Every elemental style, including earth-style, has its unique strengths. Naturally, Kaiya Tanaka, being a Saint-level Grand Magus of the earth-style, extolled its virtues. Eager to test his potential, the eight-year-old Renji urged, "Grandpa Kaiya, please test me to see if I have any aptitude for earth-style magic." Kaiya Tanaka chuckled and agreed. "Alright, we'll start the test. It consists of two parts: assessing your magical affinity and evaluating your mental energy."
Renji, intrigued, asked, "What are these two parts for?" Kaiya Tanaka explained, "When casting a spell, a magus relies on 'Magic force' and 'mental energy.' If a magus's mental energy is strong enough, they can cast spells instantly, without needing incantations. Incantations are merely supplemental."
Renji was puzzled. "Instacast?" he asked. Kaiya Tanaka nodded. "Yes. To cast a spell, a magus must generate sufficient Magic force and use mental energy to control it, summoning elemental essence to form the spell."
Renji was surprised. "So, we need external elemental essences for casting spells?" Kaiya Tanaka confirmed, "Exactly. A powerful magus relies on external elemental essence, as their own Magic force can only provide a fraction of what's needed. Think of Magic force as a general and elemental essence as soldiers; the general directs the soldiers to form spells."
Renji likened it to his own experience, saying, "It's like Uncle Draven directing us kids in training and battles." Kaiya Tanaka agreed, "Yes, the Magic force is crucial, but mental energy is even more important. It's akin to spiritual energy, controlling the Magic force and elemental essence."
Kaiya Tanaka elaborated, "If a magus's spiritual energy is inadequate, the Magic force and elemental essence will be uncontrollable, leading to chaos. Spiritual energy acts as the controller, similar to a leader controlling their followers. Without it, the power cannot be harnessed effectively."
Renji understood. "So, the more powerful the Magic force, the more essential it is to have strong spiritual energy to control it." Kaiya Tanaka smiled, "Precisely. In some cases, powerful spells require so much spiritual energy that incantations help manage the spell."
Kaiya Tanaka continued, "The magical system is complex, with magical research being dangerous and intricate. Most magus academies teach up to sixth-rank spells; higher-ranked and Saint-level spells are often secrets, accessible only within kingdoms."
Renji, already knowledgeable from books, recognized this. Kaiya Tanaka reassured him, "Don't worry. I can teach you spells from the seventh rank to Saint-level without needing to pledge allegiance to any kingdom." Renji felt a sense of new beginnings. Under Grandpa Kaiya's guidance, he was ready to explore the magical path.
Kaiya Tanaka then instructed, "Let's start with testing your elemental affinities. Sit cross-legged, close your eyes, and enter a meditative state." Renji's heart raced as he prepared for the test. "Just relax and see what you can sense. Inform me of any sensations," Kaiya Tanaka encouraged.
Meditation was fundamental for magi, necessary for absorbing elemental essence and enhancing spiritual energy. Though challenging, with Kaiya Tanaka's guidance, Renji found it manageable. After half an hour of practice, Renji successfully entered a meditative state. Kaiya Tanaka, observing with satisfaction, amplified the earth essence around Renji a hundredfold.
"If he cannot sense the essence under these conditions, then there's little hope," Kaiya Tanaka mused. Even an ordinary person should detect the intensified earth essence. Meanwhile, Renji, in his meditative state, was thrilled to discover a vibrant array of earth-colored specks of light around him.