Aiden remained frozen in his place, staring at the man who stood before him, while his final words echoed within his mind.
“From this day forth…
you shall be my disciple.” He could not comprehend what he had just heard.
His lips trembled, and his eyes widened in astonishment, before his voice escaped in broken fragments: “Y…
You…” He swallowed hard, then bowed once more with profound respect.
“You are one of the Great Thirteen Mages!” A brief silence fell…
Then Elandor burst into a clear, genuine laugh, completely devoid of arrogance or pride, looking for a moment like an ordinary man rather than one of the greatest mages in the world.
As his laughter subsided, he looked at Aiden with eyes full of warmth.
“Yes…
I am one of them.” Then he raised his hand with a smile and added in a gentle tone: “But do not let that title deceive you.” Aiden looked at him in wonder.
Elandor continued: “Despite my status, I am still incapable of utilizing fire magic…
or even water magic.” Aiden’s eyes widened even further.
How could one of the greatest mages on the continent be unable to use two of the most fundamental magics?
Elandor smiled when he saw the perplexity upon the youth’s face, then said: “Every mage has boundaries drawn for them by mana…
and no one can possess everything.” A brief silence ensued, before he asked kindly: “Now…
tell me your name.” The youth answered quickly: “My name is Aiden…
my Lord.” Elandor nodded with approval, then said: “It is a pleasure to meet you, Aiden.” Aiden raised his head hesitantly, then asked shyly: “And…
what is your name, my Lord?” A venerable smile graced the mage’s face.
“I am…
Elandor.” The moment Aiden heard the name, he felt a shiver run down his spine.
That name was not unfamiliar to him.
He had read about it in history books and heard the instructors mention it with indescribable respect.
He was one of the five sages of the Elves…
And one of the Thirteen Mages who had put an end to the Great War and preserved the peace of the continent.
Elandor stepped forward, then turned calmly.
“Come, Aiden.” The youth turned to him swiftly.
And Elandor spoke in a voice that carried a majesty laced with warmth: “From this moment on…
you have become my personal disciple.” He then gestured with his hand toward the towering structure whose spires rose high into the heart of the school.
“Let us go to the Palace of the Thirteen Mages.” Aiden stood for a moment, looking at that palace which he had only ever seen from afar throughout his years of study, never imagining that he would one day set foot inside it.
Taking a deep breath…
He walked behind his master, completely unaware that every step he took toward that palace…
Was leading him to the beginning of a destiny that would change his life, and perhaps the very future of Aegisor itself.