It had been a week of intense focus, frustration, and small victories. The process was slow and grueling. Some days, progress felt elusive, but Lance refused to give up. He knew this was the first crucial step toward mastering magic, and he was determined to succeed.

On the seventh day, as the sun began to set, Lance returned to the library. The familiar quiet of the library greeted him as he settled into his usual spot. He closed his eyes and began his meditation, his breathing steady and calm.

This time, something felt different. The Lifestream was more responsive, almost eager to flow into his core. Lance focused intently, visualizing the glowing river of energy filling the small, dormant flame within him. The warmth in his core grew stronger, spreading through his body like a fire that had finally found kindling.

With a final surge of willpower, he willed the energy to release.

The effect was immediate and overwhelming. Lance felt a burst of warmth, like a small explosion in his chest. His core ignited, the dormant flame roaring to life. The sensation was both exhilarating and terrifying, as if a door had been thrown open inside him, flooding his senses with raw, untapped power.

His eyes snapped open, and the world around him pulsed with energy. He could sense the Lifestream flowing through everything—the books, the walls, the very air he breathed. It was as if a new layer of reality had been revealed to him.

As he marveled at this newfound awareness, a voice broke the silence. "Beautiful, isn’t it?"

Lance turned to see the man from before—the one who had been running through the air—standing nearby, observing him intently.

"Lifestream?" Lance asked, still adjusting to the overwhelming sensations.

The man nodded, a knowing smile on his face. "Indeed. I see you’ve awakened your core. Well done. I hear you opted for Force lessons? Great choice, by the way—very efficient subject. Though, I might be biased… after all, I teach it."

Lance scrambled to his feet, suddenly aware of the presence of a professor. "Professor… um… thank you," he stammered, unsure how to address the man.

The professor waved a hand dismissively. "None of that formality nonsense. Just call me Professor Alaric. I'm not one for titles and such."

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Lance relaxed slightly, his nerves easing. "It’s nice to meet you, Professor Alaric. I’m Lance."

Alaric grinned. "I know who you are, Lance. I’ve been keeping an eye on your progress. You’re off to a good start—awakened your core in a week. That’s impressive."

Lance felt a flush of pride but quickly tempered it. "Thank you. I’m just glad I could finally get it working."

"Don’t downplay it," Alaric said, his tone both encouraging and firm. "Unlocking your core is the first real step into the world of magic. Everything you do from here will build on that foundation. And trust me, you’re going to need that foundation solid when you start manipulating forces beyond what most people can even comprehend."

Lance nodded, absorbing the professor’s words. "I’m looking forward to the Force lessons. I chose it because… well, it seemed practical. Useful."

Alaric chuckled. "Practical is one way to put it. Force magic is all about manipulating the physical world—gravity, kinetic energy, telekinesis. It’s the magic of movers and shakers, literally. You’ll find it opens up a lot of possibilities, especially if you’re creative."

"I’m ready to learn," Lance said, feeling more confident.

"Good," Alaric replied, clapping him on the shoulder. "I like that attitude. Just remember, magic isn’t about brute force—it’s about understanding, control, and finesse. We’ll get into all of that in due time."

The professor glanced around, as if seeing the library with fresh eyes. "But for now, enjoy the quiet moments like this. They’re rarer than you might think."

Lance nodded, sensing the deeper meaning behind Alaric’s words. "I will."

"Good. Now, I’ll leave you to it. But don’t be surprised if I drop by your first class for a little… demonstration." Alaric winked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

With that, the professor turned to leave, but Lance’s curiosity got the better of him. “Professor, if you don’t mind me asking… how did you know I was here? Were you… watching me?”

Alaric paused, turning back with a knowing smile. “Observant, aren’t you? Yes, I was watching. You see, I make it a point to observe all my soon-to-be students before the school year begins. It gives me a sense of their potential and their approach to magic. Helps me tailor my teaching to fit them.”

Lance’s eyes widened. “So, you’ve been watching everyone?”

“Not all at once,” Alaric said with a laugh. “But I do keep tabs on those who catch my interest. And, Lance, you’ve definitely caught my interest. I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ll do in my class.”

Lance wasn’t sure whether to feel flattered or nervous, but he nodded anyway. “I’ll do my best, Professor.”

“I’m counting on it,” Alaric replied with a nod. “Now, go get some rest. You’ll need it.”

With that, Alaric turned and walked away, his steps light and purposeful. Lance watched him go, a mix of anticipation and excitement bubbling within him.

He had unlocked his core and caught the attention of his professor. The path ahead was still unknown, but Lance felt ready to face it. The world of magic had opened up to him, and he was eager to see where it would lead.