As I focused on sensing the flow of magic, I felt a sudden surge of energy coursing through me. The illusionist's magic seemed to resonate with my own infinite mana reserve, creating a harmonious vibration that tingled through my entire being.
Intrigued by this sensation, I silently called out in my mind: "System, can you help me learn this illusion magic?"
A translucent blue screen materialized before my eyes, visible only to me:
[Analyzing Illusion Magic...]
[Analysis complete. Skill: Basic Illusion Magic can be learned.]
[Warning: Ability Creation and Ability Copy are currently locked.]
[Suggestion: Continue observing and studying magical abilities to unlock these features.]
I absorbed this information, realizing that while I couldn't immediately replicate the illusionist's skill, I could still learn from careful observation. I turned my full attention back to the magical display before me, watching as the illusionist manipulated the starry illusion with graceful movements of her hands.
As I observed, I felt a subtle shift in my own abilities. The system chimed in with a new notification:
[Advanced Telekinesis ability has been enhanced through observation.]
[New feature unlocked: Micromanipulation]
[You can now manipulate smaller objects with greater precision.]
Excited by this development, I decided to test my newly enhanced ability. Focusing intently on a single mote of illusionary stardust floating nearby, I attempted to gently nudge it with my mind.
I focused all my concentration on a single glittering mote of illusionary stardust. With my newly enhanced telekinesis, I reached out with my mind, gently probing at the magical construct. At first, nothing happened, and I felt a flicker of disappointment.
But then, ever so slightly, the speck of stardust quivered. Encouraged, I redoubled my efforts, channeling my infinite mana into the task. To my amazement and delight, the tiny point of light began to move, drifting away from its fellows in a lazy spiral.
The illusionist, sharpeyed and attentive, noticed the anomaly in her spell. Her eyes widened in surprise as she watched the errant bit of stardust dance to my silent commands.
"Well, I'll be..." she murmured, her voice a mix of awe and curiosity. "It seems we have a little mage in the making here!"
My mother, oblivious to my magical meddling, beamed with pride at the illusionist's words. "Oh my, do you really think so?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement.
As the adults conversed, I continued to play with the stardust, guiding it in intricate patterns. Each movement came easier than the last as I grew accustomed to manipulating such a delicate illusion.
I quickly released my telekinetic hold on the stardust, allowing it to drift back into the swirling pattern of the illusionist's spell. I blinked innocently, as if I had no idea what had just occurred.
The illusionist's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze flicking between me and the nownormal illusion. After a moment, she seemed to dismiss whatever suspicions she might have had, turning her attention back to my mother.
"Your child certainly has a strong affinity for magic," she said, her voice warm but thoughtful. "It's rare to see such a young one respond so... actively to magical stimuli."
My mother's eyes widened with a mix of pride and concern. "Is that unusual? We haven't had them tested for magical potential yet."
The illusionist nodded sagely. "It's not unheard of, but it is uncommon. You might want to consider an early assessment. The Mage's Guild offers them for children showing early signs of magical aptitude."
"Oh my," my mother breathed. "I'll have to discuss this with my husband. Do you think it could be... dangerous?" Her arms tightened around me protectively.
The illusionist smiled reassuringly. "Not at all, especially if properly guided. Early manifestation often indicates a strong magical core. With the right training, your child could grow to be quite the accomplished mage."
As they continued to discuss the implications of my apparent magical talent, I listened intently, storing away every bit of information for future use.
I remained quiet in my mother's arms, absorbing every word of the adults' conversation. The illusionist's voice was soft but clear as she continued to explain.
"In this world, magic is a fundamental force," she said. "Some children show signs early, others later. But for those who manifest abilities in infancy, it's crucial to provide proper guidance."
My mother nodded, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "What kind of guidance do you mean? We're not from a magical family ourselves."
The illusionist smiled reassuringly. "The Mage's Guild offers specialized programs for young mages. They teach control, ethics, and the basics of various magical disciplines. It's not just about power, but responsibility too."
As they talked, I noticed a subtle shimmer in the air around the illusionist likely residual magic from her spells. I focused on that shimmer, trying to understand its nature without actively interfering.
"And when should we consider this assessment?" my mother asked.
"Typically, it's done around the naming ceremony," the illusionist replied. "Speaking of which, has your little one been named yet?"
My mother shook her head. "Not yet. In our village, we wait until the child is a bit older. It's believed that waiting allows the child's true nature to emerge."
The illusionist nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see. Well, when the time comes for naming and assessment, you'll find the Mage's Guild most helpful. They can provide insights into your child's magical affinities, which often align with their innate nature."