The next morning, as the first rays of sun pierced through the towering crowns of Ellinor's trees, Godrian invited Lawrence and Lucy to a spacious training hall. This hall was specially equipped for teaching and honing magic and martial arts skills. It was adorned with ancient banners and frescoes depicting venerable battles and magical rituals. Along the walls stood dummies for practice and massive wooden tables, laden with various magical artifacts and ingredients.
In the center of the hall stood Godrian, watching Lawrence and Lucy enter. His expression was stern, yet a warmth twinkled in his eyes.
- "Good morning, young apprentices," he began, beckoning them over. "Today marks the beginning of your journey into the mastery of magic and skill, demanding not only physical strength and intellect but also moral fortitude and self-discipline."
Lawrence and Lucy listened attentively, nodding in understanding.
- "We will start with the fundamentals of magical energy control. Each of you possesses a unique magical potential, which we must develop properly. Lawrence, you have already shown an affinity for air and fire magic. Today, we will focus on strengthening your control over these elements. Lucy, your connection with earth and water will be our primary concern," explained Godrian.
Godrian instructed Lawrence to concentrate and summon an air vortex. Lawrence closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and upon exhaling, slowly spread his arms out. The air around him began to quiver, gradually forming a small vortex that gently wrapped around his body.
- "Excellent, Lawrence. Now, try to maintain the vortex as long as possible, controlling its movement solely with the force of your will," Godrian advised.
Lawrence's thoughts were focused: "I must be extremely cautious, not to reveal my true abilities to Godrian. I will concentrate only on air and fire."
Godrian observed the boy intently. Using the spell "Analysis," which provides information about a creature and its Mana Core:
- "Just as I thought… Lawrence is not merely a five-year-old child… His Mana Core is at the 'Xanthós' (Yellow Level)… Even I, who have lived many years, am at the 'Erythrós' (Red Level). And he is just one step behind me… How is this possible?!" Godrian mused to himself. "Perhaps this lad does not yet fully understand how to control his Mana Core. Or maybe he does it purposely…"
- "Grandpa, are you alright? You're all sweaty and you look very frightened," Lucy inquired.
- "Oh, yes, all is well, my dear, do not fret," Godrian replied, continuing to observe his apprentices.
While Lawrence practiced controlling the air, Godrian turned to Lucy:
- "Lucy, try to invoke the growth of flowers here, on this patch of earth. Imagine your energy connecting with the life force of the earth, awakening the seeds to life."
Lucy concentrated, touched the earth, and softly whispered a spell. Within moments, green sprouts broke through the soil, quickly blossoming into vibrant flowers.
- "Wonderfully done, Lucy! You naturally sense the rhythms of nature," Godrian praised her.
He then led them through a series of exercises on concentration and meditation to help strengthen their connection with their magical sources and teach them to use magic more effectively and safely.
By the end of the training session, both apprentices felt tired yet exhilarated by the new knowledge and skills they had acquired. Godrian, observing their progress, felt pride and confidence in their future.
After their successful initial attempts at controlling the elements, Godrian moved on to the next stage of training—meditation, and concentration. These exercises were crucial for a deep understanding and control over the magical forces Lawrence and Lucy were beginning to harness.
Following the successful completion of the concentration and meditation exercises, Godrian decided to advance to the next stage of training, which included more complex meditative practices and deeper exploration of the elements.
"Setting the Space"
Godrian prepared the hall where the soft music of elven flutes merged with the sound of a waterfall, creating a soothing atmosphere. The floor was strewn with soft cushions, and in the center, a small fireplace burned, emitting a thin plume of smoke with the scent of lavender and sage, helping the apprentices achieve deep relaxation.
- "Now that you have begun to master control over your elements, we will move on to exploring deeper aspects of magical energy. This will not only help you better understand your powers but also learn to use them under more complex conditions," Godrian explained, gathering the apprentices in the center of the hall.
He arranged candles around them, creating a symbolic circle that represented a magical space for the next phase of training. The candles flickered, reflecting in their eyes, adding a sense of seriousness and mystery to the moment.
"Concentration Exercises"
Godrian began with basic concentration exercises. He asked Lawrence and Lucy to close their eyes and focus on their breathing, teaching them how to breathe with their diaphragms—slowly inhaling through the nose, holding the breath for a few seconds, and slowly exhaling through the mouth.
- "Feel how each breath fills you with energy, and each exhale releases tension," Godrian instructed.
"Meditation on the Elements"
Once they reached a state of relaxation, Godrian moved on to meditation on the elements.
- "We will start with exercises on deep meditation. You will need to not only visualize your element but also try to feel its presence at all levels of your being," Godrian continued.
- "Lawrence, imagine how the wind caresses the leaves on the trees, feel its coolness and freshness. Let each of your breaths bring this energy into your body," Godrian said.
Lawrence immersed himself in his sensations, feeling how the air currents enveloped him, bringing a sense of lightness and freedom.
- "Lucy, feel how you become part of the earth beneath you. Feel its warmth and fertility, allow this energy to rise through your body with each breath," Godrian guided.
Lucy attentively followed his instructions, and her mind slowly merged with the sensation of the earth, giving her a sense of stability and strength.
"Visualization and Energy Management"
Next, Godrian taught them to visualize their magical energy as colored light flowing through their bodies, connecting with the elements they were practicing. Lawrence was to imagine himself surrounded by Green and Orange light, symbolizing air and fire, while Lucy visualized Brown and Blue light, representing earth and water.
After a lengthy meditation, Godrian smoothly transitioned them to the next exercise—visualization and energy management. He taught them to see their magical energy as colored light freely flowing through their bodies and connecting with the surrounding world.
- "Now, try to slowly change the intensity and direction of this light, learning to control the flows of your energy with precision and effortlessness. This will help you better control your magic in various circumstances," Godrian concluded.
"Practice of Mindfulness and Control"
The final part of the training consisted of exercises in mindfulness and control. Godrian asked the apprentices to slowly change the intensity of the visualized light, teaching them to manage the flows of their energy with precision and effortlessness. This exercise not only strengthened their ability to control magic but also helped them understand their connection with the chosen elements more deeply.
During a break between meditations, Lawrence and Lucy found a moment for a brief conversation, sharing their experiences and progress.
Lawrence, with a slight smile, reaching out to Lucy, said:
- "How do you feel after these exercises? You seem to merge with the earth when you meditate."
Lucy, taking his hand with a grateful look, replied:
- "Thank you, Lawrence. Yes, it's a strange feeling, but at the same time so familiar. When I focus on the earth, I feel as if I'm finding something long lost. And you? Are you managing to control the air?"
With a serious expression, Lawrence pondered for a moment but replied:
- "It's harder than I thought. The air seems so fickle and changeable. But when I manage to concentrate, I feel the energy of coolness enveloping my hands. It's like a game where you have to learn to dance with the wind, not letting it carry you too far."
Smiling, stepping forward, and touching his hand gently, Lucy said:
- "That sounds magical, Lawrence. You've achieved so much despite all the difficulties. Grandpa is right, you are special."
Lawrence, blushing at the compliment, quickly changed the subject:
- "And what about you? I've noticed you manage your magic very well. You're confident in every move."
Lucy, sighing and looking away quietly said:
- "I still have much to learn. I want to be ready for whatever may come. Our world is not always as safe as here in Ellinor. And it's important to me to know that I can protect not only myself but also those who are dear to me."
Nodding in agreement, Lawrence placed his hand on Lucy's shoulder and said:
- "We've both been through a lot, and I think together we can learn even more. Mr. Godrian is an excellent teacher, and with his help, we will become stronger."
Lucy, taking his other hand, looking into his eyes with gratitude and embarrassment, whispered awkwardly:
- "Thank you... Lawrence, for being here… It means a lot to me!"
Lawrence and Lucy felt a significant increase in their understanding and control over magical forces. Godrian watched their successes with satisfaction, realizing that his apprentices were taking their first steps toward becoming true masters of magic.
After the training session, Godrian, along with Lawrence and Lucy, headed to a small tea room next to the training hall. It was the perfect place for rest after intense exercises. The room featured a table made of dark wood, surrounded by comfortable chairs, and the windows offered a view of the lush gardens of the palace.
Godrian poured each of them a cup of herbal tea, the aroma of which filled the room, enhancing the sense of calm and comfort.
- "You both did wonderfully today," Godrian began, smiling at his apprentices. "This is just the beginning of your journey, and you have already shown significant progress in managing your elements."
Lawrence and Lucy, sipping tea, listened to Godrian, feeling the tension slowly leave their bodies.
- "Thank you, Mr. Godrian," said Lawrence, appreciating the warmth of the tea in his hands. "The training turned out to be more intense than I expected, but I feel my abilities becoming stronger and more confident with each session."
- "Yes, I also feel that I understand better how my magic is connected to the earth," added Lucy, smiling in return. "This feeling, when you're not just using magic, but becoming part of it, incredibly strengthens the spirit."
Godrian nodded, pleased with their responses.
- "Magic is not just a tool; it's a part of your being. When you learn to control it, you learn to control a part of yourself. It gives you power, but also great responsibility," he wisely said.
Then Godrian became more thoughtful, weighing his words before continuing.
- "It's important to remember that with great power comes great responsibility. Magic can bring both good and destruction. Your task is to learn how to use it to protect and help others, not to resort to it trivially or in anger."
Lawrence and Lucy listened attentively, realizing the seriousness of their situation and how important it is to use their abilities wisely.
- "What you've learned today is just the beginning. As you continue your training, you will encounter more complex tasks and discoveries. I will be here to guide and support you," Godrian assured them, ending his talk with a warm smile.
After finishing the conversation about magic and responsibility, Godrian paused for a moment, assessing Lawrence with a look full of seriousness and some caution. The air in the room seemed filled with heavy anticipation.
- "Lucy, my dear, could you please find your mother? I would like to speak with Lawrence alone about some important matters," Godrian gently requested. His tone was kind, but a spark of anxiety flashed in his eyes, which Lucy noticed but chose not to comment on.
Lucy nodded, sensing the importance of the moment, and without asking any further questions, quickly left the room. She knew that if Grandpa asked for such a thing, it must be truly crucial.
As soon as the door closed behind Lucy, Godrian turned to Lawrence, his gaze penetrating and evaluative.
- "Lawrence, I have analyzed your magical potential, and the results have surprised me," Godrian began, his voice calm yet carrying a note of seriousness. "You possess a 'Xanthós' (Yellow Level) Mana Core. This is very rare for someone of your young age. Tell me, Lawrence, where do these abilities come from?"
Lawrence paused for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts. He knew it was futile to hide his true abilities from such a wise mage as Godrian.
- "I don't fully understand how it works myself," he confessed. "It all started when I first felt magic. It was intuitive. I just knew I could do it."
Godrian nodded, seriously considering Lawrence's response.
- "You see, Lawrence, there is a spell called 'Analysis.' It allows a mage to see the structure and level of another being's magical energy," he explained. "I used this spell to learn more about your magical potential. What I saw proves that you're not just talented; you're unique."
Lawrence listened attentively, his eyes widening in surprise.
- "This means that you possess potential comparable to the magical powers of the highest mages of Ellinor, although you are just one step below the strongest among them. We need to ensure that your power is used correctly and that you fully control it," Godrian continued.
- "I want to help you understand this, to teach you to control your Mana so that you can use your gift with wisdom and caution," Godrian concluded, placing a hand on Lawrence's shoulder in a gesture of support and trust.
Lawrence, feeling the weight of responsibility, nodded, grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a master. He realized that this conversation would change his life.
As Godrian kept his hand on Lawrence's shoulder, he felt a subtle, barely perceptible vibration of magic that was unlike the usual flows of Mana. It was something entirely different, pure and powerful, and he instantly realized—before him was not just an unusual source of magic, but something much more significant.
For a moment, he was shocked and nearly lost his balance, stepping back from Lawrence. Godrian's eyes widened in surprise, as he felt that the Mana Particles emanating from the boy were similar to those emitted by only the ten Great Goddesses of Eldoria—beings known for their divine power and purity of energy.
- "Lawrence, where did you get this mark on your body? It... seems like Mana Particles that are emitted by Goddesses or their descendants. How is this possible?" Godrian asked, his curiosity and concern mingling as he tried to hide his agitation.
Lawrence, who until that moment had not realized that his mark was something special, looked at Godrian with puzzlement.
- "The mark? Oh, do you mean the Mark that Aria left me?" he slightly lifted his shirt, revealing a small symbol, akin to a sign, engraved on his skin just above his chest. "Mr. Godrian.. This is a long story... Please, have a seat. I think I can trust you. I will tell you everything from the beginning."
Settling in more comfortably, Lawrence began his story. How he arrived in the Mirror Forest. What happened there and how did he meet Aria?
Describes in detail everything he saw and felt at that time. He also detailed how his training went, how he spent four years with Aria, and what happened on the day they parted.
However, Lawrence still withheld several facts from Godrian. That he was pretending to be a little boy and that he was reborn in the World of Eldoria with memories of a past life. Lawrence decided that if he had started a new life, it was better not to tell anyone about the old one.
Godrian was puzzled, his mind racing through all the knowledge he had ever acquired—stories about ancient magical signs, legends about divine symbols of power, about the ten Great Goddesses and their descendants. Godrian still could not understand who Aria was and why she had such power. None of it, however, fully explained who Lawrence was.
- "Lawrence, this is simply unimaginable! But it seems that your mark is not just a parting gift. Since you mentioned that this Mark has made itself known several times, it could be a sign of very powerful protection or a gift given to you by that very Aria. We must investigate this further," Godrian said, his tone resolute but laced with a note of admiration.
- "This could be the key to your unique magical abilities. Your ability to use magic, your intuition in its use—perhaps all of this is connected to your uniqueness. Well, the Mark will only add to your greatness. We need to conduct some tests to understand its nature and how it affects you," Godrian continued.
Lawrence listened, trying to grasp the magnitude of what had been revealed to him. He felt his curiosity awaken and decided that he wanted to learn more about his mark and how to use its power most effectively.
- "Mr. Godrian, I want to learn. I want to understand what this means, and if my mark is indeed a gift from the goddesses, then I must learn to use it properly. Please help me," Lawrence said, his voice resolute.
Godrian nodded, feeling a deep responsibility and simultaneously excited about the upcoming exploration of this amazing discovery.
Godrian felt like a scientist on the brink of a great discovery, his mind filled with excitement and a burning desire to unravel the mysteries hidden in Lawrence's mark. With determination in his eyes, he addressed the young man:
- "Lawrence, this discovery could change much in your understanding of magic. We must explore every detail of your mark, every fluctuation of Mana, to understand how you are connected to the Great Goddesses. This research could shed light not only on your abilities but also on the very nature of magic itself."
Lawrence nodded, understanding the importance of the moment. His heart beat in unison with Godrian's excitement, and he was ready to follow his mentor into any magical investigation that would help unlock the secrets of his origin.
Godrian, thoughtfully stroking his beard, continued:
- "First, we must use the spell 'Analysis' again to delve deeper into the structure of your mark. This spell will allow us to see the finest details of the magical energy flowing through it. This will give us a starting point for understanding exactly how your Mana interacts with this symbol and what it means for you as a mage."
Lawrence listened attentively, his eyes reflecting the fire of curiosity and readiness to learn.
- "After the analysis, we will conduct a series of training sessions to test how your Mana reacts to various magical influences. This will help us understand which types of magic you can control more effectively, and how your unique mark might enhance or alter your magical abilities," Godrian continued, his voice sounding like the guidance of a great teacher.
Lawrence nodded, full of determination and thirst for knowledge. He was ready for any tests and experiments if they would help him master his abilities and understand the essence of the magical mark left by Aria.
Godrian, catching the spark of aspiration in his eyes, smiled:
- "Are you ready to begin, Lawrence? The path we have chosen may be difficult and full of surprises, but I am confident that together we can uncover all the secrets that your mark holds."
- Lawrence boldly replied:
- "I am ready, Mr. Godrian. No matter what challenges await me, I want to learn everything about my mark and how I can use it to help others and protect Ellinor."