It had been four long years since the fateful night when demons invaded our home, shattering the peace of our lives and leaving scars both physical and emotional. During this time, I immersed myself in the basics of magic, determined to grow stronger.


    I learned how to channel mana efficiently, how to conserve it to sustain longer spells, and even mastered a few rudimentary techniques. But despite my efforts, my progress came to a screeching halt when I reached Level 15.


    No matter how hard I trained, how long I pushed myself, or what strategies I tried, I couldn’t break through the wall of stagnation. Frustration gnawed at me like a relentless beast, and in my desperation, I reached out to the goddess Melissa, hoping she might offer guidance.


    “In due time, your stumped growth will rise again,” she had said, her voice as serene as always. “Just be patient.”


    Her vague reassurance did little to soothe me. I was young, ambitious, and unwilling to wait for the tides of fate to change. So, I threw myself into relentless training. Day after day, I swung my sword until my arms burned, pushed my body until it collapsed under the strain, and meditated on mana until I could no longer sit upright. Yet, the results remained the same. I was truly at a loss.<hr>


    One morning, as I sat sharpening my blade, my parents approached me, their faces unusually serious.


    “Sam,” my mother Claire began, her tone gentle but firm, “do you remember your birthday party four years ago?”


    I stiffened. How could I forget? That day was etched into my memory like a scar. The demons had torn through our home, leaving behind destruction and nearly taking the lives of my family. If not for the health potions I’d bought in a moment of desperation, we wouldn’t have survived.


    “Yes,” I replied quietly.


    “Before the demons attacked,” my father Caross continued, “do you recall the four pieces of paper we laid out with different options?”


    I nodded. “I chose the magic paper.”


    Caross smiled faintly. “Exactly. Since that day, your mother and I have been searching for a tutor proficient in magic, someone capable of helping you grow beyond what we can teach. She’s finally arriving today.”


    The news hit me like a bolt of lightning. For years, I had thought my parents would guide me on this journey. “You’re not teaching me?” I asked, my voice tinged with disappointment.


    Claire stepped forward and placed a hand on my shoulder. “We’ve taught you all we can, Sam. But this tutor is someone far more skilled than either of us when it comes to magic. Trust us—she’s the best choice.”Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Their words sparked a flicker of excitement in me. If they believed in this tutor’s abilities, perhaps she could help me break through my stunted growth. My disappointment melted away, replaced by eager anticipation.<hr>


    By midday, I stood in front of a mirror, adjusting my shirt for what felt like the hundredth time. My heart pounded with a mix of nerves and excitement.


    “How should I introduce myself?” I muttered. “Should I crack a joke? Or maybe something direct?”


    “Sam, the tutor’s here!” my mother called from the living room.


    I took a deep breath. “Stay calm, stay cool. It’s not like this is a big deal… definitely not because she’s a girl or anything.”


    I hurried to the front door and froze as it opened. Standing before me was a young woman, her presence radiating an aura of confidence and grace.


    Her blonde hair swayed gently in the breeze, its golden strands catching the sunlight like a field of ripened wheat. Her striking aqua eyes shimmered, drawing me in like the depths of a tranquil lake. She wore a simple but elegant robe that highlighted her sophisticated yet approachable demeanor.


    “Hi, I’m Isonorai,” she said, her voice as captivating as her appearance.


    I blinked, realizing I had been staring. “Uh, hi! I’m Samuel—or Sam for short. I hope I’ll learn a lot from you!”


    Her lips curved into a small smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Sam. Shall we begin?”<hr>


    Inside, my mother served tea while Isonorai sat at the table, her gaze occasionally flicking toward me. There was a calmness about her, but her presence carried a subtle intensity that made me feel both eager and uneasy.


    After a sip of tea, Isonorai pulled out three crystals and placed them on the table. Each one glowed faintly with a distinct hue—red for fire, brown for earth, and green for nature.


    “These are elemental focus crystals,” she explained. “Each represents a type of magic you can specialize in. Fire is aggressive and powerful, earth is defensive and sturdy, and nature is supportive and versatile. You’ll need to choose one as your primary focus.”


    I stared at the crystals, my mind racing. The thought of wielding fire magic was thrilling, its raw power appealing. But earth magic offered durability and resilience—qualities I admired. Nature, though valuable, didn’t spark my interest in the same way.


    Seeing my hesitation, Isonorai added, “You don’t have to decide right now. Take seven days to think it over. This is an important choice, and I want you to be certain.”


    I nodded, relieved to have time to consider my options.<hr>


    Before long, my mother spoke up. “Isonorai, would you consider staying with us while you tutor Sam? It must have been a long journey to get here, and we’d be happy to host you.”


    Isonorai hesitated, her expression thoughtful. “I wouldn’t want to impose…”


    “Nonsense!” Claire insisted. “You won’t be a burden at all. Right, Sam?”


    I jumped at the chance. “Absolutely! It’d be great to have you around. The house could use some liveliness.”


    After some gentle persuasion, Isonorai finally agreed. My parents decided to celebrate her arrival with a feast that evening, turning the day into a joyful occasion.<hr>


    That night, as I watched the flickering candlelight illuminate Isonorai’s face, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope. For the first time in years, the stagnation in my growth didn’t seem insurmountable. With her guidance, I might finally break through my limits and discover the true potential of my magic.


    This is the beginning of a new chapter in my journey, I thought, raising my cup in silent determination. I won’t waste this opportunity.