"Previously, we learned how to awaken the Mana Reservoir and control Mana. Today, we'll expand further on how to utilize it." Eileen, standing before him, briefly explained.
Today marked the second day of his training. Yesterday, he spent the whole day working on his Mana control. The Mana, which once crept like a snail, now moved at a turtle's pace. It might not seem like much to others, but it was a significant step forward for him.
Also, he recently discovered he could read and write runic language when he skimmed through the magic book Eileen had given him. Thanks to Cassian's memories, he was learning magic far faster than he anticipated. Though Cassian's memories were scarce, they proved invaluable in crucial moments.
"There are two ways to use Mana." Eileen's voice drew his attention. "The first is 'Enhancement,' which involves channeling Mana within your body to amplify physical attributes—such as speed, strength, or durability. The second is 'Conjuring,' a technique that allows you to manifest the Primary Elements externally."
Holding his gaze, Eileen asked. "Before we proceed, is Your Highness familiar with Primary Elements?"
Cassian inclined his head. "Yes. The Primary Elements are natural forces residing within the Mana Reservoir. There are four: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. They are inherited through genes."
The book explained that if the father possessed the Earth Element and the mother had the Water Element, their child could inherit either one, both, or none at all. In rare cases, the child might inherit an Element from their ancestor. Although some people were born without Primary Elements, they could still harness Mana through the Enhancement method—it was just that they were destined to become warriors.
"That's correct." Eileen nodded with satisfaction. "And by combining Primary Elements, we can create new Elements. For instance, a combination of Air and Fire creates a Lightning, while Air and Water Elements create an Ice, among many others."
Simply put, the concept was the same as primary colors: by combining them, you could create a new color.
She paused and regarded him momentarily before inquiring. "Does Your Highness remember the Primary Element you possess?"
He shook his head. "I don't." The novel only described Cassian as a talented mage and nothing more.
"I see." Eileen nodded in understanding and retrieved a transparent crystal ball from her magical ring, about the size of a basketball, with four pearls inside. "Your Highness, this is a Primary Element Appraisal tool. Place your hand on top, and the pearl inside will change color according to each Element you possess: red for Fire, white for Air, blue for Water, and hazel for Earth."
Stepping forward, he did as instructed, and she began chanting. The crystal ball glowed faintly, and the pearls inside started to shimmer. Though he had no idea how many or which Primary Elements Cassian possessed, he hoped Earth would be one of them, as it was versatile for offense and defense.
Subsequently, the leftmost pearl shone, emitting a luminous hue—indicating he possessed the Air Element. It wasn't the one he wanted, but it was better than having none. The idea of cutting down enemies with invisible wind blades—just like Julius, sounded cool, too.
Right before he removed his hand, the pearl beside it lit up in blue, and the corner of his mouth curled into a smile. ''Two Elements? Not bad.'
However, his amusement shattered as his brow furrowed when the third pearl shifted to a hazel glow. To his surprise, the final pearl flared a vivid red, leaving him flabbergasted. The pearls hovered and swirled, dancing in unison as if mocking his reaction.
Pulling his hand away, Cassian locked his gaze with Eileen's citrine eyes. "Could the tool be malfunctioning?"
However, she shook her head, and a serene smile graced her lips, "There's no mistake, Your Highness. Your four Primary Elements were confirmed when you were first tested as a child."
Cassian's cerulean eyes flickered toward the crystal ball, his indifferent reflection staring back at him. "…I see."
It was not that he was ungrateful, but being born with three Primary Elements was considered insanely lucky. But four? That was unheard of—so absurd that he almost burst out laughing. Even Julius—the protagonist—was only a Triple Elemental Bearer. No wonder Cassian's life was so fucked-up; he must have used up all his luck just by being born with four elements.
Returning his focus to her, he asked. "Is there another Quad Elemental Bearer beside me?"
"I'm afraid not, Your Highness. You are the only Quad Elemental Bearer on the continent."
Cassian clamped his mouth as her words sank in. 'The only one, huh?' He now roughly understood why the Vazquez family wanted Cassian dead so badly—his mere existence overshadowed Julius. Cassian's power was both a blessing and a curse: a gift that could help him thwart red flags, yet a burden that drew unwelcome attention.
Suppressing his thoughts, he posed another question. "What Element do I usually use?" It seemed wiser to follow Cassian's habits; maybe this body would feel more natural, allowing him to adapt more quickly.
"Your Highness typically favors the Ice Element; it's your preferred choice. However, all your Primary Elements are at remarkably high levels."
Being born with Primary Elements didn't automatically make someone a powerful mage. Each Element required training, and the same applied to combined Elements.
Cassian offered her a slight nod. "I understand. Thank you for answering. Let us continue the lesson."
"Certainly, Your Highness," Eileen replied before resuming, "To Conjure, we first need to create a magic circle. By channeling our Mana into the Primary Element and chanting the runic language with the correct syntax and intonation, we can manifest our Primary Element through the Magic Circle."
Eileen lifted her right hand and recited a spell. A magic circle formed above her palm, and water burst forth, quickly shaping into a perfect sphere. "Each rune corresponds to a specific property of the spell. If the syntax or intonation is even slightly off, the magic circle won't form."
She flicked her wrist, and the water ball dissipated into mist. "However, the most crucial aspect is Mana control. Without proper control, the magic circle won't stabilize to sustain the Primary Element and may even backfire on the caster."
"Now," Eileen clapped her hands. "Why doesn't Your Highness try forming a basic circle with the Water Element, just as I demonstrated earlier?"
Cassian lifted his hand and commenced chanting. He carefully channeled his Mana, ensuring it wouldn't backfire on him. A magic circle slowly formed above his palm, its sluggish formation betraying his lack of control over Mana.
Once the magic circle was complete, water surged upward and reluctantly curled into a small ball. Before long, its surface rippled violently and exploded, splashing water over him.
Cassian clicked his tongue in annoyance, wriggling his hand to shake off the water. Of course, reality always seemed to deliver the exact opposite of what he expected.
"Not bad for a first attempt, Your Highness," Eileen said with a smile, wiping the water from her cheek.
Cassian sighed in resignation as he mopped his damp sleeve across his face. "My magic exploded."
In contrast to his frustration, Eileen chuckled softly. "Mastery takes time, Your Highness. Even the most talented mages struggled in the beginning. The important thing is that you managed to form the magic circle and manifest the element. That alone is commendable."
Cassian paused, considering her words. She was right—the first step was always the hardest. Despite the time pressure, he shouldn't have let his impatience take over. Taking a deep breath to ease his fury, he nodded. "Let's give it another try."
And he spent the day practicing his magic.
.
.
.
Sitting with legs crossed on a chair on the balcony, Cassian poured his focus onto the book in his hand. His cerulean eyes danced across the lines as his white hair and regal attire fluttered gently in the breeze. The rich aroma of the summer wind mingled with the scent of tea and cookies on the table before him, tingled his nostrils.
Three months had flown by in the blink of an eye. After the ceremony last night marking the end of his training, today was the day of his return to the capital for his coming-of-age celebration. Not much happened during his stay here; he spent most of his days training and reading about cross-dimensional magic in hopes of returning to his world, but he found nothing.
Somehow, he didn't understand why he was sent here in the first place. Was there a purpose, or was it just some kind of joke? He wanted an answer, but then again, this realm was a godless land—there was no God here, so who could he even ask?
Closing the book with a sigh of exasperation, Cassian rubbed the bridge of his nose, muttering, "I'm thinking about something useless."
As the sound of footsteps filled the air, he glanced toward the source and found Sanchez bowing respectfully. "Pardon the intrusion, Your Highness. I have news—His Highness Prince Julius and His Grace Duke Godfrey will be arriving shortly."
"Understood." Cassian stored the book in his magical ring and stood. "Lead the way."
Sanchez deepened his bow. "This way, please."
Cassian followed the head butler, with Ezio, who had been standing nearby, instinctively falling into step behind him.