Chapter 8.

' Detection first, which is quite self-explanatory : it is about detecting the Magical Flow around oneself. Many consider this the most difficult task for the young mages. In fact, a calm and open mind is necessary, and it is possible that beyond those, the way of thinking, and even one's personality, might be involved. Certainly, all mages are different, and the belief that specific schools are comprised of members with specific traits is a mere rumour. It is an ancient debate without a definitive answer. Given that Cultivation is a process directly linked to instinct, intuition, or senses, attempting to describe it in empirical terms is a futile endeavour, and only images and metaphors would come close to reality without being exact. That being said, the fact is that "feeling" the Magical Flow is as laborious mentally as it is physically, and represent the first step of the apprentice's Cultivation journey. '

Engrossed in her reading, Rose did not really mind events around her. It was night anyway, probably, as the only way to guess it was whether they were camping for a long sleep or not. Quite a disturbing everyday life she was starting. Reading was the only thing that managed to comfort her that day, as even Enora failed in that. Rose lied to be left alone. This tall woman was so impressive, with that tanned weathered but still smooth skin of hers, squeezed inside her great dark green armour, weapons in hand and ready to defend them all. "How could Enora make me feel better when all I can think about is my uselessness during this whole ordeal ?!", thought the girl angrily. She was of course, angry at herself, and only herself. Clearly, she had no right to complain when she did nothing and still benefitted from other's efforts.

At least she could read. Many books she had brought, as everyone took care of her needs. With her fragile figure and cute face, nobody asked anything from her. A fact that she felt as much disappointment as relief about. Feeling like she was not needed because she could not do what was needed while knowing that it was better that way instead of trying and demonstrating her incompetence.

That conflicting mindset lead her to the pile of books she had filled her bag with. Out of a hidden habit she did, and thankful she was, as it kept her thoughts straight, avoiding a possible nervous breakdown. From time to time she would take a look around her, noticing the pelts and blankets being laid down on the ground, the fires being lit with coal taken from the dead monsters, and even some fighters training a bit in a corner. Then, back to the book.

' In the eventuality of a successful Detection, the second step of Cultivation can begin : Attraction. Some would describe this step as the moment where the apprentice really starts becoming a mage. This step is, from a general consensus, way easier than the first, even if nothing is easy in the discipline of magic. Here, the apprentices learn to influence the Magical Flow around them, to move it in a way. Nothing can really be done with this action alone because knowing how to move the energy does not mean being able to use it. However, it is a positive sign. It is also at this stage that can be determined the Affinity of the apprentice, although that matter will be explained later. '

At that point, Rose was so focused on her booklet that she was quite startled by Alex, one of the fighters, tapping her shoulder. He had been looking out for her right when the battle started, using his body as a wall between her and danger, and checking up on her every now and then. He was a one-meter and eighty centimetres tall man of slightly above average build, with an angular face and cautious personality.

- We're about to eat., he said softly, as if afraid to hurt her eardrums.

She nodded while getting up, weirdly appreciative of his care for her. The girl did not like the idea of being a burden, a damsel in distress that had to be looked after, but reality begged to differ in her mind. Complaining felt like the worst thing she could do at that point, and a tinge of red coloured her face as she thought about it. Unbeknownst to her, that tinge was noticed and probably misinterpreted.

The five designated cooks had followed instructions about rationing, erecting five different pots over the fires and making a very basic stew out of water, fresh meat, and some vegetables. More water than vegetables or meat though, which did not align with some people among the crowd. The leader answered those complaints concisely :

- I don't give a shit. Food is not unlimited here, but I still decided to make sure that everyone would get a bowl of stew twice a day. That is quite generous if you ask me, considering how little many of you contribute …, he said, wearing a serious and denunciating face for the last part. Of course, the fighters will get two bowls twice a day.

And the argument was over on that note, as many, including Rose, felt naked when facing this truth. It was a reasonable decision : the ones to give less to the community would be given less food than others, while still being protected. Many were annoyed by that fact but could not find it in them to openly protest.

Next was time to wash off a bit, and, as it happened, the big cave they had settled in included flowing water. Well, a one and a half meter deep, three meters wide 'river' nestled behind protruding rocks in a corner of the place. Freezing water though, but one could not be too demanding.

The women went first, most just crouching or sitting on the bank while splashing some ice-cold water on the soapy parts of their bodies. A few, like Enora, were actually bathing, busy scrubbing herself in all places without a care in the world. Rose looked at her confidence with amazement, just openly showing her tanned and healthy body to the other women. Her arms were not muscular like some kind of weightlifting champion, but enough for a woman, while her thighs and abdominals were picture perfect.

Rose made the comparison with her delicate and thin body, white as snow skin and lightweight, and understood how impossible it was for her to compete. "Strength wouldn't be all in a normal situation … I think. But right now, it is oh so important. And … I don't know … I just can't !", the girl thought, feeling quite down and confused.

- You alright ?, asked a familiar voice.

Enora, the object of Rose's envy, was standing in the water not two meters from her. She had probably felt the girl's gaze on her shivering skin.

- I … I'm fine., answered she after a bit of hesitation.

There was no point in complaining about herself when others like Enora did so much for her. Said woman stared at Rose for a bit before nodding and leaving the area, washed and clean. That was the only interaction the girl had apart from Alex, and it would be the last for the day. She read a bit and rested for around six hours before getting back to walking.