Bathed in the light and heat of that ball of fire Valerian couldn't help but be reminded just what sort of power lay within his grasp. But that was only if he could reach for it and grab it firmly. No matter what, potential was only potential and not actual strength. He would have to work really hard if he hoped to gain the latter.

He could still make out Jonas' figure, nearly obscured by the half-a-meter-wide ball of flame just in front of him. Unlike Valerian, he did not seem to be under any duress. He wasn't sweating nor did his skin get flushed by the flames despite being so close to them. He didn't even look concerned. Seeing that cool, confident figure only made Valerian more determined. He wanted that. He would have it. No matter how hard it was, he resolved.

The ball of fire suddenly disappeared. One second it was there the next it wasn't. The only evidence of its existence was a sweaty eight-year-old, some scorched grass and the residual heat. Valerian's wide eyes opened even wider if that were possible. Jonas got up and after brushing down his robes walked towards him.

"That was a sample of the second-tier fire spell, Fireball", he said in an even tone.

He did not apologise for not warning him nor did he explain why he did what he did. He just marched up and continued like they were still sitting and chatting on the stone benches. Unease flashed in Valerian's eyes. That display of power had shown him that his uncle wasn't as simple as he thought. Particularly the ending. If that fireball had appeared as quickly as it had vanished, there was no way he wouldn't be injured right now. After all he had been sitting right in front of the man.

Jonas on the other hand was quite satisfied with the way things played out. Gauging Valerian's reactions had allowed him to assess his three Cs. The three Cs were something his own mentor had tested him on and explained to him. They were three factors essential for practising the arcane arts. The first C was caution, the second was curiosity and the third was courage.

The arcane path was very dangerous. Without the first C, an arcanist would not live long. The path required constant study and experimentation so without the second, that arcanist would not make much progress. Finally, it entailed a lot of risks, and chances that had to be seized. This required courage or the arcanist was doomed to mediocrity.

Valerian had not been dumb enough to sit still with a fireball so close to him and he knew to make space when he saw it grow. He did not wait for someone to warn him or save him nor did he stupidly think that his uncle was above hurting him. This proved that he was cautious. In the face of danger, he had not run rather he stayed and observed. He had even questioned him. This in addition to his bookish traits showed was both curious and courageous.

Jonas was rather satisfied with this. Intelligence and talent were a great boon to cultivation but they were not everything. The arcane path was very harsh on all who walked it. Without the three Cs and a lot of hard work, no arcanist would ever amount to anything. Jonas himself had surpassed many with far better prospective results than his. He was fully convinced now that his decision to mentor his nephew was not wrong. The boy would go far and he will be one of the people to push his cart there.

"I, Jonas, son of John, Surnamed Steelborn, The Burst Blaze, Arcane Lord of the fire attribute, Array master of the second circle, Scion of the house of Cragsveil am willing to take you Valerian son of Valiant of the house of Cragsveil, Prospect of the arcane path, as my student. Do you accept?"

Valerian was shocked and confused. He could tell that this was not something to be taken lightly. The tone it was delivered in alone revealed that to talk of the language used. He was confused because he thought Jonas had already been chosen as his teacher. He voiced this.

"Aren't I already your student?"

Jonas suddenly realised that maybe he should have discussed this with him before making his proclamation. Quickly he explained what it was he doing and its significance. Arcanists were proud people. As cultivators on the route to immortality and people blessed with the ability to dominate the natural world they possessed a certain arrogance and it showed in what they did. It was customary for them to announce themselves names, titles and all when they met. A proper introduction was required in formal gatherings, duels and other events of significance.

This done he repeated himself. "I, Jonas, Son of John, Surnamed Steelborn, The Burst Blaze, Arcane Lord of the fire attribute, Array master of the second circle, Scion of the house of Cragsveil am willing to take you Valerian son of Valiant of the house of Cragsveil, Prospect of the arcane path as my student. Do you accept?"

Now understanding what his role was Valerian did not hesitate. "I, Valerian, Son of Valiant, Surnamed Steelborn prospect of the arcane path, Scion of the house of Cragsveil, am willing and honoured to be your student".

Jonas nodded happily. Despite this, he felt a small pang of pain and sadness in his heart. Student not apprentice. This was a major detail for arcanists. A student you taught but an apprentice you trained, you passed legacies down to, you raised, you handed down your hopes and dreams for him or her to complete. He was sad because he was not qualified to have Valerian as an apprentice. In fact, he was unqualified to have anyone as his apprentice. He was still too low on the power chart and more importantly he had no legacies or spells to hand down.

He comforted himself with the fact that it would not always be the case. He will eventually make a name for himself and have numerous apprentices. In addition, teaching Valerian was sure to be good practice for when they finally came around.