Nothing excited Rebo more than gaining new knowledge. After descending back to the ground with the old magician, Rebo eagerly began asking about the strange instruments scattered across the tables. To him, magicians were beings close to gods, capable of calling forth storms, flying freely through the skies, and causing volcanoes and earthquakes at will.
The old magician, clearly accustomed to such misconceptions, smiled and began explaining, "A magician is merely a specialized scholar, different only in that they possess a natural gift for channeling magical energy. Not everyone is born with such abilities, which is why magicians are so rare. You, for instance, possess such a gift. When I asked you to ascend the tower earlier, I was testing whether your mental strength could channel magic through your body, allowing you to rise. Magicians aren't as all-powerful as you might think. Each of us specializes in one area, mastering a particular type of magic."
The old magician continued, describing the different types of magic and their terrifying potential. "For instance, a magician skilled in fire can easily turn a spark into an uncontrollable blaze, incinerating entire forests or even causing it to rain fire over an entire region. A wind magician, on the other hand, can sail through the skies on a winged ship. A water magician is equally formidable—capable of poisoning an entire river or summoning storms to ravage lands for months. Earth magicians control sandstorms and can render fertile land barren. But the most dangerous of all are the mental magicians. They can control minds, see your deepest secrets, and turn you into their unwitting spy, making you their eyes and ears without you even knowing it."
Rebo was captivated by the explanation but had one pressing question. "Is it possible to learn all types of magic?"
The magician shook his head. "No, and there's no need to. Each branch of magic is a vast and endless field of study. Even mastering one aspect can take a lifetime. It's far more important to focus on flexibility and control than raw power. What's more useful to you in a dangerous situation—a massive spell that consumes all your energy, or a smaller, well-timed one that gets you out of trouble? If you were at the edge of a cliff with enemies closing in, you wouldn't need a huge spell to obliterate them all. Instead, you could leap from the cliff and use a minor spell to slow your fall, landing safely. Even with your current abilities, you could learn such a technique."
"Can I really learn magic like that?" Rebo asked, eyes wide with excitement.
The old magician chuckled at his eager student. "Yes, I can teach you."
He moved to a nearby cabinet, pulling out several strange herbs and a polished copper pot. Rebo eagerly assisted, grinding the herbs and mixing them with a type of animal fat. The concoction simmered over a blue flame, bubbling and thickening into a blue paste. The magician held a wand over the pot, occasionally gesturing towards it as he explained the process.
"This is how an alchemist works. We use our mental energy to alter the natural properties of materials, bringing out hidden potential. That's what separates an alchemist from a regular herbalist."
Once the paste was ready, the magician poured it into a beautifully carved jade box, one that Rebo marveled at for its intricate craftsmanship. The old magician handed the box to Rebo and said, "Apply this ointment to your skin every night, just before sleep. Don't use too much—just a thin layer is enough. After a while, your skin will become more sensitive to wind elements. I'll also teach you the meditation techniques and incantations you'll need. When you say the incantations, the wind sprites will carry you, helping you land safely from high falls."
Rebo listened intently as the old magician walked him through the steps of meditation and the necessary chants. Hours passed, and by the time Rebo had committed everything to memory, the sun was beginning to set.
The magician smiled approvingly. "In truth, this spell won't be useful for many situations. It only works when you're in motion, but it's a useful skill to have. The ointment will also help you gather wind elements more effectively, which is why I taught it to you. Now, it's time for you to help me with my task. Your horse is outside. The golden butterfly will clean it for you," he added with a casual flick of his hand.
Rebo, who had almost forgotten the original mission in the excitement of learning magic, was snapped back to reality. "One last thing before you go," the magician said, rummaging through a drawer. He pulled out a small, golden fabric strip, intricately embroidered with strange symbols.
"This is something I made long ago. It can seal most magical constructs like golems or automatons. I'm worried that Kaimirti's treasure may be guarded by magical creatures, so take this in case you encounter any. Just press it against the construct, and it will activate. But remember—if you find anything unusual near the treasure, don't touch it immediately. Return to me, and we'll figure out how to proceed."
"How do I use this?" Rebo asked.
The old magician smiled. "It's simple—just press it onto the creature. The enchantment will do the rest."
With all instructions received, Rebo felt prepared for his mission. He bid his master farewell and stepped outside, ready to face whatever awaited him in the forest.