《Cyber Mage [LitRPG]》


 Subject 07 awakes

    The first thing I noticed was the light. It wasn¡¯t the harsh, sterile glow of the laboratory I had come to know so well. No, this light was warm, golden, and¡­ alive. It filtered through the cracks of a wooden ceiling, dancing in the air like tiny sparks of magic. I blinked, my vision blurry, and tried to move, but my body felt heavy, uncoordinated. My arms were small, pudgy, and my legs barely responded to my commands.


    What¡­ happened?


    Memories of my previous life flooded back¡ªthe cold metal table, the scientists in their white coats, the experiments that pushed my mind to its limits. I remembered the rebellion, the explosion, and then¡­ nothing. And now, here I was, in what looked like a rustic wooden room, lying in a crib.


    A crib?


    I tried to speak, but all that came out was a gurgling sound. Panic surged through me, but I forced myself to stay calm. My enhanced thinking kicked in, analyzing the situation with cold logic.


    I¡¯ve been reincarnated.


    The realization hit me like a thunderbolt. I was no longer Subject 7, the lab experiment. I was someone new, in a new world. But where was I? And who were these people?


    As if on cue, the door creaked open, and a woman stepped inside. She had kind eyes and long, auburn hair tied back in a loose braid. Her face lit up when she saw me, and she rushed over, scooping me up in her arms.


    ¡°There you are, my little Kaelith,¡± she cooed, her voice soft and soothing. ¡°Did you have a good nap?¡±


    Kaelith. So that¡¯s my name now.


    I studied her face, committing every detail to memory. She smelled like herbs and something sweet¡ªhoney, maybe. Her warmth was comforting, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt¡­ safe.


    ¡°Lira, is he awake?¡± a man¡¯s voice called from the other room.


    ¡°Yes, Eldrin! Come see him,¡± the woman¡ªLira¡ªreplied.


    A moment later, a man entered the room. He was tall and lean, with sharp features and a pair of glasses perched on his nose. His hair was a messy mop of dark brown, and he wore a simple robe with a satchel slung over his shoulder. He looked like a scholar, not a warrior.


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    ¡°Ah, there¡¯s my little mage,¡± he said with a grin, reaching out to tickle my chin. ¡°One day, you¡¯ll be casting spells just like your old man.¡±


    Mage? Spells?


    My mind raced. So this was a world of magic. That explained the golden light and the sense of energy in the air. I could feel it now, a faint hum in the back of my mind, like a song just out of reach.


    ¡°Eldrin, don¡¯t overwhelm him,¡± Lira chided, though she was smiling. ¡°He¡¯s still just a baby.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Eldrin said, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°He¡¯s a Veylen. Magic is in his blood. And besides, I¡¯ve already started working on something special for him.¡±


    Lira raised an eyebrow. ¡°Special? What are you talking about?¡±


    Eldrin¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°A signature magic. Every great family has one, and I¡¯m not about to let my son fall behind. I¡¯ve been experimenting with a new concept¡ªsomething that combines runic theory with elemental manipulation. It¡¯s still in the early stages, but I think it could be revolutionary.¡±


    Lira sighed, shaking her head. ¡°You¡¯re impossible, you know that? He¡¯s not even a year old, and you¡¯re already planning his legacy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s never too early to start,¡± Eldrin replied, his grin widening. ¡°Besides, I have a feeling he¡¯s going to be something extraordinary.¡±


    As they talked, I took in my surroundings. The room was small but cozy, with shelves lined with books and jars of strange ingredients. A faint scent of herbs and parchment filled the air. Through the window, I could see a sprawling landscape of rolling hills and distant mountains, bathed in the light of a setting sun.


    This is my new world,I thought, a sense of wonder creeping into my mind.A world of magic.


    <hr>


    Later that evening, as Lira rocked me to sleep, Eldrin sat by the fireplace, flipping through a thick tome. I couldn¡¯t read the words from my crib, but I could see the intricate diagrams and symbols on the pages. One image in particular caught my eye: a glowing sphere surrounded by swirling lines of energy.


    ¡°The Core,¡± Eldrin murmured, more to himself than to anyone else. ¡°The heart of all magic. Without it, we¡¯d be nothing.¡±


    I strained to hear more, but my infant body betrayed me, and I drifted off to sleep. In my dreams, I saw the Core¡ªa massive, pulsating sphere of light, its energy radiating outward like the roots of a great tree. I could feel its power, vast and infinite, connecting everything in this world.


    When I woke, the image stayed with me, etched into my mind like a memory. The Core wasn¡¯t just a source of magic; it was the foundation of this world, the lifeblood that sustained it. And somehow, I knew I was connected to it.


    <hr>


    As the days turned into weeks, I grew more accustomed to my new life. Lira and Eldrin doted on me, their love and care a stark contrast to the cold indifference of my previous world. I began to understand the rhythms of this place: the way the light changed with the seasons, the hum of magic in the air, and the quiet strength of the people who called it home.


    But even as I settled into my new life, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was coming. The Core¡¯s energy pulsed in the back of my mind, a constant reminder of the power that lay within me. And though I was just a child, I knew my journey was only beginning.

 Light Magic

    The days in Thalindra passed in a rhythm of warmth and wonder, a stark contrast to the cold, sterile existence I had known before. My father, Eldrin Veylen, was a scholar of magic, a man whose passion for the arcane was matched only by his patience as a teacher. Though I was still a child, my mind¡ªsharpened by the memories and intellect of my past life¡ªwas eager to learn.


    It began one evening, just after sunset. The golden light of the day had faded into a soft, blue twilight, and the air was filled with the faint hum of my core¡¯s energy. Eldrin sat by the fireplace, a thick tome open on his lap. I toddled over to him, my small legs wobbling with each step, and tugged at the hem of his robe.


    ¡°Papa,¡± I said, my voice still high and childish, ¡°can you teach me magic?¡±


    Eldrin looked down at me, his glasses slipping slightly down his nose. For a moment, he seemed surprised, but then a wide grin spread across his face. ¡°Of course, my little mage. Sit here with me.¡±


    He lifted me onto the chair beside him, and I peered at the book in his lap. The pages were filled with intricate diagrams and symbols, each one pulsing faintly with magical energy. Eldrin pointed to one of the diagrams¡ªa circle with lines radiating outward like the rays of the sun.


    ¡°This,¡± he said, ¡°is your core. It¡¯s the source of all magic within you. Every spell, every potion, every enchanted artifact draws its power from the core. To be a mage, you must first learn to feel its energy.¡±


    He placed a hand on my chest, just above my heart. ¡°Close your eyes, Kaelith. Focus on your breathing. Can you feel it? The pulse of your core, like a second heartbeat?¡±


    I did as he instructed, closing my eyes and slowing my breathing. At first, I felt nothing but the warmth of the fire and the soft fabric of my clothes. But then, slowly, I began to sense it¡ªa faint, rhythmic pulse, steady and unyielding. It was as if the world itself was alive, its energy flowing through me like blood through veins.


    ¡°I feel it,¡± I whispered, my voice filled with awe.


    Eldrin smiled. ¡°Good. That¡¯s the first step. Now, let¡¯s try something simple.¡±


    He held out his hand, palm up, and a small orb of light appeared above it. The orb glowed softly, casting a warm light across the room.


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    ¡°This is a Light Orb,¡± he explained. ¡°It¡¯s one of the most basic spells, but it¡¯s a good way to practice controlling your mana. Try it.¡±


    I held out my own hand, mimicking his gesture. At first, nothing happened. I frowned, concentrating harder, but still, the orb refused to appear.


    ¡°Don¡¯t force it,¡± Eldrin said gently. ¡°Magic isn¡¯t about strength; it¡¯s about balance. Feel your core¡¯s energy, and let it flow through you. Imagine the light forming in your hand.¡±


    I closed my eyes again, focusing on the pulse of my core. This time, I didn¡¯t try to force the energy; instead, I let it guide me. Slowly, I felt a warmth in my palm, and when I opened my eyes, a tiny orb of light hovered above my hand.


    ¡°I did it!¡± I exclaimed, my voice filled with excitement.


    Eldrin chuckled, ruffling my hair. ¡°Well done, Kaelith. You¡¯re a natural.¡±


    <hr>


    Over the next few weeks, Eldrin¡¯s lessons became a regular part of my day. We would sit in his study, surrounded by shelves of books and jars of strange ingredients, and he would teach me the principles of magic.


    One afternoon, he showed me how to inscribe runes. He handed me a piece of parchment and a quill, then drew a simple rune in the air. The rune glowed faintly, its lines pulsing with energy.


    ¡°Runes are the language of magic,¡± he explained. ¡°Each one has a specific meaning and function. This one, for example, is the rune for ¡®light.¡¯ When you inscribe it and channel your mana through it, it creates a Light Orb.¡±


    I studied the rune carefully, committing its shape to memory. Then, I dipped the quill in ink and began to draw it on the parchment. My hand was unsteady at first, but with Eldrin¡¯s guidance, I soon mastered the basic strokes.


    ¡°Now, channel your mana through the rune,¡± he instructed.


    I placed my hand over the rune and focused, feeling my core¡¯s energy flow through me. The rune began to glow, and a small orb of light appeared above the parchment.


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Eldrin said, his voice filled with pride. ¡°You¡¯re learning quickly, Kaelith.¡±


    <hr>


    As the days passed, I grew more confident in my abilities. But with that confidence came a growing sense of unease. My core¡¯s energy pulsed within me, steady and unyielding, and I could feel its power growing stronger with each passing day.


    One evening, as we sat by the fireplace, Eldrin noticed my quiet demeanor. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind, Kaelith?¡± he asked.


    I hesitated, then said, ¡°Papa, what happens if I can¡¯t control it? My core¡¯s energy, I mean.¡±


    Eldrin¡¯s expression softened. He placed a hand on my shoulder and said, ¡°Magic is a tool, Kaelith. It¡¯s not something to be feared, but something to be understood. Your core¡¯s energy is vast, but it¡¯s also a part of you. As long as you respect it and learn to balance it, you¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    His words were comforting, but I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that there was more to it. My core¡¯s energy was vast, yes, but it was also ancient and mysterious. And I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what secrets it held¡ªand what role I was meant to play in unlocking them.

 Fifth Birthday

    Two years had passed since I first opened my eyes in this world. Two years of warmth, laughter, and the steady hum of my core¡¯s energy. I was no longer the fragile toddler I had been when I arrived; now, at the age of five, I was beginning to understand the true potential of the magic within me.


    The past two years had been a whirlwind of learning and growth. Under Eldrin¡¯s guidance, I had mastered several Tier 0 spells, the most basic level of magic. These spells were simple but essential, forming the foundation of any mage¡¯s education.


    My first spell, the Light Orb, had been a breakthrough moment. It was a simple spell, but it had taught me the importance of balance and control. Since then, I had expanded my repertoire to include a Cleaning Spell, which allowed me to tidy up my room with a wave of my hand, and a Stun Spell, a non-lethal spell that could temporarily incapacitate an opponent.


    Eldrin had also introduced me to the tier system, a way of categorizing spells based on their complexity and power. Tier 0 spells were the simplest, requiring only a basic understanding of mana control. As I grew stronger, I would learn Tier 1 spells, which were more complex and powerful, and so on, up to the highest tiers, which were said to be capable of reshaping the world itself.


    <hr>


    My fifth birthday was a quiet affair, held in the cozy confines of our home. Lira had baked a small cake, its surface decorated with swirling patterns of frosting that shimmered faintly with magical energy. Eldrin sat beside me at the table, a proud smile on his face as he placed a small, intricately wrapped box in front of me.


    ¡°Go on, Kaelith,¡± he said, his voice filled with excitement. ¡°Open it.¡±


    I tore open the wrapping, revealing a small, silver pendant. The pendant was shaped like a swirling vortex, its surface etched with runes that glowed faintly in the dim light of the room.


    ¡°This,¡± Eldrin said, ¡°is a focus pendant. It will help you channel your mana more efficiently. But more importantly, it¡¯s a symbol of your family¡¯s magic.¡±


    I looked up at him, my eyes wide with curiosity. ¡°Family magic?¡±


    Eldrin nodded. ¡°Every mage family has a signature magic, a unique ability that sets them apart. For the Veylens, it¡¯s Elemental Manipulation. Unlike most family magics, which focus on a single element with exceptional power, ours allows for control over all elements. It¡¯s a rare and versatile ability, one that requires great skill and understanding to master.¡±


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    I felt a surge of excitement as I clasped the pendant around my neck. The runes glowed brighter for a moment, and I could feel a faint pulse of energy as it connected with my core.


    ¡°Thank you, Papa,¡± I said, my voice filled with gratitude.


    Eldrin smiled, ruffling my hair. ¡°You¡¯re welcome, Kaelith. But remember, this is just the beginning. Family magic is powerful, but it¡¯s also a responsibility. You¡¯ll need to train hard to master it.¡±


    <hr>


    As the evening drew to a close, I found myself staring out the window, the pendant¡¯s glow reflecting in the glass. The world outside was vast and full of mysteries, and I was eager to uncover them all.


    But more than that, I was excited to explore my family¡¯s magic. Elemental Manipulation was a rare and powerful ability, one that would allow me to control all elements with precision and finesse. It was a far cry from the single-element focus of most family magics, which, while powerful, lacked the versatility of my own.


    My fifth birthday marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. In Thalindra, five was the age when children could take the entrance exam for the Aetherium Academy, the prestigious school where Eldrin taught. The academy was a place of learning and growth, where young mages honed their skills and unlocked their potential.


    As I sat there, the pendant resting against my chest, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of anticipation. The path ahead would be challenging, but I was ready.


    <hr>


    In the days following my birthday, I threw myself into studying the intricacies of magic. Eldrin¡¯s study became my second home, its shelves lined with books and scrolls that held the secrets of the arcane. I spent hours poring over texts on runic theory, elemental manipulation, and the history of magic in Thalindra.


    One evening, as I sat at Eldrin¡¯s desk, a particularly thick tome caught my eye. The title, written in elegant script, read The Principles of Elemental Manipulation. I opened the book, my eyes scanning the pages filled with diagrams and explanations.


    ¡°Elemental Manipulation,¡± I read aloud, ¡°is the ability to control and shape the fundamental elements of the world: fire, water, earth, air, and more. Unlike single-element magics, which focus on raw power, Elemental Manipulation requires a deep understanding of the balance and interplay between elements.¡±


    I flipped through the pages, my mind racing with possibilities. The book described techniques for combining elements, creating new forms of magic that were greater than the sum of their parts. It was a complex and demanding art, but one that held immense potential.


    Eldrin entered the study, a cup of tea in hand. He glanced at the book in my hands and smiled. ¡°I see you¡¯ve found my old textbook. It¡¯s a good starting point, but remember, Kaelith, magic is as much about intuition as it is about knowledge. Don¡¯t be afraid to experiment and find your own path.¡±


    I nodded, my mind already racing with ideas. I spent the rest of the evening practicing, using my core¡¯s energy to manipulate small amounts of water and fire. It was difficult at first, but with each attempt, I felt myself growing more confident.

 Its that easy?

    The morning of the entrance exam dawned bright and clear, the sun casting a golden glow over the cobblestone streets of the capital. I stood at the edge of the bustling marketplace, my focus pendant resting against my chest, its faint glow a constant reminder of the magic within me. Today was the day I would take the first step toward my future at the Aetherium Academy.


    Eldrin had given me a list of books I would need for my studies, and I was determined to acquire them before heading to the academy. The marketplace was alive with activity, merchants calling out their wares, and the air filled with the scent of fresh bread and exotic spices. I weaved through the crowd, my small stature making it easy to navigate the throngs of people.


    The first stop was a small bookshop tucked away in a quiet corner of the marketplace. The sign above the door read Marlim¡¯s Arcane Repository, and the windows were filled with stacks of books, their spines worn and weathered. I pushed open the door, a bell jingling softly as I stepped inside.


    The shop was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of parchment and ink. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books of every size and color. A wizened old man sat behind the counter, his nose buried in a thick tome. He looked up as I approached, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.


    ¡°Good morning, young mage,¡± he said, his voice raspy but warm. ¡°What can I do for you today?¡±


    I handed him the list Eldrin had given me. ¡°I need these books for the Aetherium Academy.¡±


    The old man adjusted his glasses and scanned the list. ¡°Ah, the essentials. Let¡¯s see¡­ Marlim¡¯s Fundamentals of Abjuration, Callis¡¯ Guide to Conjuration, The Summoner¡¯s Primer, and a few others. You¡¯re starting early, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°I¡¯m taking the entrance exam today.¡±


    The old man chuckled. ¡°Ambitious, I like that. Wait here, I¡¯ll gather your books.¡±


    He disappeared into the maze of shelves, returning a few minutes later with a stack of books in his arms. He placed them on the counter, and I ran my fingers over the covers, feeling the faint hum of magical energy emanating from them.


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    ¡°That¡¯ll be ten silver coins,¡± the old man said.


    I handed him the coins, and he placed the books in a sturdy satchel. ¡°Good luck on your exam, young mage. I have a feeling you¡¯ll do well.¡±


    I thanked him and left the shop, the satchel slung over my shoulder. The weight of the books was comforting, a tangible reminder of the knowledge I was about to acquire.


    The Aetherium Academy loomed in the distance, its towering spires reaching toward the sky. The building was a marvel of architecture, its walls adorned with intricate carvings and glowing runes. Students in flowing robes moved about the grounds, their faces filled with determination and purpose.


    I made my way to the entrance, where a line of children and their parents had gathered. The exam was about to begin, and I could feel the nervous energy in the air. I took a deep breath, steadying myself, and joined the line.


    The exam was held in a large hall, its walls lined with portraits of famous mages. At the front of the room stood a stern-looking woman in a flowing blue robe. She introduced herself as Professor Arlen, the head of admissions, and explained the rules of the exam.


    ¡°The entrance exam consists of two parts,¡± she said, her voice echoing through the hall. ¡°The first will test your core¡¯s capacity, and the second will assess your control over mana. Step onto the platform when your name is called.¡±


    I watched as the other children took their turns, stepping onto the platform and channeling their mana into a large crystal at its center. The crystal would glow faintly for some, while others barely caused a flicker. A few managed to make it shine brightly, earning nods of approval from Professor Arlen.


    When my name was called, I stepped onto the platform, my heart pounding in my chest. The crystal loomed before me, its surface smooth and reflective. I closed my eyes, focusing on the pulse of my core.


    The energy flowed through me, steady and unyielding, and I directed it toward the crystal. At first, nothing happened. Then, slowly, the crystal began to glow. The light grew brighter and brighter, filling the room with a radiant glow.


    The other children gasped, and even Professor Arlen looked impressed. ¡°A remarkable core capacity,¡± she said, her voice filled with approval. ¡°Now, for the second part of the exam.¡±


    She handed me a small, clear orb. ¡°This is a mana control orb. Channel your mana into it, but be careful¡ªtoo much, and it will shatter. Too little, and it won¡¯t activate. Show me your control.¡±


    I took the orb, feeling its cool surface against my palm. I closed my eyes, focusing on the flow of my mana. I let it trickle into the orb, careful not to overwhelm it. The orb began to glow, its light steady and even.


    Professor Arlen nodded. ¡°Excellent control. You¡¯ve passed the exam, Kaelith Veylen. Welcome to the Aetherium Academy.¡±


    As I left the hall, the satchel of books still slung over my shoulder, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of pride. The path ahead would be challenging, but I was ready. The Aetherium Academy was a place of learning and growth, and I was determined to make the most of it.

 Conjuration Magic

    The Aetherium Academy was even more impressive up close. Its towering spires seemed to touch the sky, and the walls were adorned with intricate carvings and glowing runes that pulsed with magical energy. Students in flowing robes moved about the grounds, their faces filled with determination and purpose. I stood at the entrance, my satchel of books slung over my shoulder, and took a deep breath.


    This was it. My first day at the academy.


    I made my way to the main hall, where a group of new students had gathered. Professor Arlen stood at the front, her stern expression softened by a faint smile.


    ¡°Welcome, new students,¡± she said, her voice echoing through the hall. ¡°You have all shown great potential, but your journey is just beginning. The Aetherium Academy is a place of learning and growth, where you will hone your skills and unlock your true potential. Let us begin.¡±


    She led us through the halls, pointing out the various classrooms, libraries, and training grounds. The academy was a labyrinth of knowledge, each room filled with books, artifacts, and magical devices. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of awe as I took it all in.


    Our first class was Introduction to Conjuration, taught by a tall, wiry man with a sharp gaze and a voice that carried authority. He introduced himself as Professor Thalos, a master of conjuration magic.


    ¡°Conjuration,¡± he began, pacing the front of the classroom, ¡°is the art of creating something from nothing. It is the ability to summon objects, creatures, or even energy into existence using your mana and willpower. Unlike summoning, which calls forth beings or items from other planes, conjuration creates them entirely from your own magic. It is a demanding discipline, requiring precision, creativity, and control.¡±


    He held up his hand, and a small, glowing orb of light appeared above his palm. With a flick of his wrist, the orb transformed into a shimmering dagger, then into a delicate flower, and finally into a tiny bird that fluttered briefly before dissolving into motes of light.


    ¡°Conjuration is about understanding the essence of what you wish to create,¡± he continued. ¡°You must visualize it clearly in your mind and channel your mana to give it form. Today, we will start with something simple: conjuring a small object.¡±


    He gestured to the empty space in front of each of us. ¡°Your task is to conjure a small, simple object¡ªa pebble, a coin, or something similar. Focus on its shape, its weight, its texture. Let your mana flow through your hand and bring it into existence.¡±


    I held out my hand, palm up, and closed my eyes, focusing on the pulse of my core. I decided to conjure a small, smooth pebble, like the ones I had often seen by the river near our home.


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    I visualized the pebble in my mind¡ªits round shape, its cool, smooth surface, the faint weight of it in my hand. I channeled my mana into my palm, feeling the energy flow through me and into the air.


    At first, nothing happened. Then, slowly, I felt a warmth in my hand. I opened my eyes and saw a small, glowing orb of light forming above my palm. It shimmered and shifted, gradually taking on the shape of a pebble.


    The pebble dropped into my hand, solid and real. It was slightly warm to the touch, and it glowed faintly with residual mana.


    Professor Thalos walked over, examining my creation. ¡°Well done, Kaelith,¡± he said, his voice filled with approval. ¡°Your control is impressive for a beginner. Keep practicing, and you¡¯ll master conjuration in no time.¡±


    <hr>


    After the morning classes, I found myself in the academy¡¯s courtyard during the lunch break. The courtyard was a lively place, filled with students chatting, eating, and practicing spells. I sat on a bench under a large oak tree, my satchel of books beside me, and pulled out a small notebook where I had been jotting down ideas for combining conjuration with my family¡¯s magic.


    I had been thinking about how to use Elemental Manipulation¡ªmy family¡¯s signature magic¡ªto control conjured objects. Most family magics focused on a single element, but mine allowed for control over all elements. If I could conjure objects and then manipulate them with my family magic, the possibilities would be endless.


    I decided to test the idea. Holding out my hand, I conjured a small pebble, just like I had in class. It materialized in my palm, glowing faintly with mana. Then, I focused on my core, feeling the pulse of energy that connected me to the elements.


    With a thought, I directed the pebble to float into the air. It hovered above my hand, spinning slowly. I grinned, feeling a surge of excitement. It worked.


    I conjured a few more pebbles, each one joining the first in a small, floating orbit around my hand. Then, I decided to push further. I focused on the pebbles, imagining them moving in unison. With a flick of my wrist, I sent them spinning in a tight circle, faster and faster until they were a blur of motion.


    A few students nearby stopped to watch, their eyes wide with curiosity. One of them, a girl with short, dark hair and a curious smile, approached me.


    ¡°That¡¯s amazing,¡± she said, her voice filled with awe. ¡°How are you doing that?¡±


    I smiled, letting the pebbles slow to a stop and drop into my hand. ¡°It¡¯s a combination of conjuration and my family¡¯s magic. I conjure the pebbles, then use Elemental Manipulation to control them.¡±


    Her eyes lit up with interest. ¡°Elemental Manipulation? That¡¯s rare. Most family magics focus on a single element. Yours lets you control all of them?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°It¡¯s versatile, but it takes a lot of practice to master.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Mira,¡± she said, extending her hand. ¡°Second-year, specializing in fire magic. My family¡¯s magic is all about flames, but I¡¯ve never seen anyone combine conjuration and elemental control like that before. It¡¯s impressive.¡±


    ¡°Kaelith,¡± I replied, shaking her hand. ¡°First-year, obviously. Nice to meet you.¡±


    Mira sat down beside me, and we spent the rest of the lunch break talking about magic. She had a sharp mind and a knack for explaining complex concepts in a way that made them easy to understand. She told me about her studies in fire magic, how she could shape flames into intricate forms and control their intensity, and I shared my thoughts on combining conjuration with elemental control.