Another world, Celeste

Chapter Three

Lord Sol's magic lessons are mostly hands-on. He skillfully demonstrates magic from the basic to an advanced level. Within a few months, I'm able to grasp the nature of magic and achieve complete mastery over two of the four elementals; water and wind, which initially surprises him. Commonly, it would take several years to completely master one elemental magic. It's all thanks to Selene increasing my stats to a level above anything they ever thought to be possible for a human. At first, I'm perplexed by how easy it is for me to invoke the magic after the incident with my mana, but then I lightly brush my worries when learning magic is this exciting.

Auntie El would sometimes appear during my magic training with Lord Sol to witness how far I've improved. Since Bane can wield wind and water magic too, she suggests practising my magic with Bane as a change of pace. It also serves as practice for me to learn how to handle and avoid an attack when dealing with a strong monster opponent similar to a Great Wolf. Hence, we move to a wider vacant field near the house to avoid causing any property damage. Perhaps because of the unique skill 'Pair Link', Bane and I manage to synchronise our movements after a couple of training sessions.

"How come we have to learn the spells to cast magic but magical beasts like Bane can cast one without having to?" I ask Auntie El during a break.

"Magical beasts and spirits use magic as naturally as breathing."

"So, it's their innate instinct."

"Correct," Lord Sol takes over the explanation. "There are only a number of elves, dwarves and humans who can cast such high-level magic without chanting, apart from the sages."

Lord Sol sounds smug at that last part.

"They are called master mages; users and researchers of magic. Each exhibits their distinctive ways of using magic and they are more accomplished in their field of expertise than a regular mage. Dwarves apply enchantment magic on weapons, tools and accessories and architecture. Humans researches how to better utilise existing spells whilst using less mana and elves mostly use magic to reinforce the barrier around the forest."

Chant-less magic. I want to try it.

Once training resumes, Lord Sol expresses his impression of how I'm able to smoothly transition using two types of magic simultaneously. According to Lorelai, when mages engage in battles, they don't move around as much and when in groups, they stay in the rear as support for swordsmen. Since my body is trained to instinctively move when perceiving danger, I cannot stay still when receiving and returning magic attacks. Therefore, I incorporate movements I learned from one of grandfather's friends who's a martial arts master with offensive magic and manage to land several hits.

Lord Sol has ceased getting surprised every time I apply various magic spells instantaneously whenever we spar. I swipe my hand while imagining the action I want it to do and the wind kicks the sand off the ground, blocking Lord Sol's sight. Immediately after, I cast five water bullets and aim them at him. He smoothly dodges my attack then I decide to use fire magic. It's my first try, both on conjuring a basic fire magic spell and doing it chant-less. The fireball grows bigger as soon as I discharge it from my hand, heading toward the head elf's direction.

Oops. Too much mana.

Everyone in the area breaks away. Quickly before the fire spreads, I douse the flames with a giant water ball, resulting in getting everyone soaking wet.

I apologise to everyone.

Bane shakes the water off of him while Auntie El who's the only one remaining dry laughs it off.

Lord Sol comes up to me dripping wet. "When did you learn to do that?"

"From the magic book you gave me," I respond.