The sun rose slowly over the horizon, casting the forest in a golden hue. Shiv stood just outside the cave, the crisp morning air refreshing after the night's rain. The world around him seemed alive with possibilities, every leaf, every breath of wind tinged with a faint sense of magic. He hadn't slept much, his mind whirling with thoughts of what Veylin had told him. Magic was real, and in a month, the greatest wizard of this world would train him.
As the first rays of sunlight broke through the trees, Veylin appeared beside him, his ethereal form shimmering faintly. "A new day," the wizard said, his voice soft yet commanding. "Let us begin with the fundamentals. You need to understand the nature of magic before you can wield it."
Shiv turned to him, eager to listen. "Where do I start?"
Veylin gestured toward the sky, his hand sweeping across the horizon. "Magic is the lifeblood of this world. It flows through everything—the air, the earth, the creatures, the people. Mana is the purest form of this energy, and it is from mana that all magic is born."
The wizard paused, drawing a small swirl of glowing energy from the air. "Mana is like a river—constantly flowing, constantly changing. It can take many forms, depending on the mage who wields it."
He continued, tracing patterns in the air as he spoke. "There are seven core elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Spirit, Light, and Dark. Each element represents a different aspect of the world and requires a unique understanding to control. Fire burns and consumes, Water flows and heals, Earth grounds and shields, Wind moves and strikes, Spirit connects with life itself, Light purifies, and Dark conceals. These are the basic building blocks of magic."
Veylin let the energy in his hand dissipate. "Most mages are born with a natural affinity for one element. A few rare individuals are capable of wielding two elements. The more elements a mage can control, the rarer and more powerful they are. I myself have mastered five of the seven elements—Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, and Spirit."
Shiv's eyes widened. "Five?"
The wizard nodded. "It took centuries to learn. But you, Shiv, are... different. You are an empty vessel. Untouched by mana, unaligned with any element. And that presents a unique opportunity."
Shiv frowned. "An opportunity?"
Veylin's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Yes. It means you are not bound by the limitations that others face. There is a way—an ancient and dangerous way—to unlock your potential. But for this, we need something extraordinary. Something beyond any mage's capability."
Shiv's heart began to race. "What do you have in mind?"
Veylin turned toward the cave, his expression turning solemn. "I possess something that could change your fate—a gift from an old friend, a dragon. His heart."
Shiv blinked. "A dragon?"
The wizard nodded. "Dragons are noble, powerful beings, and their hearts are the purest source of mana in existence. My friend, Draganthir, entrusted me with his heart before he died of old age. He believed that one day, someone worthy would come to bear its power. But to bind the dragon's heart to a mage requires a vessel devoid of mana—someone like you."
Shiv felt a mixture of awe and disbelief. "So... you want to give me a dragon's heart?"
"Not without a trial," Veylin said. "Binding a dragon's heart is no easy task. The dragon must approve of you first. You must face a trial within your own mind—an encounter with Draganthir's spirit. If you pass, the dragon will grant you his power, and you will be able to access mana in its purest form. You could wield any element of magic."
Shiv felt a surge of anticipation, but also hesitation. "And if I fail?"
Veylin's eyes darkened. "If you fail, the dragon's heart will reject you, and the bond will be broken forever. It is a risk, but one I believe you are ready for."
Shiv took a deep breath. This was the chance to fulfill his parents' last wish for him—to live on, to stay happy, to find a new path. "I'll do it. I'll take the trial."
Veylin smiled. "Very well. Let us begin."
The wizard placed a hand on Shiv's chest, and Shiv felt a strange warmth spread through him. His vision blurred, the world around him fading into darkness. Slowly, a new scene emerged: a vast, rocky landscape, with mountains towering in the distance. The sky was thick with storm clouds, and in the center of the valley, a massive, ancient dragon stood, its scales glimmering like molten gold.
Draganthir.
The dragon's immense form loomed over Shiv, its eyes glowing with ancient wisdom. When it spoke, its voice echoed through the valley, deep and thunderous. "You are not from this world."
Shiv froze. How had the dragon known? Not even Veylin had realized that Shiv was from another realm, brought here by the portal in his grandfather's storehouse.
"How do you know?" Shiv asked, his voice barely a whisper.
The dragon lowered its head, staring directly into Shiv's eyes. "I can sense it. Your essence is different. But that is not important. What matters is your heart—your intention."
Draganthir's eyes narrowed. "Why do you seek my power? What is your purpose in learning magic?"
Shiv hesitated, then spoke honestly. "I've lost everything. My family, my home, my place in the world. I don't want power for the sake of power. I want to find a new path—a way to move forward. To live up to the last wish of my parents. They told me to live on... and to be happy."
The dragon watched him intently for a long moment, then finally spoke, its voice softer. "Your intentions are pure. Many come seeking my power for greed or dominance. You seek it for a greater purpose. I will grant you my heart."
The clouds above began to part, and a beam of light shone down on Shiv. He felt warmth flood his body, an overwhelming sensation of energy coursing through him. The dragon's heart was merging with his own.
"But before we part," Draganthir said, "I will leave you with one final gift. A knowledge few possess—the creation of portals between worlds. You came here through one, but now you will learn to create your own. It will take time to master, but with my energy, you will one day have the power to travel between realms as I once did."
Shiv's mind surged with new knowledge, images and symbols flashing before him. The dragon's energy intertwined with his, filling the empty vessel within him.
When he opened his eyes again, he was back in the cave.
Veylin stood before him, his eyes wide with excitement. "You've done it," he said, almost breathless. "The trial was a success."
Shiv exhaled, feeling the dragon's power pulsing within him. He had passed the trial, and his journey into magic had truly begun. But more than that, he now carried the heart of a dragon—a noble creature that had entrusted him with its strength.
And with it, he would forge his own path forward.