Long night, Shu and Ana talking each other....
Ana had informed him that the true flame was rumored to be located in the middle of the institute, possibly hidden underground. This meant that Shu had to navigate the institute with utmost care and discretion. As he observed the bustling activity around him, he realized that blending in and focusing on his studies would be crucial.
Shu recognized that while he had attained a considerable level of proficiency in martial arts, reaching stage 3, his magical abilities lagged behind at level 1. It became evident to him that he needed to dedicate time and effort to expand his knowledge of magic. His journey at the Rowan Magic Institute would serve as an opportunity for him to deepen his understanding of the mystical arts, honing his magical skills to complement his formidable martial prowess.
Finally, Shu made the resolute decision to enter the Rowan Magic Institute.
---
Few days later...
"Sinkon, do you know the face-changing technique?" Shu asked Sinkon. Sinkon replied, "Full body transformation is impossible, but with the mask of Sinkon, you can alter your facial features to some extent." Curious, Shu inquired, "How?" Sinkon touched Shu's head, passing on the technique. Shu grasped it and with the slight power of the mask of Sinkon, he managed to change his hair to pure white and subtly reshape his face. Looking at himself in the mirror, he contemplated, "So this is who I am now?" Today, Shu Wastle ceased to exist. From this day forward, he embraced his new identity as Oliver the mage.
"I will present myself as a mage from now on. Sinkon, do you possess any magical abilities or knowledge?" Shu asked. Sinkon replied, "Certainly. Although my previous master wasn't particularly skilled in magic, he was once acquainted with the Great Sage.".
---
Sinkon then placed his hand on Shu's head once again. "Here, I will pass on to you a magical circulation technique known as the '7th Elemental Force'," Sinkon said.
"What is this 7th Element?!" Shu exclaimed in shock. He was aware that as mages advanced to level 3 and beyond, it became difficult to master all the elements. Most mages chose to specialize in one or a few elements that resonated with them. Even the most formidable mages of this time could typically manipulate only four elements.
"I've only known our world of magic to consist of six elements. Why is there talk of a 7th element?" Shu expressed his confusion. In the realm of Gaia's land, the recognized major elements were light, darkness, earth, wind, fire, and water. He had never encountered any mention of a 7th element before.
Sinkon responded, "Indeed, there is a 7th element known as the Origin, and it is the most powerful of them all. It represents the culmination and fusion of all elemental forces. It is the essence from which all other elements originate. The Great Sage, during his exploration of the spirit world and encounter with the Eikon's remnant, was able to learn about this 7th element. Each Eikon embodies one of the major elements. I, myself, am a remnant of an Eikon. Although the Great Sage himself could not fully wield the 7th element, the technique I am passing on to you will enhance your ability to learn and master other forms of magic, even if you reach the level of a mage at the 7th stage.
---
Ana emerged from the shadows, her eyes widening in surprise as she took in Shu's altered appearance. "Young master?" she questioned, unable to hide her astonishment. Shu smirked and replied, "Hehehe, I've used the face change technique. Ana, from today onward you must call me Oliver, not Shu anymore. " Ana, now aware of the transformation, nodded in understanding. "Very well, from today onward, I shall address you as Oliver, not Shu." Shu's new identity had been solidified.
Ana then proceeded to inform Shu, as she now called him, about the upcoming Rowan Magic Institute admission examination scheduled for the 2nd of Yanuari, 1113. Shu responded, "Alright, please assist me in registering my name for the examination." Ana nodded in agreement and promptly left the room to carry out the task.
---
note: from now on Shu will replace by Oliver.
"Alright, before that, I will utilize this time to learn the 7th element force method," Oliver thought to himself. He settled into a meditative position, fully focused on mastering the technique. In the world of martial arts, aura originated from the dantian, while in the realm of magic, mana resided within the heart.
Oliver began absorbing the surrounding mana, channeling it into his heart. With the guidance of the 7th elemental method, he visualized six small circles, each representing one of the elemental forces. The six circles formed a larger circle in the middle, but it remained empty, symbolizing the origin element. Since Oliver had yet to master all six elements, the 7th element could not manifest.
He dedicated himself to refining his control over mana, harmonizing it with his inner energy, and striving to eventually unlock the true power of the origin element. Oliver was determined to become a formidable mage capable of harnessing all the elemental forces.
To be continue...