Three months had passed since Ryan's awakening, and he had dedicated himself to training both his swordsmanship and earth magic. Every morning, the sun rose over the Duskveil estate, casting warm light across the fields, illuminating the young boy who stood resolutely in the courtyard, ready to face another day of rigorous training.
Ryan had turned a portion of their estate into a training ground. He practiced tirelessly with a wooden sword, swinging it through the air as if he were battling imaginary foes. Each strike echoed in the quiet morning, a promise of the strength he intended to cultivate. However, despite his dedication, Ryan discovered that his physical talent for swordsmanship was not as impressive as he had hoped. He lacked the natural agility and speed of some of the knights he had observed, finding himself often outmatched by his own wooden sparring partners.
Yet, when he switched his focus to magic, the world changed. With each incantation, he felt an exhilarating connection to the earth beneath him. As a newly awakened Level 1 Magister, Ryan found himself wielding magic with an ease that surprised him. He quickly learned that while his swordsmanship might need improvement, his affinity for magic was extraordinary.
The world of magic has nine levels, he remembered, with the legendary Magister beyond that.
With newfound clarity, Ryan decided to focus on what he excelled at. He began developing his earth magic abilities with particular enthusiasm. Drawing on the knowledge of his past life, he envisioned applying gravity in ways he had only seen in animations and novels. What if he could manipulate the gravitational pull around an object, making it heavier or lighter at will? Such an ability would allow him to control his environment in ways few could imagine.As he stood in the training yard, Ryan took a deep breath and concentrated on the earth beneath his feet. Slowly, he summoned a small stone from the ground, lifting it into the air with a gentle push of magic. With each passing day, he sought to expand his understanding, pushing the boundaries of his abilities. However, he knew that his knowledge reserves were still shallow, and he needed to learn more if he wished to unlock the full potential of his earth magic.
The sounds of his training attracted the attention of a few family retainers who watched from a distance. They whispered among themselves, intrigued by the boy's determination and burgeoning skills. Despite the challenges he faced, Ryan felt his growth which made him particularly intoxicated.
"Let's see," he mused one afternoon, squatting beside a patch of herbs. "This one here, a Nightshade bloom, can be used in potions for enhanced healing. And these—Golden Fennel—can help with digestion and are favored by many alchemists."
By applying the principles of agriculture he remembered from Earth, Ryan devised a plan to cultivate these herbs on a larger scale. He drew up a simple layout for their garden, indicating which herbs would thrive in which areas based on sunlight, water, and soil quality. This would not only increase their yield but also maximize profits.
"Mother, Father," he called one evening after dinner, his eyes bright with excitement. "I have some ideas on how we can enhance our territory's economy!"
Roger and Helena exchanged glances, intrigued by their son's enthusiasm. "Go on, Ryan," Roger encouraged, leaning forward.
Ryan eagerly explained his plans, detailing how they could cultivate the herbs for profit while also using his newfound magical abilities to enhance the land's productivity. Helena listened intently, nodding as her son spoke.
"That's quite ambitious, dear," she remarked. "But if we can harness these resources, it could greatly benefit our family."
With his parents' support, Ryan dove headfirst into implementing his plans. He organized the servants and knights to help him with the herb cultivation, assigning tasks based on each person's strengths. As the days passed, Ryan felt a sense of purpose he hadn't experienced before.
Yet, amidst his successes, there were moments of frustration. While his magic was developing rapidly, he found himself struggling with the intricacies of combining earth magic with gravity manipulation.
One afternoon, as he stood in the courtyard attempting to lift several stones simultaneously, he felt the strain of concentration. The stones wobbled in the air, defying his will before crashing to the ground.
"Why won't you cooperate?" he muttered, slumping down against the stone wall, frustrated with himself. I need to understand this better, he thought, staring at the scattered stones.
His thoughts shifted to the tomes he had read about advanced earth magic. Perhaps he could find a mentor who could help him develop his abilities further. A spark of determination ignited within him—he wouldn't let his limitations define him. Instead, he would push beyond them.
And as the sun set over the Duskveil estate, casting a golden glow over the land, Ryan's resolve grew even stronger. The trials of growth were just the beginning; there were far greater challenges waiting just beyond the horizon.
End of Chapter 3