In Velaron, a Mage's abilities were classified into nine ranks, each representing a different level of mastery over the elements.
Rank 1 was reserved for novice Mages, those who had just begun to tap into their Mana and wield simple elemental magic. At this level, a Mage could usually Manage only the most basic spell of a single element, like producing a small flame or a slight breeze. Simple, unpolished, but still proof of magical potential.
Ranks 2 and 3 were the mark of apprentices who could combine and control elemental forces with some skill. By Rank 3, Mages could channel elements more dynamically like sparking small fires that could dance at their command or forming streams of water they could bend and shape. Some could even summon bursts of energy that hinted at true, destructive power.
Then, at Rank 4, Mages gained the ability to merge two elements together, creating new hybridized effects like steam, magma, or storms.
A Rank 4 Mage could summon both fire and wind, creating a twister inferno of flames or a sharp electrified breeze. But few also prefer to use only one element and sharpening their mastery to the fullest starting at this rank.
The middle ranks — 5 and 6 — marked those who had refined their control over specific elements and could wielding them with more precision. At this level, they could carve complex paths through Mana, creating intricate barriers or binding spells that could manipulate the environment at higher level.
Rank 6 Mages, in particular, were a formidable force, as they could produce controlled bursts of intense power, merging three elements to create spells of incredible impact. Storm clouds, burning cyclones, or ice-laden gales were in their reach.
Rank 7 and 8 Mages were the guardians and strategists of Velaron, able to wield their chosen elements with almost frightening expertise. There are not many of them exist.
Their mastery of magic allowed them to call the forces of nature itself, summoning volcano-like eruptions or freezing vast landscapes.
They could twist elements into constructs and use them to craft semi-sentient creatures to fight on their behalf, capable of devastating anything that stood in their way.
At the highest, Rank 9, only a handful of Mages existed because of the difficult point of reaching it. Their abilities legendary, some say nearly that they can be called a demigod.
These masters held power over multiple elements as though they were extensions of their own bodies, able to shift from one to another effortlessly and merge them into complex spells.
Rank 9 Mages could devastate entire landscapes with a single focused attack and tearing through mountains and seas with ease.
It was said that the One True Creator Himself had left these ranks as a ladder for Mages to ascend, allowing only the most talented, or the most reckless, to reach the summit of magical prowess. Not much record or data exist from them.
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Aedan stared at the smoldering chasm ahead, his thoughts spinning. What he'd just done… the fire… the sheer power of it… it had unleashed destruction on a scale far beyond anything a Mage of his level could accomplish, especially without the ability to channel Mana.
Lira stepped closer, her face a mix of awe and curiosity. "That was… powerful," said. "More than any Rank 1 spell I've ever seen. Or even a Rank 3."
Aedan shook his head, still dazed by the power he'd released.
"I… don't even know how that happened." He glanced down at the weapon, now feeling almost wary of its potential.
Mara looking between Aedan and the weapon and let out a low whistle. "Well, I don't know what's scarier, Aedan. The fact that you just set fire to half the chasm… or the fact that it was just a test shot."
Aedan blinked, realization dawning on him. If a simple Rune imprinted on the parchment had triggered this, what could happen if he actually engraved it onto the weapon itself? Could it withstand that level of power without breaking apart or exploding? And how about himself? Can he stand it?
Lira, ever the optimist, placed a hand on his shoulder. "Well, that's for the next test, isn't it? Seems like this is just the beginning."
Aedan didn't respond, eyes fixed on the still-burning embers ahead.
Aedan stared at the charred ground where the explosion had happened, his mind racing. This weapon was far more powerful than he had anticipated.
The fire Rune he'd imprinted on a piece of paper was meant to trigger a controlled reaction, something modest like just a little more spark. But instead, it had unleashed a storm of flames that he wasn't sure he could predict or control if he tried again.
"We have to go back now," he said as he turned to Mara and Lira.
Mara pouted, crossing her arms. "Aw… that's it? Just one shot and we're done?"
"Yes, that's it! Unless you want to watch me accidentally torch half the forest, or torch myself, or torch you two!" Aedan replied. "This thing is beyond unstable right now."
Lira nodded, giving her sister a sidelong glance. "He's right, Mara. We'd be safer testing this when he understand it more."
With a reluctant sigh, Mara shrugged. "Fine." She cast one last glance at the scorched chasm before they all began walking back to the village.
As they neared the village, a few of the villagers were peering into the forest, curiosity etched on their faces. One or two called out, "What's all that noise? Another one of your 'experiments,' Mara?"
Mara grinned, waving them off casually. "Yep, just us having a little fun! Nothing to worry about."
The villagers gave Aedan a wary look, some raising an eyebrow at the unfamiliar face among them. But to Aedan's relief, they didn't press for answers and simply returned to their homes, likely used to Mara's antics by now or just used to mind their own business.
Back inside the house, Aedan took a seat, leaning the weapon against his chair as he stared at it, his mind already turning. Lira and Mara perched on the edge of the bed, watching him with curiosity.
Lira finally broke the silence. "So… what's next? What's the plan?"
Aedan didn't answer immediately, his gaze locked on the weapon as a mixture of excitement and caution flickered in his eyes. He couldn't deny it, wielding such power was thrilling, but equally terrifying. After a long pause, he finally looked up.
"I need to duplicate this," Aedan said.
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