With the Mage's Trial behind him, Valerian's life took on a new rhythm. His days were filled with advanced lessons and training under Elden's watchful eye. The miner's son had become a Mage, but the journey was only beginning.
Elden introduced Valerian to more complex spells and incantations, pushing him to his limits. The boy's natural talent for magic was evident, and Elden couldn't help but marvel at his progress. The raw, untamed power Valerian displayed was something he had not seen in a long time.
In between grueling sessions of spellcasting and theoretical studies, Valerian found himself drawn to the library. He had developed a thirst for knowledge, and the vast collection of books and scrolls seemed to call out to him. He spent hours engrossed in ancient texts, learning about different magical creatures, far-off realms, and the history of magic itself.
One day, while leafing through a dusty old tome, he stumbled upon a mention of Elder Mages. They were powerful beings who had transcended the limits of mortal magic, stepping into a realm of unimaginable power. The idea fascinated him. Could he, a mere miner's son, ever hope to reach such heights?
Elden found him one evening, still in the library long after the other apprentices had retired to their quarters. He was hunched over a desk, an ancient book opened before him, its pages filled with elaborate symbols and diagrams.
"You're working late," Elden noted, pulling up a chair next to him.
"I found something interesting," Valerian said, pointing to the text. "Elder Mages."
A small smile tugged at the corner of Elden's lips. "A lofty aspiration."
"Do you think it's possible?" Valerian asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "For me to become one?"
Elden regarded him thoughtfully. "Magic is not a birthright, Valerian. It's a skill, honed and refined over time. You've already proven that your origins do not limit your potential. As for becoming an Elder Mage, well, that depends on you."
With renewed determination, Valerian threw himself into his training. Every spell, every incantation, was a step closer to his goal. His progress was remarkable, earning him admiration and a fair share of envy from his fellow apprentices. But Valerian paid them no mind. He had a goal in sight, and he would not be deterred.
A year passed, then another. Valerian's reputation as a prodigy grew, and so did his power. He was no longer the uncertain apprentice who had stepped into the Mage's Trial. He was a force to be reckoned with, a mage of considerable skill.
One day, as Valerian stood in the practice arena, a surge of power coursed through him. It was a sensation unlike any he had ever experienced, a raw, untamed force that threatened to overwhelm him. As it subsided, he realized what had happened. He had touched upon the power of an Elder Mage. He had taken a significant step towards his goal.
Elden, who had been watching, approached him. "Well done, Valerian. I knew you had the potential."
Valerian felt a surge of pride. He was on the path to becoming an Elder Mage, a path that would take him to the heights of magic. The journey was long, and the road was arduous, but Valerian was ready.
The miner's son had become a Mage. And now, he was on his way to becoming an Elder Mage.