The next morning, Nanima had a heavy, leather-bound book waiting for Ranav on her table as he entered her shop. She tapped it with a knowing smile. "This," she said, "is The Basics of Magic by Atharvana Bhadrakali. Study it well; if you need clarification, come ask me. But if I'm with a client, you'll have to wait your turn."
Ranav eagerly grabbed the book, settling into a quiet corner. As he opened it, he found the author's foreword:
"My name is Atharvana Bhadrakali. As the only Magus of my generation in the Mayura Kingdom, I dedicate this book to all my female readers. I hope my female readers will unleash their potential and lead in the magical arts. As wars rage due to men's pride, women must hold their ground in the field of magic, soothing the fury that fuels destruction."
Curious and a little puzzled, Ranav looked up. "Nanima, why does Bhadrakali focus so much on women's roles in magic?"
Nanima chuckled, anticipating his question. "For most of our history, magic has naturally flowed more easily through women, who are often more attuned to its intricacies. But," she continued, seeing his frown, "there have been remarkable male mages throughout history. It's just that women's connection to magic gives them a natural advantage." She tapped the book. "There's something else I want you to understand about magic in our world: its structure."
She held up her fingers, counting as she spoke. "The magic community is like a society within a society, with a strict hierarchy reflecting not only skill but dedication to the craft. First, there's the Rookie tier. A person becomes a Rookie Mage when they awaken their first Element and possess the Stardust of that element. But even then, most mages don't fully consider them a 'Rookie' yet; some even call them 'cattle.' You, for example, are in this tier now."
Ranav shifted, uncomfortably aware of how far he had to go.
"At age four, you should be in school," she went on. "The village school would provide you with a basic education, and in two years, you'd go to the county magic school in Khohdwar. After two years there, the top scorers in magic classes who haven't awakened can use awakening stones for a final chance. Those who awaken with the stone join as true Rookies. However," she added with a smile, "those who awaken naturally, like you, are granted scholarships throughout their education."
Ranav's eyes widened. "You mean I could have a scholarship at school?"
"Exactly," Nanima replied. "I earned my scholarship the same way. But there's more. After Rookie, the next step is Novice. Rookies become Novices once they succeed in connecting the seven stars within their Stardust to form a Star Circle. Novices are the true roots of the magical community, and their families can declare that they have magical offspring now." She watched Ranav closely. "Most students are given two years in school to reach the Novice stage, but the most gifted take around six months. Since you were born with a natural awakening, I expect you'll take even less time."
Ranav nodded, processing everything she was saying. "So, after Novice is Apprentice?"
"Correct," she affirmed. "To reach Apprentice, Novices must learn to cast the first spell of their element with efficiency. Once they do, they receive a second awakening at the magic schools, gaining a new element. Typically, elements come in pairs; Light and Darkness, for instance, or Air and Earth. For healers, having both Light and Darkness is essential for healing the patients. Once an Apprentice has gained their second element, they go through the same process again. When they can control both elements, they complete their magic schooling and qualify to apply for one of the Great Magic Academies."
"And after that?" Ranav asked, barely able to contain his curiosity.
"Then you become a Mage," she continued, her voice proud. "Academy students who pass their fourth year can call themselves Mages. The Academy allows students to awaken additional elements, provided they are proficient in the first two. At the academy, you'll choose at least one specialization. I specialize in both Healing and Battle Magic."
"In social terms, Mages are equivalent to Barons. With sufficient contributions, a Mage may even be awarded the title of Count or Marquess. In fact, I hold the title of Count."
Ranav looked at her with renewed admiration. "Count Naria?"
She chuckled. "Yes, but I'm Nanima here. Next comes Archmage, a title reserved for those who awaken and master all six primary elements. Only the Mage Association can grant this title, and it's the equivalent of a Duke. An Archmage is someone who has made a remarkable contribution to our kingdom or the magical community."
Ranav's eyes sparkled as he listened, fully mesmerized by the journey ahead. "And after that, is there anything higher?"
"Yes," she said, her voice softening. "The pinnacle is Magus. An Archmage who contributes greatly to both the magical community and the kingdom may receive this title from the King's Court. A Magus is equivalent to an Archduke, the highest status below the King. The Magus represents the zenith of power and merit, someone whose knowledge deepens the foundations of magic for future generations."
Ranav was silent, feeling the weight of those words. "So, after becoming a Mage, what should I choose?"
Nanima thought for a moment, then answered. "Beyond Mage, you choose your own direction. You might become the personal mage of a noble, immersing yourself in the luxury of courts, or you could dedicate your life to magic itself, perhaps creating new artifacts or spells. But remember: no matter how powerful you are, if you do not share or apply your knowledge for the greater good, you'll remain simply a mage. Your status won't increase unless your contributions benefit the kingdom or the Mage Association."
Ranav nodded, mulling it over. "So, a mage's true worth lies in what they share?"
"Yes," Nanima replied. "Knowledge kept to oneself holds little value for society, so it earns no merit. But sharing your discoveries or using them to further our kingdom and magical knowledge, that's what elevates a mage to higher ranks."
Ranav absorbed this, feeling both daunted and exhilarated by the journey ahead. He looked down at the book in his hands, its old pages and words now brimming with new meaning. Nanima gave him a knowing nod, signaling that their conversation was over.
For the rest of the morning, while Nanima was busy with her patients, Ranav pored over the book, his mind swirling with visions of his path from Rookie to Mage and beyond. In his heart, he knew this was where he was meant to be.
In the afternoon, after returning to Nanima's house, both Master and Apprentice had their simple lunch. Then Nanima let him study on his own until evening. Ranav went back home with a tired body, just like the previous day.