The next day, before dawn, Silas shook Lucas awake. "Get up, boy. Your training starts today."
Still groggy, Lucas obediently followed his grandfather outside the inn. Awaiting them were two massive horses, brought by a short, muscular man. The horses were unlike anything Lucas had ever seen—more bull than horse in their build, with powerful, broad chests and thick legs.
"Thanks, Gerold," Silas nodded to the man.
Gerold bowed low. "It's my pleasure, sir Magus."
Silas chuckled softly. For common folk, anyone with a hint of magic was a "Magus," though Silas knew the difference between an apprentice and a full Magus was like comparing a candle to the sun. Still, he wasn't going to correct anyone if the misconception benefited him.
Lucas couldn't contain his curiosity. "Are these... really horses?"
Gerold smiled and replied, "Young master, these are Wetland Horses from the far west of Almera. They're used for long-distance travel."
"What are their names?" Lucas asked, still in awe of their size.
With a jesting tone, Gerold responded, "The big male is called Biscuit, and the not-so-small mare is Cookie."
Lucas blinked, dumbfounded. "Biscuit? Cookie?" he repeated, clearly baffled. These majestic creatures had such... plain names.
Gerold, noticing Lucas's confusion, laughed heartily. "The names suit them! You see, if anyone messes with these horses, they'll crumble them like biscuits and cookies!"
Lucas smiled, realizing the cleverness behind the names. Whoever had named them must have been quite the character.
"Let's go, Lucas," Silas urged. He placed a hand on the horses' necks, and immediately, the beasts seemed to calm, looking at Silas with a strange intelligence in their eyes. "Now they'll listen to us," Silas explained. "These horses don't like just anyone riding them."
Lucas was mounted on the mare, Cookie, and Silas on the stallion, Biscuit. "Don't be afraid," Silas reassured him. "They won't hurt us."
As they set off, leaving the city behind, Lucas asked, "Grandpa, what did you do to the horses back there?"
"Oh, that," Silas replied casually. "That's my ace up the sleeve—Animal Bond. Magic isn't all about casting grand spells. There's more to it than just mana. You'll learn in time."
After a few hours of riding, they reached a remote clearing.
"This spot looks good. Rest for a bit and have something to eat. We'll start your training here," Silas said as he dismounted.
Lucas ate his lunch quickly, feeling both nervous and excited. Silas stood nearby, leaning on his cane, watching him with a thoughtful expression. "Lucas," he began after a pause, "I've taken a great risk bringing you to Almera. My past... it's starting to catch up with me. So, learn everything you can—quickly."
Lucas was about to ask what his grandfather meant by "past" and "risk," but before he could, Silas continued.
"Let's begin. You've heard of the mana heart—it's like a furnace, and mana is the fuel. The energy it creates is shaped by the element you're attuned to—fire, water, earth, and so on. The stronger your affinity, the less energy you'll need to cast spells of that element."
Silas paused for a moment, observing Lucas closely. "I have water and earth affinities. I can cast spells from other elements, but it costs me much more mana and energy. The higher the level of the spell, the steeper the mana cost."
He then produced a worn scroll from within his robes. "This... is something I've risked my life for—a mana tempering method from my family. This technique has taken me years to perfect."
Silas unrolled the scroll, and Lucas's eyes widened at the intricate runes and symbols inscribed on it. "Memorize this over the coming days," Silas instructed. "Then, using your mana, try to cast the spell. The energy you create will pass through your body's nodes. But beware—guiding energy through your body can be dangerous. Finding the proper paths and nodes takes time and patience."
Lucas took the scroll with a determined look. AI, scan the rune scroll and save it. He commanded in his mind.
[Beep! Scanning... 0.3 mana used. Saving the mana tempering rune.]
Lucas felt a slight dizziness as the AI's scanning drained his mana. He now had just 0.7 mana left. Silas watched him from afar, amusement flickering in his eyes.
The way Lucas stared intently at the scroll, trying to learn it all at once, reminded Silas of himself. He chuckled quietly, lost in memory. He had been just like Lucas—eager, hungry to master everything immediately. It had taken Silas several years to even understand the basics of this technique, and here was Lucas, trying to absorb it in a few minutes. The memory of his younger self brought a smile to Silas's lips, though he knew better than to interrupt the boy's concentration.
In his mind, Lucas continued, AI, draw the rune as instructed. Use steady mana.
[Beep! Drawing rune... Steady mana flow engaged.]
The rune was complex. Even with the AI's assistance, it took nearly two hours to complete. Lucas felt faint, his head pounding. He was down to 0.2 mana now.
"Should I stop?" he wondered, but his stubbornness won out. He continued, focusing his remaining mana into guiding the energy through his body's nodes.
[Beep! Mana nodes located. Energy routed.]
Sweat poured down Lucas's face, and Silas watched from afar, wide-eyed. "In the name of the Great Magus... What is happening?" Silas whispered to himself, the amusement from earlier vanishing, replaced by awe.
Lucas persisted, even as his vision blurred. AI, keep guiding the energy, he commanded, but the AI gave a warning.
[Beep! Mana reserves depleted. Activating safety measures. Dispelling rune to prevent backlash.]
Lucas collapsed as the rune dissipated. Silas rushed to him, casting a basic healing spell, though it barely helped. After two hours, Lucas finally stirred.
"What... happened?" Lucas asked groggily.
Silas was pacing, muttering under his breath. "Did you manage to draw the rune circle on your first try? That's impossible!" His voice was full of disbelief. "How did you...?"
Lucas, still exhausted, nodded. "I managed to pass energy through two nodes," he said quietly.
Silas stared at him, speechless for a moment. Then he shook his head in wonder. "You might be the greatest prodigy the Magus world has ever seen."
A flicker of pride rose in Lucas's chest at his grandfather's words, but Silas's tone grew stern. "Don't overdo it, Lucas. Mana depletion can kill you if you push too far."
Lucas nodded, understanding the gravity of his grandfather's warning.
"It's getting dark," Silas said, his voice softer now. "We'll head back to the city."
As Silas rode Biscuit back toward the city, the setting sun cast long shadows across the landscape. His thoughts were a whirlwind of amazement and reflection.
What have I witnessed today? Silas mused, his mind racing. Lucas—my grandson—has demonstrated a level of talent that's beyond anything I could have imagined.
He glanced over at Lucas, who rode Cookie with an exhaustion-soaked, yet satisfied expression. To channel energy through multiple nodes on his first attempt, without causing a backlash... It's nothing short of extraordinary.
Silas's thoughts turned inward, grappling with the implications of Lucas's abilities. He's no ordinary apprentice. With his talent, he could rise to become a True Magus, officially recognized, within a fraction of the usual time.
The pride Silas felt was tinged with a fierce determination. I've spent years, even decades, mastering the basics and perfecting my skills. If Lucas can achieve so much in such a short period, then it's my duty—my privilege—to pass on everything I know.
His gaze softened as he watched Lucas's focused, yet tired expression. I must ensure he's prepared for what lies ahead. The challenges of the Magus world are far from kind, and the path to True Magus is fraught with peril. But with Lucas's aptitude, he could reshape his destiny, reshape ours.
Silas's heart hardened with resolve. I'll use every remaining moment to teach him everything I've learned—every spell, every technique, every secret of our family's magic. He has the potential to become something truly remarkable, something greater than I ever could have dreamed.
The ride continued in contemplative silence, Silas's thoughts a blend of pride, urgency, and a burning desire to equip his grandson for the trials that awaited him. With Lucas's gift, the future holds endless possibilities. If only I can prepare him for the path he must walk...
As the city lights began to twinkle in the distance. Soon they approached the city gate, a low whistle caught their attention.
From the darkness stepped a tall, scarred man, one hand missing, his face worn with years of hardship. Silas's expression darkened instantly. He waited as the man approached.
"Long time no see, Silas," the man rasped, his voice rough and cracked.
"Melius," Silas said coldly. His posture stiffened, and behind him, Lucas saw a water whip slowly begin to form, swirling ominously.
The old man cracked a dry smile. "Easy there, Silas the Kin-Slayer. I'm just here to talk."
Hearing the title Kin-Slayer, Lucas noticed the sudden fury in his grandfather's eyes. The water whip grew sharper, more defined.
Lucas had never seen Silas so angry before. A water whip began to rotate behind Silas. Melius raised his one hand in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'm just here to warn you. Word's out. If I've heard that the infamous Silas Magenthor is back in Almera, others have too."
Silas's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Melius?"
Melius chuckled, his scarred face twisting in amusement. "I came to warn you for old times' sake. Nothing more. Just... watch your back."
Silas's gaze remained hard, his voice low. "Meet me tomorrow evening at Dragon Tooth Tavern."
Melius shook his head. "Don't drag me into your mess, Silas. I don't want any part of it."
With a faint smile, Silas simply replied, "You're already involved, old friend. I'll see you there."
Nudging his horse forward, Silas left Melius standing in the shadows. Lucas glanced back, sensing the tension in the air. Something was brewing—something dangerous.