Max nodded reluctantly. Talbott continued "The exhaustion and doubts you feel now are normal. But you have gifts, Max. With proper training, you can achieve wonders."
Max considered his teacher's words. Finally, he said "You're right...I'm being impatient. If this is what it takes to learn magic, I'll keep working."
Talbott smiled. "That's the spirit. Your abilities will come in time. For now, take pride in your effort. Not just anyone could have done what you have these past months. You have discipline many apprentices lack."
Reassured, Max felt his frustration and doubt dissipate. He had come this far already through perseverance. With Talbott's guidance, he would continue down the hard but rewarding road of understanding magic in mind, body, and spirit.
"Thank you for not giving up on me, Master Talbott," Max said humbly. "Please teach me more when you think I'm ready."
Gradually, Max's persistence paid off. His physical fitness improved dramatically, his focus sharpened, and his stamina improved. On the 150th day, Max finally succeeded in filling the giant tank in a day.
Though tired from the intense training, Max was thrilled to have pulled through.
Talbott called Max over during one of their training sessions to brief Max on something
"Max boy it's been six months since you started training on your stamina and endurance, I think it's high time we move on to the next stage," Talbott said
"you see magic, In this world is a powerful, mystical force that certain people have the innate ability to tap into and manipulate. Magic manifests itself in different elements - fire, water, earth, air, light, and darkness." Talbott said
"Those born with magical abilities can learn to control these forces of nature through intense study, training, and focus."
"With the proper incantations, motions, and spells, a magician can conjure and command the very forces of the natural world. They can summon gusts of wind, walls of fire, crackling lightning, swirling tornadoes, or frigid ice with a wave of their hand. The most skilled can even manipulate light and shadows, bending them to their will."
"Magic requires great energy and stamina, however, so even the strongest mages cannot call upon these powers indefinitely. They must rest between spellcasting to regain their strength. And magic comes with great responsibility - the forces being controlled are dangerous and can easily wreak havoc if handled irresponsibly."
Talbott paused in between while smiling at Max to see if he understood what he was saying. He was happy to see Max give his unreserved attention to the lecture.
"This raw, primal magic allows users to achieve feats that would be impossible through mundane means."
"With enough mastery over the elements, a mage can heal grievous wounds, construct buildings in moments, craft powerful artifacts, teleport across great distances, peer into minds, and even call upon the spirits of the dead."
"Magic is a double-edged sword, bringing great power, but also great peril. It is not understood by common folk, who both fear and covet its secrets. This profound, mystical force shapes the fate of our world and those born with the talent to wield it."
Talbott stared into the sky and said some gibberish words that Max couldn't understand. Later looked at Max to continue his lecture
"You see when I teach about magic, I like to classify it into seven stages"
"The first, and most important of learning magic is the foundation, this just like the name implies is all you need to know about it ."
"For you to know magic you need to understand the basics"
"Just like the training, you have been going through all this while it's part of the basics "
"Assume I have an empty wine glass, what happens if I pour something hot that is greater than the boiling of the g glass," Talbott asked Max
"It cracks or explodes," Max said
"That's what all this training you have been going through is all about"
"you see if I had taught you how to use magic, without you being able to withstand magic boiling point, you would have died by exploding, or cracking eventually as you make use of magic"
Max was frightened by Mr Talbott's remark
"Don't be frightened by that, if you look at it from a certain point of view, that's how everything in the world works"
"an example is your mom who cooks, if she didn't understand the basics of cooking, she would have burnt down the house or cut herself" Talbott said while winking at max playfully, as max digested his words
"Remember Max, the ancient law of equivalence governs all magic and areas of life. To create, something of equal value must be given. To bend the forces of nature to your will upsets the balance, and the equilibrium must be restored. For every act of magic, there is a price to pay."
"Ah yes before I forget just know that there is a stage called discovery before foundation"
"This is when you first realizes that you can access magical abilities. You may accidentally tap into this powers due to strong emotions or needs. At first, this magic use is uncontrolled and wild."
"Have you seen any symptoms of you been able to use magic" Talbott asked max
"No, I haven't " Max replied dejected
"I see, you don't need to worry about that for most children awaken their latent magical abilities at age 12" talbot said while trying to cheer up max
While Talbott lectured Max about magic, Anna watched wistfully from the window. She pictured her young son who had always depended on her. Now here Max was, on the cusp of a great magical journey that would take him far from home.
As a child, Max could barely tie his shoes or read a book. Now through hard work, he was ready to master magic. Anna was proud, but also anxious about him leaving.
She thought back on the years raising Max alone after his father passed. The late nights comforting him from bad dreams, bandaging his scraped knees, telling him stories to inspire his imagination. Soon he would venture into the wider world without her guidance.
Anna wondered if she had any latent magic within her too. But at her age, it was unlikely such talents would manifest.