Vedik was beyond exhausted . The events of the training session – the initial surge of power, the brutal realization of his inefficiency, and finally, the crippling pain that served as a harsh reminder of his limitations.
Exhaustion and fatigue claimed him. So , he slept throughout the day, his body desperately repairing and replenishing itself.
Meanwhile, tension hung heavy in the air as William entered the living room. Jasmin sat by the window, her brow furrowed in worry.
Finally, William spoke, his voice gentle, "He's asleep. The training session took a lot out of him."
Jasmin looked up, her eyes filled with concern. "He shouldn't have pushed himself so hard," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
William sat beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He is eager, Jasmin. Eager to learn, to grow stronger."
"Too eager, perhaps," Jasmin countered, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. "He doesn't understand the dangers."
William sighed, a deep breath that reflected the burden he carried. "He is learning, slowly. But there's something else I wanted to talk about."
He paused, his gaze flickering with a mix of awe and pride. "Jasmin, you have no idea what Vedik has accomplished."
Jasmin's curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
A smile played on William's lips as he said "Vedik has grasped the concept of Mana Compression with remarkable ease. It took me months to master it but he has done it in few weeks.
Jasmin chuckled softly as she replied
"I mean what do you expect from him, From the day he has arrived , my understanding of the world has shattered."
William's smile widened as he continued , "But not only did he grasp Mana Compression quickly, but he also managed to initiate Mana Breathing yesterday."
Jasmin's eyes widened in surprise. "Mana Breathing? But that's… that's an advanced technique! It takes years of practice..."
"Exactly," William confirmed, his voice filled with a quiet pride. "And Vedik, our son, managed to achieve it in a matter of weeks. It's… extraordinary."
A thoughtful silence descended upon them. Jasmin's initial surprise gave way to a mix of emotions – a flicker of pride warring with a deep-seated fear.
"He's a good child, isn't he?" William continued, squeezing Jasmin's hand. "He listens, he works hard, and he's… different. In a good way."
William chuckled softly. "Imagine if it were you or me with this kind of talent. We'd have been insufferable little brats, waltzing around with our noses held high."
Jasmin managed a weak smile, the worry lines on her forehead not quite disappearing. "He's different alright," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
William sensed her apprehension. "I know, Jasmin," he said softly. "I know you're worried about the prophecy. But Vedik… he doesn't fit the profile. He has a kind heart, a thirst for knowledge, and a respect for others."
Jasmin finally met his gaze, her eyes filled with a well of unshed tears. "But what if we're wrong, William? What if the darkness within him awakens? What if he becomes the very thing we fear?"
William held her gaze, his voice firm yet gentle. "Then we guide him, Jasmin. We love him, and we show him the right path.
We instill in him the values of compassion, responsibility, and control. That is the power of a parent, a power that can overcome even the darkest prophecies."
He squeezed her hand again. "We have to believe in him, Jasmin. He deserves that much. And besides, there's more to his potential than just Mana Compression and Breathing. He needs to learn the art of Arcane Magic as well."
Jasmin looked at him, a flicker of hope battling with her lingering fear. "Arcane Magic? But isn't that…"
"Dangerous? Yes," William readily admitted. "But it's also incredibly powerful. And with proper guidance, Vedik can learn to control it. He has the potential to achieve great things which you and I could never ... achieve.
Jasmin closed her eyes, the weight of their decision heavy on her shoulders. The path they chose could lead them to either salvation or destruction.
"Alright," she finally whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Let him learn Arcane Magic. But William, we have to be extra cautious. We have to ensure he doesn't lose himself in the pursuit of ... power."
William's face broke into a relieved smile. He pulled Jasmin into a tight embrace ."Thank you, Jasmin," he murmured. "This means a lot."
As they pulled apart, a new determination shone in Jasmin's eyes. Fear would not dictate their actions. They would nurture Vedik's potential while guiding him with a watchful eye.
The next morning, Vedik awoke feeling refreshed. The exhaustion from the previous day had vanished, replaced by a dull ache in his muscles, a testament to the intensity of his training.
He stretched, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. Despite the pain, he felt a surge of accomplishment. He had pushed himself, and has emerged stronger.
He found his parents in the living room, a tense silence hanging between them. William's face was serious, while Jasmin's usually bright eyes held a flicker of worry.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," William greeted him, his voice strained yet gentle. "Feeling better?"
Vedik stretched again, popping his knuckles with a satisfying crack. "Much better, Dad. Thanks for looking after me yesterday."
Jasmin offered him a weak smile. "You gave us quite a scare, young man. Remember, pushing yourself too hard can be dangerous."
Vedik lowered his head sheepishly. "I know, Mom. I promise I'll be more careful next time."
William cleared his throat, drawing Vedik's attention. "Vedik, there's something we need to discuss."
William then explained Vedik's feats from the previous day, detailing his quick grasp of Mana Compression and how he was almost successful in mana Breathing.
"That's… incredible, Vedik!" Jasmin exclaimed, her voice filled with a genuine smile this time. "We're so proud of you."
Vedik beamed, a blush creeping up his neck. "Thanks, Mom. I just… I really want to learn more."
William nodded. "And you will, son. But there's another aspect of your training that we need to address."
William paused, his gaze flickering towards Jasmin. Fear was evident on Jasmin eyes, but she held his stare, a silent acceptance in her eyes.
"We believe you're ready to begin learning Arcane Magic," William announced.
Vedik's eyes widened. Arcane Magic! He had heard whispers about it, tales of powerful spells and devastating energies. It was every child's dream to wield magic.
"But… are you sure?" Vedik stammered, a sliver of doubt creeping into his voice. "Isn't it dangerous?" Vedik could still remember the day of crystal incident. His hands started shaking and sweating profusely.
Suddenly, Jasmin knelt before him, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and trepidation. "It is, Vedik," she admitted. "But with proper guidance and discipline, you can learn to control it. You have the potential to become something truly extraordinary."
Vedik looked back and forth between his parents, their faith in him burning brightly. A wave of determination washed over him. He wouldn't let them down. He would master this new skill, not for power, but for the responsibility that came with it.
After a few moments,"I'm ready," Vedik declared, his voice firm with resolve.
A relieved smile spread across William's face. "Excellent. Tomorrow, we begin your training in Arcane Magic. But remember, this is a path that requires not just physical strength but also mental fortitude. It's about control, focus, and understanding the very essence of magic itself."
Vedik nodded eagerly with shining eyes. The three of them started eating dinner , not knowing the ordeal they have to face tomorrow.