Chapter Six

Vinicus nodded his head and began reading the book. As soon as he felt as if he had understood what the first symbol was…. The book magically flipped the page….

"Guide… How do I know when I have understood what a symbol stands for?" He asked, wondering if the book was timing his learning or something.

"You will feel it, the symbols are made of energy and you are made of energy, so is the book. If you have truly understood the meaning, your energy will resonate with the symbol. You may also recreate it if you wish" 

Stones appeared in the room with a carving knife… was he meant to carve the symbols just like the ones on the wall… 

"All of the symbols you see on the wall are from the past Grand Master Healers, you may create a method more fitting with your century and time. This entire Sanctum can be recreated into a space more… in your time" 

Vinicus laughed at that.. First things first, he would have preferred to etch the symbols into something else but not yet. He had to master them first and he definitely didn't mind the environment. He would prefer an actual comfortable bed, and probably some food. 

His stomach growled and suddenly a basket walked into the room and fruits were in it. The basket had different types of fruit and they were delicious…. 

"This is just unbelievable, it's like you can hear what I'm thinking too" Vinicus said

"Your Sanctum will recreate itself into whatever you need." 

"So the bed I thought about…." 

"This is not the bedchamber Master Vinicus, there is your bed chamber, you have your potion room, the grand library where the book came from and so many others…" 

"Oh wow, feels like there's everything I need here…" he said. 

"Yes.. now if you are done asking questions. It is time you begin learning the basic symbols in the book" the Guide said, returning Vinicus's attention to the important task ahead. 

"Sure I will." Vinicus began reading the second page of the symbols book. This particular symbol looked very simple but it was essential for a successful healing. It was called the Choku Rei and its energy gave off a white aura. 

Vinicus was surprised as he didn't know the symbols had colors before, the Choku Rei was to be drawn and kept around the ill person as a catalyst for purification and physical healing. Vinicus touched the symbol and as usual felt a push of energy. 

Immediately, the book flipped again to the next page. By the time Vinicus was done with the book, he felt refreshed, happy and comfortable. He had so much energy flowing within him that he didn't even feel tired despite being up the whole day. He decided to take a break nonetheless and walked around the chamber. 

"Master Vinicus, perhaps you might want to take a look around the Sanctum itself and not just the chamber" the guide prompted

"Oh yes, I forgot… show me all the rooms" Vinicus asked. 

"There are as many rooms as you can think of in this Sanctum but most Grand Master Healers only make use of three rooms at most. Since everything can come to you wherever you are…." 

" That's very convenient, Guide but I'd like to see it for myself" Vinicus said and suddenly there were many doorways to different rooms so he went through one of them suddenly finding himself in a grand library with hundreds of books. 

As soon as he entered, the bright blue flames flickered and became brighter. The books began flying close to Vinicus… 

"Heyyy… Guide… what's happening" he said as he kept moving backwards..

"The books here are all magical and they've not been read in a very long time. They have sensed the presence of their new master and they all want you to read them." 

Vinicus laughed loudly, his voice echoing in the library. He could not remember when he had ever felt  so happy and at peace. 

"I want to read them all, we shall leave the exploration of the Sanctum for another time." He returned back to the Chamber and about ten different magical books danced around him.

He sat down and another book of symbols flopped itself on the table waiting to be opened. Vinicus wasted no time and delved into it… he thought about some paper to recreate the drawings and all of a sudden, there was ink and parchment paper. 

He began to recreate the drawings on the paper, some were even from the first book of Symbols. As he drew them, they shined with a bright and purposeful light… glowing with energy. As the hours passed, the book flipped its page after page, revealing symbol after symbol. 

Vinicus lost himself in the study of these symbols and as he drew more. He felt his own body grow stronger, he was becoming more attuned to the magic. 

Suddenly the Chamber that shone with a bright daylight began to dim slowly as though the sun was setting and fatigue fell on Vinicius. His concentration seemed to falter even though his determination was still high and he could still feel power coursing through him. The book snapped itself shut and as he was trying to reopen it, the Guide spoke..

"Master Vinicius, that is enough for today… You can not learn to become the Grand Master Healer in one day." the Guide said gently…

"You have done well but must not overextend yourself, there is still a lot to learn but there is still enough time. Rest is just as important as studying. Your mind and body must be in harmony for your magic to flow freely…." 

"Alright, I do feel really sleepy. Maybe I'll take a bath and then go to bed. I'll continue in the morning…" Vinicus knew his body was weary even though he had felt energized, deep down he hadn't really had any rest. 

"That would be best. You may soak in the pool if you still wish but there is a bath in the bed chamber…" 

Vinicus was excited at finally having a chance to swim in the shimmering pool in the Chamber. He went straight to it with an apple in his hand, he undressed and stepped into the pool. As soon as his entire body was immersed in the water, it glowed even brighter as though he was made of light energy. 

Vinicus succumbed to the warmth within the pool and simply lay there, the pool finally began whirling a bit… as though telling him that he was now refreshed and clean. 

Vinicus stepped out of the pool, and went off to the bed chamber. It was as though the bed was made of clouds with the white pure wool all over it. As he lay on the bed and pillow, it felt like he was laying in the heavens. He closed his eyes, the symbols he had studied glowed faintly in his mind.

As Vinicus drifted into sleep, the gentle hum of the energy around him lulled him into his dreams….. dreams of the future. 

Vinicus was at the Annual Doctors and Healers Competition, every top ranking family participated in the competition every year. They would bring their top doctors or healers who were either from their family or were paid to compete on the family's behalf. 

His own family was there as well, they had brought out one of his brothers this year again. The Chen family was there as well, with a doctor they had paid. Duke's family was there as well, there were some other families that he had not been allowed to interact with as the useless son of his family. 

But this time, Vinicus was not there to hide away while his family participated. He was there to compete as well…. Vinicus was walking towards the enrollment table when he met a young girl who hugged him. She said "Are you here to help my dad win the competition… I'm Kara.. Kara Rhys…" 

Vinicus woke up with a jolt….. Was this a vision? Or just a dream?