Leo grabbed a water wisp crystal, its faint blue glow shimmering in his hand. With a flick of his wrist, he released the wisp, allowing it to float in the air before him. Concentrating, he summoned a sphere of water, about three feet in diameter, forming it effortlessly in the space between his hands. The liquid orb spun gently before solidifying with a crisp crackle as he froze it into a perfect, gleaming ball of ice. The wisp eagerly darted inside, zipping around playfully within its new frosty playground.
The shopkeeper, who had been casually observing Leo, blinked in astonishment. "Wow... that's some serious power you've got there!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of admiration and disbelief. "How old are you, kid?" His eyes widened, clearly impressed by the display of magical control from someone so young.
"I'm ten, almost eleven," Leo replied with a proud smile. "I'll be starting at the academy soon. My parents have been teaching me since I could walk."
The shopkeeper leaned forward, his expression turning serious as he studied Leo more closely. "Your parents must be quite the mages themselves," he mused, stroking his chin. "The way you handle magic is impressive for your age. What exactly did they teach you? I can sense the control in your aura—it's far more refined than most kids your age. How many wisps can you control at once?"
Leo glanced at the man, a bit wary now. It wasn't every day that someone could feel his magic. Who was this shopkeeper? His casual manner belied an underlying knowledge of magic that piqued Leo's interest. But he pushed the thought aside, choosing instead to answer the question honestly.
"I can control twelve wisps without any strain," Leo said confidently, his posture straightening with pride. "And I can still cast spells while doing it. My parents, they're both well-versed in elemental magic, so they've taught me to balance wisp control with my casting abilities."
The shopkeeper's eyes widened ever so slightly, though he quickly masked his surprise with a nod. "Twelve, you say? That's no small feat, especially at your age," he remarked. "Not many academy students can even come close to that. Your potential is clear, Leo. The academy will be lucky to have you."
Leo gave a slight smile at the compliment, but his mind was still racing. There was something about this shopkeeper, something hidden beneath his calm demeanor. How could he tell so easily what Leo was capable of? Who was this man? For now, he decided to play along, but he made a mental note to keep his guard up around him.
After purchasing the books and magical supplies Leo needed for his upcoming academy enrollment, he and Mrs. Hargrove left the shop, their bags slightly heavier with the weight of new tomes and enchanted items. The sun had begun its slow descent beyond the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. The air was growing cooler, and the streets, once bustling, had started to quiet as shops closed for the evening.
"We should head back to the inn. It's getting late," Mrs. Hargrove said softly, her voice warm but firm as she glanced at Leo, who nodded in agreement. The day had been long, and though his mind buzzed with excitement from the day's events, he could feel a growing fatigue creeping over him.
They made their way through the quieting town, the sounds of their footsteps echoing softly. As they approached the inn, the smell of roasting meat and fresh bread greeted them, causing Leo's stomach to rumble in anticipation. Once inside, the innkeeper waved them over, and they quickly ordered a simple but hearty meal. The two sat at a wooden table in the corner, quietly enjoying their dinner as the fire in the hearth crackled warmly nearby. Leo ate quickly, eager to get some rest after the long day of shopping and magical lessons.
After finishing their meal, Leo turned to Mrs. Hargrove. "Thank you for everything today," he said, giving her a grateful smile. "For the books, the supplies, and just... everything."
Mrs. Hargrove smiled fondly at him. "You're very welcome, Leo. You've got a bright future ahead of you, and I'm happy to help in any way I can. Now get some rest. Tomorrow is another big day."
With a tired nod, Leo excused himself and made his way up the creaky wooden stairs to his room. Once inside, he quickly changed into his sleep clothes, placing his new books and items neatly on the desk. Climbing into bed, he felt the soft comfort of the blankets wrap around him as his eyes grew heavy. The day's excitement, coupled with the thought of starting at the academy soon, danced through his mind, but sleep was too strong to resist. Within moments, Leo drifted off.
The morning came, and Leo woke feeling refreshed. He quickly got ready, anticipation building in his chest as he prepared to showcase his skills at the academy. Today, a new chapter of his journey would begin.