“Hold.” Hoo.
I maintained my focus as I breathed in and out of my nose, slowly.
The wooden balls performed an intricate dance around me that Countess Brighton watched with that critical eye.
Once she was satisfied, she gave the order.
“Drop.” Oh, thank god.
I released my magic, and all ten of the balls fell to the ground.
The countess smiled.
“Good job Kat.
We had to rush a little at the end, but you’ve successfully mastered telekinesis.
At least, in its most basic form.” It was still incredible that that was only the basic form of telekinesis.
How could people control even more… She bricky walked over to her desk.
“Well, we still have a little time together.
So let me at least introduce the concept of elemental spells.” She pulled out a thick sheaf of papers and set the on the desk.
Then she turned and dipped into her pocket.
She pulled out a match box.
She quickly lit a candle and motioned me forward.
I watched the little dancing light as I stood beside her, and she explained.
“Fireball is traditional to start with.
First… you have to understand how the elements feel before attempting to reproduce them.
Now, moved your mana into the flame.” Oh?
I raised my wand, and gently let a little mana leak out of me.
It wandered to the flame.
And slipped inside of it.
Interesting… it felt a little like telekinesis.
But also, a little like mana bolt.
I tested it, trying to move the flame.
It responded a little, and my teacher smiled.
“Good, you feel it don’t you?
To master the elemental spells, you must first master the elements in their natural state.
For Fireball, that’s pyrokinesis.
Once you understand how fire works, how it wants to move, how it interacts with the world, then you can work on summoning it.
Once you can summon it from thin air, manifesting it directly from your mana, then you can work on summoning a ball of fire and shooting it off.
Only then will you have mastered Fireball.” “I see… and the other elemental spells are the same?
To cast Water Shot, I have to understand water?” “Precisely.
The same goes for Earth Wall and Wind Gust.
Although, Wind Gust is tricky… However, understanding how the air around us works and how to manipulate is invaluable for any spellcaster.
Kat, I recommend you master all four of the basic spells before moving on.” She leaned forward and with a quick breath, the fire went out.
Oh… I withdrew my mana, remembering how that felt.
“All of them?
But—” She waved her hand, dismissing my preconception.
“Oh, I know, I know.
You only have to know three to be considered the third-tier mage.
But I disagree.
To advance your magic to the highest level, knowing all four is a must.
That’s because all of them interact with each other, so you can combine them in fascinating ways to create synergistic spells far more powerful than their initial components.
For example, combining Fireball and Wind Gust can create a tornado of fire that is far more powerful than either spell on its own.
Once you have basic mastery of all four, your imagination is the limit for the spells you can create.
Oh, and keep in mind that while these are the basic four, there are plenty more elements out there.
Light and shadow, plants, even death itself.
Though such esoteric elements often require specialization to wield effectively, you can pick up a lot of tricks by familiarizing yourself with them.
And more importantly, you’ll be able to tell when tricks are pulled against you more readily.
Here.” She picked up the papers she took out of the drawer and held them out to me.
I carefully took them and saw that they were tied together in a vague approximation of a book.
“What is this?” I looked up at her and she smiled.
“Tips, tricks, and instructions on how to master each element.
These papers will take you all the way through third tier.
And you’ll become a proper mage.” My eyes widened and I looked down at the precious papers.
“You’re… really giving these to me?
Are you sure?” She waved off her incredible gesture like it was nothing.
“Pish!
Any proper mage could write this.
And I figured it would help you to have more than that old magic book to rely on.
After all, our lessons are coming to a close.
You’re leaving tomorrow after all.
Oh, and don’t worry.
I set a preservation spell on those.
Water nor wrinkling, or heat will damage them.” Oh, thank goodness.
I had been trying to think of how I could keep these in my bag without ruining them.
I crossed the room and grabbed my bag.
I slipped my magic book out, and carefully put her advice between the pages.
“The day after tomorrow.
Tomorrow, we’re meeting some people who’ve helped us.
We’ll be seeing them one last time, and then… I think we’re going to head east.
Towards the coast.” She nodded, heading for the door, and I followed her out of the study.
“A smart choice.
If I may make a suggestion, the two of you should take a ship out to sea.” “You mean… crossing the ocean?
But isn’t that dangerous?” I mean, there were pirates and monsters out on the sea.
“What kind of adventurers are put off by a little danger?
Don’t worry dear.
Honestly, it’s not much more dangerous than hunting slimes or traveling between towns.
But if you get the chance, the two of you should head for the Echolola Archipelago.
It’s series of islands a little off from the Gorngan continent.
From Port Pleasant it’s about a week and a half of sailing south.” Port Pleasant was actually our destination, the biggest port city in the country.
It was downriver from the capital, where the Roytan River met the ocean.
“I’ll… talk about it with Rey.
But why there?” We continued down the hallway and stopped in front of another door.
“The islands are a paradise.
Warm all year long, gorgeous beaches, clear water.
But most importantly, a lot of knowledge and trade goes through there.
There are several universities, and many of them focus on magic.
It’s a good place for two beginner adventurers to hone their skills.
And there’s plenty of smaller dungeons, just like everywhere.” Oh.
An island paradise… that did sound really cool.
And Rey would be all over it for the sailing and seeing new places aspect.
“Thank you for the recommendation.
I think we will end up going there.
She gave me another smile.
“Good.
Now then, let’s pick up your plus one, yes?” She opened the door to reveal Rey, who looked ready to die of boredom.
The tutor had some equations up on the board, and she was relieved when she saw us.
“Oh dear, it seems our final lesson is over young Rey.
I do hope you’ll remember our time together.
I know I certainly shall.” She began wiping off the board as Rey jumped up, as if electrocuted, and ran over to us.
He began pushing me back down the hall.
“Go.” “Wha—Rey!” I tried to turn back, but he made me face forward again.
“Stop.
She can smell fear.
Just go.” He kept his eyes locked on the stairs.
I rolled my eyes.
He acted like getting some schooling was the end of the world.
He never would have survived as a noble.
Countess Brighton chuckled as she followed us downstairs and out the front door.
Just like always, Devineau was waiting in front of the carriage, and opened the door for us.
Rey wasted no time climbing inside, but I stopped and turned to say goodbye to my first-ever mentor.
“Um… Countess Brighton.
I really can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve taught me.
Uh… Rey too, even if he won’t admit it.
If there’s anything we can ever do to thank you—” She held up her hand, and I fell silent.
She smiled at me for one final time.
“I need no gratitude.
I did this of my own volition, because I cannot stand to see talent wasted.
If you truly must thank me, then never take shortcuts in your studies.
The path of magic is winding and long, but the longer you are on its path the more powerful you will become.
I don’t want you to cripple your potential, even if another way is faster and easier.
Promise me that, and I’ll consider the time I spent teaching you well-spent.” Oh.
I felt a few tears well up at her words.
“I promise.
I’ll never take the easy road with magic.
And someday, I’ll become a super powerful mage, just like you!
And if anyone ever asks who taught me, I’ll give them your name.” The countess chuckled.
“Oh, I doubt I’m the only teacher you’ll ever have.
But thank you dear.
I shall pray for you and your companion’s good health.
Farewell, my student.” I sniffed, and bowed my head to her in respect before Devineau helped me onto the carriage.
He came up after and closed the door.
Soon we were trundling off.
He sighed.
“How time flies.
Miss Kat, Mister Rey, I wish you the best in your travels.” Rey grunted.
“I still don’t understand why I had to take lessons.
But… thank you for helping Kat Mister Devineau.
And please thank the countess for me too.” I nodded too.
“Thank you, Mister Devineau.” He smiled.
“The two of you really do make a lovely pair.
Take care now.” It didn’t take long to reach the southern adventurer’s guild, and we gave him our final goodbye.
I watched the carriage trundle off feeling… a little sad.
But also fulfilled?
Rey smiled.
“They’re good people.
You were right to trust them Kat.” I smiled back and turned too.
“Yeah.
Let’s go home.” He reached for my hand, and we were about to take a step down from the curb.
When another carriage rolled to stop directly in front of us.
Unmarked.
Black.
Uh… I froze, everything inside me screaming something was wrong.
When a voice came from behind us.
“Sorry kids.
But a job’s a job.” I felt a prick on my neck.
I didn’t even turn around before it all went black.