"Before we proceed any further, there are a few crucial points I must make clear." Elora's voice was firm, laced with authority and caution. "Firstly, Elven magic is not to be used carelessly or to be divulged to outsiders recklessly."
Ryan, unable to suppress his curiosity, interjected before Elora could delve deeper into her explanation. "If Elven magic is not to be used carelessly or shared with outsiders recklessly, then why are you willing to teach me it?"
Elora's gaze softened, a bittersweet blend of longing and compassion flickering in her eyes. She decided to be transparent with the earnest young man seated before her. "You bear a striking resemblance to someone dear to me, someone I lost long ago. And as an elf, I can sense that you are not a malevolent soul. Additionally, I am personally intrigued to see whether you can truly harness mana despite your extraordinary circumstances. If you can, who knows what your future holds..."
Her genuine explanation resonated with Ryan, who nodded in understanding, appreciating the sincerity and the twist of fate that had led him to her side.
As he reflected on his encounter with the immensely powerful mage responsible for the trio's tragic fate, he couldn't help but shudder at the thought of what could have befallen him. Grateful for his current predicament, he refocused his attention on Elora, eager to absorb every word she had to offer.
Elora continued, shedding light on the intricacies of Elven magic. "At birth, elves forge a sacred bond with the World Tree, Yggdrasil. It is this connection that enables us to wield nature mana with no energy storage, like a human's mana core. We take an oath to protect nature and never abuse the power bestowed upon us. Our karma plays a significant role in the manifestation and potency of our nature magic. The stronger our positive karma, the greater our command over nature. However, there exists a threshold where one's karma becomes tainted, where the weight of death, destruction, and turmoil outweighs the good one has done."
"In such cases, elves are forsaken by the World Tree and cast out from their kin, becoming Dark Elves. While they are often portrayed as malevolent and cunning, it's crucial to note that not all Dark Elves are inherently evil. Likewise, not all elves are inherently virtuous."
Ryan's mind raced as he processed the profound concepts that previously existed only within the realm of fantasy novels. Hearing them from an actual elf added weight and authenticity he could never have anticipated. The notion of facing natural consequences for one's actions and carrying an inherent responsibility weighed heavily on his thoughts. However, he couldn't fully comprehend how these principles applied to his own enigmatic circumstances.
"Well, if you were to misuse the power of nature mana through the Elven methods I teach you, even I am unsure what consequences you might face. This is if you can even use them. You may enter a state of uncontrollable frenzy or suffer severe backlash. Moreover, nature itself might reject you, a fate experienced by Dark Elves, which is something you definitely want to avoid."
"It's important for me to mention these potential outcomes beforehand," Elora added, a mixture of emotions playing in her eyes.
Her voice carried a tone of caution and concern as she delivered the sobering warnings. However, she felt compelled to add another crucial piece of information. "I must also warn you that other elves, upon discovering your use of their sacred methods, will most likely not take kindly to it. In fact, some may even instantly resort to lethal measures."
She found herself almost trying to dissuade him, to make him fully aware of the risks involved. Yet, despite all the precautions and forebodings, Ryan sat before her with an unwavering enthusiasm, his eagerness undiminished if not heightened by her words.
A genuine smile spread across Elora's face, warmth radiating from her chest - a sensation she had long forgotten. She never expected to find solace and a flicker of enjoyment in the company of the unusual youth, even if their time together would be brief.
But before she could fully grasp the depths of her newfound emotions, he blurted out another series of questions, his demeanour becoming suddenly casual, as if they were old friends engaging in light-hearted conversation.
Ryan's words tumbled out in an excited ramble as he bombarded Elora with a barrage of questions. "So, how do I return to my world when I need to? To return here, to Aria, can I still use the same method of using that space barrier thing I found in that alleyway, or will I need to find or create a new one? Oh, and what if I'm actually half-elf? Although I'm pretty sure my parents were both human, there's this lingering feeling of something unique to me. Maybe I'm fated to become a powerful mage. That would be incredible, don't you think?"
Caught off guard by his rapid-fire inquiries, Elora paused for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts amidst his restless energy. She marvelled at his boldness, as he made himself at home, even getting up and rummaging through her collection of fruits and vegetables. Before she had a chance to respond, he eagerly sought her approval. Glancing back at her with an expectant look while biting into an unfamiliar apple-like fruit, Ryan hadn't eaten breakfast yet, and it showed.
Suppressing a chuckle, Elora gestured for him to slow down, amused by his voracious appetite and genuine enthusiasm. With a smile, she finally began addressing his questions, admiring his thirst for knowledge and the ease with which he embraced the unknown.
Elora responded with a mixture of practicality and reassurance, her voice filled with a blend of matter-of-factness and genuine care. "Returning to your world is as simple as using a portal or an enchanted item. Other than that, you could learn the Spatial Magic for yourself, but that isn't an easy thing to do, especially without a mana core."
She paused briefly, assessing his reaction, before continuing. "Rest assured, I will ensure your safe return home, no matter the circumstances."
Ryan nodded appreciatively, though his mouth was still occupied with a mouthful of food. The prospect of returning seemed to bring him a sense of comfort and relief, even as he indulged in the exotic flavours of the fruits he had discovered.
Addressing the question of his heritage, Elora clarified, "While I can confirm that you are not part Elven, I cannot definitively determine your human lineage. Various humanoid creatures don't identify as human, so the possibility remains open. Nevertheless, it seems you are unfazed by the uncertainty, which is quite remarkable."
Observing his calm demeanour and lack of concern, she couldn't help but marvel at his adaptability and composure. It was rare to encounter someone so at ease with their circumstances, especially in the presence of an elf whose experience and power dwarfed their own.
But as not to waste any more time sitting around, Elora rose from her seat, ready to get things started, with Ryan quickly doing the same after scoffing down one last handful of berries.
'It's not like I have anything better to do,' he thought to himself.
'But doesn't she have any forest guardian duties to attend to...?'