Weeks of intense study and practice bore fruit for Arlen. Under Mistress Elira's guidance, he mastered the fundamentals of intermediate magic: weaving complex spell patterns, manipulating mana for greater efficiency, and even combining elemental energies. The System soon acknowledged his progress:
[Skill Unlocked: Intermediate Magic]
[Skill Progress: 4%]
Arlen's new lessons focused on elemental affinities. He gravitated toward water, spending hours with the enigmatic river mage. Meditation by the lakeshore allowed him to sense the pulse of water mana, and ritual practice helped him channel it. Gradually, he learned to summon orbs of water, manipulate streams, and even use water's surface for scrying. The System updated:
[Skill Unlocked: Water Manipulation]
[Skill Progress: 2%]
[Affinity Gained: Water]
But as Arlen's proficiency grew, so did the attention he attracted. One evening after class, Mistress Elira called him aside with a solemn look. "You must be cautious, Arlen. Shadow magic is rare—and not always understood. Some fear its potential for secrecy and subterfuge. There are factions in this city and beyond that might see your gifts as a threat, or covet them for their own ends."
Arlen nodded, feeling the weight of her warning. He resolved to use his shadow magic wisely, revealing it only when absolutely necessary. The lessons of the Shadow Seekers were as much about discretion as power, and now he understood why.
With his new intermediate magic and water spells, Arlen was better prepared for the challenges ahead—but he would move forward with caution, his true abilities carefully guarded.