Episode 20: "One-Star Mage"

In the quiet corner of the house, Izzan sat cross-legged in a small meditation room, surrounded by silence. Carefully, he drew a mana circle on the ground, blue glowing lines beginning to swirl around him, signifying his deep concentration. His eyes focused on every stroke, while Athena, the advanced AI who had become his loyal companion, guided each step.

Izzan (determined, thinking to himself):

"If I can perfect this mana circle, my magic abilities will increase significantly!"

Athena (soft voice in his mind):

"Make sure the elemental symbols are placed correctly. It's crucial for stabilizing your mana."

Athena's system panels displayed detailed diagrams:

Panel 1: Showing Izzan drawing the mana circle, with glowing blue lines spinning perfectly.

Panel 2: A diagram of mana elements and the complex structure of the circle, lines indicating the flow of mana energy.

Panel 3: A graph illustrating the increase in Izzan's mana capacity as the circle stabilized and became perfect.

After a few minutes, the mana circle began to glow brightly. Izzan had done it!

Athena (with pride):

"Izzan, your mana circle is flawless! Congratulations, you're officially a One-Star Mage!"

Izzan (smiling proudly):

"I really did it!"

But Athena quickly issued a serious warning.

Athena (wisely):

"I suggest you don't reveal this achievement. Becoming a One-Star Mage at six years old is extraordinary and incredibly rare. Most children reach this level between ages nine and fifteen, even with expensive elixirs."

Izzan (nodding, understanding the importance of secrecy):

"I understand, Athena. I'll keep this a secret."

Satisfied yet cautious, Izzan knew that hiding his abilities was the wise choice. Carefully, he continued preparing himself for the future, all while maintaining a calm demeanor.

Mother and the Golem

A few days later, Izzan became curious about his mother's abilities. Mira, a renowned summoner mage, was hard at work at the docks, moving large crates with the help of small summoned golems. Izzan saw this as an opportunity to learn something new.

Izzan (running excitedly to his mother):

"Mom, can you teach me how to make a golem?"

Mira was busy, directing her golems as they moved the heavy crates with surprising strength despite their small size. She smiled but shook her head.

Mira (gently, while working):

"Izzan, you're not ready for that yet. Summoning a golem requires fine mana control, and you need more practice before attempting it. Besides, you'll need to attend the academy to learn more."

Izzan (insisting, with puppy eyes):

"But I just want to know how! I promise I won't make it too big or strong…"

Mira (chuckling, still focused on her golems):

"No, Izzan. You're not ready. Just focus on your mana training for now."

Despite his best efforts, Mira wouldn't budge. Athena, watching this unfold, had a mischievous idea.

Athena (slyly suggesting):

"How about you compliment your mother's beauty, Izzan? Tell her how radiant she looks while summoning golems. Maybe that will soften her heart."

Izzan (grinning, nodding in agreement):

"Good idea, Athena!"

With a cheeky grin, Izzan approached his mother again, this time with a new strategy.

Izzan (sweetly, trying to flatter):

"Mom... You know, you look absolutely beautiful while summoning golems! Especially with the sunlight on your hair, wow… like a goddess!"

Mira (surprised, looking at Izzan amused):

"Huh? Since when do you talk like that, Izzan?"

Izzan (continuing his flattery, winking at Athena):

"I'm serious, Mom! I've never seen golems as elegant as the ones you summon. It must be because you're the one controlling them—they're just perfect!"

Athena (laughing softly in Izzan's mind):

"Great job! Keep going, you're almost there!"

Mira (laughing, but still firm):

"Hahaha! You're funny, Izzan. But compliments alone won't make me teach you golems yet. You need to train more first!"

Izzan (disappointed but still trying):

"Come on, just a little hint...?"

Mira (gently patting Izzan's head):

"Maybe later, once you're ready. For now, why don't you help me with something else?"

Athena (teasing, in a playful tone):

"Looks like beauty compliments weren't enough this time."

Izzan (laughing, sighing):

"Yeah, but I'll try again later!"

A New Encounter

That afternoon, after his failed attempt to convince his mother to teach him golem summoning, Izzan wandered near the docks. In the distance, a teenage girl who had just finished some errands at the bank spotted him. The girl was Elara Fendrick, the 15-year-old daughter of the local bank owner and a student at the prestigious Arcadia Academy, located in Silverwood City, a few kilometers from Fort Solus.

Elara (a bit smug):

"Hey, you there. Why do you look so down? Do you want to see how a real golem summoning works?"

Hearing this, Izzan's eyes lit up with excitement. Without hesitation, he replied enthusiastically.

Izzan (eagerly):

"Of course! I've been dying to learn how!"

Elara smirked, pleased with his response. She stepped back and revealed a small golem the size of a puppy standing next to her. The golem looked adorable but gave off a powerful aura, as if made from glowing crystals.

Elara (stroking the golem):

"This is my golem, Lumin. I summoned it myself at the academy. Pretty impressive, right?"

Izzan, quick to praise, replied with admiration.

Izzan (grinning wide):

"Wow, Lumin looks amazing! Small but strong. You must be really skilled at summoning magic."

Elara, pleased with the compliment, decided to show him more.

Elara (proudly):

"If you really want to know, follow me. I'll show you how it's done. But remember, this isn't for little kids."

Elara led Izzan to the edge of the forest. Once there, she hunted down a small slime that wandered near the bushes. After a few tries, Elara easily defeated the slime and extracted a monster core from its body.

Elara (showing the monster core):

"This is a monster core. It's what you need for a summoning ritual."

Skillfully, Elara drew a mana circle on the ground, similar to what Izzan had done days earlier. Athena, in Izzan's mind, took note of every step. Once the circle was complete, Elara placed the monster core in the center and began chanting the summoning spell. Glowing lines surrounded them, and slowly, a golem the size of a dog emerged from the circle.

Elara (proud, as she dismissed the golem):

"That's how it's done. Once you're finished, you can return the monster core and dismiss the golem. It takes years of practice and… you have to be at least a One-Star Mage to try. You'll probably need a few more years before you can do this safely."

Elara casually handed the monster core to Izzan, unaware of his true abilities.

Elara (smiling):

"Keep this as a gift from me. But remember, don't try it until you're ready. Only One-Star Mages can summon safely."

Izzan accepted the core gratefully, even though he knew he had already mastered the One-Star mana circle. Athena smiled inside his mind, proud of how much further ahead Izzan was than anyone could have imagined.

Athena (whispering in his mind):

"If only she knew… You could summon a golem right now. But let's keep this as our little secret, okay?"

Izzan smiled, tucking the monster core into his pocket, and nodded at Elara.

Izzan (gratefully):

"Thank you so much, Elara! I'll take good care of this."

The two walked back toward the village, and as they neared the docks, Izzan knew it was time to say goodbye.

Izzan (to Elara):

"I should head home now. Thanks again for everything!"

Elara (waving casually):

"Yeah, see you around, Izzan! And don't try summoning a golem until you're really ready."