The next morning…
Damon and Isabel arrived at the boy's house early, and together, they made their way to an open training area deep within the forest. The air was crisp, the sunlight glared through the trees as the boys prepared for a day of intense training. Damon took Yuu under his wing, while Isabel guided Yuri to a separate part of the forest.
Damon taught Yuu the basics starting with how to properly wield a sword and basic attacks. "Proper stance is crucial. A lot of people focus on the flashy moves, but if you don't have the foundation, you won't get anywhere."
Yuu stood tall, eager to learn. "Flashy moves? That's exactly what I want to learn! You know, the lightning thingy you did yesterday."
Damon chuckled, adjusting his grip on his blade. "To use that technique, you'll need two things: mana and years of experience. You can't rush it. Mastering the basics is where it all begins kiddo."
"I'll master the basics so fast you won't even believe it!" Yuu declared, his voice full of fire. "Then you'll teach me all the cool stuff, right?"
"If you can keep up, sure. But you'll have to find me first," he said with a sly grin, his eyes sparkling.
Meanwhile, across the forest, Isabel was leading Yuri through his training session. She had already noticed how focused and diligent he was—traits that would make him a powerful mage one day.
"Isabel, I have a question," Yuri said, his voice laced with curiosity. "Have you ever heard of the divine arts?"
Isabel nodded, her eyes gleaming with a hint of pride. "I have. I can use them myself."
Hopeful and determined, Yuri pounces. "Would it be possible for you to teach me by any chance?"
She paused, studying him for a moment. "I could," she said, her tone turning serious, "but the divine arts are extremely difficult to master. You must become one with mana itself. It's not just about spellcasting—it's a way of life. If you can't synchronize with it, you'll never reach the level you're aiming for."
"If I can become a master-level mage in a short time you'll promise to teach me then right?" Yuri now hardened with resolve.
Isabel's lips curled into a teasing smile. "Only if you can catch up to me and Damon first," she said, a spark of challenge in her voice.
Yuri's eyes narrowed with determination. "We will."
Just then, from across the forest, Yuu's voice rang out, loud and confident. "We will find you!"
Isabel laughed softly at the synchronicity between the boys. It was uncanny how they were always in tune with each other. Even when apart, they seemed to share a bond that made them stronger together.
The training continued, each day building on the last. The boys pushed themselves to the limit, gaining strength, skill, and a deeper understanding of themselves. By the time they were fourteen, the two of them had become adept in their respective fields—Yuu with his swordsmanship and Yuri with his magic—reaching a level that would typically take an average person four years to achieve. Their progress was extraordinary, but it was only the beginning.
"You two have come such a long way in these past two months," Isabel said, her voice warm with pride. "I've rarely seen anyone improve as quickly as you have. Even Damon, who's a tough customer, was impressed."
Yuu grinned. "Thanks, Isabel. You guys pushed us hard, but I guess I'll miss those training sessions. I was looking forward to the next one."
Yuri's smile was bittersweet. "I don't want to admit it either, but... yeah, I'll miss you both. Those training sessions made me feel like I was getting somewhere."
Isabel chuckled softly, rubbing their heads affectionately like a proud parent. "Hey, don't be sad. You've got big things ahead of you. Remember, we'll meet again when you're both on the level of a Sage—S+."
In sync
"Yeah, we will!" The boys yelled, their smiles wide and full of determination, their spirits lifted once more.
Yuri turns to Isabel with a sudden thought. "Hey Isabel, before you two depart could you tell me my magic element?"
Isabel nodded, holding out her hand. "Just place your hand on my ring and it'll change color based on your element."
As his palm made contact, the ring began to glow with a deep, swirling darkness, radiating a heavy aura of power. The air around them seemed to grow thick and heavy.
Isabel's expression immediately shifted from warmth to concern. "Oh... wow…" she murmured, her voice uncertain.
Yuri's heart racing now asks, "What's the problem, Isabel...?"
Isabel hesitated before speaking, her brow furrowed with thought. "Your element… it's strong. Very strong. But it's not a simple one to control. It's often considered dangerous, one that can consume its user if they're not careful. Some say it's like a double-edged sword—it can grant you immense power, but it requires a great deal of mastery to wield safely."
Yuri lets out a breath; relieved. "Well, I'll just learn to control it and use my power to help people!" His voice firm, filled with resolve.
Isabel's expression softened, and she smiled warmly. "I believe in you, Yuri. I really do. But don't forget, controlling such power will be a long and difficult road. It's not just about strength, but wisdom too."
Yuri nodded, his eyes burning with determination. "I'm ready for whatever comes."
As they prepared to part ways, the boys' excitement and nerves bubbled to the surface. The adventure that lay ahead felt so close now, yet so far. They waved their final goodbyes to Isabel and Damon, and as they walked away, the two boys shouted across the field.
"Isabel! Damon!" Yuu called, his voice full of energy. "We're going to the Kingdom of Isan! We'll become the best adventurers to ever live!"
From a distance, Damon's voice called back, "We'll see you in due time, you two!" He laughed, waving over his shoulder.
As Isabel and Damon vanished into the distance, the boys turned to face the road ahead. Their journey had truly begun.