The basic protection spell, known as a Ward, was the first every student had to learn.

"There are four primary types of protection magic," Master Asphir began, his voice calm but commanding.

1. Ward – A translucent wave of energy that blocks basic attacks.

2. Shield – More advanced than the Ward, forming a hard, crystal-like barrier.

3. Barrier – A complex and almost impenetrable defense, able to stop nearly all offensive magic.

4. Fortress – A spell of supreme protection, used only by the most skilled mages. It not only shields but reflects attacks back at the enemy.

Asphir cast each spell in quick succession, demonstrating their varying levels of power. The shimmering layers of energy glowed with intensity, leaving the students in awe.

"Each of you will start with the Ward," he instructed. "It's simple, but effective when properly cast. Over time, you will build your way up."

Aethyr felt a thrill as he watched the demonstrations. This was real magic, the kind he'd longed to master. But deep in his mind, the thought of his latent, ancient power nagged at him. What if there was more to him than even the masters could see? What if his true strength could one day surpass all these teachings?

A week had passed, and the days were filled with lessons on healing and protection magic. The students practiced tirelessly, casting wards and mending small injuries, day in and day out. Some showed patience, while others grew restless. Among them, Remy the Merl, a hot-headed young mage from a prestigious family, was the most vocal in his dissatisfaction.

“This is a waste of time!” Remy suddenly shouted, standing in the center of the classroom. "What kind of mage focuses on healing and blocking? No great wizard ever became famous for playing defense!"

The room fell into an awkward silence. Remy’s voice echoed through the hall as he continued his rant. "Look at Merodach, the greatest mage who ever lived! He didn’t waste his time with shields and wards. He took down the King of Lumar with pure destruction magic!"

Master Asphir, calm and composed as ever, stepped forward. His cold gaze fell on Remy, but his voice remained measured. "You believe you are too good for these lessons, Remy?"

“I don’t just believe it, Master," Remy retorted with a smug grin. "I know it.”

Master Asphir paused for a moment, considering Remy’s arrogance. "Very well," he said, his voice carrying a subtle challenge. "Prove it. If you truly believe you are above these teachings, then show me you are worthy to move on. We’ll have a duel."

Remy’s eyes lit up with pride. “Gladly, Master. I’ll show everyone I’m destined for greatness.”

“Let us proceed to the Battle Simulation Room,” Asphir announced. The room was enchanted, a space where students could cast their spells freely, but the damage would be transferred to wooden effigies instead of causing real harm.

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The students quickly gathered in the simulation chamber, the atmosphere tense with anticipation. Aethyr stood at the back, watching with curiosity. He had never seen a student challenge a master before.

The two faced each other, and Master Asphir laid out the terms. “Three attacks each. If you are struck more times than me, you will stay in this class until you’ve learned the value of protection magic.”

Remy, filled with confidence, nodded. “Let’s begin.”

With a sharp chant, Remy unleashed his first spell, a spiraling blaze of fire. The flames roared as they shot toward Master Asphir. "Velkirra flamora!" Remy shouted, directing the fiery spiral at his target.

But Master Asphir, unfazed, raised his hand and cast a simple Ward. The flames collided with the shimmering barrier, but they scattered harmlessly like embers in the wind.

Remy, undeterred, quickly moved to his second attack. He muttered a series of guttural words, summoning stone projectiles, which fired toward the master like a hail of rock bullets. "Terraric scald!"

Master Asphir barely flinched. He raised a crystalline Shield, and the stones bounced off harmlessly, crumbling into dust.

Frustration began to show on Remy’s face. For his final attack, he conjured ice shards, forming razor-sharp icicles from the air. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled them toward Asphir, the icy air crackling. "Frigus talari!"

But once again, the master simply cast his Ward, and the shards shattered before they even reached him.

Now, it was Asphir’s turn. With a quick gesture, he cast a basic Push spell. A gust of invisible force knocked Remy off his feet, sending him sprawling across the floor. Before Remy could recover, the master followed up with a beam of Light Magic, striking the wooden effigy connected to Remy. It was over in seconds.

The students watched in stunned silence as Remy lay there, gasping for breath, utterly defeated. His arrogance shattered as quickly as his spells had been deflected.

Asphir looked down at him, his tone still calm but firm. "There is more to magic than brute force. Remember this lesson."

In the back of the room, Aethyr had been watching closely. He felt a thrill in his chest, both at the power of the magic on display and the lesson behind it. He clenched his fists and stepped forward. "Master Asphir," he called out, “may I have a turn?”

The master regarded him with a raised eyebrow, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. “Are you sure, Aethyr? You’ve only been here a week.”

“I want to test myself. I want to see how far I’ve come.”

The students murmured as Aethyr stepped into the arena. Remy, still nursing his pride, scrambled to the side, glaring at him. Asphir nodded, granting Aethyr his request.

Aethyr took a deep breath, standing tall. Asphir’s gaze met his, and for a moment, the young mage felt a surge of doubt. Could he really face a master? His thoughts raced: “I’ve trained in combat, I know martial techniques… but does any of that help here?”

“Ready yourself, Aethyr,” Asphir said, his voice like a challenge. The air in the chamber seemed to grow heavy as the duel was about to begin.

And so, the stage was set for Aethyr's first true test—a test that would not only measure his skill but his potential. Could he rise above, or would he meet the same fate as Remy?

End of Chapter.