"What is Magic?".
"That will be the topic of discussion today", the masculine yet mystical voice sprang again.
Ace's ears perked up as he heard the word "magic." He approached the wall to listen more closely. The voice was male, and it seemed to be coming from the other side of the wall.
"No master"
"Let us see you shoot fire instead!", some children requested for.
"Could this be a Magic Academy", Ace really inquisitive.
He leaned against the wall, trying to catch more of what was being said. It was a group of people, talking in hushed tones about something that Ace had always thought was impossible. Magic.
"You can get into trouble if you start a fire inside the school. However, if you get my question right, I will show you some magic"
"What do you think is the most important talent when it comes to learning magic", the mystical voice hallowed.
"Knowledge"
"Hardwork! After all you have to study magic your entire life"
"Money! I heard there's lot you need to buy", the children all gave comments.
Hahahahahah!!!!
"No one has said the anything right answer yet", the mystical voice said.
As Ace stood listening to the conversation,he couldn't help but ponder over the question that was asked. He wondered how the others had given wrong answers.
"It's not knowledge, hardwork or money? Does one have to be a noble or something?".
"The most important talent when it comes to learning magic..."
".... is Insight", the voice gave the answer.
"What is Insight", questions hovered all over the weary answer.
"Hmmm...Is there anyone who does not know what 1+1 is?", that mystical tone questioned.
"Who wouldn't know what it hat? It is obviously 2!".
"Then can someone explain to me why it is 2?", he questioned again.
"Huhhhhh…. Well".
That masculine yet mystical voice then explained, "the feeling you are have right now is what's known as Insight. There was a time people didn't know that 1+1 equaled 2".
"A lot of academics worked hard to prove it. But despite not having concrete evidence or proof, we are able to understand that 1+1 equals 2 right? That's because it's a law that's always existed int he world. That's why we don't need to learn it, for we are able to feel and accept the concept".
He further spelled out, " Because magic is also a law that existed in the world before the start, we are able to feel and accept it while through Insight. That is why Insight is more accurate than knowledge and faster than hardwork".
"Whoa would that make someone a genius?", one of the children asked.
"Ahaaaa!!! Yes it would and if you hone your talent, you can also become that kind of mage", the masculine voice replied.
As Ace stood, he couldn't help but think about what he had just witnessed. The idea of a magic seemed so pleasant and exquisite to him. He wondered if there was a way for commoners like him to study magic and become a mages too.
"Become a mage?"
"Will such an opportunity ever present itself to me", Ace asked himself.
"That's right child standing behind the wall, I'd like to hear your thought".
Before Ace could respond to the question, the distant sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention. He turned his head and saw a group of guards making their way towards him. Panic surged through him as he realized that he might get into trouble for eavesdropping.
Without a moment's hesitation, Ace darted away from the wall, his heart pounding in his chest. He weaved through the bustling streets, trying to lose the guards who were hot on his trail. He could hear their shouts and the sound of heavy boots behind him, urging him to run faster.
With adrenaline coursing through his veins, Ace maneuvered through the narrow alleyways, hoping to find a place to hide. He glanced back briefly and saw the guards gaining ground. Desperation fueled his determination as he pushed himself to his limits.
Finally, he spotted a small, deserted alleyway tucked between two buildings. With a burst of energy, he veered into the alley and pressed himself against the wall, his breath coming in quick gasps. The guards, unaware of his hiding spot, rushed past the entrance, their voices fading into the distance.
Ace leaned against the wall, trying to catch his breath and calm his racing heart. He couldn't believe the narrow escape he had just made. As he collected himself, he realized that he had forgotten about the question the voice had asked him.
Regret tinged his thoughts as he considered what could have been a valuable conversation. However, his immediate concern was to find a safe route back home, away from any further encounters with the guards.
With a determined resolve, Ace carefully emerged from the alley, keeping a watchful eye for any sign of the guards. He retraced his steps, taking alternate paths to avoid detection. It took him a bit longer than usual, but eventually, he arrived back at the familiar streets near his home.
As he approached his doorstep, he couldn't help but feel a mix of disappointment and curiosity. The encounter with the mystical voice had ignited a spark within him, one that refused to be extinguished. Ace knew that he had to find a way to pursue his passion for magic, regardless of the challenges that lay ahead.
With renewed determination, Ace entered his home, his mind already racing with thoughts of the Tower of Illumination and the possibilities it held for him. He knew that he had to find a way to make his dreams come true, even if it meant defying the limitations society placed upon him as a commoner.
As Ace reached the familiar old man's fruit stall, he found solace in its comforting presence. The bustling city had been overwhelming, but here, among the colorful fruits and the kind old man, he felt a sense of familiarity and peace.
Just as he was catching his breath, he heard a familiar voice calling his name. It was his father, John, making his way through the crowd. Ace's face lit up with a smile as he greeted his father.
"Father, you won't believe what I experienced in the capital!" Ace exclaimed, excitement evident in his voice.
John chuckled, patting his son's shoulder. "I'm sure it was quite an adventure, my boy. Tell me all about it."
Ace began recounting his eventful day, sharing his encounters with the magical voice and the forbidden knowledge of the Tower of Illumination. He described the bookstore, the nobles, and the moment of revelation when he realized that magic was not limited to the privileged few.
John listened intently, his eyes reflecting both pride and concern. He had always encouraged his son to dream big, but he also worried about the challenges that lay ahead. Nonetheless, he knew that he had to support Ace in his pursuit of knowledge and magic.
As they made their way back to their village, the sun began to set, casting a warm golden hue over the countryside. John turned to Ace, his voice filled with genuine curiosity, "So, my son, what do you make of your first visit to the capital? Has it changed your perspective?"
Ace looked out at the rolling hills, his gaze filled with determination. "Father, the capital has opened my eyes to a world of possibilities. I have seen and heard things that I never thought were within my reach. I may be a commoner, but I believe that with knowledge and perseverance, I can make my mark in the world of magic."
John nodded, his heart swelling with pride. "Ace, my son, always remember that your worth is not defined by your social status. You have the power within you to achieve great things. If magic is your calling, then pursue it with all your heart. I will stand by your side and support you every step of the way."
The journey back to their village continued, filled with a mixture of anticipation and excitement. Ace knew that his path wouldn't be easy, but he also knew that he had the unwavering support of his father and the determination to overcome any obstacles that came his way.
With the capital experience etched in his memory, Ace embarked on a new chapter of his life, fueled by the passion for magic and the unwavering belief that he could defy the odds and create his own destiny.
But even the destiny of a young child isn't certain.