Serene epitomized what some people referred to as a 'bookworm'. Despite not being a wizard, a knight, or a fighting enthusiast, she possessed knowledge that rivalled even the most seasoned professionals in their respective fields.
The books she devoured were not extraordinary; they were the common tomes found in any library. Yet, through her voracious reading, Serene constructed her own hypotheses about the workings of energy, many of which proved to be correct. However, despite her deep understanding, she hesitated to put her theories into practice.
Fear gripped her heart, a natural response to the unknown forces she sought to explore. What if something went awry? The thought of experimenting with energies beyond the natural realm filled her with dread. The consequences could be dire—lifelong illness, disability, or even death.
Nonetheless, the allure of unlocking the mysteries of magic beckoned to her, a siren song that she found impossible to resist. It was this internal conflict, the struggle between curiosity and caution, that defined her.
"Are you going to teach me the arts that you developed?" Serene's question hung in the air, a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty evident in her tone. Was she questioning my integrity, doubting the ethics of what I might impart to her, or was it simply astonishment at the prospect of me sharing my knowledge with her?
"In part, yes. What I'll teach you initially are the basics—the fundamental principles that every wizard or knight should know," I replied, emphasizing the importance of laying a solid foundation.
"But there is one condition that I have, a really important one," I added, a note of seriousness creeping into my voice.
"A condition?" Serene's brows furrowed in confusion.
"Yes, it's for your own well-being," I continued.
"And what is this condition?" Her curiosity was palpable.
"You mentioned that you want to learn magic to defend yourself from unforeseen situations," I began.
"Yes," she affirmed.
"So, my request is that you refrain from using these methods for every little thing. I hope you'll reserve my teachings for dire situations only," I stated firmly, underlining the importance of responsible magic use.
"Is that an ethic you follow, or are your methods despised by many?" Serene's question held a hint of scepticism.
"I understand your concerns. The realm of magic may seem daunting, but I assure you, I harbour no ill intentions. I won't teach you anything unethical or harmful. There's nothing for me to gain from such actions. In truth, I see this as an opportunity to repay you for the care and kindness you've shown me."
Serene nodded thoughtfully. "I accept that condition."
"Very well, then I'll be your tutor every morning before the sun rises," I announced, a glimmer of anticipation in my voice. "And since we still seem to have some time, why not we begin?"
"I'm ready," Serene affirmed, her determination palpable.
"Sit cross-legged on the ground, close your eyes, and let your mind settle until you can hear the sound of the wind clearly, the breeze brushing past your ears," I guided her, mindful of her initial steps.
The surroundings seemed to offer a fitting backdrop for our practice. The lush green grass beneath us, moist with dew, and the temperate climate, neither too cold nor too hot, provided the perfect setting to embark on the path of magical arts.
"Keep your back straight," I added, ensuring her posture was correct. For the next few minutes, I stood behind her, a steady presence in the quiet morning air, before settling into position behind her. Placing my hand gently on her back, I felt her tense slightly at the contact, a natural response to the unfamiliarity.
"Relax," I said softly, offering reassurance. "I'll guide the flow of energy around you. As you begin to feel it, try to sync your own energy with it, allowing your core to follow its natural path. The core trust's in your will to adapt."
Perhaps due to the high compatibility of her veins and core, Serene quickly adapted to the flow of energy. In just a few minutes, she mirrored the rhythm effortlessly, and I withdrew my hand, ensuring no disruption to her concentration. As I looked at my palm, a sense of intrigue stirred within me.
Serene possessed affinity with two elements, one of which held considerable power among the wizarding community: the ability to command thunder. And by thunder, I don't mean mere electricity generated through scientific understanding, though she likely had knowledge of that as well. No, I referred to literal thunder—the divine judgment that descends from the heavens.
As if that weren't intriguing enough, there was the matter of her reaction when I touched her. It was... suggestive, to say the least. But I quickly dismissed the thought. After all, she was a nun.
'Alas, a beginner is a beginner, no matter how much of a genius she is,' I remarked sympathetically. In a matter of minutes, the energy circulating around Serene dissipated—an expected outcome for someone just starting out. Her core, though born of energy, couldn't sustain the strain of manipulation without proper training.
"It disappeared?" Serene's surprise was evident, her exhaustion adding a touch of vulnerability to her demeanour. Beads of sweat glistened on her face and neck, accentuating her natural beauty—a captivating sight indeed. Teaching her wouldn't just be a matter of explaining and guiding her; it would also require me to master the art of controlling my own urges.
"That's to be expected. Controlling energy takes time and practice. But now that you've experienced the sensation and your core has been introduced to the concept, you've taken the first step into the realm of magic," I reassured her.
"Since this method bypasses the need for purifying and storing energy, instead directly manipulating its impure form, it should be easier for you. However, daily practice is crucial to strengthen your core and increase your endurance," I explained, emphasizing the importance of consistency and perseverance.
"Ah, yes, I understand," Serene responded attentively as I explained the reason for the energy dissipation.
"That concludes today's lesson. The sun has started to rise, and if you exhaust yourself now, the day ahead will be a challenge," I advised, rising to my feet. Even I needed to engage in meditation, as the dark aura inside me wasn't easily managed.
Glancing at Serene, I noticed she was already struggling to stand, but she didn't appear exhausted enough to require assistance.
"You seem lively now, but don't get too excited. An error in the flow I taught you could have significant consequences, so avoid practicing in my absence," I cautioned.
"Thank you," she said, bowing slightly before hurrying off. I noticed her book lying on the ground where I had sat, untouched.
"The book," I called out, prompting her to halt in her tracks. She turned around and retraced her steps, swiftly picking up the book before making her exit.