The morning sun cast long, golden rays over the quiet countryside as Orin prepared himself for another grueling day of training. The peaceful setting of hir mum’s garden belied the intense and demanding lessons he was about to endure. Each day, he would wake up with a renewed sense of purpose, but also with a growing awareness of the monumental task ahead: mastering the art of bending time. Edua’s teachings were proving to be even more challenging than Orin had anticipated. Bending time was not just a skill—it was a profound shift in perception and understanding. Orin had spent countless hours in meditation and practice, but each attempt seemed to push him further into a realm of complexity he had not fully grasped. Edua, though her presence was confined to the dreamscape of her mind, guided him with patience and precision. Her voice, though soft, held the weight of centuries of knowledge. “To control Water magic effectively, you must first understand the flow of time. Time-bending allows you to manipulate the temporal flow of water, to lift it, shape it, and direct it with precision.”

Orin had initially thought of time as a straightforward continuum—a linear path from past to future. But Edua’s lessons revealed its true nature as a fluid, malleable construct. Mastering it required more than just intellectual comprehension; it demanded a deep, almost instinctual grasp of how time interacted with the world and with magic. One of the earliest exercises Edua set involved observing and changing the flow of a simple stream. Orin had to use his time-bending skills to alter its course and hold it in place, effectively controlling its movements and slowing the wheel of time. At first, the results were minimal; the stream barely shimmered, let alone changed its flow. Each attempt left Orin feeling more frustrated and pressured to succeed, how could it fail his own nature. He kept trying, focusing on bending the course of the small stream, although each test was a failure. Seeing his struggle, Edua decided to change her strategy. She encouraged Orin to approach time-bending through the lens of physics and mathematics. “Orin, don’t forget your science, you’ve always relied on it, use it now!”. Orin recalled his studies of relativity and quantum mechanics. He realized that by understanding the physical properties of time, he could find rational solutions to manipulate it. During practice, Orin would scribble equations in the sand, calculating the precise alterations needed to slow the flow of time around the stream. He visualized time as a series of interconnected particles and waves, each influenced by his will.

Decided to succeed, he started training again with this new approach. With each session, he began to see the stream in a new light, noticing how the tiniest shifts in time affected the water’s behavior. Gradually, his efforts paid off. He managed to hold the stream’s flow in place for moments longer, feeling the thrill of control over the atoms and molecules within the water. Each success, no matter how small, was a step closer to mastering time-bending. But with each practice session, Orin grew more attuned to the subtle manipulations of time. He learned to see how shifting time could influence the behavior of water. “Focus, Orin,” Edua’s voice echoed. “Time-bending is about precision. A slight adjustment can yield significant results.” Days turned into weeks as Orin labored through each exercise. He practiced lifting droplets of water from a surface and controlling their movement, using time-bending to slow down or speed up their flow. Each success brought a fleeting sense of triumph, but the true mastery of time remained elusive. His mother’s lessons often involved intense trials designed to push Orin to his limits. One such trial was a series of timed obstacles where Orin had to use time-bending to navigate through a maze of shifting barriers and obstacles. The challenge was not just physical but mental, as Orin had to anticipate the flow of time and adapt his actions accordingly. Often, he found himself disoriented, struggling to synchronize his movements with the altered time flow. During these trials, Orin experienced moments of frustration and exhaustion. His concentration wavered, and the complexity of bending time seemed overwhelming. Yet, Edua’s encouragement kept him going.

“You must embrace the difficulty, Orin. Time-bending is not about control but about harmony with the flow.” One afternoon, after an especially challenging session, Edua set up a particularly rigorous test. The landscape in his mother’s mind changed again. That day, Orin was to perform a time-bending exercise involving a large body of water, a small lake. The goal was to control the shape and movement of a protective water barrier around himself,. Orin’s mum started to gesture, her incantation was creating a water wall, the water distributed around Orin, locking him inside. “Now son, you’ve to time-bend the barrier, tryto synchronize your time-bending abilities with the water flow. Make it more stable and keep it in place”. The task required him to manipulate time in such a way that the water formed a cohesive barrier while also maintaining its natural properties. Despite his best efforts, the barrier wobbled and faltered. Frustration crept in as the water struggled to hold its shape. Edua’s voice was firm but encouraging. “You are nearly there, Orin. Remember, time is not your enemy. It is a tool to be used with precision and understanding.” Sweat trickled down his face as he continued to concentrate. Gradually, he began to sense a subtle shift within himslef. Orin began to see a series of invisible threads, his time-bending power, that he needed to intertwine with each other to make them more stable and resistant. Once he decided on the shape and the robustness, he wrapped the water barrier, and it stayed still and in place. He succeeded. The barier began to stabilize, taking form around him with increasing solidity. The success was fleeting, but it was a breakthrough. Edua’s voice came through with a note of pride. “Excellent, Orin. You are beginning to grasp the essence of time-bending. Remember, stay focused.”

Suddenly, he felt the threads pulling away stronger from him. "That's the limit of time-bending, Orin. You cannot hold it forever. You can give them more power to hold a little bit longer, but then the threads will loosen and lose their strength.” Determined to test his powers further, Orin decided to stretch the threads, which turned into invisible water chains, holding the barrier longer than expected. When the bending finally lost its effect, his mother was in awe and shock. What her son had done was beyond anything she had seen; only a few people in the world had achieved such feats, and they were legends in magical history books. Edua looked at her son with a mixture of pride and concern, he was the right heir of those powers. "Orin, your power is beyond my knowledge," she admitted. "My time-bending is good, but yours is even greater. The final test for any time-bender is to freeze people in time. That’s something only Air magic masters have ever achieved.” She paused, her eyes searching his. "Your time-bending right now can only slow down people's movements, but not freeze them completely—not yet. There's another aspect of time-bending combined with Air magic that you must be aware of: the creation of an Airy Prison.” Orin listened carefully as she continued. "An Airy Prison is an invisible prison, the only kind that can contain a magical creature. No one can escape from it. These prisons are designed to drive creatures to madness and pain, as they cannot move from their position, and nobody can hear them. They become a silent whistle in the wind, a trapped essence with no hope of release.” Orin’s mind raced with the implications of such power. He knew now that mastering time-bending was not just about controlling moments but also about wielding the potential for immense restraint and responsibility.

Orin's lessons about time-bending had come to an end. As he mastered the intricate dance of bending and weaving time, he knew that he had achieved something remarkable. His mother, Edua, however, remained concerned. She had more to reveal about his powers, the Frost Elves, and the trials that lay ahead in mastering Water magic. The landscape around them shifted once more, and they found themselves standing on a familiar beach. The salty tang of the sea breeze mingled with the warm memories of countless summers spent together with Tio and his parents. The waves lapped gently at the shore, creating a serene backdrop for the conversation that was about to unfold. Edua looked out at the horizon, her eyes reflecting the deep blue of the ocean. "Orin," she began, her voice carrying the weight of unspoken fears and hopes, "the next element you must master is water. Water is strong, fluid, devastating, and uncontrollable. Mastering it takes an immense amount of time and patience.” Orin nodded, listening intently as his mother continued. "The Frost Elves are the keepers of Water magic. Their priest, Hvarj, was trained by Merlin himself. Elves are almost immortal; they age very slowly. But you must understand, Orin, that they are also great brainwashers and mind tricksters. Just as water changes form, so do they. You will learn much from them, but you must never completely trust their loyalty.” She paused, letting her words sink in.

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Orin's mind was a whirl of questions and concerns. He had always known that his father, Uden, had been a remarkable man, but the truth about his legacy was still unfolding. "Your father," Edua continued, "was a Raincaller, a master of Water magic. He died in a battle against the dark forces while helping the Frost Elves in the Alps. The trials you will face are deadly, Orin. Only those with great power and strength can succeed. Your father told me about these trials. They are not just a test of your magical abilities but also of your will and spirit.” Edua turned to face her son, her expression a mix of stern resolve and maternal concern. "Be aware of the danger ahead. The Elves' loyalty can be fickle. They respect power and strength, but they are also wary of it. Trust your instincts, and believe in yourself. You have the blood of Merlin and Viviane in your veins. That legacy carries a responsibility, but it also gives you the strength to overcome any challenge.” Orin took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his mother’s words. The memory of their past summers, filled with laughter and the carefree joy of youth, contrasted sharply with the gravity of his current reality. The path ahead was fraught with peril, but he knew he could not turn back.

The landscape shimmered, and they were once again transported into a different memory. This time, they were in a dense, ancient forest, the home of the Frost Elves. The air was crisp, and the trees stood tall and imposing, their branches interwoven to form a canopy that barely allowed the sunlight to penetrate. Edua's expression softened slightly as she looked around. "This is where you will find Hvarj," she said. "He is the keeper of Water magic, and he will be your guide. But remember, Orin, that the Elves have their own agenda. They will test you, push you to your limits. You must remain vigilant and focused.” Orin nodded, steeling himself for the challenges ahead. "I understand, Mother. I will do whatever it takes to master Water magic and continue my journey.” Edua placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch warm and reassuring. "I know you will, Orin. You have the strength and determination of your ancestors. Remember their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs. They will guide you as you face the trials ahead.” As the memory began to fade, Edua's voice echoed in Orin's mind. "Believe in yourself, Orin. You are capable of greatness. Trust in your abilities, and never forget who you are.” Orin found himself back at the sea, standing on the beach with the waves gently lapping at his feet. He felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The journey ahead was daunting, but he knew he was not alone. The legacy of his ancestors, the support of his friends, and the guidance of his mother would be his strength. He turned to Edua, who smiled at him with a mixture of pride and sadness.

As Orin walked away from the beach a sudden earthquake shook the ground beneath his feet. He stumbled, struggling to maintain his balance. The serene landscape of the beach was disrupted by the violent tremors, and a sense of impending danger filled the air.

"Mum, is that you?" Orin asked, his voice trembling with weariness and concern. "No," Edua replied, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the horizon. "Someone is trying to join us.” Before Orin could process her words, he felt the ground give way beneath him, and he fell to his knees. The world around him blurred, and when his vision cleared, he saw a familiar figure standing before them. "Tio?" Orin exclaimed, recognizing his friend. "Tio, my dear, how are you?" Edua welcomed him with a great smile and a strong hug. Tio's expression was a mix of relief and urgency. "Orin, it's been months since you entered your mum's mind. We've all been worried sick about you.” Orin's eyes widened in shock. " Months? But it feels like I've only been here for hours. And then he remembered his friend’s words “Time flows differently in someone’s mind, sometimes fast sometimes slow” Edua's expression grew serious.

"Orin, you didn't travel to my mind with just your consciousness. You brought your whole body into this realm.” Tio nodded, his concern evident. "You disappeared after joining your mum's mind. We've been searching for you, worried that you might be trapped inside.” Orin felt a wave of realization wash over him. The rules of time-bending and the mind dimension were more complex and unpredictable than he had imagined. He had lost track of time entirely, caught up in the memories and lessons with his mother. "We need to get you back," Tio said, urgency lacing his voice. "The longer you stay here, the more dangerous it becomes. Your body needs to return to the physical world.” Edua placed a reassuring hand on Orin's shoulder. "We'll find a way, Orin. But you must be careful. Time and reality are fragile in this realm. We need to move quickly.” The ground trembled again, a reminder of the unstable nature of their surroundings. Orin took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts and focusing on the task at hand. Before going back to the real world and leaving herself alone under her containment spell, Edua continued to share her wisdom with Orin. "Remember, Orin, the lessons you've learned here are crucial. Time-bending, water magic, and the legacy of your ancestors are all interconnected. You have the power to shape the future, but you must remain vigilant.” Orin nodded, absorbing her words. "I understand, Mum. I'll use everything you've taught me to face the challenges ahead.” “Now it’s time my dear, we will see each other again, I love you, Orin, Tio take care of him, please,” she said softly. "You have much to learn and many challenges to face. But remember, I will always be with you.” Orin embraced his mother, feeling the warmth of her love and the strength of her spirit. "Thank you, Mother," he whispered. "I will make you proud, and come back to save you.” With a final look at the beach and the memories it held, Orin and Tio looked at each other, they closed their eyes and jumped.

Orin and Tio emerged from the realm of Edua's mind, their surroundings shifting from the surreal landscape of memories to the familiar sights and sounds of the physical world. Orin felt a strange sense of disorientation he had been gone for much longer than he realized. He took a deep breath, trying to ground himself in the present. Orin's eyes filled with tears as he turned to Tio. "Thank you, Tio," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for the mind-walking training, for reaching out to bring me back, and for being there when I needed you most.” Tio embraced him warmly. "I'm just glad you're back safely, Orin. We were all so worried about you.”

Orin nodded, his mind racing with everything he had learned. He swore to himself that he would free his mother from the dark power that kept her in a coma. The weight of this promise settled heavily on his shoulders, but it also gave him a sense of purpose. As they made their way back to the house, Lysandra met them at the door, her eyes wide with concern. "Orin! You’re back” running into him with a hug, “we were so worried about you, we talked to every mind-walker in the magical world and nobody was able to tell us what happened to you. There were just legends about mind-walkers able to travel with their body as well, leaving reality. Those stories were unsettling because those mind-walkers lost themselves trapped in other people’s minds and never came back. Are you alright?” Orin managed a small smile. "I'm alright, Lysandra. It was an intense journey, where I’ve learned so much, but there's a lot we need to talk about.” They gathered in the living room, where the soft glow of the evening sun cast long shadows across the walls. Orin recounted his experiences in his mother's mind, the lessons he had learned about time-bending and the ancient stories of Merlin and Morgana.

"My mother told me that time-bending is essential for mastering Water magic," Orin explained. "It's about controlling the flow of time to influence the movement of water. The Frost Elves are the keepers of this knowledge, but they're not to be trusted completely. They're powerful, but their loyalty is uncertain.” Lysandra listened intently, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "The Frost Elves are known for their mastery of water, but if they can be deceitful, you'll have to be very careful.” Orin nodded. "My father was a Raincaller, a master of water magic. He died fighting dark forces to protect the Frost Elves in the Alps. My mother warned me that the trials ahead would be deadly. Only those with great power and strength will succeed.” Tio placed a reassuring hand on Orin's shoulder. "We'll face this together, Orin. You're not alone.” Orin felt a surge of gratitude for his friends. "I know. And I believe in us. My mother has given me the strength and knowledge I need. The journey won't be easy, but I know we can do it.” As the evening turned to night, they continued to talk, sharing their thoughts and fears. Orin felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. He had faced incredible challenges in his mother's mind, and he knew that the path ahead would be even more difficult. But he was ready.