Mike sat at the edge of the table, eagerly munching on buttered toast, his little hands gripping a spellbook that never left his side. Master Elira, with her long silver hair tied in a loose braid, smiled gently at him.
"Finish up, Mike," she said. "We're practicing wind magic in the garden today."
"Yes, Master!" Mike replied with sparkling eyes.
With that, the two stood and exited through the open archway, the morning light embracing them as they stepped into the vast garden outside.
From the second-floor window, Leon and Selene stood side by side, quietly watching the two figures grow smaller amidst the blooming roses and magical training posts.
Selene leaned against the window frame, arms crossed loosely, her gaze fixed on Mike. "He looks so happy... He really trusts her."
Leon didn't answer. His expression was unreadable, his eyes dark with thoughts too heavy for words.
"I'm ready," he said at last, his voice low but firm.
Selene blinked, turning to him. "Ready? For what?"
Leon didn't look at her. His eyes were still on Mike, now throwing leaves into the air as Elira demonstrated a basic wind chant.
"I know very well…" Leon began, his voice tightening, "that the cursed book won't leave him now. Once the book chooses its vessel, it never lets go. No one can change that. No one can stop it."
Selene's eyes widened, her breath catching. "So… what can you do, darling?"
"I'll find a new vessel," Leon said. "Or I'll destroy the curse itself. Whatever it takes."
Selene stepped closer, placing a hand on his chest. Her voice trembled. "Darling, you can't do that. It's too dangerous... You'll die."
Leon finally turned to her, eyes soft but burning with resolve. "Yeah… it's dangerous. But not more than what waits for our son if I don't."
A hush fell between them. Outside, Mike's laughter echoed faintly, pure and innocent.
Selene's eyes welled with tears, but she nodded, pressing her forehead to his. "Then promise me… if you walk into the shadows… you'll return to the light."
Leon smiled faintly. "I promise."
---
The garden shimmered under the morning sun, its stone paths winding through walls of roses and glimmering bluebell flowers. In the center, a small open field surrounded by enchanted training stones pulsed softly with mana.
Mike stood on the grass, feet apart, clutching his spellbook tightly to his chest. His bright eyes sparkled with curiosity, though his hands trembled just a little.
Master Elira stood before him, her long silver robe fluttering in the breeze. Her eyes, the color of glowing crystal, radiated wisdom and calm.
"Magic," she began, "is not just energy, Mike. It's emotion, intent, and will. A chant is merely the door. What lies beyond it… is you."
Mike nodded eagerly. "I'm ready, Master!"
Elira smiled. "Good. Today, we focus on four basic magical powers. They may seem simple—but each of them is a pillar. Master them, and you'll stand taller than most mages your age."
She raised her hand. A soft wind swept past them.
1. Wind Whisper (Wind-Type Chant)
Chant: "Sylpha venare, aera flos!"
A small gust formed around her fingertips, dancing like a soft breeze.
"This one is Wind Whisper," Elira said. "A beginner-level wind chant. Use it to sense movement, guide projectiles, or even lift objects when you get stronger."
Mike repeated the chant, clumsily at first. "S-Sylpha venare, aera flos!"
A tiny breeze ruffled his hair. His eyes lit up.
"You did it!" he shouted.
Elira chuckled. "Good. But don't get too excited yet."
2. Ember Spark (Fire-Type Chant)
Chant: "Ignis luce, flare in pace."
She extended a finger, and a small orb of flame hovered just above her palm, flickering gently.
"This is Ember Spark. It's the first step in fire control. It won't burn much now—but it can be used for signaling, lighting paths, or starting larger spells."
Mike followed the movements carefully. "Ignis luce… flare in pace!"
A flicker of red shimmered at his palm before fading.
"That's alright," Elira encouraged. "Fire is prideful. It takes practice to earn its trust."
3. Aqua Thread (Water-Type Chant)
Chant: "Undina lirien, aqua weave."
From her other hand, water condensed from the air, twisting into a silvery-blue string.
"Water can be shaped, tied, even solidified. This is Aqua Thread. In combat, it can be used to restrain small creatures, or form part of a shield."
Mike concentrated hard. The air grew cooler around him. "Undina lirien, aqua weave!"
A thin trail of water stretched from his fingertips before splashing to the ground.
"Excellent control," Elira said softly.
4. Mana Sense (Support-Type Chant)
Chant: "Manare visum, lux intus."
She tapped her forehead, and suddenly her eyes glowed faintly blue.
"This chant is essential. Mana Sense lets you feel the flow of magic around you. With it, you'll know when a spell is forming—or when danger is near."
Mike closed his eyes, focused, and whispered: "Manare visum… lux intus."
His eyelids flickered, and for a brief second, he gasped. "I… I can feel it! The roses! They're glowing!"
5. Healing Light – His most recent and emotional achievement. With this magic, Mike could mend cuts, soothe burns, and calm pain—though it consumed much of his mana.
Elira knelt down and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're gifted, Mike. But remember: Power is not in how loud your chant is... it's in how clearly your heart speaks through it."
He nodded, serious now.
Above them, the wind blew softly, as if listening.
---
In the study room, Leon stood beside a large oak table. His travel bag lay open, half-filled with elixirs, scrolls, a steel dagger, and a weathered map. The room smelled faintly of old paper and lavender oil—Selene's doing.
He reached for a small wooden box, opening it slowly. Inside lay a pendant—a silver charm engraved with a lion's crest. His family crest.
He clenched it for a moment, then slipped it into his pocket.
Behind him, footsteps.
"Are you really going?" Selene's voice was barely above a whisper.
Leon didn't turn. "I have to."
{Author's Note}
Dear readers,
Chapter 2 has been changed.
I kindly request that you re-read Chapter 2 before continuing with the upcoming chapters.
There are important updates that affect the story's flow, and missing them might lead to confusion.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
Let's continue the journey together!