New rumors were circulating in the capital. In the taverns, everyone was discussing the so-called "idiot" young master of the Russell family, who had managed to scare off a learned tutor. As soon as this news broke, it immediately topped the trending topics.
This incident was actually the Earl's own doing. Initially, no one outside the household knew about it, but his high-reward offer made it a well-known secret among the elite.
Ordinary people's lives were dull and uneventful, and they loved to gossip about the affairs of the nobility. The more they knew, the closer they felt to the aristocratic lifestyle.
Thus, the young master's "reputation" spread far and wide. Not only did the citizens of the capital know about it, but people from surrounding areas also used him as a cautionary tale: "As long as the child is healthy, just don't let him turn out like the Russell family's little idiot."
One day, Master Freyr's household received a guest he didn't particularly like. The visitor wore a long black robe, a pointed hat, had fingers like withered twigs, cloudy eyes, and a musty smell emanated from his clothes. He exuded a sinister aura.
This was the renowned Grand Wizard of the capital, Jalen, whom the Earl had invited.
The Earl, a high-ranking official in the empire's military, humbly pleaded, "Wizard Jalen, please examine my son to see if he has any magical talent, even just a little."
The Earl was desperate and had turned to the realm of magic for help.
If being a "Wizard" could be considered a profession, it was undoubtedly one of the most respected. Though this "respect" often came with a tinge of fear.
Wizards were symbols of nobility wherever they went on this continent. They were on par with any noble, receiving the highest honors and privileges.
A powerful Wizard's role in war could rival that of a small army! And every Wizard was a target for the elites to recruit. Not only for their extraordinary abilities but because they posed no threat to the rulers' power.
A Wizard's lifelong pursuit was deeper magic or meditation to amass magical energy. Almost all Wizards lacked worldly desires.
Firstly, they weren't greedy... as a mid-level alchemy spell could turn ordinary stones into gems or gold. Precious gems were merely magical tools to them.
Secondly, Wizards had no desire for power. Their lives were dedicated to reaching higher levels of magic, and worldly power meant nothing to them. This made the rulers very reassured! Every noble wanted to recruit them, paying a high price for their allegiance!
Facing a "special" heir who could neither wield a sword nor compose poetry, the Earl pinned his hopes on magic, hoping the Russell family might produce a Wizard. Even though the transition was abrupt, it was better than growing up to achieve nothing.
Under the Earl's expectant gaze, Wizard Jalen led Freyr into a soundproof chamber.
Wizard Jalen pulled a small bottle from his robe, poured some golden powder onto his fingertips, quickly drew a circle in the air enclosing both of them, and cast a silencing spell. In a mysterious tone, he said, "Lad, no one can eavesdrop on us now." Then, he stared intently at Freyr and asked, "Tell me, what do you think magic is?"
Faced with such a profound question, Freyr hesitated, recalling scenes from Harry Potter movies. Magic, wasn't it just long incantations and exaggerated special effects?
Seeing Freyr's expression, Wizard Jalen smirked and explained in a deep, solemn voice, "Magic is the key given to mortals by the gods, to unlock the secrets of this world. It is the path to pursuing the ultimate power of nature, the way to understand oneself, explore the world, and unlock the greatest gift bestowed upon humans by the gods."
The special effects in his mind vanished, and he felt like he was in a cathedral, just missing a choir.
This somewhat mystical explanation made Freyr frown, but he restrained his emotions. Wizard Jalen, mistaking his reaction for reverence towards magic, nodded in satisfaction and took out a crystal ball.
"Magical energy is key to measuring magical talent. Although not the only factor, it is certainly the most important. Now, I'll test your magical potential."
Curious, Freyr asked, "Magical energy? Isn't that something only Wizards have?"
Wizard Jalen, surprised and a bit displeased, retorted, "Who filled your head with such nonsense? How could there be such ignorance in the Russell household? For ordinary people, it's mental energy; for Wizards, it's magical energy. Through meditation, mental energy can be strengthened, enabling one to perceive the world and harness the forces of nature. Wizards use this mental energy to guide or borrow natural forces—that's the essence of magic."
Freyr, enlightened, exclaimed, "Oh, so mental energy is magical energy, like a lever—the stronger the lever, the greater the force it can move."
Wizard Jalen, surprised by the insight, thought, "How could such a clever child be called an idiot?"
After this realization, Freyr quietly watched Wizard Jalen, who didn't delve further into the matter. He continued, "The natural world is filled with endless elements—wind, rain, thunder, lightning, sun, moon, stars, the growth and decay of all things—these are the sources of power. A skilled Wizard can keenly capture these subtle changes. Your lever analogy is apt; the stronger the lever, the greater the natural forces it can mobilize."
Freyr sighed, "I always thought Wizards relied solely on their own magical energy."
Wizard Jalen frowned, "Who misguided you? These are basic common knowledge for magical apprentices! Human power is limited. Wizards collaborate with magical and natural forces, not relying solely on themselves. This power comes from the gods who created nature; we merely borrow the gods' strength. Remember, questioning the divine is taboo. Wizards' power comes from nature and the gods' creation."
He lowered his voice in warning, "Such misunderstandings are dangerous. If you grow up spouting such things, you might not escape the stake's punishment for blaspheming the gods."
Freyr wisely held his tongue, his expression returning to its usual indifferent state, hiding all his emotions.