he began to sense a faint, tingling energy around him. It was like an invisible current, flowing through the air and the earth beneath him.

"Do you feel it?" Elda's voice was calm and encouraging.

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Elric nodded slowly. "I think so. It's like a gentle hum, all around me."

"Good," Elda said, pleased. "That's mana. The more you practice, the stronger your connection to it will become."

They spent the rest of the morning practicing. Elda showed Elric simple exercises to help him focus and control his mana. It was challenging, but Elric was determined to learn. He found himself enjoying the lessons, feeling a sense of purpose and excitement that he hadn't felt since his reincarnation.

As they took a break for lunch, Elric couldn't help but ask, "Mother, what do you think my affinities will be?"

Elda smiled, a twinkle in her eye. "It's hard to say, Elric. Affinities are unique to each person. But whatever they are, I know you'll use them wisely."

After lunch, they continued their practice. Elda demonstrated how to use telekinesis in more practical ways, like lifting and moving objects of varying sizes. Elric was able to move small stones and sticks with great effort, feeling a thrill each time he succeeded.

As the sun began to set, Elda sat with Elric on the porch, the day's lessons still fresh in their minds. "Remember, Elric," she said softly, "magic is a gift, but it must be used responsibly. Always consider the consequences of your actions."

Elric nodded, taking her words to heart. "I understand, Mother."

Elda placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "When you turn seven, you'll take the magic affinity test at the church. It will reveal your strengths and guide your future learning. Until then, we'll continue to practice and prepare."

Elric felt a mix of anticipation and determination. He couldn't wait to discover his affinities and unlock the potential within him. But for now, he was content to learn and grow under his mother's patient guidance.

As they watched the sun dip below the horizon, Elric felt a deep sense of gratitude. This world, with its magic and mysteries, was becoming home. And with his mother's wisdom and support, he knew he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The next morning, Elda decided it was time to show Elric more about her telekinesis. She gathered a few small items from around the house—an apple, a wooden spoon, and a book—and placed them on the kitchen table.

"Today, we're going to focus on telekinesis," Elda said, her tone encouraging. "It's about channeling your mana to interact with objects around you. We'll start with something simple."

Elric watched as his mother lifted her hand, focusing her gaze on the apple. Slowly, it began to rise from the table, floating a few inches above its surface. She moved her hand slightly, and the apple drifted through the air before settling back down.

"Now, you try," Elda instructed, stepping back to give Elric space.

Elric took a deep breath and held out his hand, mimicking his mother's gesture. He focused on the apple, willing it to move. At first, nothing happened. He closed his eyes, trying to sense the mana within him, and pushed harder. The apple wobbled, then lifted slightly off the table before dropping back down.

A wide grin spread across Elric's face. "I did it!"

Elda smiled proudly. "Well done, Elric. With practice, you'll be able to lift heavier objects and control them more precisely."

They spent the rest of the morning practicing. Elda encouraged Elric to try lifting the other objects, gradually increasing the difficulty. By the end of their session, Elric could move the apple and the spoon with relative ease, though the book proved more challenging.

"You've made excellent progress," Elda praised as they sat down for lunch. "Remember, the key is patience and control. Don't push yourself too hard."

Over the next few days, Elda and Elric continued their lessons, interspersed with conversations about magic and its place in their world.

One evening, as they sat by the fire, Elric asked, "Mother, how did you discover your healing affinity?"

Elda's eyes took on a distant look. "I discovered it when I was a little older than you. I had always been able to heal small cuts and bruises, but I didn't understand why. It wasn't until I took the affinity test that I learned about my gift."

"Is it difficult to learn healing magic?" Elric asked, his curiosity piqued.

"It can be," Elda replied. "Healing requires a deep connection to the mana around you and a strong will to mend what is broken. It's not just about the physical act of healing; it's about understanding the body's natural processes and guiding them back to health."

Elric nodded thoughtfully. "I hope I have a healing affinity too."

Elda smiled gently. "Whatever your affinities may be, Elric, I know you'll use them wisely. Each type of magic has its own beauty and purpose. It's up to you to discover yours and make the most of it."

As the days turned into weeks, Elda introduced Elric to more advanced concepts. They spent afternoons practicing telekinesis, working on fine control and precision. Elric found that he could lift and move multiple objects at once, though it required intense concentration.

One day, Elda decided to teach Elric about basic healing techniques. She explained that healing magic was about channeling mana into another person's body to accelerate their natural healing processes. Elda demonstrated on a small plant, her hands glowing with a soft, golden light as she revitalized the wilted leaves.

Elric watched intently. "Can I try?"

Elda nodded. "Of course. Place your hands over the plant and close your eyes. Focus on the mana within you and imagine it flowing into the plant, bringing it back to life."

Elric did as instructed, feeling a warmth spread from his hands into the plant. At first, nothing happened, but then the leaves began to straighten, regaining their green hue. Elric's face lit up with joy.

"I did it, Mother!"

Elda beamed with pride. "Yes, you did. Healing requires patience and a gentle touch. You're doing wonderfully, Elric."