I started walking towards the pagoda, the winding path stretching before me like a trail of contemplation. As I moved away from the central square of the village, the lively sounds of the Néfos faded, replaced by the tranquil silence of the plateau. The trees around me became denser and more frequent. Each step seemed to echo in my thoughts, amplifying the feeling of loneliness that sometimes accompanied me.
The trail wound through the mountainous landscape, slowly ascending to the pagoda at the highest point of the village plateau. In the distance, I could see the stone and wooden structure of the gymnosperms, its carved columns and ornate roof standing out against the virtuous sky stained with greens and blues. The path passed by crystal-clear springs and streams that meandered through the rocks, creating a picturesque scene of serene springs leading to a wider river. In some places, the trail narrowed, flanked by deep ravines that revealed the vastness and beauty of this unique world.
As I walked, my thoughts returned to the strange encounter with the old Néfo with golden eyes. His words still echoed in my mind, disturbing my peace. Who was he? Perhaps he was a memory from a past life, a fragment of an ancient existence that resurfaced briefly. Or maybe it was a lapse in memory, a product of my mind trying to remind me of something important. I'm not sure, but the feeling of unease remains, especially when I remember that Néfos are beings from this planet.
I crouched down, frustrated and tired of climbing the slope.
I know I am an ancient creature reincarnated in the body of a child. This developed awareness always distances me from other people, creating an invisible barrier between me and the rest of the world. I carry memories and bad feelings from my past lives that I sometimes cannot understand or explain, and this makes me feel isolated, even among those who love me in this world. So, I tried to change my perspective, started seeing relationships as a cost-benefit analysis... Should I change this approach too? I should, but I can't do it easily.
I sighed and stood up.
Reaching the pagoda, an apparently religious structure made of stone and gymnosperm wood, I felt a wave of peace begin to spread, though there was still a slight unease in my chest. The stone columns were covered with detailed carvings, representing ancient stories and legends. The roof, made of dark wooden boards, projected over the structure, creating cool, welcoming shadows. Around, a grotto opened up, connected to the pagoda.
As I climbed the stone steps, I saw Aidan first, observing Nene and Nina. They were in the center of the pagoda, a soft blue aura emanating from them as they meditated.
Aidan, with his blond hair glowing softly, was leaning against an ornate bench, seemingly cheerful. He is always humorous.
I looked at Nene and Nina for a moment, admiring the peace they exuded. Aidan looked up and saw me, waving with a wide smile. "Hey, Kiel," he said, his voice full of joy.
"Hi, Dad," I replied, approaching. "What are you all doing here?"
"This is a quiet and comfortable place," Aidan explained, pulling me into a warm hug. "We thought it would be a good place to spend the morning."
I don't like hugs, honestly. This custom of yours consumes my patience.
What is the reason for this social custom? Does it have any relevant utility?
"I see," I replied, trying not to show my discomfort while searching for a reason for it. "Let me go," I intervened after he dragged the affectionate gesture for several seconds. "Yes," he said, looking down at me.
As soon as he let me go, I continued walking, observing Evelyn playing near the railing beside my 'mother,' both close to the safety barrier.
Evelyn is still a small child, only two years old, and speaks with difficulty. I won't blame her, right? I was also terrible at that once.
When she saw me, she ran towards me, babbling something unintelligible. "Maim!" she exclaimed, trying to get my attention.
I forced a smile, feeling the resentment grow. Since she was born, the attention that was once all mine was now divided and leaned towards her. I confess this is envy; I liked being the center of everything.
Usurper of parents! I thought, as she clung to my legs. But outwardly, I just held her little arms.
Finally, my eyes met Ari's. She was watching the interaction with a gentle smile. When our eyes met, she waved to me, a warm and accepting expression on her silver face. Her blue eyes always looked like stars.
As I walked closer to her, I couldn't help but reflect on my family. Despite feeling somewhat distant, there were moments like this that made me feel closer, albeit with several reservations. It was as if an invisible wall was slowly dissolving, but not at the speed I desired. It's hard to accept quickly when you have a prior notion. However, Haizel cannot even be a momentary identity, as my memories are just fragments of various lives, so diluted that my sense of time is slow, despite the cycle having been very long.
I thought about how I was feeling more vulnerable, more open, and this made my face blush slightly. I'm getting 'soft,' I thought, with a shy smile forming, making me feel awkward.
"Welcome to your family, it's so good to see you smile," she said, breaking the silence with her calm and cheerful voice after noticing my loss of composure. "How was your morning?"
"It was... interestingly difficult," I replied, not wanting to go into details about the old man with golden eyes. "But I'm okay now," I concluded.
"That's good to hear," she replied, tilting her head cutely. "Let's enjoy our time together here. This place is really special."
I stood beside her, watching Evelyn play again with rubber balls and cubes.
I looked away to the Néfos in the center out of growing curiosity.
Noticing, Ari looked at me with a knowing smile. "They are using magic, Kiel. Nina is making a connection with Nene in the Arcane Encephalon to see how her mind is."
"Arcane Encephalon?" I asked, curious.
"Yes," Ari replied, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "We all have a sort of mental garden that reflects our mind and the connection between the world and consciousness. When we enter the meditative dream state, even while awake, it is a place where we can explore our abilities and potential knowledge about the world, seeing at what level we understand the universe around us and how we can manipulate it based on that."
My curiosity increased after this unusually elaborate answer directed at a child.
"I know you want to learn, but it's difficult. You didn't understand what I said because you haven't studied, but one day you will learn. For now, be patient," she continued.
"Tell me more, Mom," I asked. Ari smiled and leaned a bit closer as if she were sharing a secret.
"You are old enough to know this, so I'll tell you, my son..." She began to explain. "To use magic, people need to study a lot about how the world works: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, things you will learn in the future, besides activating your Arcane Body and relating the control of an energy present everywhere to your mind. To manipulate the world, with your tree of knowledge and techniques you learned, and express your will in the surrounding environment, we need to use an energy present everywhere called Primordial Energy, or Mana, to provoke our will in the physical world, the world we are in now, you and I."
I was absorbing every word, feeling that it was much less spontaneous than what I saw my father do when I was a newborn or when I fought against him.
"Each person has an 'affinity' tree, which is specific knowledge you can use for magic," Ari continued. "There are three different types of magic: Kinetic Material Magic, Reactive Material Magic, and Atomic Charge Magic. In your mental garden, or consciousness, this affinity is represented by a tree that stands in the center, symbolizing your unique connection to one of these magics or which ones you can practice."
"But Mom, what is Kinetic Material Magic?" I asked, trying to understand.
"Kinetic Material Magic is the ability to move, heat, or cool things," Ari replied. "It's like when you push something with your hand, but without using your hand. Do you understand? It can also be used to make the bed warm."
"Reactive Material Magic is a bit more complex. It's the ability to transform materials. For example, turning water into air or wood into stone. It can also be used to make fire."
"And Atomic Charge Magic?" I asked.
"Atomic Charge Magic is the ability to manipulate the smallest particles of matter, like electrons and protons, to create energy or alter the structure of materials. It's like a magic trick, but much more advanced and scientific." She paused and thought for seconds. "Um... how can I explain? It can... It can be used to make those flashes you see in the sky when it rains."
I made a puzzled face to keep my childish narrative going.
Ari smiled. "Yes, it is incredible. And one day, you will learn to do all these things. For now, keep being curious and patient. Knowledge comes with time and effort."
She paused, observing my reaction.
"How do I discover my affinity?" I asked, eager to know more.
"That requires time, patience, and introspection," Ari said gently. "But we will be here to guide you through this process. Magic is a continuous journey of self-discovery and learning, my son."
Aidan, who had been listening to the conversation, smiled and added, "And don't forget, Kiel, magic is not just about power. It's about understanding the world around us and using that knowledge responsibly."
The environment around us seemed more serene as I absorbed this new information, feeling a new sense of purpose and curiosity about this world. The discovery that I could eventually access and use magic, like my parents, was exciting, and I was determined to learn more about my own affinity tree and the Arcane Encephalon.
"So, what do you think?" Ari asked, her eyes shining with expectation.
"I think I have a lot to learn," I responded, obviously being fake. "But I'm ready to start, teach me now. I demand it."
Elder Nina interrupted my conversation with Ari, her expression serene and welcoming. "Kiel," she said softly, "I can help you discover your magical affinity. If you are willing, I can guide you through the process."
I looked at Ari, who was watching me with an expression that mixed apprehension and discouragement. I noticed the gleam of discontent in her eyes, as if this was not in her plans.
"Yes, I want to," I replied quickly, leaving Ari visibly dismayed.
Aidan celebrated with a wide smile. "Great! Let's see if you take after me or your mother," he said, full of enthusiasm.
Ari, however, stood up to say something. "I don't think he should do this," she declared, raising her voice, creating tension in the environment.
Aidan tried to calm her down. "Dear, I think it could be good for him. Discovering magical affinity is easy and quick."
She crossed her arms, clearly still worried. "I don't want him to enter a meditative dream."
Ari sighed deeply, but her expression was still one of resistance. "What if he..." she tried to speak, but her true reasons seemed difficult to say, and because of that, she fell silent while clenching her hands.
Elder Nina approached Ari and said calmly, "I understand your concerns, Ari. I promise to take good care of him. This is an important step for him, and I will be by his side every moment and won't let him faint."
Evelyn, however, on the other side, started babbling incomprehensible words, her little hands gesturing randomly, breaking the tension in the air.
Ari's gaze softened slightly upon hearing Elder Nina's words. She finally relented, though still reluctantly. "Alright. I will trust you, Elder. I hope this is truly the best for him."
Nina gestured for Nene to leave the center of the pagoda. "Alright," she responded. Nene obeyed, moving to the side.
I took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of anxiety and excitement as I walked to the center of the pagoda. The shadows of the carved beams on the columns seemed to dance around me, as if they were silent witnesses to what was about to happen.
My first use of magic!
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