Just as those around were observing the precarious state of the two and were at a loss as to what to do, a gentle breeze that seemed to soothe the very soul suddenly wafted in. It pacified and settled all emotions, and Daof and his wife immediately showed signs of improvement.

Legira slowly withdrew her raised hand and said softly, "Are you feeling any better, Daof?"

Daof was gently helped to his feet. He exchanged a glance with his wife and gave a bitter smile. "I'm sorry to have made a fool of myself, Legira. What has transpired now has seriously deviated from the fundamental truths that I've held dear for a century. I almost thought I was on the verge of moral decline just now."

"Me as well..." Meko said, rubbing her forehead.

It seems that in the study of magic in this world, the incompatibility of dark and light elements is regarded as an established truth. Could this be the reason for Daof's reaction? ... Glen remained silent, lost in speculation.

"I had anticipated that this might have a significant impact on you, but I never imagined it would be this profound. Had I known, I would most certainly have employed a more gentle approach," Legira said with a tinge of apology.

Daof shook his head, his face etched with a series of bitter smiles. "It's a sign that my resolve isn't strong enough, although what has occurred is enough to drive most mages to the brink of madness."

Then, he asked with curiosity, "Did you already know that Mr. Glen was so extraordinary? You possess the ability to peer into the depths of a person's heart. What did you discover within his heart that led you to such an... improbable conclusion?"

Legira looked at Glen, and he returned her gaze. "I've delved into the hearts of numerous individuals, those filled with light, darkness, filth, distortion, and madness...

"Regardless of who they are, the light and darkness within their hearts are intertwined and intermingled. The only distinction lies in which of the two, light or darkness, holds a greater proportion. However..."

As she spoke, her eyes brightened somewhat, much like the first time Glen had met her. "I've never encountered anyone like Mr. Glen, whose inner darkness and light are so distinctly separated."

"So, you made the judgment that he would be this exceptional?" Daof interjected.

"I merely harbored this suspicion," Legira shook her head. "Because I've noticed that the affinities of many mages for light and dark elements are strikingly similar to what I've perceived in their hearts."

Upon hearing these words, everyone present lapsed into a state of contemplation.

Daof also lowered his head and pondered deeply. After a brief moment, he said, "Perhaps it's time for me to reexamine this universally acknowledged truth in the field of magic."

He was, of course, referring to the relationship between the affinities for light and dark elements.

Tia gently tugged at the hem of Glen's garment. Glen looked down in bewilderment and saw her gazing at him with a peculiar expression.

"What's the matter?" Glen inquired.

"Mr. Glen, you're truly remarkable!" Tia said earnestly.

Glen merely let out a couple of soft chuckles.

Just then, Legira cast a fleeting glance at Glen and then turned to the long-bearded mage, saying, "Daof, I'm sure you're aware that if Mr. Glen's uniqueness were to become known to other mages, it would undoubtedly give rise to considerable unrest. I shudder to think how many mages with insufficient resolve would succumb to depravity. This is not a scenario we wish to see. Mr. Glen is deeply intrigued by magic. As a friend, I hope you would be willing to extend a helping hand."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Madam..." Glen spoke up. Legira turned to him, and he bowed deeply. "I am immensely grateful."

This was all Glen could do for the time being. He had received an abundance of care and kindness, and he was determined to repay this debt of gratitude, and he had a premonition that it wouldn't be long before he did so.

Legira nodded with a gentle smile.

Daof stroked his beard. After a moment's thought and an exchange of glances with his wife, he nodded and said, "It would be my honor, and it's something I feel compelled to do."

Legira's smile grew even more gentle, and her somewhat pallid face seemed to regain a measure of vitality.

Glen now fully understood what the Black Crow had said during their previous encounter - that his wife had once been exceedingly beautiful. It must have been the truth.

Legira said to Glen, "Daof is a fifth-level mage. He belongs to the most elite echelon wherever he goes and is eminently qualified to be your teacher."

Deffa, who was merely a fourth-level mage, was already the chief mage of a major city's magic spire. A fifth-level mage was a figure who would be accorded high honors and respect even in the royal capital. Even the royal family would show deference.

Glen nodded, approached Daof, and bowed, saying, "Please take good care of me in the future, teacher."

Daof gently patted Glen's hand, his smile radiating kindness. "Very well. I will do everything in my power. However, whether you can achieve great heights depends on your own efforts."

"I understand. The teacher shows the way, but the disciple's progress depends on their own dedication," Glen said, quoting a saying from his past life.

Daof and those around him were taken aback, impressed by Glen's words.

"You're quite right, my boy. The teacher shows the way, but the disciple's progress depends on their own dedication."

Now that they had established a teacher-student relationship, Daof naturally no longer needed to address Glen as an equal.

Come to think of it, Black Crow and Legira were many years Glen's senior, yet they were still willing to address him as a friend of the same generation.

Firstly, when Glen first befriended Black Crow, he did so on an equal footing. Naturally, Legira, as his wife, followed suit.

Secondly, they were accustomed to befriending younger generations as equals.

"Now that you are my apprentice, I shall, in the presence of all here, initiate your magical energy perception."

As he spoke, Daof extended his slightly withered hand and placed it on Glen's forehead.

Initiate magical energy perception? What could that mean? ... Glen was confused but felt it inappropriate to ask at that moment.

Thankfully, Tia, who was observing, voiced the question on his behalf.

"Little treant, what does it mean to initiate magical energy perception?" Tia prodded the little treant, Tosuban, at her feet with her finger.

The little treant smiled and explained, "Initiating magical energy perception is the first step towards becoming a mage. It requires the assistance of a fully-fledged mage who is proficient in element control. Once it is initiated, one can sense the surrounding elements and magical energy, which serves as the foundation for learning any form of magic."

Tia nodded, only half-comprehending.

Glen, who had been listening intently, already grasped the concept.

The hand that Daof placed on his forehead gently conveyed a faint tingling sensation. Glen could sense that his perception was gradually undergoing a subtle transformation.

After only a few minutes, Daof released his hand. Initiating magical energy perception was a trivial matter for a fifth-level mage like him. For second or third-level mages, it would take at least several hours.

Glen touched his forehead, then closed his eyes and focused on sensing. He did detect a slight difference in his surroundings, but he couldn't distinguish it clearly.

"The effects of just initiating magical energy perception are not yet very pronounced. With more practice in the future, you'll be able to harness the elemental forces around you and generate your own unique magical energy," Daof explained with a smile.

Subsequently, he opened his hand and conjured up an old, tattered book. He handed it to Glen and said, "This book contains some basic magic spells and personal techniques for practicing element control. Your current task is to thoroughly master the contents of this book."

Glen took the book, expressed his gratitude, and eagerly turned to the first page.

The content was indeed straightforward, yet there were still some parts that eluded his understanding.

Daof knew it was time to offer his guidance. So, he used simple and lucid language to explain the content of the book, one point at a time.

Glen, who was deeply passionate about magic, listened with utmost concentration, his heart filled with wonder and amazement.