8:31 AM
Golden Fields Region, Verdant Haven
Réel Residence
As Maurice and Aubert meandered through the forest, the morning sun peeked through the dense canopy of trees, casting a golden glow that danced on the forest floor.
The light, fragmented by the leaves, created a mosaic of warmth and shadow, lending an ethereal quality to their surroundings. The crisp morning air was filled with the sound of birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves, a symphony of nature that accompanied their journey.
Aubert, curiosity painting his youthful features, couldn't help but ask, "Papa, where are we going to train?"
"You'll see soon, Aubert," Maurice replied, his voice a blend of mystery and assurance, as he led the way with confident strides.
Their path meandered through the lush forest, a vibrant tapestry of green that seemed to welcome them into its depths.
After a while, the dense foliage began to open up, revealing a breathtaking vista.
Before them lay a wide river, its waters flowing gracefully from a majestic waterfall that cascaded down a towering cliff with a thunderous roar.
The sight of the waterfall, with mist rising into the air and catching the sunlight in a prism of rainbows, drew an awe-struck "Woah!" from Aubert.
Maurice approached the riverbank and knelt, his hand gently breaking the surface of the water.
He felt its temperature, a crucial check to ensure the suitability of this spot for Aubert's training. The water, neither too cold nor too hot, was just right.
A nod of satisfaction crossed Maurice's face, confirming his choice. This river, with its robust flow and strategic location, would serve as an ideal setting for Aubert's training obstacle course.
The challenge of navigating its currents would test Aubert's physical agility and magical prowess in equal measure.
"Aubert, let us begin," Maurice announced, turning his attention back to his son.
But before delving into the physical rigor of training, he sought to impart a lesson of a different kind.
Kneeling by the river once more, Maurice cupped water in his right hand, letting it catch the light and sparkle like liquid crystal.
"Aubert, what do you think of water?" he inquired, his voice carrying a depth that suggested the question was more than it seemed.
Aubert, puzzled by the sudden philosophical turn, hesitated before answering.
"Uhh…they're refreshing?"
His response, innocent and straightforward, belied the complexity of the lesson Maurice intended to teach.
Maurice smiled, appreciating Aubert's candidness. "Yes, water is refreshing," he agreed.
He then continued, "But it is also much more. Water, Aubert, is adaptable, powerful, and resilient. It can carve through stone, nurture life, and adapt to any container. In your training and your life, I want you to be like water—flexible in the face of obstacles, forceful when necessary, and always flowing towards your goals."
Aubert absorbed his father's words, nodding thoughtfully, understanding the depth of the lesson imparted.
Maurice then turned his gaze back to the river, his eyes narrowing with focus.
He extended a finger towards the flowing water and whispered an incantation under his breath, "leéR elcatsbO esruoC".
With a swift flick of his fingers, the air around them shimmered and erupted into a spectacle of huge blue smoke.
Aubert, caught off-guard by the sudden display, instinctively shielded his eyes with his arms.
As the smoke began to dissipate, Maurice stood back, observing the fruits of his magical incantation.
The river, previously a serene and uninterrupted flow, was now transformed into an intricate obstacle course.
Platforms of varying heights and sizes appeared, floating magically and moving in patterns that would test agility and timing.
Ropes and rings dangled from seemingly nowhere, requiring precise leaps and grasp to navigate. Illusory beasts, shimmering with spectral energy, patrolled certain areas, ready to challenge Aubert's combat skills and magical prowess.
And, most daunting of all, the course culminated at the top of the waterfall, where a platform awaited, suspended in the air by nothing but magic, challenging Aubert to climb the cascading waters to reach his final destination.
The complexity and the challenge of the course were evident, designed not only to test physical capabilities but also to encourage creative problem-solving and the strategic use of magic.
Maurice had crafted a training ground that was as much about mental acuity as it was about physical endurance and magical skill.
"That's where you're going to train, Aubert," Maurice announced, his voice filled with excitement and anticipation.
Aubert, his hands now removed from his eyes, took in the sight of the obstacle course. A smirk played on his lips as he considered the challenge before him.
'Hehehe. Papa, I could just fly through this,' he thought, confident in his magical abilities and perhaps underestimating the depth of the challenge Maurice had set before him.
Maurice, noticing Aubert's confident expression, couldn't help but smirk in return. He knew his son well enough to anticipate such thoughts.
"By the way, you're not allowed to fly," he stated, his voice laced with a playful yet firm tone.
"Ehh?!" Aubert exclaimed at the sudden ban.
Maurice couldn't help but chuckle at Aubert's exasperated exclamation.
It was a gentle reminder of the unexpected challenges life could present, and the importance of facing them head-on, without relying on shortcuts.
After a brief moment of mirth, Maurice's expression softened into one of contemplation. He sighed softly, the weight of the moment settling upon him as he prepared to officially start Aubert's training.
With a mutter, "lotsiP gnitrats", the air between his hands shimmered, and a starting gun materialized.
He lifted the gun, pointing it skyward, an emblem of the start of a significant journey for Aubert.
"Get ready, Aubert," Maurice called out, his voice steady and encouraging, signaling the seriousness of the training ahead.
"Okie, Papa," Aubert responded, his voice a mix of excitement and determination.
Despite the initial shock of the no-fly rule, he quickly shifted his mindset, readying himself at the starting line of the obstacle course.
He crouched slightly, muscles tensed, eyes focused on the path ahead, embodying the adaptability and resilience his father had spoken of.
The challenge had sparked a fire within him, a desire to prove not just his physical capabilities, but his strategic and magical prowess as well.
"3, 2, 1…GO!" Maurice's voice boomed, and he pulled the trigger.
BANG!
The starting gun emitted a loud bang, echoing through the forest and across the river, marking the beginning of Aubert's trial.
Aubert dashed toward the first part of the obstacle course, his small legs carrying him swiftly up the stairs that led to the initial challenge. His heart pounded with excitement and a hint of nervousness, a testament to the adventure that lay ahead.
Arriving in front of the floating water platforms, Aubert paused for a moment to assess the situation.
With a deep breath, he leaped onto the first platform, feeling it bob slightly under his weight. The stability of the platform reassured him, but as he scanned for the next step, his confidence wavered.
The next platform was positioned significantly higher, far beyond what a 5-year-old could be expected to reach with a mere jump. Aubert realized that to proceed, he would need to rely on more than just his physical abilities.
'I should use my magic to boost myself!' Aubert thought, his mind racing to devise a solution.
He remembered the images from his storybooks, where rocket ships were propelled into the sky by immense flames. This visualization sparked an idea in his young mind, a concept for a spell that could mimic the rocket's ascent.
Formulating his imagination into a tangible magical concept, Aubert decided to name his new spell "Rocket Boost".
However, recalling his father's teachings on the unique way they cast spells in the Réel family, he knew he had to articulate the incantation backward.
With a determined breath, Aubert spoke the spell name in reverse, "tsooB tekcoR!"
Instantly, a burst of energy erupted beneath him, sending him rocketing upwards with uncontrollable speed. The force was more intense than he had anticipated, causing him to spiral out of control in the sky.
From a distance, Maurice watched with a mix of worry and trust. His instincts as a father urged him to intervene, yet he understood the importance of allowing Aubert to navigate this challenge on his own.
He believed in his son's ability to adapt and overcome, a crucial lesson for both his magical and personal growth.
Aubert, soaring higher than intended, quickly realized he needed to adjust his spell to regain control.
His mind raced, sifting through the knowledge he'd absorbed from the spellbook and his father's lessons.
With a focus sharpened by urgency, he managed to tweak the spell, dialing back the propulsion to a manageable level. The adjustment was gradual but effective, allowing him to descend slowly toward the target platform.
His landing was rough, and he stumbled upon arrival, dizzyness washing over him as he muttered, "Brrrr!"
Shaking off the disorientation, Aubert looked up, only to find another platform awaiting him, posing the same challenge.
He sighed, a mix of frustration and resolve settling in.
Yet, with each subsequent leap, powered by his newly discovered "Rocket Boost" spell, he grew more adept at controlling his ascent and descent, fine-tuning his magical output with each attempt.
This cycle of jumping, boosting, and landing sharpened Aubert's magical skills and deepened his understanding of his abilities. It was a rigorous but invaluable part of his training, each platform a stepping stone not just across the river but towards mastery of his powers.
Finally, after what felt like countless leaps and adjustments, Aubert arrived at the next part of the obstacle course. His heart was racing, his breaths heavy with exertion, but his spirit was undaunted.
Floating Platforms: These are like stepping stones on the water that move around. Aubert needs to jump from one to another without falling into the river. Each platform moves in its pattern, so he has to figure out the best way to jump across them.
Water Spouts: Imagine water shooting up into the air like fountains at random spots. Aubert has to dodge or jump over these water spouts as he moves through the course. They pop up unexpectedly, so he needs to be quick and careful.
Whirlpools: These are swirling spots on the water that can suck him in if he gets too close. Aubert has to navigate around them safely without getting caught in their pull.
Final Platform: The last part of the course is a platform at the top of the waterfall. It's like the finish line that Aubert needs to reach. But getting there is tricky because it involves climbing or finding a way up to the waterfall while dealing with the other obstacles.