MC's POV
Months passed, and I was now five years old. Like every other day, I was diligently performing exercises to strengthen my body, a routine I'd begun just a month ago. Initially, my mother had opposed the idea, worried about its impact on my young frame. However, for reasons unknown to me, she eventually relented, allowing me to train under my maternal grandfather's guidance. Grandfather, ever enthusiastic, often joined me in these sessions, teaching me breathing techniques that he insisted were vital.
"Little Ethan, come, let's go for a run," Grandfather called, his voice brimming with energy. Without hesitation, I followed him as we descended the mountainous terrain surrounding the Mistborn family castle. Nestled in the foothills of the Aurora Frost Mountains, the castle was surrounded by steep slopes and dense coniferous forests. The chill in the air, typical of Dark North City's proximity to the frigid mountain range, invigorated my young body as we made our way downward toward the valley below.
As we ran, a question lingered in my mind, and curiosity got the better of me. "Grandfather, why did Mama suddenly agree to let me train with you? She was so against it at first," I asked, my tone as light as the pace of my footsteps.
Grandfather chuckled, a warm sound that echoed through the crisp air. "Ah, Little Ethan, there's a reason for everything. A mage's magic power resides in a dimension near their heart, what we call the magic sea. When one begins their path as a mage, their mana veins are formed—a natural network that allows magic to flow through the body. The process of constructing these veins can be... intense. If the body isn't prepared, it can struggle to adapt. Exercise strengthens not only the muscles but also the resilience needed to handle such strain. That's why your mother finally allowed it—she knew it would prepare you for your future."
His explanation satisfied my initial curiosity, but it sparked a deeper hunger for knowledge. "Grandfather," I began hesitantly, "could you tell me more about mages? Their abilities? Their power progression?"
He stopped briefly, giving me a long, amused look, before sighing. "Your mother was right to say it's too early for you to dive into these matters," he began. But after a pause, perhaps swayed by my pleading eyes, he relented. "Very well. Listen closely, but don't let this distract you from simply being a child for now."
With that, he explained. "When a mage awakens their element, they are assigned an ascension technique by their family or faction. This technique guides their growth. The first stage is the Acolyte Mage Realm, where mana veins gradually develop. There are three stages in this realm, each marking a denser concentration of elemental energy. As the veins strengthen, a mage enters the Elemental Sea Realm, where an energy dimension forms near the heart. This is where magic potential truly blossoms, and your mother is currently at this stage, specializing in ice magic. Beyond that lies the Crystal Formation Realm, where both your grandmother and I reside."
He waved a hand, signaling the conversation's conclusion, but I wasn't ready to stop just yet. "Grandfather," I asked tentatively, "just one more question, please?"
He sighed, though I could tell he wasn't annoyed. "Go on, Little Ethan."
"Does a mage's lifespan increase as they grow more powerful?" I asked eagerly, my voice trembling with excitement.
Grandfather's expression shifted, a momentary flicker of surprise crossing his face. Then he nodded. "Yes. Acolyte mages live as long as ordinary humans. But an Elemental Sea expert's lifespan extends to around 200 years, and those in the Crystal Formation Realm can live up to 500 years."
I felt an electrifying rush of excitement. Immortality—it was within reach. My mind raced with possibilities, ambitions forming like never before. But Grandfather's sharp gaze brought me back to the moment. "Why do you ask, Ethan?" he inquired, his tone probing.
Quickly, I adopted a somber expression, crafting my response to seem fitting for a child. "I read about other races in the library—dragons, elves, demons—all with lifespans far longer than ours. I just didn't want to lose you, Mama, or anyone else I love so soon." I looked up at him with teary eyes, a technique perfected over the years.
His face softened immediately. "Ah, my dear boy," he murmured, patting my head as we resumed our trek toward the valley.
GrandFather's POV
As we ran, I couldn't help but marvel at my grandson. For someone so young, his questions carried a maturity far beyond his years. His curiosity, intelligence, and drive were striking, and though his inquiries surprised me, his innocent concern for family melted my heart.
I chuckled to myself, remembering my daughter at his age, playing with mud and showing no such awareness of the world. Ethan, I thought with pride, is truly a rare gem—gifted, clever, and destined for greatness.
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The initial power progression realms are summarized below,
1. Acolyte Mage realm (stage 1 to 3) => lifespan similar to normal humans
2. Elemental Sea Realm (stage 1 to 3) => lifespan is 200 years
3. Crystal Formation Realm (stage 1 to 3) => lifespan is 500 years