Ren had spent a week under the care of Liora, the mysterious woman who had saved him from the river. Though she kept much about herself hidden, she shared meals with him and guided him in ways he hadn't expected. Each day, Ren felt his body growing stronger, but more than that, he could sense his potential for magic awakening, like an ember waiting to catch fire.
Finally, this morning, she had told him it was time to begin his training.
The morning was crisp as Ren stepped outside the cabin, feeling the chill of the dew-soaked grass beneath his feet. He took a deep breath and looked around, trying to steady his nerves. Liora watched him with a calm, assessing gaze, her presence as solid as a stone, and yet there was a glint of something he couldn't quite place—a quiet excitement, maybe, or a pride in knowing the journey she was guiding him on.
"Ready?" she asked, her voice steady and commanding.
Ren nodded, and as he did, she extended her hand in front of her. Ren's eyes widened as a droplet of water began to materialize in her palm, shimmering in the early morning light. It was small but perfectly round, almost like a tiny crystal. He couldn't take his eyes off it, mesmerized by the sight.
"This," Liora said, her voice low and focused, "is the first sign of your affinity—water."
Ren felt a thrill at her words. Water—he could already feel the resonance within him, a subtle connection that tugged at the core of his being. He thought of the river where he had nearly lost his life, only to be saved and brought here. It felt almost fated.
"But," Liora continued, her tone now more serious, "water isn't a simple affinity to master. It requires patience and an understanding of its nature. Right now, you'll need a water source nearby to use your abilities. For beginners, summoning water from thin air is nearly impossible, and even advanced users struggle without a nearby source."
Ren frowned, the excitement giving way to a sinking feeling. "So… I won't be able to use it in certain places?"
Liora gave him a sympathetic smile. "Exactly. For now, think of water as something you borrow, not something you can create on your own. It's a powerful ally, but it's tied to the world around you. Only the most skilled can summon it from nothing, and I've never even heard of someone who's mastered that."
He took in her words, the weight of the challenge settling on his shoulders. But, as he glanced down at his hands, he couldn't help but feel a spark of determination. "Then I'll learn. However long it takes, I'll make it my own."
Liora's smile grew, a hint of approval in her eyes. "Good. Let's start with the basics, then."
She moved closer, showing him how to gather his energy, focusing his attention on his palm. Ren could feel a tingling sensation there, like the flow of energy building up. He concentrated harder, and to his amazement, a faint droplet formed on the tip of his finger before bursting, sending a few cold splashes onto his hand.
"Not bad," Liora said, nodding. "With practice, you'll gain better control over the amount you can summon, and you'll be able to shape and direct it."
They spent the morning honing his focus, learning to draw out the water with greater precision. Each successful attempt made him feel closer to mastering it, the bond between him and the element deepening with every droplet.
By midday, Liora decided it was time for a new lesson.
"Now," she said, stepping back a few paces, "I'll show you a skill called Flash Step. It's a way to channel your magic into your legs, allowing you to move at an incredible speed for an instant. If you can master this, you'll be able to close distances in the blink of an eye or escape from a tough spot."
She demonstrated, her form blurring for a brief second before reappearing behind him, as if she'd skipped over the distance entirely. Ren's jaw dropped, awe-struck.
"You try it," she said, gesturing to him.
He gathered his focus, following her instructions to channel his magic into his legs. He felt the energy build up around his feet, tingling with anticipation. When he was ready, he took a step forward, and to his amazement, he surged forward in a burst of speed—only to stumble, catching himself before he hit the ground.
Liora stifled a laugh but gave him an encouraging nod. "Not bad for a first attempt. Keep practicing, and remember, it's all about balancing the magic you use. Too much, and you'll lose control. Too little, and it won't be effective."
It took him two more days to finally feel comfortable with Flash Step. Each time he dashed forward, he grew more precise, his movements becoming smoother, more efficient. And each time, Liora pushed him a little harder, making him use it in different directions, increasing his reaction time and agility.
Finally, on the third day, Ren managed to complete a series of quick dashes in succession, his body responding with a new sense of fluidity and power.
[New Skill Acquired] Flash Step Level 1
Exhilaration surged through him, and he glanced at Liora with a grin. She returned his smile, her eyes shining with approval.
"You've done well," she said. "Now, for your next step, I'll teach you a fighting style that complements your abilities. This will help you face enemies like the one you encountered before."
Ren's excitement turned to anticipation. The memory of the man and his clones flashed in his mind, reminding him of the danger that still lurked out there. But now, he felt a little more prepared—a little stronger.
Liora stepped forward, settling into a stance and motioning for him to follow. "Let's begin."