After some time as the fog lifted, the sandy beach was revealed, illuminated solely by the warm glow of the bonfires. Han, Ronald, Damian, and Kaelen found themselves seated around one of the bonfires, their faces illuminated by the dancing flames. A short distance away, other crew members sat around separate bonfires, creating a constellation of flickering lights against the dark canvas of the night.
Although the fog had dissipated, Han sensed its imminent return, its tendrils lingering just beyond their line of sight. It was as if the island itself played a game of hide-and-seek, revealing glimpses of its secrets only to shroud them once more.
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Han's voice cut through the crackling of the bonfire, his tone laced with a hint of caution. "We must be mindful, my friends," he spoke, his words carried on the wind. "The fog may reclaim us until morning, so let us stay close and avoid venturing too far."
His words resonated deeply within the group, stirring a mix of trepidation and resolve. They understood the risks that lay beyond the reach of the flickering flames, where the fog's embrace could swallow them whole. The bonfire crackled and popped, as if echoing Han's warning and underscoring the need for vigilance.
As the crackling bonfire provided some solace, Han mustered up the courage to ask Damian a lingering question. With a concerned tone, Han called out to Damian, who was lost in his own thoughts, fixated on the dancing flames.
"Damian," Han said, finally capturing Damian's attention. "I've been meaning to ask you something. When you used your magic on the ship earlier, I noticed you creating a magic circle in your hand. Can't you use magic without having to go through that process?"
Perplexed, Damian furrowed his brow and responded, "What do you mean?"
Han saw Damian's confusion and decided to clarify further. "Well, when you perform your magic, it's evident that you're a first-class Magician. However, isn't it risky to reveal your abilities by using a magic circle? It's a technique often taught to young children to help them grasp the concept of manipulating mana. Wouldn't it be more strategic to conceal your true capabilities when facing enemies in battle?"
Damian's mind raced with newfound revelations. "We can use magic without creating a magic circle," he thought to himself, astounded. "That bastard Leif never told me about this," Damian muttered aloud, not realizing that his words carried to Han's ears.
"Leif? Are you referring to the man who has a daughter named Aria?" Han asked, recognizing the name. The sudden mention of Leif caught Kaelen's attention, who had been lost in his own deep thoughts.
Startled by Han's knowledge of Leif, Damian replied, "You know Leif?"
"Of course, I know him. It was my ship through which I transported him to Crystalia," Han revealed.
Astonished, Damian took a moment to process this new information. "So, it was Leif who taught you magic," Han continued.
"Well, he assisted me in forming my magical core, but he claimed to know nothing further to teach me," Damian confessed, a tinge of disappointment in his voice.
Han chuckled Haaaa haaa! . "What could he have taught you in the first place? He doesn't even know how to use magic properly. He simply lucked out by forming a second ring in his core, making him a second-class mage."
Damian was completely taken aback. "Wait, he was a second-class mage?" he exclaimed, incredulous.
Surprised by Damian's lack of knowledge, Han retorted, "Wait, you didn't know?"
Meanwhile, Damian turned his gaze toward Kaelen, wondering if he had been aware all along.
"I knew as well," Kaelen chimed in. "I don't understand how you didn't know all this time. Besides, it was Leif who aided you in forming your core," he added, further shocking Damian.
The weight of the revelations sank in, leaving Damian with a mix of emotions—surprise, confusion, and a newfound sense of intrigue.
"Why don't you try creating a water sphere without a magic circle right now?" Han urged Damian, capturing his attention once again. Damian slowly extended his right hand, his gaze fixed on his palm, as Han, Roland, and Kaelen eagerly observed.
As Damian attempted to channel his mana, his first endeavor resulted in the creation of water, but disappointingly accompanied by a magic circle. Undeterred, Roland chimed in, urging Damian to make another attempt. The collective anticipation in the air fueled Damian's determination.
Closing his eyes, Damian delved into a state of deep concentration, focusing solely on the image of a water sphere in his mind's eye. With unwavering resolve, he harnessed his mana, allowing it to flow through his being. In the darkness behind his closed eyelids, he envisioned a flawless water ball, free from the constraints of a magic circle.
On the outside, the others observed in anticipation as Damian's palm began to radiate a gentle glow. Tiny droplets of water materialized, merging seamlessly to form a breathtakingly perfect sphere. The clarity of the water lent it an ethereal quality, resembling a crystalline orb rather than a mere water ball.
"Whoa! It's a perfect sphere," Han marveled, turning his head to get a better look. The sphere seemed to glisten with a mesmerizing brilliance, captivating all who beheld its beauty. Damian's success in conjuring a flawless water sphere without any trace of instability or imperfection served as a testament to his growing mastery of his magical abilities
Damian's eyes widened in awe as he beheld the water sphere he had conjured, free from the encumbrance of a magic circle. It seemed to emit a faint, ethereal glow, as if his hand was enshrouded in a delicate veil of mana. The sight was truly mesmerizing, captivating Damian's gaze. However, Han's playful remark broke his reverie.
"You can stare at it later, Damian," Han said, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Let's get some rest for now. We'll have an early start tomorrow."
The words resonated with the weary group. Around the crackling bonfire, Han, Roland, Kaelen, and Damian arranged themselves in a circle, mirroring the sleeping arrangements of the other crew members. The warm, flickering flames cast a gentle glow on their faces, creating an ambiance of comfort and camaraderie.
Gradually, weariness overtook their senses, lulling them into a peaceful slumber. The crackling of the fire and the soft murmurs of the night surrounded them, embracing their tired bodies and restless minds.
As the night wore on and the others remained fast asleep, Damian found himself stirred from his slumber by a pressing need. With a muffled curse under his breath, he reluctantly rose, his footsteps quiet as he tiptoed away from the warmth of the bonfire. The darkness enveloped him, the cool night air sending shivers down his spine.
Finding a suitable tree a short distance away, Damian relieved himself with a sigh of relief. However, his moment of solace was abruptly shattered by an unexpected sound. A sharp crack echoed through the night, causing him to freeze in place, his heart pounding in his chest.
His senses on high alert, Damian cautiously shifted his gaze from the tree, scanning his surroundings for any signs of danger. The foggy mist that hung in the air obscured his vision, adding an eerie atmosphere to the scene. He strained his ears, hoping to catch any indication of movement or presence.
As his hand instinctively rose, Damian summoned a small flame in his palm, its flickering light casting eerie shadows on the trees around him. With each careful step he took, he ventured further into the forest, the glow of the flame illuminating his path.
Suddenly he stopped as he flicked the flame in forward direction , as flame cast the glow of infornt of him " What in the hell is this ", As Damian started taking steps backwards.