Time in the Tower of Knowledge flowed like sand through his fingers, each day filled with new discoveries and challenges. Seth, eager for every new piece of knowledge, lost himself in the depths of magic that were now open to him. Ymir, his patient teacher, guided him step by step into the secrets of the elements, revealing the hidden powers that lay dormant within him."Magic," Ymir explained one day as they sat in the Star Hall, the light of countless stars falling on their faces, "is not just a tool, Setharion, but an extension of yourself. It springs from your inner being, your heart, your soul. To master it, you must first master yourself."Ymir taught Seth the art of meditation, a discipline that at first seemed foreign and unfamiliar to him. For hours they sat together in the Star Hall, legs crossed, eyes closed, breathing calmly and evenly. Seth learned to quiet his mind, to block out the noise of the world, to let go of the worries and fears that had accompanied him since the destruction of his village. He learned to focus on his inner self, on the rhythm of his heart, on the gentle flow of his life energy.It was a laborious process that required patience and perseverance. Seth struggled against the restlessness of his mind, against the images of the past that kept catching up with him. But with Ymir's help, he finally managed to achieve a state of inner peace, a stillness he had never experienced before."Feel the warmth in your chest, Setharion," Ymir said in a gentle voice as Seth was immersed in deep meditation. "There, where your heart beats, lies the source of your power. Focus on this warmth, feel it grow, feel it pulsate."Seth followed Ymir's instructions. He felt a slight tingling in his chest, a pleasant warmth that slowly spread, like a sunbeam flooding through his body. It was a feeling of strength and vitality, of infinite potential."This is magic, Setharion," said Ymir. "To use it, you have to tap into it, channel it into your hands. The more you absorb, the stronger the spell will be."Ymir explained to him how to conjure a fireball, the most basic spell of fire magic. "Imagine the flame, Setharion. Feel its heat, its energy. Direct the warmth from your chest into your hands and shape it into a sphere."Seth concentrated. He visualized the fireball, saw it in his mind's eye, glowing and powerful. He felt the heat in his hands as they slowly filled with magical energy. And suddenly, with a soft crackle, a fireball appeared before him. It was larger than expected, almost two paces in diameter, and danced restlessly in the air.Ymir laughed, a warm, melodic sound that echoed through the Star Hall. "Not bad, Setharion. But a little smaller would be fine too."Seth blushed slightly, then tried again. This time he managed to create a smaller fireball that danced in his palm, under his control. He felt the heat emanating from it, the raw energy he now commanded.Ymir nodded in satisfaction. "Well done, Setharion. You learn quickly."In the following weeks, Seth practiced tirelessly. He learned to control the size and intensity of the fireball, to hurl it at a target, and even to make it hover in the air. He also learned other fire spells, such as creating a wall of fire that shielded him from attacks, or generating a beam of fire that struck its target with the precision of an arrow.Ymir also instructed him in the other elements. Seth learned to freeze and vaporize water, to direct rivers and create waves. He learned to move the air, to conjure storms, and to direct lightning with the power of his will. He learned to shape the earth, to levitate stones, and to create earthquakes. He mastered the magic of healing, with which he could close wounds and cure diseases, and the magic of illusion, with which he could manipulate the perception of others and create mirages. He learned to move objects with his mind and to teleport himself through space and time.In addition to practical magic, Seth also learned the languages of the six peoples. Ymir taught him the grammar and vocabulary, and Seth diligently practiced until he could speak and understand all languages fluently. He learned the intricacies of the Kik language, which was full of innuendo and double meanings, the poetic language of the Niut, inspired by nature and animals, and the harsh language of the Gahi, marked by strength and honor."Uzg'nash, warrior!" he said one day in the language of the Gahi, with a broad grin on his face. It meant "Greetings, warrior!", a traditional greeting among the proud and warlike Gahi.Ymir returned the greeting with a loud laugh. "Well done, Setharion! Your pronunciation is perfect."Seth threw himself into the tasks that Ymir set him. He read countless books, practiced spells, and trained his body and mind. The days and months flew by, filled with learning, practicing, and discovering.But despite all the new knowledge and exciting challenges, Seth felt a deep longing within him. He missed Elric, his best friend. He wondered how he was doing, what he was learning, and if he missed him too. The memory of their childhood together, the adventures they had experienced, and the inseparable friendship that bound them filled him with melancholy.Ymir noticed Seth's sadness and tried to comfort him. "Elric is in good hands, Setharion," he said. "He is learning and growing, just like you. And one day you will see each other again."Seth nodded, but the longing remained. He hoped that Ymir was right. He longed for the day when he could embrace Elric again."Setharion," Ymir said one day, a serious undertone in his voice, "magic is not the only power you must master. A true warrior also needs strength and skill in wielding weapons."Seth was surprised. "Weapons? But I'm a mage."Ymir smiled. "Magic is powerful, but it cannot win every battle. Sometimes it also requires the strength of the body, the quickness of the mind, and the precision of the hand."From that day on, Ymir regularly led Seth into the basement of the tower, where a spacious training hall was hidden. Here, surrounded by weapons of all kinds, Seth's training as a warrior began.Ymir's eyes gleamed as he handed Seth a simple wooden sword. "Touch it, Setharion. Feel its weight, its balance."Seth took the sword a little clumsily. It felt unusually heavy and unwieldy in his hands. He tried to swing it, but the blade flailed uncontrollably through the air, nearly hitting a weapon rack.Ymir laughed. "Patience, Setharion. No master has fallen from the sky yet. Handling a sword requires practice and discipline."Ymir showed Seth the basic stances, the different grips, and the most important attack and defense techniques. Seth practiced with dedication, but his movements were initially clumsy and uncoordinated. The sword seemed to have a life of its own, and he stumbled over his own feet more than once.Ymir patiently corrected his posture, gave him tips, and encouraged him not to give up. "Focus, Setharion. Feel the energy of the sword, become one with it."Slowly but surely, Seth's movements became more fluid and precise. He learned to guide the sword instead of being guided by it. He felt the strength in his arms, the agility of his body, and the sharpness of his mind.In addition to the sword, Seth also practiced with other weapons. He learned to throw spears, shoot with a bow, and defend with a shield. He trained his stamina and strength, his speed and reflexes.The training sessions with Ymir were strenuous but also fulfilling. Seth felt himself growing stronger, both physically and mentally. He discovered a new side to himself, a side he hadn't known before.In the evenings, when Seth lay exhausted and content in his bed, he felt the tiredness in every bone. But it was a pleasant tiredness, the feeling of having achieved something. He looked forward to each new day, to each new challenge that awaited him in the Tower of Knowledge.