Revan stopped in his tracks as a thought struck him hard.
Wait. If I leave now, I might endanger that woman later. Before that happens, I need to gain control over my magic and physical strength first.
The thought echoed in his mind, forcing him to turn back and search for a book that could help him. The dim glow of several large candles illuminated the entire room, creating a magical atmosphere, as if this place was the center of the world's knowledge.
The towering bookshelves around him were filled with ancient, dust-covered books. The distinct scent of old paper and wood filled the air, bringing a sense of calm yet mystery. Revan walked slowly, his eyes scanning the titles engraved on the spines of the books.
"Basic Magic and Its Applications," "The Philosophy of Elements," "The Theory of Energy Manipulation"... These aren't what I'm looking for, he muttered softly, his finger trailing along the bookshelf.
His steps halted when his gaze landed on a book with a dark blue cover, its faded gold lettering reading: "The Essence of Elements: Understanding the Foundations of Magic Through Deep Knowledge."
"This is it." He carefully pulled the book out, blew away the dust covering it, and sat at the long table in the center of the room.
The first page was filled with ancient symbols and diagrams depicting the fundamental elements of nature. The title of the first chapter brought a small smile to his heart, though his face remained expressionless: "Water: The Beginning of Life and Its Infinite Power."
He began to read intently, his soft voice accompanying his understanding of every word.
"Water is the element that underpins life. From its smallest molecules to its global cycles, water is a symbol of birth, transformation, and destruction. To master this element, one must understand its origins: how it formed in the cosmos, its role in creating life, and its destructive nature when uncontrolled."
Revan paused, pondering those words. So, I need to see water as an element, not just as something I can control. Interesting.
The book continued.
"In mastering water, there are three main principles: flexibility, continuity, and balance. Water adapts to any form it encounters, yet it can also destroy anything in its path."
Revan nodded slowly and continued reading. The next pages explained the water cycle—how water flows from rain to rivers, from rivers to the ocean, and back to the sky. The book even delved into scientific details, such as the molecular structure of water enabling it to form ice or vapor.
"So the key to mastering water is understanding every form and property, from the smallest to the largest," he murmured, making a mental note.
However, what intrigued him most was a chapter on the connection between water and emotions.
"Water reflects the soul. When one understands water, one also understands oneself. The calmness of water mirrors inner peace, while storms reflect turmoil within the heart."
Revan closed his eyes briefly, recalling the emotions he had experienced. Sadness, anger, and even a fleeting sense of happiness. Though his face remained expressionless, his heart was full of hidden conflict.
Perhaps this is why I need to learn this. Not just to master the element, but to understand myself as well.
He continued reading until he reached the chapter on applying this knowledge to magic. There were no spells or hand gestures described in the book. Instead, it emphasized that mastering an element was about knowledge and will.
"If you truly understand water, it will follow your will without the need for commands."
Revan closed the book momentarily, resting his eyes before focusing on his hearing. Outside, leaves swayed gently in the breeze, and the faint sound of trickling water echoed from afar.
"I have to try this. But where can I find water to practice? There's no river nearby, only that small pond where the woman bathes." Revan thought hard, then reopened the book, searching for other clues.
He found a section explaining that the water element wasn't limited to its physical form. "You can create water from the moisture in the air, as long as you understand the process."
Revan stood, closed the book, and placed it back on the table. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, trying to sense the moisture in the air around him.
"I understand your cycle, your origins. Water, come to me."
Slowly, tiny droplets began to form in the air around him, gathering into floating beads of water. Revan opened his eyes, watching the droplets intently.
"This is just the beginning," he said softly before letting the droplets fall to the floor, disappearing into vapor.
He nodded, feeling more determined to move on to the next stage. The book had given him answers, but the practice and deeper understanding were now his responsibility.
Revan exhaled slowly, his eyes returning to the book before him. Page after page had given him much insight, yet his curiosity continued to rise. The book seemed to hold even more secrets waiting to be unraveled.
He turned to the next page. This time, a new chapter title was clearly displayed: "Fire: Life, Destruction, and Rebirth."
Revan read slowly, tracing each sentence that felt like it revealed a new mystery.
"Fire is the element that represents pure energy. It gives life through its warmth, but it also brings destruction with its uncontrollable heat. Mastering fire is not about dominating destruction, but understanding its source of energy: passion, courage, and the will to endure."
Revan furrowed his brow, pondering the explanation. "Fire represents passion and courage? I'm not sure I have either."
Still, he continued reading.
"In mastering fire, one must understand the cycle of its energy. A flame that burns too brightly will consume itself until it dies, but a flame nurtured wisely will continue to burn. Balance is the key."
He thought deeply. "A cycle of energy... like emotions that, when excessive, destroy, but when controlled, become a strength."
The book gave a firm warning.
"Fire is the most dangerous element to master. Many fall into arrogance, allowing themselves to be consumed by it. Remember: fire is a tool, not a master."
Revan closed the chapter on fire momentarily, his mind spinning as he considered the connection between the element and his emotions. He recalled the times his anger had surged—when he discovered he was different or felt cornered at the orphanage.
"Maybe that's why I need to learn this," he muttered. "So my anger doesn't burn everything down."
He turned to the next page, where a new chapter awaited: "Wind: Freedom and Purity."
Revan read attentively.
"Wind is the element of freedom. It is unbound by form or limits, flowing wherever it chooses. However, this freedom does not mean aimlessness. Controlled wind can bring coolness, strength, and even destruction. It is a symbol of purity and justice, unaffected by desire or ambition."
Revan tilted his head, reflecting on the words. "Purity? Do I have anything pure within me after all that's happened?"
The chapter continued with practical explanations.
"To master wind, you must understand its nature—unseen yet ever-present. You cannot capture wind, but you can feel it. Listen to its flow, and let it guide you."
Revan closed his eyes, attempting to feel the wind around him. But inside the library, the air was still and silent. "Maybe I need to go outside for this," he thought.
He turned to the next page, which discussed the final element: "Earth: Strength, Stability, and Patience."
The chapter's opening lines made Revan pause for a moment.
"Earth is the most stable and solid element. It is the foundation of life, providing a place to stand and grow. But the strength of earth lies not only in its solidity but also in its ability to endure through infinite time."
Revan stared at the words for a long time. "The foundation of life... maybe that's what I've always lacked."
The book explained that earth symbolizes patience and strength under pressure.
"Earth is never in a hurry. It turns seeds into trees, carves mountains through erosion, and creates new land with its steady persistence. To master earth, you must understand that true strength lies in patience and consistency."
Revan nodded slightly. He thought of all the suffering he had endured and how he had managed to survive this far. Perhaps, beneath his silence and isolation, he carried the element of earth within him.
After reading all of this, Revan closed the book gently. He stood and gazed at the ceiling of the library, adorned with carvings of stars.
"Water, fire, wind, and earth. Each element reflects something different within me. If I can understand them all, perhaps I can control this power and eventually protect those who matter to me, even though I'm not sure I'll ever have someone who's precious to me in the future."
Then, he realized something peculiar: all the books in the library were written in Indonesian. This made him think hard.
"Why are all the books here in Indonesian?" he murmured. He recalled the woman who had spoken in a language he had never heard before.
"That woman... she used a foreign language. But why do these books feel like they were made for me?"
The question deepened his curiosity, but there was no time to seek answers now. He had to focus on his training.
Revan rose from his seat and headed for the stairs, ascending each step with a steady pace. Once he reached the surface, he didn't immediately tidy up his disheveled bed. Instead, he decided to head outside, looking for the right place to practice what he had learned.
Calmly, Revan walked toward the exit. The door opened on its own, as if recognizing who was passing through. As he stepped out, the fresh late afternoon air greeted him, mixed with a natural aroma that was soothing. The fading chirps of birds and the faint sounds of insects accompanied his steps. A gentle breeze swept through his hanfu, making him appear graceful and elegant in the warm glow of the setting sun.
"Alright, where should I train now?" Revan muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the surroundings intently.
Using his sharp vision, he carefully observed the area. In the distance, his eyes caught sight of a secluded, open space devoid of trees or other creatures. There, he thought, directing his gaze westward—about 20 kilometers away. A place spacious and quiet enough for practice.
With a firm decision, he began walking toward the location, ready to further hone his abilities.
Revan wanted to test his physical strength by jumping. However, before doing so, he paused for a moment, reflecting. He realized his physical power might be far greater than he imagined. "I need to be careful," he whispered to himself. He didn't want to take unnecessary risks, so he decided to try a jump with minimal strength first, though he knew it might still have a significant impact.
Without hesitation, Revan focused his energy and leaped into the air. His body soared higher than expected, as if he could touch the sky. The wind rushed by, but Revan remained calm, concentrating on what he needed to do next.
As he began to descend, tension arose within him. He wasn't panicked, knowing he likely wouldn't die, but he also didn't want to cause a commotion that might attract nearby wild animals. Quickly, he thought, trying to recall what he had learned.
Then, in an instant, an idea surfaced in his mind. He imagined a large trampoline, but not made of ordinary material—rather, water. Its surface was solid and thick, yet soft enough to catch his body without letting him sink.
Quickly, he directed his thoughts toward that creation. In an instant, a thick layer of water materialized beneath him. Revan landed gently, his body bouncing slightly but remaining upright and unscathed. Relief flickered across his otherwise expressionless face. "Perfect," he muttered, feeling satisfied with his growing abilities.