Next morning before training, Reynold introduced Jake and his friends to a middle-aged man.
"Hello, Uncle. Are you the son of Grandpa Tom? You look like him," Jimmy said upon seeing the middle-aged guy.
"Hmm, they do look similar," Mark chimed in, while Emily calmly observed him.
Jake was not sure whether to use Akashic eyes on him or not, but he didn't use them after Nexus warned him not to.
"Hahahaha, brats, it's me, Grandpa Tom. I am looking like this because my injuries healed, which results in rejuvenating me, and I decided to train you all alongside Reynold," the middle-aged guy, now rejuvenated Tom, laughed and said.
Jake and the others couldn't believe their eyes, as Grandpa Tom was a white-haired old man walking with the support of a stick, While the middle-aged guy in front of them had crimson red hair and stood upright without any support.
They collectively looked at Reynold for clarification, and Reynold smiled and said, "It's true; his injuries healed, and now he is back to his prime."
Jake and the others nodded and accepted that this guy was the old man Tom.
"I will help you form contracts with a spirit," Tom said, and once again Jake and the others looked at him with wide eyes.
"Spirits? Is it the same elemental spirits you are talking about?" Emily ran to him and asked with shining eyes.
Jake and the others couldn't believe their eyes seeing Emily so excited. This was the first time they were seeing her like this.
Tom smiled and rubbed Emily's small head, replying, "Yes, it's the same ones."
Emily started jumping on the spot, "Yaaay! I can finally see a real spirit."
Jake and Mark looked at Jimmy, hoping to find answers to this unusual behavior of Emily.
"Well, since the day she read about elemental spirits in the library, she always dreamt of acquiring one," Jimmy explained, seeing his friends looking at him intently.
Jake and Mark understood Emily's excitement, but it's not that they were not excited; they were too, but not as overly excited as Emily.
"Come with me," Tom said and started leading them.
Jake and the others followed him, and they reached Tom's home. "Come inside," Tom said and started leading them towards the basement.
Jake and the others smelled the fragrance of herbs upon entering Tom's home. It was like any other village home but with many small flower pots with weird and beautiful plants.
Reaching the basement, they found a massive room. One side of it was filled with various plants, and on the other side, there were numerous pieces of equipment.
"Grand... Uncle Tom, are you an Alchemist?" Mark asked.
"It seems you have read about Alchemy, and yes, I am an Alchemist," Tom smiled as he replied.
Mark eyes shined for a moment hearing Tom reply and he thought'I must covince Uncle Tom to teach me about Alchemy'.
Tom led them to an empty room within the basement. The air inside felt charged with mystical energy, and the base of the room was inscribed with a complex magic circle. The glow emanating from the runes on the floor cast an otherworldly ambiance.
"Welcome to my alchemy laboratory," Tom announced with a proud grin. "This is where I practice the art of alchemy and create various potions, elixirs, and magical concoctions."
Jake, Mark, Emily, and Jimmy looked around in awe as they took in the sight of shelves filled with rare herbs, vials of shimmering liquids, and ancient-looking tomes. The room seemed like a haven for those drawn to the secrets of the arcane.
"Now, alchemy isn't just about mixing ingredients randomly. It's a precise and intricate craft that requires both knowledge and intuition," Tom explained, gesturing towards the magic circle on the floor. "This magic circle is an essential tool. It helps channel and focus the energies needed for different alchemical processes."
He walked towards a table where various alchemical apparatuses were neatly arranged.
"For instance, the circle can enhance the purification process of a potion or amplify the potency of an elixir. Each rune within the circle has a specific purpose, and mastering their combinations is the key to successful alchemy."
"But today, we will use this circle to help you communicate with the spirits," Tom said, gesturing for Emily to sit inside the magic circle.
Emily nodded and went to sit in the center.
"Now, close your eyes and try to talk to the spirits when I signal you," Tom instructed. He struck the magic floor with his staff, sending mana inside the magic circle.
As the magic circle filled with mana, it started glowing, and Tom signaled Emily to attempt communication with the spirits. The room hushed in anticipation as Emily focused her thoughts within the illuminated circle, seeking a connection with the ethereal entities.
As Emily closed her eyes within the glowing magic circle, the room seemed to fade away. She heard a multitude of whispers, echoes, and distant murmurs, creating a symphony of ethereal voices. Amidst the cacophony, a calm and distinct voice resonated near her.
"Child of Celestaria, your presence is acknowledged," the calm voice spoke directly to Emily's mind.
Intrigued, Emily focused on that serene voice, trying to discern its source within the spiritual chorus surrounding her.
"I am Aeliana, the Spirit of the Zephyr," the voice continued, carrying the essence of a gentle breeze. "Why do you seek communion with the spirits, mortal?"
Feeling a sense of connection with this elemental spirit, Emily responded, "Aeliana, I seek knowledge, guidance, and a bond with the elemental forces. Will you join me on this journey?"
The whispers around Emily seemed to quiet as she awaited Aeliana's response.
The Spirit of the Zephyr's voice, now clearer, resonated with approval, "Your intentions are pure, child. I shall allow you to forge a bond with one of my children, granting you the wisdom of the winds and the harmony of the skies."
As Aeliana's presence enveloped Emily, a gentle breeze swirled within the magic circle, carrying a soothing energy. The runes on the floor glowed brighter, forming intricate patterns that mirrored the dance of the wind.
Tom watched with satisfaction as the bond between Emily and the Wind Spirit strengthened. The magic circle shimmered with the newfound connection, and the otherworldly voices seemed to harmonize in acknowledgment.
"You have formed a bond with an elemental spirit, Emily," Tom declared with a smile. "The wind spirit will help you and share her wisdom with you. Treat this connection with respect, and it will serve you well on your journey into the arcane."
Emily opened her eyes, the glow of the magic circle fading as she felt the gentle presence of Aeliana lingering within her consciousness. She thanked Tom for the opportunity and stood, ready to explore the depths of her newfound connection with the elemental spirits. The magical journey had just begun, and Emily embraced the mysteries that awaited her in the realm of spirits.
Jake and the others came near Emily, congratulating her in their own unique ways.
"A wind spirit? It's lame," remarked Jimmy.
"Wind is everywhere; she got a good spirit," defended Jake.
"I would've liked to have a Flame spirit," commented Mark.
Emily listened silently, not paying much attention to their banter as her entire concentration was on the small butterfly within her.
"Next is Jimmy," Tom announced, and Jimmy eagerly went to sit in the center of the magic circle. The atmosphere tingled with anticipation as the group waited to see which spirit would choose to communicate with Jimmy.
As Jimmy sat in the center of the magic circle, the air became charged with a different kind of energy. Tom, with calmness in his eyes, began to channel mana into the magic circle.
"Now, Jimmy, clear your mind and be open to the spirits," Tom instructed.
Jimmy, known for his playful and lively nature, couldn't help but crack a joke even in this mystical moment. "Hey, spirits, hope you're ready for some fun! If you're boring, I might just fall asleep in this circle."
The room echoed with laughter, even Tom joining in, appreciating Jimmy's unique approach to the spirit communication ritual.
Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. Instead of the usual whispers, a series of musical notes seemed to float in the air. The room filled with a melodic hum as a vibrant and colorful spirit materialized within the magic circle.
"I am Harmonia, the Melody Sprite," a playful and musical voice announced, resonating with the tones of a lively symphony.
Jimmy's eyes widened with excitement. "Harmonia! That's a cool name. Can you play some tunes for us?"
The Melody Sprite giggled, creating a musical trill that filled the room. "Of course, Jimmy! Let the rhythm of the spirits dance with your heart."
As Harmonia continued to play, the magic circle responded with shimmering lights and patterns that moved in sync with the melody. Jimmy couldn't help but tap his feet, fully immersed in the enchanting atmosphere.
Jake, Mark, and Emily watched in awe as Jimmy's connection with Harmonia unfolded, each note forming a bond between the lively spirit and the playful Jimmy.
"Jimmy, you've gained the company of a Melody Sprite. Harmonia will bring music and joy to your journey," Tom declared, a pleased smile on his face.
Jimmy, still grooving to the spectral tunes, grinned. "This is awesome! I got my own music buddy. Thanks, Harmonia!"
The Melody Sprite responded with a final flourish, leaving the room filled with a lingering harmony. As Jimmy stood up, he couldn't resist humming the tune, already looking forward to the adventures that awaited him with his newfound spirit companion.
"Uncle Tom, what kind of spirit is Harmonia? I have never heard of the Melody element," Jake asked Tom.
"The spirits are incarnations of all elements, from usual elements to unusual elements like Melody. Melody is a lively and harmonious variation of the Wind Element," Tom replied calmly.
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