Seeing Von defeat not one, but two vampires using their own specialty, the remaining two challengers decided the skill of this youngster far exceeded their own and chose to withdraw from the challenge, conceding victory to Von. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, acknowledging Von's remarkable display of skill and resilience.
With the last challengers conceding defeat, the elders declared Von the victor of the challenge. Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, Von couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Despite the trials and tribulations, he had faced throughout the day, he had emerged triumphant, against all challengers, proving himself worthy of the title of master mage.
Each of the elders offered their congratulations before clapping him on the shoulder with Archmage Poralis reminding him of his lessons in the morning and Archmage Alden going so far as to wish he was one of his hatchlings as it is a shame to waste such talent on such a short-lived species.
Von accepted the congratulations of the elders with gratitude, feeling a sense of validation and encouragement from their words. As Archmage Poralis reminded him of his upcoming lessons, Von nodded in acknowledgment, determined to continue honing his skills under the guidance of the masters.
Archmage Alden's words about his species being short-lived echoed in Von's mind, reminding him of the fleeting nature of his existence compared to the timeless wisdom of the elves. However, instead of feeling disheartened, Von saw it as a challenge to make the most of his limited time, to leave a lasting impact despite his brevity.
As the majority of the wizards drifted away, Master Ferandor approached Von. "Well done! I have heard you were a prodigy, but I didn't realize how much so! If you dare to allow me, I would like to have the privilege in the future to be included among the list of your instructors."
Von, no longer tired after infusing himself with Eira's blood, said excitedly, "how about now? I have some time before dinner and would love to learn more about phosphomancy!" He looked to his best friend and added, "Can Monica join us, Master Ferandor?"
"Of course, of course, Von and just call me Matt or Matthew. You and I hold the same title, although, I suspect, you really should be an archmage based on how you performed in at least two of your non-master affinities. I just don't know enough about time or blood magic to tell you for certain.
As they walked to the universal magic campus, Ferandor spoke, "The ability everyone knows about is the first lesson in our journey into the realm of light magic. This involves understanding the essence of photokinesis – the manipulation of light energy. Photokinesis is the foundation upon which many other light-based abilities are built.
Firstly, let's discuss the nature of light itself. Light is energy, comprised of assorted smaller essences in various wavelengths. To manipulate light, we must learn to sense and control these smaller essences which surround us.
As we walk, I want you to close your eyes and focus on the ambient light in your surroundings. Feel its presence, its warmth, and its movement. Now, gently extend your hand and visualize gathering the tiny essences, coaxing them to dance at your command.
Try shaping the light into a simple form, perhaps a sphere or a ribbon. Don't worry if it feels challenging at first – mastering photokinesis takes time and practice. Remember to maintain focus and intention throughout the exercise.
Once you feel comfortable with basic manipulation, we'll progress to more complex techniques in future lessons. Keep practicing diligently, and soon you'll wield light energy with finesse and precision."
Von closed his eyes and concentrated on the sunlight striking him. Within each beam, he could detect smaller things, almost like solid particles, but not quite. as he walked, Monica guided him to follow Master Ferandor. After discovering these particles, in felt almost identical to manipulating air as he enticed them into various shapes. He convinced them to turn into a ball, much like a time bubble, then a ribbon, and finally a small dragon which flapped its wings as it flew around his head. "I think I have it, Master.... um, Matt."
Turning to look, Master Ferandor's chin fell as he was the lifelike dragon flapping its wings, swishing its tail and changing colors while flying around the two youths. It even stopped here and there to shoot out small balls of fire, ice, or water in places. While it was shooting water, Ferandor stuck his hand in front of its mouth only to discover, this was not illusionary water. Instead, real water was being spewed forth from the mouth of a dragon made from particles of list.
"Exquisite, you got this man! Now, let me lead you on a journey of compassion and mastery over the healing properties of light. Light healing is a sacred art, one requiring not only skill but also a deep connection to the life-giving energies surrounding us.
Let us first understand the principles underlying light healing. Light carries within it the essence of vitality, capable of stimulating cellular regeneration and dispelling ailments. By channeling this radiant energy, we can mend wounds and restore balance to the body and spirit.
For your practical exercise, I want you to focus on a small object – perhaps a pebble or a leaf – and visualize it bathed in a gentle glow of light. Feel the warmth of this healing energy emanating from your palms as you extend your hands towards the object.
Now, with a soft breath and a gentle touch, infuse the object with the healing light. Picture the injuries fading away, replaced by a renewed sense of vitality and vigor. Trust in the power of your intention to bring about healing transformation.
"Remember the importance of empathy and compassion. Healing is not merely a physical act but a spiritual one, requiring sincerity and genuine care for the well-being of others."
Von nodded and walked behind the phosphomancy master. As he did so, he noticed the age in his step and scarring acquired over time as well as the wrinkles and marks along his skin. He held out his hands toward his latest instructor and focused on enveloping the man with the essence of light then melding it with the man's body, particularly in those areas where noticeable injuries could be seen. He focused on invigorating the man with the light allowing him to walk more smoothly and with a longer and stronger gait taken from the man's youth which no longer left him popping and creaking as he walked around. For good measure, he added some healing and temporal magic to make the weaves more effective while at the same time, making the instructor genuinely younger not just in gait but in body. An additional side effect of this healing was it repaired all of the man's old injuries properly as if they had never occurred.
Feeling the boy concentrating the beams of light on himself, the older man smiled while moving his head from side to side. 'This boy doesn't realize I'm almost 140 years old. I have twice been given potions to restore my age by roughly 30 years and I receive annual rejuvenation treatments. The light won't do much to this old body. If I were a little more important, I could ask a chronomancer to restore my youth, but I know it's quite dangerous. Still, I'll let the boy learn for himself.'
Ferandor continued to walk as he basked in the light provided by the boy when he discovered he was no longer limping. The injury he received as a child when he fell down the steps was nearly healed. The man was also no longer losing his breath while walking as he normally did, in fact, he felt better than when he received the rejuvenation treatments from the alchemist in town. With a lighter step, he let the lad continue as they neared their destination.
By the time they reached the tower of light, his reduced age and lack of niggling injuries sustained throughout his lifetime was obvious to all. Again, turning to Von, he bowed to a precise ninety degrees. "Thank you, Master Von. I haven't felt this good for many a decade. Even the best of healers hasn't been able to cure what you did this afternoon. You are indeed a prodigy."
Climbing the stairs to the shining tower, they entered the second classroom on the left which had no windows and was totally dark. Once the three of them were inside, Ferandor continued his lesson. "Next, you will learn to illuminate the path ahead as we delve into the art of illumination – the act of bringing light to the darkest corners of existence. Illumination is not merely about dispelling physical darkness but also about illuminating the recesses of the mind and spirit.
Begin practice by discussing the significance of light in the context of enlightenment and clarity. Light has long been associated with knowledge, insight, and spiritual awakening, serving as a beacon of hope in times of darkness.
For your practical exercise, I want you to close your eyes and envision a radiant orb of light forming within the depths of your being, pulsating with boundless luminosity. With a focused mind and a steady breath, project this orb of light outward, casting its radiance into the surrounding darkness. Watch as the shadows retreat, replaced by a warm and comforting glow that permeates the space around you...."
Before he could complete his lecture, ambient light shown from the ceiling over all parts of the room. Not enough to be blinding, but enough to be able to read easily had one been sitting at one of the desks. Von proceeded to change the light to only appear in certain places making the mood a little more intimate before altering it to a spotlight focused on illuminating just his instructor before returning it to the original effect of causing the entire ceiling to provide light.
Feeling this lesson was just allowing the youth to show off, he moved on. "Next is a favorite, invisibility. This is the art of manipulating light to conceal oneself from prying eyes."
Having remembered this from his test, Von not only turned himself and Monica invisible, he discovered he was able to manipulate the miniature essences within the main one to allow light to travel only one way allowing him to see as well.
"With a sigh, the teacher continued. Light absorption is the art of harnessing radiant energy to fuel our magical endeavors." He watched closely to see if the boy was already doing it before wasting more breath. Seeing he was not, he continued.
"I want you to find a comfortable position where you can relax and unwind. Close your eyes and imagine yourself bathed in a shimmering cascade of light, the warmth of its embrace enveloping you completely.
As you bask in the radiant glow, allow yourself to become receptive to the energy flowing within and around you. Feel the gentle pulsations of light coursing through your being, revitalizing your spirit and replenishing your reserves.
With each breath, draw in the luminous energy, allowing it to permeate every cell of your being. Visualize yourself becoming a vessel of light, radiating with vitality and inner strength.
As you continue your practice of light absorption, it will aid you in recharging your magical energies faster than just walking around."
Von walked outside and sat on the steps allowing the rays of the sun to hit him fully. He felt the warmth and allowed it to flow through him absorbing not only the warmth, but something additional energy as well. He had never thought about it, but this did seem to recharge him in some way as he sat there. He continued to enjoy the sunlight for another dozen minutes before returning inside to announce he successfully absorbed enough light to feel recharged.
Ferandor smiled, "Okay, so moving on, another of the most formidable aspects of light magic or the creation of weapons imbued with the radiant power of illumination. Light weapons are not merely tools of combat; they are extensions of the mage's will, channels through which we can unleash the full force of our magical prowess.
To understand light weapons, we must first grasp the concept of shaping and solidifying light energy into tangible forms. With focused intention and precise control, we can mold light into blades, spears, or projectiles of unparalleled brilliance and potency.
Envision a blade of pure light energy forming within your grasp. Feel its weight and balance, its edge shimmering with radiant power. This blade is an extension of yourself, a reflection of your inner strength and determination.
Now, with a swift motion, unleash the weapon's potential, allowing it to blaze with intense luminosity. Witness how the light dances and refracts off its surface, casting dazzling patterns upon the surrounding environment.
As you practice, explore the capabilities and limitations of your light weapon. Experiment with different forms and configurations, discovering new ways to harness its radiant power for both offense and defense.
As you have many additional talents, I will tell you there are advanced techniques for imbuing light weapons with elemental energy and enchantments which you may be able to grasp."
It took nearly twenty minutes before Von was able to form a weapon from light and several more before he could hold it continuously and keep it solid, but in the end, he did succeed, but felt he would need more practice. It was not the same as creating an elemental weapon.
The lessons continued with light detection which allowed him to sense our surroundings with heightened awareness and clarity by attuning to the subtle fluctuations in light energy. He was able to discover a previously hidden door by noting the oddities of light around the seam.
Next was light bending to make others believe everything was normal, followed by light amplification similar to what the master did with the sphere to turn the vampires to ash. It allowed Von to intensify existing light sources and magnify their radiant essence.
The last lesson for the day was luminous transformation. For this lesson, they returned outside into the sunlight as Master Ferandor explained the concept of luminous transformation as being the ability to transcend the limitations of the physical form and ascend to a higher state of being, becoming beings of pure light. Only the greatest of master phosphomancers could accomplish this amazing feat. This form took extreme amounts of energy to maintain, but it also allowed one to move at an incredible speed. Master Ferandor admitted this aspect of light magic was well beyond his capabilities as it has eluded him despite decades of trying.
Resolving to prove he could do it, Von sat cross-legged on the lush grass of the space beyond the tower, his brow furrowed in concentration as he attempted to channel the radiant essence around him. His hands trembled slightly as he reached out, trying to connect with the shimmering aura of light that danced just beyond his grasp.
For two hours, Von had poured his heart and soul into the practice of luminous transformation. He visualized himself surrounded by radiant energy, imagined his physical form dissolving into pure light, and reached out with every fiber of his being to merge with the boundless expanse of the cosmos.
Despite his best efforts, nothing seemed to happen. The air remained still, the flowers around him whispered softly in the breeze, and the sun continued its lazy journey across the sky, indifferent to his struggles.
Frustration gnawed at Von's insides as doubts crept into his mind. Was he not worthy of such a transformation? Was he lacking in some fundamental way that prevented him from ascending to the realm of pure light?
With a sigh of defeat, Von slumped forward, his shoulders heavy with disappointment. He had given it his all, poured every ounce of his being into the attempts, and yet he had achieved nothing.