The training ground was filled with palpable tension. On one side, Elia maintained her protective stance, as if defending a personal investment. On the other, Selene seemed completely indifferent to the huntress's displeasure, focusing all her attention on Alex.
"So," Selene said, her calm tone contrasting with the charged atmosphere, "what's your decision? I could show you how to harness defensive skills. But if you'd rather stick to the basics of swinging a stick... I won't insist."
"Hey!" protested Elia, clearly offended. "We're not using sticks! I'm teaching him the basics of real combat."
Alex raised his hands, trying to defuse the situation. "Ladies, relax. I appreciate that both of you want to help, but this isn't a competition."
"Isn't it?" Selene asked with a slight smile.
"No, it's not," Alex affirmed firmly. Then, turning to Elia, he said, "Thanks for today's lesson. Honestly, I'm learning a lot with you."
Elia responded with a satisfied smile.
"But…" Alex continued, turning to Selene, "I also want to learn magic. This world is too dangerous not to seize every opportunity."
Selene nodded, clearly pleased. "A wise decision. Meet me tomorrow at dawn at the arcane tower near the eastern district."
"Wait," Elia interrupted. "How do we know you won't make him explode or something?"
"If I wanted to harm him, do you think I would've used a protection spell?" Selene replied, unfazed.
"Fair point," Alex muttered, trying to prevent the situation from escalating again.
Selene turned on her heels, her robe billowing elegantly as she walked away. "Until tomorrow, then."
Elia crossed her arms and looked at him with a mix of frustration and something Alex couldn't quite identify. "Just… be careful with her, okay? Mages usually have their own agendas."
"I'll keep that in mind," Alex replied, grateful for her concern.
Back at the inn, Alex found Lyria in the small common room. She was studying a new map she'd purchased at the market.
"How was your exploration?" she asked without looking up.
"Interesting, to put it mildly," Alex replied, sitting across from her.
Lyria finally glanced at him. "Interesting how?"
"Well… I met a mage who wants to teach me defensive magic, and I had more training with Elia, the huntress we met earlier."
Lyria raised an eyebrow. "You seem quite popular for someone who's only been in this world a few days."
"It's not my fault," Alex defended himself. "Things just… happen."
Lyria sighed. "Fine. But remember, you can't trust anyone blindly, especially in this place. People's intentions aren't always clear."
"I know," Alex said. "But I also think that if I don't trust anyone, I won't get far."
Lyria nodded slightly, as if assessing his response. "I suppose you're right. But stay
alert."The next morning, Alex headed to the arcane tower, as Selene had instructed. The building was imposing, made of black stone that seemed to absorb sunlight. At the entrance, Selene waited with a book in her hands.
"You're on time," she said, giving him an appraising look. "That's a good start."
"What now?" Alex asked, feeling a bit nervous.
"First, you'll understand the basics of magic," Selene explained, handing him the book. "This will teach you the fundamental principles. Magic isn't just power; it's knowledge."
Alex took the book and activated his ability:
Item: Basic Defensive Magic Book
Contents: Explanation of basic runes and spells.
Required Level: None. Ideal for beginners.
"This seems… manageable," Alex commented.
"It will be, if you put in the effort," Selene said, crossing her arms. "Now, let's start with something simple. Repeat the words I'm about to teach you and focus on projecting energy into your hands."
Alex nodded, closing his eyes as he followed her instructions. At first, he felt nothing, but then a faint warmth began to form in his palms. When he opened his eyes, he saw a soft blue glow.
"I did it!" he exclaimed excitedly.
"A decent start," Selene said, though Alex caught a faint glimmer of pride in her
eyes.While they practiced, Alex noticed a figure watching them from a distance. It was a young woman with short, dark hair, dressed in simple but practical clothing, as if she was accustomed to moving quickly.
When Alex finished his practice, the girl approached with a mischievous smile.
"Not bad for a newbie," she said.
"And who are you?" Alex asked, curious.
"My name's Kaela, and let's just say I'm… good at finding opportunities," she replied with a wink.
Selene frowned. "What do you want, Kaela?"
"Oh, nothing," Kaela said, raising her hands in an innocent gesture. "I just came to watch. It's not every day someone with talent catches the attention of a renowned mage."
"Renowned?" Alex murmured, confused.
"Figure of speech," Kaela replied, smiling. "Anyway, maybe we'll cross paths again."
With that, Kaela disappeared into the streets of Valtheris, leaving Alex wondering what role she might play in his life.