[Kael's Perspective]
Vyra and Kael stood at the center of a large circle in the middle of an artificial forest.
"Are you ready?" asked Vyra.
"Well, there's another thing." Replied Kael. "I'm feeling hungry and a bit thirsty at the moment. I haven't eaten in a while."
"Ah, yes!" Widening her eyes, she remembered that he probably hadn't eaten since he was summoned. "Don't worry about it. Afterward, I will provide that for you once you begin your training."
I wanted to eat now. But that's fine I suppose.
"Sounds good to me."
"Since you aren't from here, I'm going to start with the fundamentals," Vyra said in a loud and firm tone. "Your first step to be able to use magic to your advantage is to control it in its most fundamental state."
She continued, "There are three steps that you need to achieve to be considered a mage." As she began to explain, her playful demeanor faded. Her eyes became sharp and focused.
"The three categories are Ignite, Convey, and Transform." She extended the palm of her hand, turning it up. "Look."
"Fwoosh!"
Flames sparked above her hand. They looked different from real flames. Almost transparent, their outlines matched the light purple gas around her. A small smile appeared on her face once she realized Kael's sudden shock.
"It's always fun to see the reactions of people who have never seen mana before."
"It looks pretty too. But those don't seem like real flames, so what are they?"
"Very attentive of you; you are right. This is the first step, Ignite. There are some specialists in the field who call this Intensify, since these are not real flames. But since the old name has been used for so long, they have kept it as Ignite."
"Interesting! So there must exist conventions that determine magic's nomenclature and meanings." Kael said while fixing on those "flames."
"That's right; however, they never seem to agree on anything. There are 6 Great Magic Academies spread around the world. The conventions are made by them." Vyra paused for a second and stared at the man for a few moments before continuing. "I'm surprised you are well-educated enough to understand those terms. You sound like you have some sort of formal education."
Wait, is she interested in my past life?
Kael glanced back at her before replying, "Yes, technically I have a formal education. But it's nothing too advanced."
"Shame," Vyra commented.
"Why?" The man was a bit puzzled by the comment.
"I've heard that dumb man were more fun. The smart ones complain too much." After noticing his eyebrows frowning, she finished her sentence. "I'm kidding, it's great that you aren't that stupid. For you to follow us, you would have to learn magic anyway. If you were stupid, my life would be miserable."
"We should continue."
"Yes. Of course. Now, the next step is going to be Convey." Now she had both palms of her hands turned against each other. The movement snuffed out the flame, but Kael saw that one hand had more "**gas**" around it.
The gas drifted from one hand to the other, like water swirling in the air. It filled the other hand, making it seem to emit more gas.
"This is the act of Convey." Her eyes fixed at her hand, as that process happened once again, moving that energy back to the first hand. "This is the act of transmit energy, and carry energy to a destined place. This is the single most important fundamental for you to learn."
"May I ask why?"
"Convey is key to controlling your mana. The better you get in other areas, the more you'll improve."
She raised her right hand and wiggled her fingers. The gas around her hand formed a small ball. It glided through her fingers as she danced gracefully.
"That's impressive."
"What I'm showing to you. It's one of the requirements for you to reach the category of Intermediate mage."
"Oh, really? And what are the possible levels?"
"First is Beginner. This only means you are capable of using mana or have it, without any type of control over it, or with very poor control. This is your current level."
"Second is Novice. This level indicates that you are adept at learning and using magic. But with poor control and many things to learn. Two top academies ask you to meet this level before sending an entrance letter."
"Third is intermediate. At this point, you are a full-fledged mage. You have decent mana control and even a decent amount of spells in your repertoire. There's a single academy that requires you to be at this level before entering; it's the one I studied."
"Wait, does that mean you're above that?" Kael widened his eyes.
"Yes. Very much so." Vyra couldn't hide her satisfaction. "Now, let's get back to the studies. Right now, focus on reaching the Intermediate level. You'll be self-sufficient there."
"That's exactly my goal," Kael responded with excitement.
"I'm glad my first student is so diligent. Now for the last fundament, Transform." Once again she raised her right hand with her palm turned up. Invoking the same flame from before. "This is the last fundament taught. And the most difficult to master; this is when you learn to discover your own individuality."
Kael focused on her hand. Sparks shot up through the flames, forming a small purple spiral like a hurricane. It twisted and turned, finally becoming a sphere that leaked purple sparks.
"The last step lets you change your mana into anything you desire. You can also bend nature to your will." Vyra snapped her fingers, and the lightning sphere disappeared. Kael could only stare in amazement. "Remember, just because I make it look easy doesn't mean it is. When you start training, it may feel impossible at first, but don't forget: with time, you'll get the hang of it."
"Sure, I will."
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[Miria's Perspective.]
In a dense forest, Miria walked alone. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting little shadow spots. The breeze adds to the refreshing sensation she feels.
What Elin told me is bugging my mind. The moment I present Kael to the Capital they won't leave me alone... He's an outsider too. That's another big problem.
She leaned against a tree, letting out a sigh. She gazed up at the covered sky, feeling calm wash over her as she closed her eyes.
But I don't have much to complain about right now. Vyra and Elin will be entertained by his presence; why is she so late?
"crunch-crunch."
Miria heard footsteps approaching. She turned to her left, where light steps pressed into the grass. A young woman, possibly a bit younger than Miria, came into view.
And by the fact that she couldn't register her approach, it's safe to assume she can't use mana.
She had straight black hair and skin with a caramel tone. Her eyes were a warm brown, and her hips curved nicely. Her expression was straightforward, with her left hand resting near her chest. Her slightly raised eyebrows gave her a puzzled look. Her clothes hinted at a modest income. She wore a short, worn dress that barely reached her thighs.
"Excuse me. Could you help me with something?" inquired the lady, as her unexpectedly rich and alluring tone caught Miria off guard.
"What do ya need?" replied Miria. This is not the person Karin indicated she was going to send over; she should be waiting for me and not the opposite.
"I-I'm lookling for a place to stay," uttered the young woman in a hesitant tone.
"Lucky girl, you might have found the right person! I have an inn," said Miria. "But I do not think you would be able to pay for it."
No answer came after, only silence. Since the young woman didn't reply. She looked down, gripped the edge of her dress, and slowly backed away from Miria.
She is just a human if she wanders around too much. She's going to be in danger.
"Hey, I never said I wouldn't let you in," the young lady looked back, her eyes wide open and trembling. "If you're willing to work there, I'll welcome you with open arms."
The girl bowed before Miria and kept her face down.
That's a bit too much. I'm not even doing a favor.
"I'm grateful for your kindness." She replied.
"Don't worry," Miria replied, pulling a coin from her pocket and tossing it to the girl, who caught it with a bit of difficulty. "You can use this at the Inn. Do you see that path over there?" She pointed to a small gravel road beyond the lost woman. "If you follow it, you should reach my Inn in about 20 minutes."
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Yes, now go. If you disturb my peace any longer, I'm going to get my coin back."
"Sorry," the girl said before running toward the gravel road.
Next, silence returned, and a breeze swept through Miria's hair.
A soft voice floated above Miria. "I never thought I'd see you being so nice to humans. You've changed."