Arden found himself alone in an eerily barren landscape. He stood frozen, the immensity of the stark emptiness stretching out to the horizon. The hovering blue cube before him, reminiscent of an ethereal in-game system menu, had his attention riveted. His gaze fixated on it as it twisted and morphed into a familiar figure—Cortana from Halo.

"Cortana?" Arden stuttered, a knot of disbelief tightening in his throat. He grappled with the surreal situation, his mind teetering on the edge of the bizarre dream-like reality. "This has to be a dream, right?"

The holographic form of Cortana shimmered, casting an otherworldly blue glow on the desolate terrain. "Hello, Arden," she greeted in a voice that was a peculiar blend of synthetic and human. "I am an echo of your innermost thoughts, a conduit of your instincts, formed in an image you find reassuring."

As Cortana reassured him with a light smile, Arden felt his disbelief thaw slightly. "But you're not real. This doesn't make sense."

"Is a dream not a reflection of one's reality, Arden?" Cortana offered cryptically, her form flickering like a mirage. "Now, listen."

He nodded, Cortana's surreal presence somehow fitting into the dreamscape's bizarre logic. Her following words, delivered with a solemn gaze, struck deep. "Trust Lila, but exercise caution. Learn from her, but stay vigilant."

Arden attempted to make sense of the cryptic advice, even as his doubts gnawed at the edges of his belief. The dream, although surreal, felt laden with meaning.

As Cortana started to blur and fade, she imparted a final piece of advice. "And Arden, remember. Your past belongs to you alone. Don't reveal your origins until you meet me in the flesh. Knowledge can be a weapon."

Before he could seek clarification, Cortana's image dissolved into emptiness, her voice dwindling into echoes that reverberated through the barren landscape. "Trust, but verify. Observe, and learn. Remember..."

A rush of consciousness gripped Arden, abruptly yanking him from the surreal dreamscape and thrusting him back into the cold, stark reality. His eyes flickered open to the sight of the stone-walled room. Pain ricocheted through his body like a throbbing pulse, each beat intensifying his awareness of his battered state.

"Arden, you're awake," Lila's voice wafted through the dimness. Her figure, a comforting presence amidst his disorientation, was silhouetted against the dying embers in the hearth.

He winced, attempting to sit up, but the sharp pain shooting through him made him slump back. Lila's concerned gaze were the last thing he saw before closing his eyes against the pain.

Each attempt to move, even the slightest shift, sent jolts of searing pain rippling through his body. He gritted his teeth, the taste of stale air and metallic pain mingling on his tongue. "Lila," he managed to rasp out, his voice sounding distant and detached. "Cortana... she said..."

Lila cut him off gently, "No time for that now," she said, her voice edged with an urgency he didn't understand. "I have matters to attend to. I'll return as soon as I can."

He managed a weak nod, confusion muddling his thoughts. She was leaving. A part of him wanted to protest, to ask her to stay, but the reality of his situation anchored him down. The discussion with Cortana felt too real, too vivid to be a mere dream.

"But, don't worry," she continued, her tone soothing. "My daughter, Ava, will be here soon. She's a skilled healer. She'll help you recover."

She paused, as though weighing her next words carefully. "Listen, Arden," she said finally, her tone growing serious. "Ava doesn't know... about you. Where you come from. For now, it's better to keep it that way."

Arden blinked at her, struggling to process her words through the haze of pain and fatigue. "You... you want me to lie to your daughter?"

"Not lie," Lila corrected. "Just... withhold. It's for the best. And besides," she added with a wry smile, "for all intents and purposes, you're a man from the wilderness who has lost his memories."

She tapped the medallion hanging around his neck. "You have this, the elven-bound medallion. It will suggest you are someone of significance. And Ava..." she sighed slightly, "Ava might find it hard to believe, but it's not unheard of for someone to lose their memories and skills."

He nodded, As his eyes fluttered open, the last sight they registered was Lila's warm smile. The door creaked shut, the sound echoing in the silence left in her wake. His eyelids grew heavy, the tug of exhaustion irresistible.

But even in his restless sleep, Cortana found him once again. Her image appeared, more ethereal than before, flickering in and out of his dream like a distant star. 'Arden,' her voice echoed, 'Trust in your knowledge, Remember...' But before he could grasp the rest of her words, she vanished, leaving him alone in the vast expanse of his dreamscape.

*****

It felt as though only a moment had passed before he was jolted back into reality. The pain that once throbbed relentlessly throughout his body had subsided, replaced by a sense of serenity and a renewed feeling of completeness. His surroundings slowly came into focus: the stark stone walls of his room, the low crackle of the embers, and a girl standing near him. Her presence was unfamiliar, but her calm demeanor soothed his disquiet.

His mind clung to the fragments of his dream, the cryptic messages of caution and trust resonating within him. As his gaze met hers, an unsettling sensation rose within him. His instincts nudged him towards trust, but his newfound wisdom warned against it. After all, he knew nothing about this world, nor the people in it. Trust, but verify. That was the mantra he decided to live by, the invisible armor he needed to navigate this unfamiliar reality.

His eyes met the girl's, finding an unreadable expression on her face. She nodded at him gently, acknowledging his wakefulness. "I'm Ava," she said softly, introducing herself.

With her introduction, he again felt an uncanny sense of trust creeping in. An unsettling sensation, given how swiftly he was leaning towards placing faith in her. Could this be an illusion? A test, maybe? His gut screamed caution, aligning with the coded message from his dream.

He remembered the words that Cortana had imparted. His past was his to guard, and trust was not a commodity to be dispensed recklessly. Trust, but verify. The mantra resonated within him, standing as a bulwark against the strange instinct nudging him towards unwarranted trust.

A surge of resolve washed over him as he contemplated his situation. He would guard his past, he would remain cautious. He had much to learn and a lot to remember. After all, wasn't it said that knowledge was the ultimate weapon? In a perilous world like this, he would need all the ammunition he could get. His gaze hardened with the newfound determination. Unfamiliar though the territory was, he refused to be played as a pawn.

Arden's gaze lingered on Ava, taking in the cascade of dark brown curls that fell over her shoulders and the large hazel eyes flecked with green and gold. Her simple, elegant robe accentuated her quiet grace and modesty.

A tranquility radiated from Ava that Arden found captivating. He attempted to sit up, his body rebelling against the exertion.

Noticing his struggle, Ava rose smoothly from her chair and offered him her hand. "You should take it easy," she said, her voice as warm as her smile. "You've been out cold for nearly two days." A hint of worry crept into her words, but her comforting presence remained undimmed. "You had a severe migraine when I found you. How are you feeling now?"

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Arden looked at her gratefully. "Better, thanks to you."

She nodded with a humble smile. " Well, healing your migraine was just the tip of the iceberg. I'm glad you're feeling better though. Healing is my calling."

Ava hesitated, playing with a loose curl. "Actually, my mother thought... she thought you could benefit from learning about magic. Given your memory loss."

Arden raised an eyebrow. "You mean you'd be my teacher?"

Ava nodded, seeming almost shy. " Something like that."

Intrigued, Arden pondered her words. The fact that it was Ava here instead of Lila raised questions about the family that had so abruptly become entwined with his life. He had much to learn about this new world, but he reminded himself to tread carefully. Trust, but verify.

"Why isn't your mother teaching me? Why are you here instead of her?" he asked.

Ava looked uncomfortable. "Chandler Latimer, the local Earl's son, is visiting us soon for his annual tax collection. He... he has a reputation. He's shown interest in me in the past."

Her words hung heavy in the air, fear creeping into her voice. It was clear that the Earl's son posed a problem, and that was why Lila had sent her.

"My mother thought it would be best if I stayed here with you while she deals with him."

Arden nodded, grateful for Ava's honesty and willingness to assist him. "Thank you, Ava," he said, his eyes reflecting an unspoken appreciation. His curiosity, however, remained unsated. The family he found himself tied to was still largely a mystery to him. "Before we delve into the realm of magic and teachings, I have a question about you and your family. Can you tell me more about your mother and the kingdom?"

Ava looked momentarily taken aback by his request, her hazel eyes widening in surprise. Her surprise soon morphed into understanding, and a soft smile tugged at her lips. "Of course, Arden," she responded, her voice warm, the earlier tension seemingly melting away from her shoulders. "I'll share what I can. What would you like to know?"

Arden was caught in the vast sea of questions swirling in his mind, each one more pressing than the last. Lila was the enigma that seemed most urgent to unravel. "Can you tell me more about your mother?" he asked, choosing his words carefully. "Why does she frequent such an isolated place, so much so that she has made a home here?"

Ava studied him, her eyes flickering with quiet contemplation. "That's a good question," she admitted. The embers in the hearth reflected off her face, painting her features with an ethereal glow. "She comes here to practice her magic."

The simplicity of her response hung in the air between them, the silence stretching taut. "You've witnessed her practicing, haven't you?" Ava asked, breaking the silence, her gaze fixed on Arden, expectant.

"I have," Arden confirmed, his mind echoing with the memory of Lila's magic—a force that was both beautiful and frightening in its intensity.

Ava seemed to relax a bit at his affirmation. "Good," she said. "You see, my mother is not ordinarily allowed to use magic. A magic block has been placed on her. But for reasons unknown, this place... it seems to nullify that block." She spoke in a rush, her words tumbling out with a mix of eagerness and nervousness. "I hope that makes sense. I'm not very good at explaining these things."

Arden nodded. He recalled Lila's veiled references to some kind of restriction, but he hadn't realized the extent of it. "Your mother did mention something along those lines. But I didn't know she was banned from magic. How did that happen?"

Ava fell silent, her gaze straying to the flickering embers in the hearth. "My parents... they are not very forthcoming about that part of their lives, even with me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But from what I've managed to piece together, my mother stumbled upon some dangerous information while working for the King."

Her fingers traced a pattern on the wooden table, her gaze distant. "Being the most proficient mind mage in the kingdom, it's not hard to guess how she came across that information. The King wanted her executed, but the high council intervened and instead, she was banned from magic."

She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "My father, he lost his position in the guard because of their involvement and we moved back here, to his brother's land." Ava looked back at Arden, her smile a bit strained. "I'm sorry for rambling on. That story... it always stirs up a lot within me."

Arden could see the pain etched into Ava's expression, her heartache resonating with him. It felt necessary to steer the conversation away from the past wounds and to something more neutral.

"The Council?" he questioned, a sense of curiosity peeling away the heaviness in the room. "I don't believe I've heard of them before."

Ava's eyes sparkled as they were wont to do when discussing something she held dear. The tension that had curled around her seemed to unfurl as she began, "Ah, the High Council of The Tower of Enlightenment. They are the supreme assembly of mages and sorcerers who oversee all magic practitioners in the kingdom."

Her hands moved in animated gestures, reflecting her enthusiasm. "The Tower of Enlightenment is the premier institute for those desiring to master the arcane arts. It's more than a school, really. It's a beacon of wisdom and knowledge for us magic-users. The only alternative to it is the traditional path of becoming an apprentice to a seasoned master."

The way her voice rose with excitement and the way her eyes shone with a mix of longing and admiration, Arden couldn't help but be drawn into her words. He felt as if he were being given a glimpse into a world that was entirely foreign yet fascinating.

“Have you been to the Tower of Enlightenment” he asked.

In response to Arden's question, a shadow fell over Ava's features, dimming the earlier enthusiasm. "No," she admitted, a touch of sorrow lingering in her tone. "I've never even been to the capital...because of my mother's reputation. I fear they wouldn't welcome me."

She quickly composed herself, determination sparking in her eyes. "But don't misunderstand, Arden," she asserted, the strength in her voice reflecting her faith. "My mother is an exceptional teacher."

Arden frowned slightly, recollecting Ava's previous mention of her healing capabilities. "But I thought she didn't excel in healing magic?"

Ava met his gaze with a forceful nod. "That's true. She's more proficient in the field of mind magic, which is a rarity in itself." The air around her seemed to thicken with her need to protect her mother's image. "As for the healing...that's a skill I acquired from the books Lila...um, borrowed," she clarified, the last part coming out almost sheepishly.

Ava's explanations left Arden pondering, her tales of magic and the struggles of her mother stirring an array of questions in his mind. As he listened, the strange events he had experienced since arriving in this world began to take on a new significance.

“You’ve been talking a lot about magic,” he said, catching Ava's attention. Her eyes, moments ago distant and lost in the past, now focused on him with an interested gleam. “I’ve noticed terms like ‘magic’ and ‘mana’ being used interchangeably. Are they the same thing?”

Ava returned his gaze with a warm smile, clearly delighted by his interest. "You sure know how to dig deep, Arden. Magic and mana, while interwoven, are not interchangeable. Let me try to break it down a bit. "

She took a moment, collecting her thoughts before beginning. "Think of mana as the fuel that powers magic. It's an unseen force that imbues everything around us — the rustling trees, scampering wildlife, humans like us, even the air we draw into our lungs. It flows silently, filling and refilling your personal reservoir of power, your mana pool."

Ava drew out a silver amulet from underneath her clothing, similar to the one Lila possessed. "And you can store it, like in this amulet."

Her hands danced lightly in the air, painting invisible patterns as she tried to make her explanations more palpable. "Now, magic is the engine that uses that fuel. It's about learning to dip into that pool of mana, shape it, and direct it to achieve your will. Conjuring spells, executing rituals, weaving enchantments — all of it comes under the umbrella of magic. It's a craft that needs honing, a skill to be developed."

Her eyes held his, emanating sincerity and warmth as she proceeded, "The practice of magic requires discipline. It's not merely about having mana at your disposal but mastering the art of employing it. That's the reason behind the existence of spell books and skill manuals, and the necessity for people like us to train. You could liken it to learning a language, with mana being the alphabet and magic being the words formed from them."

As for acquiring skills and spells, Ava took a deep breath and let it out slowly, "A skill is the framework you need to wield a spell. You have to have the skill first, and then you can use it to cast spells. There are two ways to learn a skill. You could take the slow route and learn through experience and practice, or, if you have the appropriate skill book, you could expedite the process. The latter doesn't absolve you of learning, but it speeds up the process, serving as a proficient tutor within the system itself."

Arden looked thoughtfully at Ava, attempting to piece together the intricacies of her explanation. "So, you need a skill manual to initially learn a skill? I was under the impression that you simply selected it from the 'skill tree' when you wanted to use it," he commented, his brow furrowing slightly in confusion.

Ava's smile didn't waver, appreciating Arden's attempt to understand. "Oh, I see where the misunderstanding lies. No, not exactly. It's a two-step process. First, you learn a skill, either through experience or a skill manual, and then it appears in your skill tree. From there, you can choose to activate it."

Arden's gaze didn't waver from Ava's, his mind attempting to untangle the nuances of her words. "So, you can learn numerous skills, store them in the tree, but only activate a few?"

Ava nodded, "Yes, exactly. But once you activate a skill, it remains activated until you master it."

"And if I can't master it?" Arden asked, his interest clearly piqued.

"Well," Ava began, "in that case, the system—think of it as your guide—will require that the skill remains activated for the rest of your life. It's like a persistent tutor, ensuring that you continuously engage with and learn from the skill."

Arden's next question revealed more of his burgeoning curiosity. "But do I need to activate a skill to use it?"

Ava's features wrinkled in concentration, her eyes reflecting a glint of frustration at her own perceived inability to adequately explain. "Well, no… not exactly," she admitted, before gathering herself. "Okay, let's go back to the language analogy, it seems to be helping. Let's use the language of the Northern tribes, Norish, for instance.

If you have 'Norish Language' in your skill tree, you are aware that the language exists, but you wouldn't know how to speak or understand it. Now, you could go the traditional route – travel to the North, live with the tribes, learn their language over time, and eventually master it. Or, you could activate the 'Norish Language' skill in your skill tree and immediately know the basics. Then, when you use the language, the system will assist you, like a personal tutor, guiding you toward mastery. Does that make sense?"

A sense of comprehension dawned on Arden. As Ava’s words settled within him, he could feel a peculiar sensation—a feeling akin to something expanding within him, like his understanding of mana was literally growing. It was a strange, yet intriguing sensation that sparked a renewed curiosity within him. He gave Ava a nod of acknowledgment, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips.

Ava, noticing his subtle change, ventured forward with her query, her voice quivering with anticipation. "Have you checked your skill tree? Is it empty, or do you still retain all the skills you've learned?"

Arden's heart hammered in his chest as he inwardly summoned the system menu—a peculiar sensation that still fascinated him. It was like peeling back an invisible veil to a world of information that only he could see. “No, it's not empty,” he declared, his voice tinged with a hint of surprise.

Ava leaned in closer, her eyes glinting with excitement. "Don't leave me in suspense! How many skills do you have in your tree? To make it interesting, I have over fifty!" She added, a playful smirk on her face as she revealed her number.

Arden paused, the numbers on his screen momentarily silencing him. Finally, he managed to utter, "I have... 435 categories of skills."

Ava's response was immediate and overwhelming. Her mouth fell open in astonishment, her eyes widening to their fullest. “435… categories?" She echoed his words, her voice barely concealing her shock. The numbers Arden had stated were unheard of, bordering on impossible.

For a moment, Ava just stared at him, completely taken aback. This unassuming man, the outsider who had unexpectedly become part of her life, held within him an unparalleled capacity for learning and retaining skills. Who was he, truly? The question reverberated in the silence, but it remained unanswered.