After successfully mastering his first spell, Phaistos felt a surge of euphoria despite the fact that there was absolutely no damage to the mannequin. He knew full well that magic could not be learned overnight. If magic worked like that, he would find it boring.
Phaistos turned towards the wooden mannequin, his new training companion. "Alright, let's see what else I can do with this water bubble," he murmured to himself.
He raised his hands again, visualizing the aqueous energy gathering between his palms. This time, he tried to infuse the water bubble with a different intention. Rather than simply forming it, he wanted it to have a purpose, a specific effect once launched.
According to the manual, the classification of spells was based on their basic power potential and not on their advancement possibilities. As long as the magician had imagination, he could even manage to improve or invent a new spell from the basic one. Legend has it that the first ultimate spells of each element come from level 1 spells. "Let's try to improve the destructive potential of the spell. Otherwise, I doubt I can do anything with this spell. Unless my enemies are afraid of a puddle of water," thought Phaistos.
The water bubble spell was clearly a ranged spell. When Phaistos imagined destruction at a distance, he pictured a volley of arrows ready to greet an entire army of men, turning them into porcupines. He would try to base his efforts on this imagery.
The water bubble formed, and Phaistos introduced a slight rotation, giving it a more dynamic shape. With intense concentration, he launched the bubble towards the mannequin. It sped forward at a surprising speed and exploded in a burst of water upon impact. The mannequin was soaked, but it remained intact. However, if Phaistos looked carefully, he could see a slight scratch on the mannequin.
"Not bad, but I still need to refine my technique," Phaistos said to himself, determined.
Feeling more confident, he decided to explore the limits of his new ability. Each attempt brought him a better understanding of manipulating aqueous energy. He experimented with variations in speed, size, and intensity. Sometimes, he managed to create bubbles so large that they required a monumental effort to remain stable, and other times, he settled for small, fast spheres.
As he practiced, Phaistos realized how versatile magic could be. He already saw the multiple applications of his budding skills, not only in combat but also in daily life and defense. Each spell learned and mastered was just a piece of a larger, more complex puzzle.
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[95 : 00 : 00]
As Phaistos continued to practice mastering his spell, his magical core had finally digested the light magical energy. "It seems that it takes me more time to absorb light energy than it does to absorb water energy. It seems that a better understanding of the elements has several residual effects," he muttered to himself.
With a view to a better understanding of his elemental affinities, Phaistos felt more motivated than ever. He knew that mastering magic was only part of his journey; he also had to understand how to use his powers strategically.
He knew that training his spell-casting abilities was important, but improving his magical affinities was even more crucial. Phaistos sat down in a meditation position, closed his eyes, and let his mind clear of all distractions. He used the "Dawn Vigil" technique, breathing deeply to draw the surrounding magical energy into his core.
As he meditated, he felt his reserves slowly but surely filling up. Each inhalation brought a new wave of light energy, and each exhalation rid him of his fatigue and doubts. He knew that these moments of calm and reflection were essential to maintaining a balance between his mind, body, and magic. Gradually, he felt his understanding of light reaching new heights. He felt more and more comfortable under the artificial blazing sun.
Once his meditation was over, Phaistos stood up with renewed vigor. He turned to the "Light Ball" manual, a utility spell that created a ball of light capable of illuminating an entire room. He skimmed through the pages, absorbing every word and diagram with meticulous attention.
The "Light Ball" spell followed the same guiding principles as the "Water Bubble" spell, but there was a fundamental difference. The "Light Ball" spell was not imbued with the intention to harm his opponent directly.
Time passed slowly. Phaistos was busy mastering his light affinity and the two spells, "Water Bubble" and "Light Ball." In this room that seemed impervious to the passage of time, the countdown in the sky was the only reminder of the inexorable end.
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[45 : 00 : 00]
After another long meditation session, Phaistos felt his mind open up and reach heights of reflection he never thought possible. It felt as if he could sense his existence in the universe more tangibly. This feeling was as if he had never truly been an object that was part of a greater whole.
He felt that if he continued down the path he had begun to walk, one day he could actually command the forces around him. This sensation seemed to last an eternity, though in reality, it was just a fleeting moment.
[Updating host information...]
[Phaistos Astraeus]
[Rank 1: Initiate]
[Magic Power: 15]
[Combat Power: 15]
[Light initial stage - completed - awaiting a breakthrough]
[Water initial stage - completed - awaiting a breakthrough]
[Spiritual Origin: B-]
[Magical Control: E+]
[Lineage: ???]
[Talent: ???]
"Finally, I've made it after all these hours of work. I can finally say that my path as a mage has just begun," Phaistos pronounced his words with a hint of relief. Even though, according to his calculations, he should be able to smoothly advance to the rank of Initiate with his talent, no one was ever safe from circumstances.
"It seems that my combat power is not increasing as quickly as before. If I understand correctly what the voice told me, magical power is linked to the power of the body itself. There must be a limit to the speed of body improvement through increasing one's understanding of the elements. There must be other ways to improve this part of me. Unfortunately, I've never been in contact with magic, so I have to wait before I can uncover its secrets," Phaistos loved seeing his ability panel change. He felt that he could understand the meaning of magic more easily.
"May I ask you a question?" he asked cautiously.
[Analyzing your rights... Your advancement to the rank of Initiate has been recorded. This allows you to ask me some basic questions related to magic.]
"Thank you for your consideration. I would like to know why my magical power and combat power are not increasing as quickly as I thought."
[For your magical power, this is related to the fact that there is a ceiling of magical power that your core can support. The more solid your understanding of the elements, the more your core can acquire power. Given your multiple elements, you will tend to reach your maximum magical power more easily. This will also create a faster increase when you break through a level, as it makes your core more stable. That is why your magical power went from 10 to 15 but could not exceed 10 before.]
[Based on the analysis of your thoughts, your logic regarding combat power is correct. For now, if you continue training the way you do, your combat power will evolve very slowly. With your current authorization level, you cannot yet access information related to combat power training.]
The mechanical voice still spoke with a detached and cold tone, but Phaistos felt it was slightly more respectful than before, even if the difference was very minimal.
"I have one more question for you. What comes next?" Phaistos asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and eagerness. This week of relentless training had profoundly transformed him. The rigorous sessions, the endless hours of meditation, and the ceaseless pursuit of mastering his newfound powers had left him in a state of exhilaration. It was as if each spell he cast, each new insight he gained, and each challenge he overcame had woven a tapestry of change within him. The sense of progress was intoxicating, filling his veins with a fervent anticipation for what lay ahead. The very essence of magic had seeped into his being, making him yearn for more. The unknown future beckoned him, and he was ready to embrace whatever it had in store.
[Let me inform you that you have been accepted into our institution: the Ætherion Academy. A renowned magic school across the galaxy with a unique operating mode. You will receive more information next time. As for the next steps, we have nothing more to offer you. You will return home until the countdown ends. I must inform you that the duration you have spent in this room is equal to the time spent outside. Be sure to use a good lie for your loved ones.]
"Wait, what...", Phaistos didn't even have time to finish his sentence before he was teleported out of the white room. Despite the intense white light that assaulted him, he managed to stay awake for a short duration compared to the first time. What he saw would be an image etched in his mind for eternity. An ocean of stars as far as the eye could see, and in this ocean, he felt as if one particular star was calling out to him.