The events of the wolf pack ambush had left Yuuto shaken, but also more determined than ever. The dark magic that had corrupted those creatures was not going away—if anything, it was becoming stronger and more dangerous. He needed to be prepared for what was coming, and the only way to do that was by pushing his abilities further. Mastering the elemental spells that Aethir had introduced to him was the first step.
The Ascendant System's quest was clear: Yuuto had to unlock and master five advanced elemental spells. It wasn't just about learning new spells—it was about mastering them, gaining the precision and power to use them effectively in battle. If he could do that, he would unlock Advanced Elemental Manipulation, a skill that would allow him to control the elements at a far higher level.
[System Quest: Mastering Spells]
**Objective: Unlock and master five advanced elemental spells.]
Spells to Master:
Inferno Wave (Fire)Glacial Wall (Water)Tectonic Shift (Earth)Tempest Fury (Air)Elemental Convergence (All elements)
**Progress: 0/5 spells mastered]
Reward: 100 EXP, 30 AP, Unlock: Advanced Elemental Manipulation.]
Yuuto's excitement grew as he reviewed the spells in the quest log. These weren't just simple offensive spells—these were high-level techniques that could shift the course of battle if used correctly. Each element would need to be mastered in turn, and the final spell, Elemental Convergence, intrigued him the most. Combining all the elements into a single spell was something he had never imagined possible, but the thought of wielding such immense power made him even more determined.
He returned to the training grove in Elandrial, where Aethir was waiting. The Elf raised an eyebrow as Yuuto approached, his staff in hand and his expression filled with purpose.
"You look like a man on a mission," Aethir said, crossing his arms.
"I am," Yuuto replied with a grin. "The Ascendant System has given me a new quest: to master five advanced elemental spells. I need your help."
Aethir's expression shifted slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Five advanced spells? That's no small feat, especially for someone who has only recently begun to understand the elements."
"I know," Yuuto said, determination in his voice. "But I have to do this. The corruption is spreading, and I need to be ready."
Aethir nodded slowly. "Very well. If you're serious about this, then we'll start immediately. But be warned—these spells will test you in ways you haven't experienced before. They require immense control, not just over your mana but over the elements themselves."
"I'm ready," Yuuto said, gripping his staff tightly.
Spell 1: Inferno Wave (Fire)
The first spell Aethir taught Yuuto was Inferno Wave, an advanced fire spell that required intense focus and control. Unlike the simple firebolts Yuuto had used before, Inferno Wave called upon a vast amount of mana to create a massive surge of fire that could sweep across a battlefield, burning everything in its path.
Aethir led Yuuto to an isolated part of the grove, where the trees were less dense, and the risk of setting the entire forest ablaze was minimal. Yuuto focused on the fire element, summoning the familiar warmth of the flames, but this time he didn't stop at creating a simple fireball. He visualized the fire growing, expanding into a roaring wave of heat and destruction.
"Inferno Wave!" Yuuto shouted, thrusting his staff forward.
The flames surged from his staff, growing rapidly into a wide, sweeping wave of fire that consumed the ground in front of him. The heat was intense, and Yuuto struggled to maintain control as the fire roared to life, threatening to spiral out of control.
"Focus!" Aethir called out, his voice sharp. "Control the flames. Don't let them consume you."
Yuuto gritted his teeth, pouring more mana into the spell but keeping his focus razor-sharp. Slowly, he began to rein in the flames, guiding the wave of fire so that it burned only what he intended. The fire spread across the clearing, but it stayed contained, never spreading beyond Yuuto's control.
After a few intense moments, Yuuto released the spell, the flames dying down until only smoke remained. He was breathing heavily, his body exhausted from the sheer amount of mana the spell had required, but a sense of accomplishment filled him.
"Well done," Aethir said, nodding in approval. "You've taken the first step."
Spell 2: Glacial Wall (Water)
Next came Glacial Wall, a water spell that required Yuuto to summon a massive barrier of ice capable of withstanding even the most powerful attacks. Water had always been an element of fluidity and adaptability for Yuuto, but creating something as solid as a wall of ice was a new challenge.
They moved to the banks of a small river that ran through the forest. Yuuto focused on the water element, pulling the moisture from the air and the river itself. He visualized the water freezing, forming a thick wall of ice in front of him.
"Glacial Wall!" Yuuto called, slamming his staff into the ground.
The water responded, surging upward in a shimmering wave before freezing solid, creating a thick, towering wall of ice. The temperature around them dropped instantly, and Yuuto marveled at the sheer size and strength of the wall. But maintaining it was difficult—the ice began to crack as Yuuto struggled to keep the spell active.
"Hold it!" Aethir commanded. "Focus your mana into the structure—don't let it falter."
Yuuto focused harder, channeling more mana into the wall and reinforcing its structure. The cracks in the ice sealed themselves, and the wall became stronger, more stable. After a few moments, Yuuto let the spell dissolve, the ice melting back into the river.
"That's two," Yuuto said, panting slightly but feeling stronger.
Spell 3: Tectonic Shift (Earth)
For Tectonic Shift, Yuuto had to harness the immense power of the earth itself, causing the ground to shake and break apart beneath his enemies. Earth had always been about stability and strength, but this spell required Yuuto to use that stability to create controlled chaos.
Aethir led Yuuto to a rocky outcrop, far from the delicate balance of the forest, where the earth was more resistant to upheaval. Here, Yuuto could safely practice the devastating force of the earth element.
He placed his hands on the ground, feeling the deep, solid mana of the earth beneath him. "Tectonic Shift!" he shouted, pouring his mana into the ground.
The earth responded with a deep rumble, and the ground beneath them began to shake violently. Large cracks formed in the earth, and jagged rocks jutted upward, creating a chaotic landscape of destruction. Yuuto struggled to control the force of the spell, but as he concentrated, he was able to guide the shifting earth, directing the tremors away from him.
Once the ground settled, Yuuto stood back, admiring the jagged, broken terrain he had created. Aethir gave him a nod of approval.
"Three down," Yuuto said, his confidence growing.
Spell 4: Tempest Fury (Air)
Tempest Fury was an air spell that called upon the full force of the wind to create a powerful storm. Air had always been the element of freedom and movement for Yuuto, but summoning a storm required a deep connection to the wind.
They moved to an open field, where Yuuto could summon the winds without risk of damaging the forest. He raised his staff and called upon the air, feeling the wind begin to swirl around him.
"Tempest Fury!" Yuuto commanded.
The wind responded in a roar, swirling around Yuuto in a violent vortex. The sky darkened as clouds gathered, and bolts of lightning crackled within the storm. The wind howled, threatening to tear apart everything in its path, but Yuuto focused, controlling the storm's fury. He directed the wind, using it to batter nearby targets while keeping the full force of the storm contained.
Once the winds subsided, Yuuto let out a breath, feeling the storm's energy fade.
"One more to go," Yuuto said, his determination unshaken.
Spell 5: Elemental Convergence (All Elements)
The final spell was Elemental Convergence, a spell that required Yuuto to combine all four elements—fire, water, earth, and air—into a single, devastating attack. This was the ultimate test of his control and mastery over the elements.
Yuuto stood in the center of the training grove, his staff in hand, as Aethir watched silently. Yuuto closed his eyes and focused on each element in turn—fire's heat, water's flow, earth's stability, and air's freedom. Slowly, he began to weave them together, letting the elements blend into one another.
"Elemental Convergence!" Yuuto shouted.
The ground around him erupted in flames, water surged from the earth, the air howled with fury, and jagged rocks shot upward. The four elements swirled together, creating a massive, destructive force that surged outward in all directions. Yuuto could feel the strain of controlling so much power at once, but he held firm, guiding the elements with precision.
The storm of elemental power lasted only a few moments, but when it faded, the grove was left in silence, the ground scorched and cracked, the air thick with the residual energy of the elements.
Yuuto collapsed to one knee, exhausted but triumphant. He had done it. He had mastered all five spells.
[Ascendant System Quest Complete: Mastering Spells.]
Reward: 100 EXP, 30 AP.]
Bonus Unlocked: Advanced Elemental Manipulation.]
Yuuto felt a surge of power as the Ascendant System rewarded him for his success. He had unlocked Advanced Elemental Manipulation, a skill that would allow him to wield the elements with even greater precision and power.
As he stood up, his body aching but his heart filled with pride, Aethir approached him.
"You've done well, Yuuto," Aethir said, his voice filled with respect. "You've proven your mastery over the elements. But remember—power is only as valuable as the wisdom with which you use it."
Yuuto nodded, feeling the weight of Aethir's words. He had grown stronger, but he knew the challenges ahead would be even greater.