Tyrus had a different kind of dream, unlike his usual ones that involve summoning sheets of snow and throwing out fireballs. He felt small and frail in his body, squirming as he was wrapped in a thick blanket. Unable to move due to being swaddled, he had no alternative but to peer upwards. His peripheral vision was hazy, like he was straining to look through white lights. Someone was looking straight ahead, but fog obscured their face.
Tyrus tried to speak, yet no words came out, only a small cry. The enigma finally looked down and mouthed words unintelligible. Immediately after, he felt a tugging in his brain. The tugging intensified until he saw nothing. Suddenly, he lifted his body and held his head in pain as colors returned to his view.
Just what was that dream from earlier? It seemed too real, as if he was there himself. Whenever he dreamed, usually his senses dulled, but this time everything felt so clear. Just who was that person holding him?
He shook his head, wanting to suppress his curiosity for a later time, and glanced around. The shack was as empty and shabby as ever. A gentle ray of sunlight filtered through the cracks of the door, and on the desk was his cap. It took Tyrus a few tries to stand on his feet.
“Wanderer?”
Tyrus was unsure if everything that had happened yesterday was fake. It would trouble him greatly if that were the case. As he stumbled towards the front, grabbing his hat on the way, his hopes for a better life were fading away. Tyrus stepped out with a gentle push and felt a fresh breeze sting his cheeks. When his eyes adjusted to the light, a wave of relief washed over him. Up ahead was Wanderer, stoking a fire with a big stick. Near them was a boar’s corpse. When he approached, Wanderer spoke.
“You awoke just in time, Tyrus. I have your share of stew ready. You will need the energy later. I used your utensils without asking, and I apologize. I wanted you to rest.” Wanderer held a wooden bowl filled with brown meat and a bubbling, reddish liquid. When Tyrus sat right next to her, the bowl was placed in his hands. He stared at the contents quietly.
It was the first time someone had whipped up a meal for him, let alone shown him such kindness. Picking up the spoon with trembling hands, he felt his chest burdened. He scooped up some liquid and a piece of meat, then chewed it. Relishing in the stew's juicy and sweet flavor, an obscure thought came to mind. The stew tasted familiar to him, which should be impossible. As far as he knew, this was his first-time eating stew.
Tyrus lowered the bowl as he gazed at the kindled fire. “Have we met before? I caught a familiar scent from you when we first met. That same scent popped up again when you saved me from those two men. The stew also… I can’t figure it out. It’s like I’ve had it before.”
Wanderer tilted her head to the side, watching Tyrus. “As far as I am aware, this is our first meeting. Since I am a nomad, I don't have a permanent place to stay. It is possible we crossed paths during our travels. Beastfolk noses are very sharp. As for the stew, you might have consumed it when you were younger.”
Subconsciously, Tyrus rubbed his forehead. “Sorry for asking a stupid question. This is the longest I’ve ever spoken to someone. I just wanted to confirm something…”
“In that case, we can start immediately after you finish the meal. Following the events that occurred yesterday, it is safe to say you are now a sorcerer. It remains to be seen what kind of sorcerer you are. Do you remember when I spoke of Elemental Sorcerers?”
By the time Wanderer asked, Tyrus was already finished. Despite the scorched roof of his mouth and tongue, the deliciousness had him craving more. He swallowed down the contents and released a content sigh. “Yes… You mentioned Elemental Sorcerers can manipulate elements, and that they are the most common. When you say common, do you mean there are other types of sorcerers?”
“Good, so you have been paying attention. Elemental Sorcerers are one of the three specializations. From descending order, it goes from Elemental Sorcerers, Augmentation Sorcerers, and Conjuration Sorcerers in terms of populace. To bring forth these specializations, mana is necessary.”
While talking, Wanderer extinguished the fire. “Augmentation Sorcerers can strengthen themselves and allies with mana, thus increasing their offensive and defensive capabilities. And Conjuration Sorcerers have the power to summon elemental spirits and minions. Summoners can control minions, whereas spirits cannot be controlled. It is a double-edged sword because of that fact. Even then, Conjuration Sorcerers possess more abilities than mere summoning.”
Tyrus watched as the last embers flickered out and were replaced by the ashes of the firewood. He had to pinch his nose from the overwhelming smell. “How do I find out which specialization I belong to? I really hope I’m an Elemental Sorcerer.”
“In Lethos, the common approach is to schedule a meeting with an Advanced Sorcerer to evaluate your capabilities through a sequence of assessments. Opting for that route will surely result in your identity being exposed by their observant eyes. Due to us wanting to avoid such a scenario, I will serve as the replacement. During my travels, I have seen and learned many things. This will not take long.”
Wanderer held her arm out, waiting for Tyrus to grab hold of it. Tyrus accepted the gesture and stood up. Before they could begin figuring out his specialty, Tyrus had raced back to the shack and placed the bowl back on the table. He’d have to wash it later, as he was busy.
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Once he was finished, he sprinted out and plopped himself right in his previous spot. Just a while ago, he felt exhausted, but now he felt full of energy after a good meal. Did Wanderer put something inside the stew?
“Are you ready to begin?”
He gave her the thumbs-up as he straightened up his posture. Wanderer nodded and said, “Excellent. Now, we will first check if you have an affinity for conjuration. One way of knowing is by summoning a spirit. For Fledgling Sorcerers, you simply envision in your mind the type of spirit you wish to bring forth. The strength of the spirit is closely tied to the strength of the summoner’s mana.”
Tyrus waited for Wanderer to delve deeper into their explanations, but the person simply stared at him expectedly. He was at a loss for what exactly to do. Wanderer mentioned envisioning the type of spirit he wanted to summon, though he did not know if that would work in the first place without a clear understanding of mana. His knowledge of it was rock-bottom. He wanted to say something, but bit back his tongue.
What if there was nothing else to be said because the concept was easy? Wanderer didn’t seem like the type to hide information intentionally. She's been extremely helpful in Tyrus’ endeavors, even going so far as to help him experience mana early on. Upon completion of the process, he could perceive and experience the energy firsthand. Even now, he could feel mana flowing through his blood, as if it had been a part of him this whole time. It was a feeling similar to whenever he underwent Beast Transformation.
When his thoughts drifted to Beast Transformation, a revelation had smacked him across the face. What if using mana worked similarly to transforming? Whenever he transformed, an influx of energy would swell within him, threatening to burst forth. Maybe he was using mana this whole time without ever knowing it. It would explain why he felt his energy being sapped every time he underwent Beast Transformation.
The answers will come to me when I test it out, Tyrus thought.
Closing his eyes, Tyrus took a deep breath. Before he tried summoning a spirit, he wanted to take a minor detour. First, he thought back to the white light that surrounded Wanderer and tried to visualize it in his mind. Soon after, he felt a familiar tingle that raced throughout his body. His body became more energized, and his heartbeat thrummed faster. A soft white light illuminated the black canvas of his mind. It grew until it was the size of his palm.
The process really was like Beast Transformation. Now that he got the hang of tapping into the feeling, he tried to summon a spirit as asked. Since he was in a forest, Tyrus thought it’d be simple to call forth an elemental spirit in that regard. In his mind, he called out for any spirit willing to show itself. After a minute of waiting, none came forward. He tried again, this time using his own mana as a sort of lure-kind of like he was fishing. Tyrus would usually use lures whenever he went out hunting. When even that didn’t work, he simply shrugged and opened his eyes.
“…No spirit came forward,” Tyrus said with a frown.
“In that case, you are not a Conjuration Sorcerer. Fledgling Sorcerers usually succeed in their first attempt at summoning low-ranked spirits. Do not get discouraged, Tyrus. We still have two more specializations to go through. The next one is augmentation. Through the use of mana, Augmentation Sorcerers can toughen their bodies to be as hard as iron or as quick as a blood-thirsty hound.”
Tyrus’ ears perked up and interrupted Wanderer before they could continue. “Does that mean I’m an Augmentation Sorcerer? With Beast Transformation, my body grows stronger and faster.”
“…I am pleased you have made the connection on your own. I was hoping you'd catch on before I continued. It is as you said, you are an Augmentation Sorcerer. Your blood is the reason for that. Beastfolk blessed with mana are more inclined to the specialization than humans due to their animalistic attributes.”
"If I am an Augmentation Sorcerer, then that would mean I cannot control an element…"
At the dire realization, Tyrus’ shoulders drooped as his face turned crestfallen. Wanderer’s voice drifted away. His dreams of becoming an Elemental Sorcerer had just shattered in front of his eyes.
Though he was saddened by the news, he was still thankful he at least had something. Becoming a sorcerer was preferred to not becoming one. He still had the chance to become something in the future. This was all so that no one could bully him any longer. Tyrus' determination renewed; he puffed out his chest and refocused on Wanderer.
“…We will now begin the final test.”
He was taken aback by her words and did a double take. “Final test? I thought I was an Augmentation Sorcerer?”
“You are an Augmentation Sorcerer. I have not mentioned it before, but a sorcerer can have more than one specialization, though it is uncommon. It's mandatory for all Fledgling Sorcerers to complete the three tests to ensure no Multi-Specialist goes unnoticed.”
“There’s a chance,” Tyrus began slowly, “that I may be a Multi-Specialist… Even if the chances are low, I want to see it through so that I won’t regret it. What should I do?”
“One's lineage plays a major role in determining the element of an Elemental Sorcerer. External factors can sometimes have an impact. Identifying your controlled element is comparable to that of a Conjuration Sorcerer. Search deep inside and find your inner strength. Let your instincts guide you. Only after succeeding will you gain the power to advance on your own.”
As he did before, Tyrus’ eyes were closed, and he tried tapping into the energy that was mana. It really was as simple as he thought. From the bits and pieces of information he absorbed, he came to one conclusion. How one used mana depended on the user’s imagination. In all of Wanderer’s explanations, there was a heavy emphasis on tapping into the person’s mind and manifesting their powers through thoughts alone. It was the same as Beast Transformation, except he didn’t have to think about it. It was as easy as breathing or controlling a limb he had since birth.
Before long, the same white light appeared in his mind. Slowly but surely, it changed color- turning from pure white to a shade of light blue. Instinctively, he reached out, unfazed by the sheer power emanating from it. As he touched the light, he experienced a ticklish sensation that quickly traveled along his hand and converged into a single point above his palm. Tyrus woke up to a crackling sound in his ears. Flickering gently on top of his open hand was a pale blue phenomenon he had never seen or heard of.
Pride swelled into his heart as Tyrus closed his hand into a fist, snuffing the power out instantly. “I… I did it! Wanderer, I-“
When Tyrus looked up, his voice trailed when he noticed Wanderer was no longer there. Where she stood was a pile of crushed leaves and blackened logs. Confused, he spun on his heels, searching for any traces of Wanderer, but he couldn’t pinpoint their location. He even removed his cap and paced around the area. All he heard were his own footsteps and the rustling of branches.
Before he knew it, a silver light from above had already overtaken the forest floor, and Wanderer was nowhere to be seen.