Upon returning home, bearing the physical and emotional wounds from the unjust assault, Ethan swiftly placed the bread basket on the nearest table by the entrance of the inn. Raising his voice, he called out to his father, informing him of his return and the placement of the basket. Urgency filled his words as he tried to avoid his parent's to conceal his current battered state.
"I'm back! I've put the basket on the table!"
His father began to respond in a room separate from his own" Oh! Your back, I'll be right th-", but Ethan interjected, determined to retreat before his father were to see him. "No problem! I'm going to go take a shower!"
His father replied with a slightly apprehensive tone, "A-Ah, okay."
With hurried steps, Ethan quickly navigated through the inn until he reached the bathing chamber. As he entered the room, his eyes fell upon a large, time-worn tub positioned prominently in the center. Its aged exterior bore the marks of countless usage with the passage of time. Below the tub, nestled into the stone floor, a cavity housed a collection of wooden sticks.
Ethan started filling the tub with water. Carefully, he ignited the wooden sticks beneath the tub, flames emerging from bellow. Patiently, he tended to the fire, allowing the flames to gradually heat the water within the tub.
As the water gradually warmed, Ethan undressed himself, placing his clothes into a hamper alongside other dirty clothes. He reached for a few wooden sticks, skillfully adjusting them to moderate the water temperature, ensuring it remained at a soothing level. Stepping into the welcoming embrace of the water, a profound sense of bliss enveloped him completely.
"Ah~" he exhaled, surrendering to the tranquil sanctuary that awaited him.
Ethan had cultivated a certain habit of utilizing bath time as a sanctuary for contemplation. The warmth enveloped him, instilling a sense of relaxation that allowed his thoughts to flow freely. He utilized this tranquil environment to delve deeply into any and all concerns that troubled him, relentlessly searching for viable solutions.
In this moment, he focused his attention on the ordeal he had endured earlier that day. Gradually, his mind pieced together the puzzle, unraveling the identity of the individual responsible for his suffering. The evidence fell into place effortlessly.
"He had guards surrounding him, a butler at his beck and call," Ethan pondered, connecting the dots. "Uncle referred to him as Young Master Sven and none of the villagers tried to stop him. It all adds up... This wretched individual must be the son of the Village Lord."
The realization struck him with a mix of anger and resentment. The power and influence wielded by the Village Lord's son had granted him the audacity to perpetrate such acts of cruelty without fear of consequence. Ethan couldn't help but feel a surge of anger, but quickly calmed himself.
"Let's forget it," Ethan whispered to himself, a flicker of resignation in his voice. He recognized the implications of antagonizing the son of a nobleman, understanding the potential consequences that could befall his parents if he were to engage in open conflict. With a heavy heart, he acknowledged the bitter truth.
Sinking deeper into the comforting embrace of the warm water, Ethan gradually submerged his head, temporarily blocking out the external world. In this momentary escape from reality, he sought solace, allowing the tranquility to wash over him and momentarily quiet his troubled thoughts.
***
Following his refreshing bath, Ethan approached his parents to express his decision to end his duties for the day. Feeling unwell and in need of rest, he requested a break, a rarity for him. His parents readily agreed and wished him a good rest. As such, Ethan retreated to his room.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
"Now," he whispered with a glimmer of excitement, "shall we see what the third chapter holds?" Retrieving his cherished book, he eagerly turned to the next page, ready to delve into the contents within its chapters.
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Chapter 3: The Laws of Magic
Page 5
We now delve into the fundamental laws that govern the practice of magic. These laws serve as the guiding principles that ensure balance, harmony, and responsible use of magical powers. Aspiring magicians must familiarize themselves with these laws to navigate the realm of magic with wisdom.
3.1 The Principle of Cause and Effect
One of the foremost laws that underpin the practice of magic is the Principle of Cause and Effect. This law states that every action, intention, and manifestation in the magical realm has consequences. Whatever manifestation are set into motion through magical practices will inevitably result in corresponding effects, be it positive or negative.
Magicians must be mindful of their intentions and actions, understanding that the choices they make carry weight and repercussion.
3.2 The Power of Intention and Will
At the core of magic lies the power of intention and will. The strength of a magician's intent, coupled with unwavering willpower, can transform thoughts into tangible manifestations. The Law of Intention and Will highlights the significance of focusing one's mind, aligning desires with purpose, and directing energy toward the desired outcome.
Magicians must cultivate a disciplined mind, honing their ability to concentrate and channel their intention with clarity. It is through the focused projection of their will that they can shape and influence the energies of the world around them.
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Reading the next page held less significance for Ethan. "To summarize," he mused, "this page emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in the use of magic. It highlights how every action carries consequences, although it avoids the notion of good or evil. Instead, it focuses on the outcomes of positivity or negativity. It seems that the judgment of an act depends on the situation, with one person deeming it evil while another considers it righteous."
Pondering these thoughts, Ethan recognized the subjective nature of morality, realizing that perspectives varied based on individual circumstances. With these reflections in mind, he shifted his focus to the next page
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Page 6
3.4 Manifestation with or without Cataclists
A noteworthy aspect of the Laws of Magic is the distinction between manifesting powers with or without external assistance, known as cataclists. A cataclist is an object, tool, or catalyst that aligns with a specific elemental force and aids in the manifestation of magic.
Magicians have the ability to draw upon the energies of their surroundings or tap into their own internal mana to manifest their powers. However, when utilizing external cataclists relevant to the element they wish to draw upon, the process becomes more stable and efficient. The cataclist acts as a conduit, facilitating the flow of energy and enhancing the precision of the magician's actions.
Manifesting powers without a cataclist requires a greater expenditure of mana and can result in less stability compared to utilizing a cataclist relevant to the element being invoked. It is a delicate balancing act for the magician to determine the most effective approach based on their own capabilities and the desired outcome.
As one embarks on the journey of magic and advances in proficiency, their ability to manifest magical effects without relying on external catalysts becomes more stable.
Turn the page to explore the application of these laws in the art of spellcasting that guides the magician's path. The fourth chapter : The Art of Manifestation, will teach you techniques and practices that allow one to channel and direct magical energy through spellcasting.
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"I see," Ethan mused, connecting the dots between his past experiences and the insights presented on the page. "No wonder I lost consciousness when I first succeeded in manifesting water. My mana pool was drained within seconds. If I had instead manipulated an existing pool of water and directed it through my will, I could have sustained the manifestation for a longer duration and with greater stability."
Contemplating further, he continued, "However, I still believe that in the early stages of learning magic, students should focus on manifesting magic without relying on external catalysts. By doing so, they can develop a better control over magic and learn to manage their mana pool effectively. It's similar to a musician tackling challenging music sheets rather than starting with simple lullabies. Though it may take longer to master, dedicating practice to a difficult task from the very beginning will ultimately result in greater proficiency compared to someone who solely focused on easier compositions."
The analogy resonated deeply with Ethan, solidifying his determination to continue pushing his magical abilities and wholeheartedly embrace the challenges that awaited him.
Recognizing that the current chapter primarily offered informational insights rather than practical tasks, Ethan eagerly shifted his attention to the next chapter of the book.