...
(Training with Ellis)
My training to master healing magic turned out to be a longer and more challenging process than I had anticipated. Each minute, I practiced diligently, channeling my mana and focusing on the art of healing. Despite my efforts, progress seemed slow, and doubt began to creep into my mind.
"Do you think this will work?" I asked Ellis, my voice tinged with doubt. "I think it would be better if we used an injured animal."
Ellis, ever patient and wise, offered words of reassurance. "You must put trust in yourself," she replied gently. "As long as it has magic, you can heal it. Even a flower."
Though her words offered some comfort, I couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy that lingered within me. Each attempt seemed to end in failure, and I found myself growing increasingly disheartened with each passing day. I hesitated because I have wasted time, but the plant is not attached back.
I shared my concerns with Ellis, who offered words of encouragement. She reminded me to trust in my abilities and the power of magic itself. She emphasized that healing magic could be applied to various things, even a simple flower. Though I hesitated and even experienced some failures, Ellis urged me to believe in my efforts.
"I'm sorry," I admitted to Ellis one evening, my voice heavy with defeat. "I take back my word. Maybe healing is not for me."
But Ellis, ever the beacon of encouragement, refused to let me succumb to despair. "Don't worry, I believe in you" she said softly. "It is common to take time. I also only mastered it after three years. You already reach the basics in several minutes. What matters is, just believe in the effort that would yield a better result."
Feeling defeated, I decided to take a step back and admit my struggles. With a heavy heart, I bid farewell to Ellis and Arnold, their parting words of encouragement echoing in my mind as I retreated to the carriage.
"Well, I'm sorry for taking your time." I give her my apology. "It's fine. Count that as your opportunity to learn something new." she replied to me with a warm smile to comfort me from my failure. But I still take her advice with an open heart. "Sure. I promise not to take a long time for that, but look at the sun now it is almost sunset."
"Don't worry. You don't need to rush it." Ellis reassures me.
Arnold, who had been engaged in conversation with Mr. Levis Greendale came over to check on me. He approached me, a look of concern etched upon his features. "Remember, son," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "Don't forget to have proper meals and sleep. I've already told him to take good care of you."
"Don't worry. I sure'll remember it." Mr. Levis, who had been engaged in conversation with Arnold, gave me a warm smile, his eyes filled with kindness and understanding.
Ellis, too, offered her final words of encouragement, holding my hand and kissing my forehead tenderly. "Please take good care of yourself and your brother too," she said softly.
"I will." With those final words of encouragement, I felt a renewed determination to continue my journey.
After that, Elijah and I rode the carriage after finishing everything. We give them a big farewell. I depart with them in the evening and continue my journey with Elijah.
He looked sad to leave them after meeting them only for several days.
I comforted him and told him that we are going back here again after this. He smiles and gives his trust to me.
Well, of course we will go back home after rescuing our parents and go down this same path. It's pretty hard when we already started to attach with them. The longer we stay, the harder it will take.
As we set off into the approaching sunset, I carried with me the lessons learned from this day and the support of those who believed in me.
...
The village is gone from our view behind the mountain that we already pass through.
It's going to be a long journey to reach the destination. Elijah fell asleep.
I sat together with the carriage driver, Mr. Levis and had a small talk with him. I feel grateful to him and want to accompany him. I love being talkative and he also looks like a kind person. Also, he was a merchant for a decade in this kingdom. He never goes outside this country, but he has a dream to travel far away with his future wife.
He also told me everything about the villages around the kingdom and only knew a bit about another kingdom.
...