The first rays of dawn crept through the curtains, stirring Asiel awake far earlier than most of the town. Unlike the previous day, he felt truly refreshed this time — a bed made all the difference compared to the cold benches and stone floors he was used to.
He stretched, washed up, and even indulged in a quick bath before standing before the mirror. His reflection made him frown lightly.
"Hmph… no other clothes but these, and I'm too skinny. I should start training again before I get rusty."
Dropping to the floor, he did a neat set of ten push-ups before heading downstairs. Mrs. Elara was just waking, tying her hair up as she prepared for the day.
"Good morning, ma'am," Asiel greeted with his usual respectful calm.
She gave him a sleepy smile. "Up this early again, are you? You'll make me look lazy."
With a polite chuckle, Asiel left Willow Heart and began his morning walk. As he strolled the cobblestone streets, he greeted each shopkeeper, baker, and passerby with a gentle "Good morning." By now, many recognized him — the new polite boy with an almost noble air — and smiled back.
Near the outer walls, he spotted a squad of knights marching in formation. Straightening, he gave them a bow and wished them a good morning as well. The knights slowed for a moment, puzzled, then returned the greeting curtly before resuming their patrol.
By the time he circled back into the main market, the tavern was just beginning to stir. Unlike his first visit, there was no bustle yet; the chairs were still being arranged, the counters wiped down. He slipped into his usual seat.
Moments later, Nerina emerged from the back with a bright smile. "Good morning! You're my first customer again."
"Good morning, Nerina," Asiel replied warmly.
She tilted her head. "You seem pretty happy today."
"Oh, it's nothing," he said lightly. "I was just happy to see you — the first smile of the day."
Her cheeks colored faintly as she placed his meal before him. "You wake up so early, don't you?"
"Yay, I am, as of late," he replied with a small grin.
After finishing his food and paying with his usual gratitude, Asiel returned to the quiet streets and made his way to the library.
To his surprise, Master Thalion was already unlocking the doors. The old man raised his brows at the sight of him.
"Well, I'll be… I thought you'd come dragging your feet on the first day, but you're earlier than me."
"I don't like wasting mornings," Asiel answered with a respectful smile.
Together, they began opening the shop. Asiel took it upon himself to polish the tall glass windows, their panes stained green from years of lingering magical dust. It was harder work than it looked; the arcane residue clung stubbornly, shimmering faintly as if alive. By the time he finished, the sun was high.
"Sir," Asiel asked, catching his breath, "is the library always so empty?"
Thalion chuckled, stroking his beard. "Not at all, boy. This place usually bustles with magic academy students. But the academy just started its new session yesterday, so they'll be flooding in tomorrow."
Asiel's eyes flickered with curiosity at the word academy. Tomorrow, then… the real work would begin.
After finishing the windows, Asiel returned to shelving the stacks of books piled on the floor. He carefully placed them one by one, dusting each cover before sliding it neatly into place.
While working, he happened to glance across the hall — and froze.
Master Thalion stood before a tall bookshelf, several tomes floating lazily in the air around him. With a casual flick of his wrist, the books arranged themselves perfectly on the shelf, each one sliding into its spot without a sound.
Asiel blinked in awe, nearly dropping the book in his hands.
Once the setting up was finished, and the library returned to its quiet stillness, Asiel approached respectfully.
"Sir Thalion… forgive me, but… how were you levitating all those books?"
The old man looked at him, then laughed heartily. "Ah, that? That's what we call levitation magic, my child."
Asiel's eyes lit up. "That was incredible! Can I do it too?"
Thalion stroked his beard, amused. "Boy, I suppose you know nothing of magic, do you?"
"Yes, sir," Asiel answered without hesitation.
The old man laughed even harder. "What confidence! Very well, let me explain. Magic here is as natural as breathing — it comes from connecting with nature itself. There are four basic elements most learn first: wind, fire, water, and earth.
To control them, three forms of training are required.
First, you must connect with nature. Wind mages meditate on the air; fire mages on heat or flame, though that path is risky. Then come water and earth, both more patient elements.
Second, applying that connection requires focus and imagination. The only true limitation in magic is one's own mind. If your imagination is weak, your magic will be weak. That is why books of spells exist — to record applications of magic that are too difficult for most to conceive on their own.
Third, once you begin practicing, your own mind will slowly create barriers — limits. To advance, you must break those mental chains. That training is not mandatory… but it is the path to mastery."
Asiel's eyes shone with amazement. "That's… amazing, sir. Could I read one of these books?"
Thalion raised a hand to stop him. "Not yet, boy. First, you must connect with an element. Without that, the words will be meaningless."
The old man retrieved a small painting from the counter and showed it to Asiel. It depicted a vast grassland with towering mountains in the distance, sunlight spilling across the horizon.
"Tell me, what do you find most attractive in this landscape?"
Asiel's gaze softened. "The mountains… and the wide grassland. There's something calm about it."
Thalion chuckled knowingly. "Then your natural affinity is Earth. Hah! I know just the place. Out beyond the town, past the gates, there's a vast grassland where you can try connecting with the earth itself."
For a moment, Asiel's expression flickered. That's where I arrived in this world… he thought silently.
"And how will I know if I've connected?" he asked aloud.
"When it happens," Thalion replied, "you'll be able to see the ground around you even with your eyes closed. That is the sign."
Asiel nodded thoughtfully.
"Will you go now?" the old man asked.
"No, sir. I'll go some other time," Asiel answered politely.
Thalion gave a short nod. "As you wish. Still, you've done more than enough work for today. If you feel like it, you may go now."
"Truly? Thank you, Sir Thalion."
Asiel placed the broom behind the counter, bowed respectfully, and left the library with new thoughts racing through his mind.
Asiel left the quiet of the library with Thalion's words echoing in his head. The idea of connecting with the earth… of seeing the ground even with his eyes closed, stirred something inside him.
But before he could get too lost in thought, the lively voices of the street pulled him back.
"Hey, boy! Good morning, Asiel!" one of the grocers called out, waving a hand still dusted with flour.
"Off somewhere so early again?" a fruit-seller asked, leaning over his stand.
Asiel smiled warmly, bowing his head politely. "Good morning to you all. Yes, I'll be heading outside the walls for a little while."
"Oh-ho, going to train, are you?" chuckled the old cobbler, tightening the straps on a pair of boots he was repairing. "Strong body, sharp mind — you'll do well."
"Don't forget to come back and buy my apples when you're hungry!" another laughed.
One kind shopkeeper, a woman with a basket of pears, stepped forward. "Take these with you, my boy. You'll need something sweet while you're out there." She pressed a handful of fruits into his hands before he could refuse.
Asiel bowed gratefully. "Thank you very much. I'll treasure these."
As he continued down the street, voices rose around him like a chorus.
"Good day, Asiel!"
"Be safe out there!"
"You'll do well, lad!"
Their kindness warmed him, and a small, genuine smile spread across his face.
At last, he reached the towering gates of Lagunica. The stone walls loomed high, strong and steadfast, protecting the city within. A pair of guards stood watch, their spears glinting in the morning sun.
One of them raised a brow as Asiel approached. "Heading out, boy?"
"Yes, sir. Just to the grasslands."
The other guard gave a hearty chuckle. "Be sure to return before dark. The plains are safe enough by day, but once night falls, the demonic beasts stir."
Asiel gave them both a respectful nod. "I understand. Thank you for your warning."
With that, he stepped beyond the gates. The doors of Lagunica shut slowly behind him, and the vast grasslands stretched endlessly ahead. The wind stirred the tall blades of grass, carrying with it the faint scent of earth and freedom.
Asiel tightened his grip on the pears in his hand, his mind clear.
It's time… to begin.