The tavern's lanternlight flickered against wooden walls, throwing shadows across the table. Damian sat with Rowan and Elara,
a mug of watered ale in hand, trying to look casual.
Rowan leaned back, arms crossed over his broad chest. "You've been here a while now, Damian. Surprised no one's taught you the basics yet."
Damian raised a brow. "Basics?"
Elara snorted, kicking her boots up onto the table. "He means magic, newbie. You swing that spear well enough, but you won't last long if you don't understand how people in this world fight."
Rowan gave her a look before turning back to Damian. "Listen up. There are six primary elements of magic. Everything starts there."
He held up his fingers, ticking them off one by one.
"Fire. Destructive, raw power.
Water. Flexible, flowing, sometimes healing.
Earth. Defense, durability, crushing force.
Wind or Lightning. Speed, precision, unpredictable strikes.
Light. Healing, purification, support.
Dark. Corruption, curses, destruction."
Damian nodded slowly, his expression calm even as his mind whirred.
[Analysis: Six-element system confirmed. Probability of hybrid combinations existing: 67%. Probability of hidden advanced elements: 42%.]
Rowan continued, sipping from his mug. "Most mages can only handle one or two elements. The strongest warriors learn to combine magic with their weapons. A swordsman with fire, a spearman with lightning… you get the idea."
Elara smirked. "And then there are freaks of nature who can fuse multiple elements at once. Don't run into one of those unless you're ready to die."
Damian forced a chuckle. "Sounds… terrifying."
[Notice: At Level 3, magic infusion into created weapons becomes available. Probability of compatibility across all six elements: 91%.]
His hand tightened around his mug. So once I reach Level 3, I can match their entire system. Maybe even surpass it.
Rowan leaned forward, voice dropping a little. "Remember this, Damian: in this world, strength isn't just about muscle or skill. It's about how you shape your mana. Without it, you'll always be at the mercy of those who can."
Damian met his gaze, eyes steady. "Then I'd better learn quickly."
Elara grinned, raising her mug. "Good answer. Guess you're not completely hopeless."
Damian smiled faintly, but inside, his pulse thundered. Magic, weapons, creation. My path's only just starting… and if this world's strongest can level nations, then I'll just have to catch up.
[Acknowledged. Path of Creation accelerating.]