The next day, Ranav was back at his spot under the Ashoka tree. For over an hour, he practiced "control," attempting to steady the second star, which had obeyed so well the day before. To his dismay, it now resisted his will with stubborn intensity. His head throbbed, each failed attempt amplifying the ache. With a splitting headache, he reluctantly stopped his practice and transitioned into meditation, steadying his turbulent mind and aching body.
As his breathing evened out, he reminded himself of the instructions he'd studied over and over:
"Target a star with your thoughts, command it to stop, and hold it steady under your will. Once stable, branch your focus to another star. Keep the first star firmly controlled while guiding the second. If you concentrate too much on the second, the first will disobey. Repeat until all seven stars are controlled. Finally, form them into a circle where they interact seamlessly. Only when the circle stabilizes without your active focus, you would be able to cast your first magic."
The theory had seemed straightforward, especially after his early success with the first star. Yesterday, he'd managed two with some effort. He'd dared to believe the books exaggerated the challenge. Today proved otherwise.
Regaining his balance through meditation, Ranav resumed his practice with renewed determination. By late afternoon, he succeeded in controlling the second star again and even reached for the third. His progress was slow but steady. Exhausted, he returned home, letting his body and mind recover for the next day's trials.
Over the next month, Ranav committed himself to mastering "control." Each day tested his limits, pushing him to the brink of mental and physical exhaustion. Severe headaches, blurred vision, and chaotic thoughts plagued him, but he refused to stop. When the strain became too much, he meditated to regain his balance and started again.
Eventually, he could control six stars simultaneously, guiding them into a stable circle. But the seventh star resisted him fiercely. For the last three days, he fought to subdue it, only to lose control of the others when he tried to integrate it into the circle.
Despite his frustrations, Ranav found solace in the abundance of fruits near the hill. They sustained him during his relentless practice, and he often brought some home to share with his family.
It was almost afternoon when, after hours of failure, Ranav sat meditating beneath the tree, replenishing his energy. As the sun tilted toward the horizon, he resolved to try one last time that day.
Sitting cross-legged, Ranav closed his eyes and entered his spiritual sense. The six stars responded to his command, forming a glowing circle. He shifted his focus to the elusive seventh star, which darted erratically in the galaxy of dull gray stars.
Determined, Ranav extended his will and grabbed the star. It resisted fiercely, but he held firm, dragging it toward the circle. As he forced it into position, a loud bang echoed around him, shaking the hill.
Ranav's eyes snapped open as a radiant light enveloped his body. He felt world energy rushing into him from all directions, invigorating every fiber of his being. The sensation was overwhelming, and when it subsided, he sat in stunned silence, his mind blank.
After a moment, he reentered his spiritual sense. The seven stars, now part of a single circle, rotated in perfect harmony, their combined glow far brighter than before.
Excitement surged through Ranav as he stood and prepared to cast his first spell. Following the book's instructions, he focused on the star circle and shouted, "Ukukhanya ibhola."
A ball of ethereal light materialized in his right palm, its soft glow illuminating the area. Overcome with joy, Ranav experimented with the spell, tossing the light ball between his hands before throwing it into the distance. It collided with a tree and vanished.
He cast the spell several more times, marveling at his newfound power. Finally, satisfied, he returned home to rest, eager to share his success with his family.
That evening, as the family gathered for dinner, Ranav addressed them.
"Mom, please dim the fireplace. I want to show you something."
Naveena complied, her curiosity piqued. Trinav and Vivita watched with anticipation as Ranav stood, took a deep breath, and muttered softly, "Ukukhanya ibhola."
A brilliant ball of ethereal light appeared in his hand, casting a gentle glow across the room. His family stared in stunned silence.
After a few moments, Ranav spoke. "Today, I succeeded in creating my first magic. I wanted to share this moment with you. But please, don't tell anyone. Nanima said it's important to keep this secret until I'm strong enough to protect myself."
Naveena hugged him tightly, tears of joy in her eyes. "My little genius!" she exclaimed, planting kisses on his cheeks.
Trinav patted Ranav's shoulder, pride evident in his smile. "This calls for a celebration. I'll buy some meat tomorrow, and we'll have a feast. But Vivita," he added, turning to his daughter, "you must promise not to tell anyone. There are those who might harm your brother out of jealousy or fear. We must protect him."
Vivita nodded solemnly. "I understand, Dad."
The family finished their dinner in high spirits, their hearts brimming with pride and hope.
Later that night, Ranav was ready to sleep after changing into his comfortable clothes when he heard a knock on the door.
"Ranav, are you asleep?" his father's voice called from the other side.
"No, Dad," Ranav replied, quickly getting up and opening the door.
Trinav stepped in and sat down on Ranav's bed. "Come, sit here," he said, patting the space next to him.
Ranav closed the door and sat beside his father, curious.
Trinav reached into his pocket and pulled out a small stone ring, handing it to his son.
"This is a family heirloom," he explained. "A long time ago, one of our ancestors was a mage, and he left this ring for future generations. Unfortunately, after that, no one in our family inherited magical abilities, so the ring was kept safe. But now that you've become a mage, it's time for you to have it."
He paused, his gaze serious. "Don't let anyone else have it. I don't know exactly how the ring works, only that it's a powerful magical artifact. You'll need to discover its uses on your own."
Trinav took a deep breath before continuing. "Put it on your finger. And remember, treat it as the most precious item in our family."
He stood up, gave Ranav a final look, and quietly left the room, closing the door behind him.