"And you, young one," Thallru said, tilting his head to the side as he considered the boy. "You are quite the curiosity, aren't you?"

Kvolt met his gaze without blinking, a slight smile curving his lips. "I like to think I'm special."

Thallru laughed, a rich and guttural sound that seemed to come from the depths of his chest. "Ah, you are special. Certainly different."

Kvolt lifted his chin, meeting the shaman's gaze without hesitation. "What do you mean?"

The shaman did not answer immediately. He motioned for Kvolt to come closer, his eyes never leaving the boy's face.

Thallru looked directly at Lisai, his gaze intense and invasive. "I need to speak with the boy alone," he said, his voice leaving no room for argument. "My spirit patron demands it."

Lisai immediately bristled, her maternal instincts kicking in. "No way," she responded, positioning herself protectively in front of Kvolt. "I'm not leaving my son alone with you."

But before she could continue, Kvolt placed a hand on her arm. "It's okay," he said calmly. "I want to hear what he has to say."

Lisai looked at her son, surprised by the firmness in his voice. There was a coldness in his eyes, a conviction that seemed far beyond his few years.

"Trust Thallru, he is no threat," said Maryuli as she stood up.

Thallru looked over, a slight smile on his lips. "Don't worry, I'll just be asking some questions."

Lisai opened her mouth to retort, but Kvolt interrupted her again. "Please, mother," he said, his tone now soft and persuasive. "Trust me. You know I can call you if anything happens."

There was something about the way he spoke, a maturity that left Lisai unsettled. Reluctantly, she nodded. "Okay. But I'll be right outside. If I hear anything strange..."

Kvolt nodded, apparently satisfied. "Thank you. Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Thallru watched the exchange with growing interest. The dynamic between mother and son was intriguing - it was as if the boy was in control, subtly manipulating the situation to his favor.

When Lisai and Nessa had finally left, Kvolt turned to Thallru, his eyes brimming with curiosity.

"So," he said, settling comfortably, "what did you want to speak with me about?"

Thallru blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the boy's casual demeanor. He was so young, yet his manner of speaking, of carrying himself... it was like interacting with an adult.

He recovered quickly and smiled. "Right to the point, isn't it? I like that." He leaned forward, examining Kvolt closely. "Tell me, boy... have you had any experience with magic?"

To his surprise, Kvolt did not seem the least bit surprised by the question. "Some," he responded casually. "Mainly moving objects, manipulating elements, things like that."

Thallru raised an eyebrow. "Hm... And did you receive any formal training?"

Kvolt shrugged. "I taught myself. It's not that hard once you understand the basic principles."

He then produced a small flame in his hand. Tiny, but it flickered and danced fluidly.

Thallru was speechless. He rose slowly to his feet. "That was... Are you sure no one taught you? Your mother? Your father?"

Kvolt shook his head. "As I said, I learned on my own. They don't know I can use magic."

The shaman passed a trembling hand over his face. He could feel his spirit patron humming with excitement, its interest in this strange and powerful boy growing by the moment.

Part of him desperately wanted to take Kvolt under his wing, to train him in the ways of the spirits. With proper guidance, there was no limit to what the boy could achieve. The boy seemed no more than seven years old yet already displayed an uncommon aptitude.

At that moment, within Thallru, the presence stirred frenetically inside him - his spirit patron, roused by Kvolt's words. The shaman closed his eyes, allowing the spirit's voice to flow through him.

"Anak'ta muresh sai," he murmured, the strange, guttural words in his native tongue. "Vesh'ket dumalin koor."

Kvolt cocked his head, fascinated. He did not understand the words, but he could feel their power, the way they seemed to reverberate in the very air.

"Aurora," he called silently, "are you picking this up?"

"Affirmative," the AI responded. "I'm detecting significant fluctuations in the local energy field. It appears to be some kind of spiritual invocation. But I cannot identify the language or exact origin."

Kvolt smiled, his interest only growing. He watched intently as Thallru continued his chant, the shaman's body trembling with the force of the words.

Suddenly, Thallru's eyes snapped open and he looked directly at Kvolt. "My spirit patron wishes to see your understanding of magic, how you physically visualize it," he said, his voice strangely distant. "Would you show us more?" he finished by pointing at a piece of paper.

Without hesitating, Kvolt took a sheet of parchment and began to draw. His movements were precise and deliberate, each line positioned with intent. Aurora guiding the ideal points for the sketch.

When he finished, he pushed the parchment toward Thallru. The shaman looked at it and gasped. It was a diagram of the human anatomy, but unlike anything he had ever seen. The pathways of mana were traced in exquisite detail, every node of power and channel of flow meticulously annotated.

"This is... incredible," he whispered, tracing the lines with a trembling finger. "Where did you learn this?"

Kvolt thought quickly. "I just... know. It's like it was always there, in my head, waiting to be put on paper."

Thallru shook his head in wonder. The diagram was too precise, he himself had never seen anything so delineated and carefully rendered. The boy had a vision of magic beyond the common path.

"In all my years, I have never seen anything like it. You, boy... you truly are special. Touched by higher beings, perhaps."

He leaned back in his chair, studying Kvolt with newfound respect. "I would like to see more of your magic in action, if you're willing."

Kvolt smiled. "Of course." He stood and extended his hands, his eyes closing in concentration.

Thallru watched in fascination as Kvolt prepared to demonstrate his abilities. The boy closed his eyes, his face a mask of serene concentration. For a moment, the air in the room went perfectly still, as if holding its breath in anticipation.

Then, with a sudden gesture, Kvolt unleashed his power.

A wind rose at his command, howling through the chamber with tremendous force. This was no mere breeze - it was a veritable gale, wild and uncontrolled. The candles snuffed out in an instant, plunging the room into semi-darkness punctured only by the flickers of the hearth.

Papers flew from shelves, whirling in the air like leaves caught in a whirlwind.

But what truly took Thallru's breath away was the precision with which Kvolt controlled the chaos. With subtle motions of his hands, he directed the wind, making it swirl and eddy in intricate patterns. It was like watching a bard conduct a choir of instruments, each gust and current following the boy's invisible baton.

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"Remarkable," Thallru breathed, his eyes wide. "Simply remarkable." The shaman could not contain himself, the spirit clearly stated that Kvolt seemed to have a deep blue core stage, but his control was showing that of a moderate green core Gifted... All this without any training in any school of magic. The boy was a monster.

The sheets of paper curved in graceful arcs, undulating in the flow rather than being shredded. Even the flames in the hearth danced to Kvolt's silent command, elongating and coiling like respectful serpents before their master.

It was then that he felt it - a presence, pulsing at the back of his consciousness like a second heartbeat. His spirit patron, normally so calm and contained, was agitated, buzzing with an energy that bordered on fear.

"What is this?" Thallru asked, his voice little more than a horrified whisper. "What are you feeling?"

In response, the spirit began to chant, its words echoing in Thallru's mind like enormous bells. It was an ancient incantation, one the shaman had never heard before - an invocation of perception, meant to unveil the secrets that hid beyond the veil.

Thallru could feel the power of the words resonating through him, making his teeth rattle and his bones ache. He opened his mouth, about to add his voice to the chant...

And choked, as something hot and viscous rose in his throat. He coughed and spat, eyes wide with shock as he saw the blood spattering his lips and chin. And there, mixed with the vivid red, was a single raven's feather, its blackness gleaming in stark contrast.

"Aurora," Kvolt called mentally with his eyes closed, his tone urgent even in his state of concentration. "Something is happening. I can feel... a disturbance. A presence. Are you detecting anything?"

There was a pause before the AI responded, as if it too was struggling to process the chaotic energies swirling through the chamber.

"I'm detecting massive fluctuations in the local energy field," it said finally, its voice tinged with the closest thing to uncertainty a machine could approach. "It appears to be emanating from the shaman. And from... something else. Something I cannot identify."

Kvolt frowned, even as he continued to weave his wind into ever more complex patterns. "Another presence? Do you think it's his spirit patron?"

"Possibly," Aurora replied. "But if it is, it's unlike any energy signature emitted before. The energy readings are... chaotic. Almost unrecognizable."

Before Kvolt could respond, his concentration was broken by a terrible sound - a strangled gurgle, followed by the unmistakable noise of someone choking. His eyes flew open in alarm, the wind dying around him as he turned to face Thallru.

What he saw left him paralyzed with shock.

The old shaman was doubled over, his body convulsing with the force of his agony. Blood gushed from his mouth, staining his grizzled beard a vivid crimson. And there, amid the scarlet pool, was a raven's feather, its oily blackness seeming to drink in all light around it.

"Thallru!" Kvolt cried, rushing to the man's side. "What happened? Are you alright?"

But when he placed a hand on Thallru's shoulder, the shaman flinched away as if burned. He looked at Kvolt with eyes that were both terrified and awestruck.

"You," he rasped with labored effort. "There is something in you, boy. Something ancient. Powerful. My spirit recoils from it, screaming in distress."

He choked again, more blood bubbling at his lips. When he spoke again, each word seemed to be torn from him with great pain. "I do not know what you are, boy. But I know your destiny is intertwined with forces beyond my understanding. Beyond even the comprehension of my patron."

He grasped Kvolt's arm, his fingers digging in hard enough to leave bruises. "You must take care," he said. "The power you possess... it will draw the interest of beings that should not be disturbed. Beings that would do anything to possess what you have."

Thallru closed his eyes then, his body shuddering with the force of his suffering. When he spoke again, it was almost a lament, so low that Kvolt had to strain to hear.

"I cannot help you, boy. I dare not. The risk is too great. You must find your own path... and pray you have the strength to walk it."

With that, he released Kvolt and shrank back, curling in on himself as if the boy's very presence was painful to endure. His eyes were closed, but tears of blood trailed down his weathered cheeks, leaving crimson tracks on his skin.

Kvolt recoiled, his heart hammering in his chest. He could feel Aurora in his mind, her silence saying more than anything could.

"I believe in you," Thallru said, watching the boy leave. "I regret that I cannot guide you myself. Your path is yours to tread, and I fear my intervention may do more harm than good. But know this, young Kvolt: the spirits will be watching. And should a time come when you need their wisdom... they will be there for you."

Kvolt emerged from Thallru's chamber, his mind working through the shaman's revelations and warnings. His skin still tingled with the residual power of his magic, and he felt a bit dazed by what had just transpired.

Lisai was waiting for him, her face etched with worry that melted into relief when she saw him.

"Kvolt! Are you alright? What happened in there?"

Kvolt forced a smile. "It's okay, mother. We... we just talked. Thallru showed me some interesting things."

Lisai frowned, apparently not entirely convinced. But before she could question further, Thallru emerged from his chamber, his face calm and composed. Kvolt watched the old man, there was no trace of blood on his lips, no sign of the agony that had twisted his features mere moments ago.

"Ah, my guests," he said smoothly. "I will prepare some soup and bread for you."

Moments later, they sat around Thallru's table, sharing a simple yet satisfying meal. Maryuli joined them, casting curious glances between Kvolt and her old mentor as they exchanged hushed words.

Throughout the meal, Thallru conversed casually, inquiring after Lisai about village life and offering advice on various herbal remedies. He made no mention of his private conversation with Kvolt, much to the boy's relief.

Finally, when the food was gone and it came time to depart, Thallru rose and disappeared into another room. He returned moments later with a stack of books cradled in his arms, their titles traced in an unusual silvery script.

"Here," he said, handing the books to Kvolt. "These are for you. A feast of knowledge about the world, about history and tales. I know not if you can read, but with your potential, I've asked Maryuli to tutor you in my name."

Kvolt soon accepted the books with reverence, his eyes going wide with awe. "Thank you," he breathed, his hands caressing the worn covers. "I... I don't know what to say."

Maryuli, watching her mentor, stepped forward. "I will help," she offered, smiling at Kvolt. "I know how to read and write. I can teach Kvolt, and we can study more books together over time."

Kvolt looked at her. "You would do that? Really?"

Maryuli nodded, her smile widening. "Of course. It would be my pleasure."

Lisai looked at Kvolt and the books somewhat doubtfully, but soon sighed with a brief smile.

"At least reading will keep my little Kvolt from running off on his adventures," she cast a solemn look at him, which he only smiled back at.

He flipped through the pages and his eyes caught the strange symbols and characters that filled each sheet. He frowned, realizing he did not recognize the language.

"Aurora," he called, "can you analyze this writing? Is it similar to any language you know?"

There was a brief pause as the AI processed the visual information. "The writing does not exactly match any language in my database," she said at last. "However, the structure and shape of the characters resemble ancient Chinese script vaguely."

With the books clutched securely in Kvolt's arms, the group bid Thallru farewell and began their journey back to Virtin.

When they were already at a considerable distance from Thallru's hut, Maryuli slowed her pace to walk beside Kvolt. She looked around, making sure Lisai was distracted by the scenery, before leaning in and speaking in a low voice:

"Kvolt," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "Thallru told me about your ability with magic. It's... well, it's extraordinary for someone your age."

Kvolt looked at her, his eyes widening slightly. He hadn't expected the shaman to share this information, even with his apprentice.

Maryuli continued, her tone one of concerned admiration. "I know it must be confusing and even frightening at times. Unfortunately, I can't teach you how to control your magic - that's beyond my abilities." She paused, a soft smile forming on her lips. "But I can teach you about the world, its history, its legends, and mysteries. This knowledge can be as valuable as magical control, perhaps even more so."

"I'd love that," he replied, his voice brimming with contained enthusiasm.

Maryuli laughed softly. ". And we'll do our best to answer all your questions. We'll start as soon as we reach Virtin. There's much to learn, and something tells me you'll be an exceptional student."

She glanced at a book in Kvolt's arms. "Those books you received are just the beginning. I have a vast library, and I'll be more than happy to lend you more volumes as we progress in our studies."

Kvolt nodded, eager to begin. But then, a question arose in his mind. "Maryuli," he said, hesitantly, "why did Thallru tell you about my magic? He seemed... frightened when he saw it."

Maryuli's smile faltered for a moment, a shadow passing over her eyes. "Thallru is a wise man, Kvolt. If he was frightened, there must be a good reason. Perhaps..." she paused, carefully choosing her words, "perhaps that's why he wants you to learn as much as you can. Knowledge is power, and it can be our best defense against the unknown."

Kvolt absorbed her words, feeling their weight. There was more to this story, he could sense it. Something Maryuli wasn't saying.

"There's something else, isn't there?" he asked, his voice low and intense. "Something about my magic that really scared him."

Maryuli looked at him for a long moment, as if deciding how much she could reveal. Finally, she spoke:

"There are... rumors, Kvolt. Ancient legends about Gifted ones with unusual power. Gifted ones who could change the course of history. Thallru... he may have seen something in you that reminded him of these legends."

Kvolt felt a shiver run down his spine. "And is that good or bad?"

Maryuli shrugged, a gesture that seemed more uncertain than carefree. "That depends on you, Kvolt. That's why knowledge is so important. The more you understand about the world and yourself, the better equipped you'll be to make the right choices."

They walked in silence for a few moments, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Maryuli spoke again:

"There's one thing Thallru told me to tell you," she said, her voice now laden with a seriousness that made Kvolt pay close attention. "He said you should be cautious about who you share knowledge of your abilities with. Not everyone will see your gift as something to be celebrated. Some may fear it, others may want to use it for their own ends."

Kvolt nodded, feeling the weight of this warning. "I understand," he said simply.

Maryuli smiled, but there was tension in her eyes. "Well, let's focus on the present for now. We have much to learn, and I'm eager to start our lessons."