As I stood before the Apostles, a mixture of anticipation and curiosity filled my heart. The revelations I had encountered in the temple were profound, and I wanted to learn more about the path which I will tread upon. The Apostle of Lightning's voice resonated with power and wisdom as he began to speak.
"Alex, to make a breakthrough through the stages of mage progression, there are primarily two requirements in the first five stages: mana quantity and elemental comprehension. However, for you, the path is unique. You possess a passive connection with the elements, which sets you apart." I listened intently, my eyes locked on the apostle, eager to grasp the knowledge he was about to impart.
"Due to your connection, you have an additional requirement: the number of elements you can control. To begin your journey as a mage and reach the Novice stage, you need to unseal one element," he continued. "To advance to the Adept stage, you will require three elements. For the Maestro stage, six elements. The Grandmaster realm requires ten elements, and ultimately, to enter the Sage realm, you must possess all twelve elements."
After seeing that Alex understood him, the Apostle continued "To advance to Luminary and Archmage stage everyone must make a profound connection with their chosen element and learn to control it directly. It is a union of the self and the essence of the element, a harmonious melding of power and understanding. This connection goes beyond mere comprehension and delves into the depths of your being. It is a pivotal moment, for it is then that you learn to control the power of the elements directly."
"But there is another aspect unique to your journey," the apostle resumed, his eyes glimmering with ancient knowledge. "You already have a passive connection with the elements, established in a way that sets you apart from others. When you reach the stage of establishing a direct connection and learning to control the power of the elements directly, you will have to discover it yourself."
The magnitude of the task ahead of me weighed heavily on my mind. I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. The path ahead was uncharted, but I was determined to uncover the secrets that awaited me.
The apostle's gaze fixed upon me, his eyes brimming with confidence. "The process of unsealing an element is a personal journey," he explained. "You must interact with the chosen element and focus on comprehending its essence. Once you have attained a basic level of understanding, the element will be unsealed naturally."
As he finished speaking, a sense of determination surged within me. I had to choose an element, a fundamental force of nature that would become an integral part of my being. My mind raced, contemplating the possibilities.
"Alex," The Apostle of Lightning interrupted me and stood there a while looking at me with a contemplative expression before speaking, his voice carrying a weight of profound knowledge "The ring you wear on your finger is more than just a simple ornament. It is a unique storage device, meticulously crafted to hold various items. However, it has been modified further, allowing it to serve as a connection between this realm and your own."
After hearing those words, I tried to mentally sense the ring but nothing happened. The Apostles seeing my action's smiled slightly in amusement.
The Apostle of Lightning, slightly smiling said, " You need to connect your inner mana with the storage ring after which you will be able to use it. You can sense what is inside by concentrating. If you want to store an item just wrap the material in mana and you can transport it in the ring by connecting the mana of the ring and the object. Taking it out is easier if you know what is inside, you will only need to give a mental input of the image of the object and the ring will take out the object."
I tried to stop my embarrassment from showing and tried to feel my mana. It was the same mysterious energy I have been sensing since entering this place. I could now feel that I can control mana thanks to my new technique- Elemental Resonance.
I immediately used the mana to link with the ring which was quite easy, but when I tried to make the mana leave my body it started to disperse in the surrounding. Try as I might it did not stay together due to my newfound control and had difficulty manipulating it for a few minutes. The Apostle's watched in silence as I experimented. At last, I was able to keep the mana from dispersing and made it cover the technique for crystallizing untamed mana and tried to store it inside the ring. It suddenly disappeared from my hands and I tried to sense it in the ring, it was lying there beside a small leather bag, which I decided to inspect later.
The Apostle of Lightning now with a more serious tone continued. "As guardians of magic, we are bound by the intricate workings of fate and the elements. We cannot directly bring you here until you have reached the realm of a Sage. However, we are determined to assist you on your path. Through the ring, we will establish a connection with your spiritual self, acting as intermediaries to provide guidance and advice."
I listened intently, my eyes fixed upon the ring that held such profound significance. The Apostle of Lightning's words sparked a curiosity within me, a desire to understand the full extent of this connection. What other secrets did the ring hold? What further uses did it possess?
"With the artifact we have bestowed upon you, Alex, you will find it to be a self-sufficient tool," the Apostle continued. "It will interpret the meaning of our indirect words and advice, shaping them into a form that resonates with your subconscious mind, allowing you to comprehend them in the way you are most comfortable with. It is a conduit of knowledge that will guide you on your path, presenting wisdom in a manner that aligns with your innate understanding."
As the Apostle's words settled in my mind, a sense of curiosity ignited within me. I pondered the depths of my subconscious, wondering what form this guidance would take.
Perhaps it would be through visual art, where colours and shapes would weave a tapestry of understanding. Or it could even be through the whispers of nature itself as if the wind and the trees held the secrets of magic.
"We need to remind you now that although we can help you, the number of times we can assist you and the amount of information we can share with you will be limited as there are various restrictions placed on us as the apostles of elements"
He paused for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to sink in, before concluding, "Also, the ring holds more secrets and capabilities than we can currently reveal. It is now up to you, young seeker, to discover its full potential as you progress on your extraordinary journey. May it be a source of guidance and illumination as you navigate the realms of magic."
As I stood there contemplating what I was told and feeling the weight on my shoulder increasing, the apostles were patient enough to let me think about all the info that was presented to me in the last hour.
After a few minutes, "Alex," a gentle voice interrupted, drawing my attention to the Apostle of Nature. "It is time for you to choose an element to unseal."
I took a moment to gather my thoughts, weighing the options before me. My gaze settled on the earth, the very ground upon which we stood. Earth, solid and constant, always surrounding us, seemed like a logical choice.
"I choose Earth," I declared, my voice resolute yet tinged with a hint of uncertainty.
The apostles nodded approvingly, acknowledging my decision. It was time for me to embark on the path that would unlock the power of the earth within me.
Before embarking on my journey, the Apostle of Healing approached me with a gentle smile, her kind eyes filled with concern. "Before you continue your path, young one, are there any immediate needs you have? It is important to take care of yourself and tend to your well-being."
I paused for a moment, realizing that I had been so focused on the grandeur of my training that I had neglected my body's needs. With a grateful nod, I replied, "I could use something to eat and drink. The journey ahead will require quite a bit of energy."
In response, the Apostle of Nature stepped forward, and with a graceful wave of his hand, he summoned mystical-looking walking plants that seemed to dance as they made their way toward me. They carried an assortment of colourful fruits, plucked fresh from the bountiful garden that lay behind the temple. The fruits emanated vibrant energy, enticing and nourishing.
Simultaneously, the Apostle of Water extended her palms, and from the air itself, water began to materialize. It swirled and formed a pristine liquid, filling a clay glass that had been crafted by the skilled hands of the Apostle of Earth before my very eyes. The glass had an earthy texture, cool and comforting to the touch.
I watched in curiosity as the elements themselves orchestrated this display, providing me with sustenance and quenching my thirst. It was a testament to the harmony and power that permeated this sacred place, where even the simplest of needs were catered to by the very essence of magic.
With gratitude in my heart, I accepted the offered food and drink, savouring every bite and sip. The flavours were unlike anything I had experienced before, each mouthful bursting with vitality and a touch of magic. It was a meal that fed not only my body but also my spirit, revitalizing me for the journey that lay ahead.
As I finished eating, the Apostle of Healing approached me once again, her voice filled with gentle concern. "Do you require rest, young one? It is crucial to listen to your body's needs and ensure you are well-rested for the challenges ahead."
With newfound strength coursing through my veins and a determination burning within me, I smiled and replied, "I don't feel like resting at the moment. I am brimming with energy and ready to continue on my path."
The Apostle of Earth nodded, his eyes reflecting the wisdom of ancient lands. "Travel around this realm," he advised. "You will need to comprehend the elements yourself, but we will keep an eye on you in case something happens."
With a farewell to the apostles, I started my descent from the mountain towards the temple of earth. The path leading downward stretched before me, its twists and turns mirroring the journey that awaited me. The journey ahead was a step into the unknown, but I embraced it with a newfound sense of purpose.
As I ventured forth, the words of the apostles echoed in my mind. The unsealing of the elements and the connection I would forge with them beckoned me. The path to becoming a mage was filled with challenges and discoveries.
With each step I took, a surge of anticipation coursed through my veins. The uncharted realm of magic beckoned, and I was determined to discover the depths of my potential. The journey toward becoming a mage had begun, and it would lead me to a world where wonders and possibilities knew no bounds.