Elysha tilted her head to the side with a puzzled expression and asked, “What do you mean?”

  “I will leave to gather some things,” Elder Merakia replied, gesturing for her to take a seat on one of the nearest upholstered chairs. “Wait here for a moment,”

  As Elder Merakia left, the little girl sat down and looked around the gazebo. Her attention returned to the book and she picked it up again, her fingers tracing the words on the cover and examining it closely:

  The Studdy and Obs-observashun of Thenmn Ennurgie Levils in th Sollerimisk Arkipellago.

  “The st-studdy and ob-obs-ser… vashun of the… then… um ennuie levils in S-Solle... Sollerimi… arki… pelgo,” she mumbled, struggling with the unfamiliar words. With a furrowed brow, Elysha sighed softly, “I want to read…”

  She continued flipping through the pages before taking another look at her surroundings, her feet swaying back and forth without touching the ground. She watched the birds on the branches of the trees above her and couldn’t help but feel both anticipation and boredom.

  Then she stopped rocking her legs.

  “I know, maybe Elder Mera can show me how to read,” Elysha whispered to herself. “Then I would read and learn even more new things, like this book in my hands.”

  The little girl paused for a few seconds, staring at the book.

  “Thenom, what is thenom?” she asked herself with a confused look on her face. “I don’t know, I want to know, I want to learn…”

  After a few minutes, her guardian returned to the gazebo, carefully balancing unfamiliar objects in her gloved hands while holding a pot filled with an abundance of soil.

  Elysha’s eyes widened. She put down the book as her guardian placed the items on the table with the pot and then turned to the little girl. “Here is a pot filled with earth, and in my hand I hold a tiny seed of a red rose.”

  “A seed?”

  “Yes, indeed,” Elder Merakia nodded. “From here, you will witness an example of what this book teaches.”

  “What does this book teach?” Elysha repeated, her eyes darting between the pot of soil and the seed in her guardian’s fingers.

  “You will see for it soon.”

  She watched as Elder Merakia removed her right glove and pressed the seed deep into the soil. ‘A seed in dirt…’ Elysha commented in her mind.

  Closing her eyes, the elder mage lowered her bare right hand, fingertips brushing the surface of the pot. Soft whispers escaped her lips, elusive words unfamiliar to the child’s ears.

  As Elder Merakia spoke the unfamiliar words, a calm, mystical energy enveloped the gazebo. The atmosphere remain silent, waiting for something to happen.

  Elysha watched closely as her heart thumped. It was as if the air of reality was responding to the elder mage’s incantation.

  “Mijaak enji levjia astaj enjaneji mosterejen ni o'wataija theonum.

  (“Here is the beauty that lies in the confluence of nature and theonum.)

  Ijaan madere-ji ot émidia, ijaan krannu-ji ot tovoijou.

  (From soil to life, from seed to flower.)

  Anjai ji kainétatora nianüv ov-waüdi’ls otast?d’lji ji almi n’Asnoiji.

  (Through the harmony of our spirits and invoking the will of Asnoiji.)

  W’talfoir’nt ji mawijad’nt niasven wuduhejsia suanmosja.”

  (We saw the birth of this wonderful rose.”)

  In the midst of the magical moment, as the last syllables of the incantation left Elder Merakia’s lips, a subtle transformation began to take place.

  Elysha’s eyes widened in awe as she witnessed the sight: A faint golden glow enveloped the elder mage’s hand and then the pot itself, whereupon a small ball of light formed in the depths of the soil, and the seed began to germinate rapidly.

  A slender green sprout shot up from the ground and grew. It swayed, moving to a rhythm, as if dancing to a piece that transcended the limits of normal botanical growth.

  Elysha stared, mouth dropped open at the spellbinding scene unfolding before her. “You’re—”

  Her voice trailed off, and Elder Merakia smiled as she replied, “I am not finished yet.”

  The shoot continued its ascent, unfurling bright green leaves as it grew higher and higher until it finally came to a halt. Elysha looked closely at the plant, which now resembled a tree more than a rose bush. Each leaf radiate a soft, faint golden light within the gazebo.

  Then Elder Merakia snapped her fingers and the rosebuds began to unfold and bloom, revealing their beautiful petals. They filled the air with their sweet scent.

  Elysha’s breath caught in her throat as she gazed at the creation before her, reacting without words. There was a glint in her eyes that reflected the golden wonder. She reached out her hand to touch the foliage—

  Suddenly, the light disappeared, leaving behind an ordinary rose bush. It was as if nothing had happened except the memory of a brief experience. Still, Elysha could not contain her astonishment and turned to Elder Merakia. “How did you do that?” she asked.

  A smile curved her lips as she met the child’s eyes. “I am simply a mage in retirement,” she explained, the weight of expertise resonating in her words. “I have knowledge of spells, techniques, and a deep understanding of theonum substances. Sorcery is the art of harnessing and controlling the spiritual energy within one's soul, also known as the ‘heart’ or better known as the ‘core.’”

  With a graceful movement of her hand, Elder Merakia spoke more unintelligible words. A few seconds later, a small breeze blew through, carrying red petals that transformed into wisps of spirit that fluttered around the child.

  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “—!”

  Elysha felt almost dizzy as she turned her head to see the creatures and couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu.

  “Spiritual energy, also known as ’theonum,’ permeates every living being in our world,” she continued. “Some individuals possess the ability to control and direct their theonum potency, while others can manipulate or release it. Mastering the art of theonum is not an overnight task; it requires time, dedication, and practice to grasp even the fundamentals.”

  Elder Merakia stepped back and used her gloved hand to manifest her theonum. Then, out of nowhere, she swirled a liquid substance around herself that resembled water.

  *swish*

  Elysha felt a slightly damp sensation from her guardian’s elegant display of magic.

  “Theonum sorcery comes in a variety of elemental forms, such as this example I have shown you,” she said, dispelling the wet incantation. “What you see here is a manifestation of spiritual magic, and each individual of Soliremisce possesses their original element, subconsciously chosen by their ‘soul identity.’”

  Elysha’s eyes lit up as she tried to make sense of Elder Merakia’s words. She was still trying to figure out how the flower was created and how her guardian was able to conjure it out of the soil using only her hand and the incantation.

  “Can you control theonum because you can use magic?” she asked, her curious mind wanting to know more.

  “Indeed it is,” she replied with a soft chuckle, her hand touching her chin as her eyes looked down at the little girl. “Remember, the potential to become skilled in theonum manipulation lies within every individual. And with proper guidance, practice and training, you too can unlock the possibilities of this art.”

  Elysha leaned up from her seat and declared “I want to do magic like you, Elder Mera. Can I do that?”

  “Pfft, pa-haha-ha…”

  Her laughter echoed through the area, leaving Elysha confused as she stifled her laughter. “Forgive me, I apologize for the sudden inappropriate reaction. Ah, it's been a long time since my last pupil showed me such a determined gesture. It reminded me of the past for a brief second. What memories…”

  Then she turned to the little girl, her voice taking on an affirmative tone. “And of course it is possible. Your desire to learn all about theonum is admirable, dear Elysha.”

  With rosy cheeks, Elysha crossed her fingers and spoke softly, “It’s because… I want to learn everything you know about using th-theonum…”

  Elder Merakia watched the nervous child before her. She sighed and replied, “Perhaps I can examine your theonum core and sense your potency. That way, I can determine your potential and whether you are capable of practicing sorcery at this time. Given the small size of your appearance and your approximate age, this is a safe approach to endeavor.”

  Then she chuckled again and said, “Who knows? I can even find out what theonum abilities and elements you possess.”

  ‘Theonum that I possess?’ Elysha thought to herself as a realization hit her. ‘Me? I can really become a magical person like Elder Mera?’

  Elysha lowered her head as if to hide her own expression. Her hands clutched her white spring dress as a smile blossomed on her face.

  When the child stood up, Elder Merakia extended her hand and said, “Come with me to an open area. I would like to show you more about theonum.”

  ~ ??? ~

  Together they walked to a white stone platform in the sunlight. Elder Merakia went first and took a few steps, then said, “Elysha, stand there for a moment.”

  The child nodded and stood still as her guardian removed the glove from her right hand and walked toward her. “All right then, now allow me to do this for a moment.”

  With a soft force, she pressed the palm of her hand against Elysha’s.

  “...?” she watched as Elder Merakia closed her eyes in deep concentration. Seconds later, a golden light radiated from her guardian’s hand and transferred its energy to the child’s palm.

  ‘Oh, she’s doing magic again,’ Elysha spoke in her mind. ‘She’s trying to see if I can become a magic person. It feels… tingly.’

  Silently, Elder Merakia delved into the depths of Elysha’s theonum core, carefully examining and analyzing its essence. She watched intently, her eyes fixed on the calm and steady face of her guardian. The minutes passed slowly, and the child’s subtle impatience threatened to rise to the surface.

  ‘So long…’ the little girl thought with a frown. ‘I wondered what was happening to Elder Mera.’

  Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Elder Merakia withdrew her hand, opened her eyes, and met the child’s gaze. For a split second, Elysha smiled, then changed as she saw complex emotions on her guardian’s face.

  “Elder Mera?”

  Elder Merakia shook herself out of her thoughts and gave the worried child a reassuring smile. “Oh, there's nothing to worry about.”

  ‘...? Nothing to worry about?’

  Despite hearing these words, Elysha still had her doubts, her skepticism clear from her guardian’s initial reaction.

  Elder Merakia continued in a smooth but firm voice, “I have a special task for you, Elysha. Instead of going through the usual stages of learning theonum, I believe it is time for you to learn how to regulate and control the flow of theonum in your body.”

  “Huh?” she reacted, the words flying over her head.

  “Of course, it will take some time, but with practice and effort, you will be able to handle this task. Will you do it for me?”

  Even though she was surprised by the sudden offer and didn’t know why, Elysha’s eyes lit up and she nodded her head without hesitation. “I will do it, Elder Mera.”

  Elder Merakia then handed Elysha a training staff and gloves that she had originally brought to the gazebo. She spoke, “These tools will assist and help you in your first task. You will learn to slowly attune your senses to the inner flow of theonum within you, and to channel and direct the energy outward.”

  Elysha took the staff and put on the gloves. She felt a sense of empowerment just having the items at hand. She clutched the staff, its wooden texture making her restless, nervous, and excited all at once.

  “Now I would like to show you another example of the regulation and manifestation of the theonum,” Elder Merakia said, extending her right hand once again.

  Elysha turned her attention to her guardian and watched her carefully. As Elder Merakia closed her eyes, the air around her shifted and the wind carried the mystery with it.

  “Focus…”

  With an almost meditative demeanor, Elder Merakia detached herself from the outside world and entered a state of deep concentration, connecting with the core of her being. Elysha heard the rush of the wind, which was different from the other breezes as it carried the infused presence that passed by her and enveloped Elder Merakia. The wind swirled around her guardian’s outstretched palm, and then she clenched her hand into a fist.

  Extending her hand once more, the child’s eyes caught sight of a shimmering, translucent orb of light floating on the palm of her guardian’s hand.

  “This is an example of how the manifestation of a theonum sphere works,” Elder Merakia explained as the orb dissolved into air. “By connecting to the core of your physical body and manifesting through the will of your consciousness, you can bring the power of theonum into the palm of your hand.”

  Elysha nodded silently. She felt like she was really beginning to understand what magic was and what the world she lived in was.

  She quietly took a deep breath.

  ‘My own core, and with it learning magic… If I could learn as well as she did…’

  For the first time since arriving in this garden, Elysha felt a strong desire to prove herself—to prove that she was indeed capable of manifesting her own theonum core.

  Her eyes met Elder Merakia’s and she asked, “May I try?”

  “As you wish,” Elder Merakia replied simply. “Detach yourself from the outside world and focus on regulating the theonum within you. Imagine it flowing through your body and focus on that, allowing nothing else to distract you. Allow the power within you to materialize, guided by your unwavering desire. Do you understand?”

  The little girl clutched the necklace in her hands, her heart racing in anticipation of this moment.

  “Yes,” she nodded. “I understand."