Visiting Master

After descending from the hill, Ranav's thoughts turned to Nanima. "Let's pay my Master a visit. She might be at her shop now. If not, we can head to her house," he suggested.

"Sounds like a plan," Jessica replied. "While returning, could you ask Tenali Raman for a detailed map of the areas surrounding Dhela? Before winter, we sketched a small map of the woods near your house, but it was inefficient. With a proper map, we could explore more systematically and locate valuable resources. There are plenty of herbs and fruits in the forest that contain concentrated world energy. We should make an effort to find them."

Ranav nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. Having a detailed map would definitely help. Let's do it after visiting Master."

When Ranav arrived at Nanima's shop, he found it closed. Undeterred, he made his way to her home, a quiet and peaceful place nestled on the outskirts of the village. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of melting snow and fresh earth.

He approached the door and knocked gently. After a few moments, it creaked open to reveal Nanima, her sharp eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Little imp, I thought you'd forgotten your poor old master. Come in," she said, stepping aside to let him enter.

"Good morning, Master. How have you been?" Ranav asked as he closed the door behind him.

"Same as always," she replied with a smile. "Cooped up inside during the winter like everyone else. I'm getting old… excitement doesn't suit me anymore."

They settled into the lounge chairs, the cozy warmth of the room a welcome contrast to the chilly air outside.

Ranav leaned back and said, "The snow outside is almost gone. I thought it was a good time to visit you and give you some updates."

"It's good you came," Nanima said with a chuckle. "I wasn't planning to cook today, but now I'll make lunch for two."

Ranav laughed and shook his head. "Sorry, Master, but I'll have to decline. My mom and sisters are cooking a special meal at home for me. Today's my birthday, after all."

Nanima's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh! I completely forgot! Today is the 7th of Iris. Happy Birthday, Ranav!"

"It's okay. I sometimes forget dates too," Ranav replied with a grin.

Nanima's expression softened as she said, "Two years have flown by since you became my disciple. Time really does fly."

Ranav nodded. "Yes, but even after two years, I still can't call myself a healer. My progress feels too slow."

"Don't be so hard on yourself," Nanima reassured him. "Your progress is remarkable, considering your age. You've already reached a level-1 Light Star Circle and a level-0 Darkness Star Circle. Once you upgrade your Darkness Star Circle, you'll be able to perform basic healing spells and work as a healer anywhere."

She paused briefly and then asked, "How has your training been during the winter?"

Ranav sighed. "Since I had to stay home, I avoided practicing dark magic. I focused on meditation to strengthen my Darkness Star Circle, but without active practice, the progress was slow. I think I'll need about a month to upgrade it. My Summoning Star Circle is also at level-0, but meditation has been more effective for it. I'm eager to see what kind of creature I can summon once I reach level-1. As for my Purple Stars, there's been no progress in forming a Star Circle."

Nanima listened intently before offering encouragement. "You're doing exceptionally well. You haven't even reached the age to enroll in a Magic School, yet you've awakened four elements. One of them is unknown, and all unknown elements are more powerful than the basic ones. Just having the Summoning element is enough to make other mages envious."

She paused, then added, "Don't pressure yourself. Magic is a process of collecting world energy and using it effectively. Stressing your mind can disrupt your ability to harness energy. Remember, you can awaken new elements until the age of twenty. For now, focus on steady progress and free yourself from unnecessary worries."

Ranav nodded, feeling reassured. "Thank you, Master. I know I'm ahead of my peers, and I'll work on staying patient. By the way, when do you think I'll be able to awaken my next element?"

Nanima smiled. "The most reliable method to awaken a new element is to advance all existing Star Circles to level-1. You're a rare case, having awakened two elements simultaneously, so we took a calculated risk with your Purple Stars because your Light Star Circle was already at level-1. From now on, we won't take unnecessary risks. Focus on upgrading all three Star Circles to level-1. Once you achieve that, the awakening procedure will be straightforward."

Ranav hesitated before asking, "Do you plan to send me to Archmage Arvind Krushna again?"

Nanima sighed. "I can't afford his fees for targeted awakening. Last time, the countess sponsored you because of your Light element, ensuring a smooth awakening of Darkness magic. This time, the choice of element isn't as critical. Normally, Light mages have an aversion to Fire and Water magic, so your next element is likely to be Earth or Air. A standard awakening should suffice, but I'll consult the countess when the time comes."

"Master, what are the current costs for normal and targeted awakening?" Ranav asked.

"If you enroll in a Magic School, the first awakening is free," Nanima explained. "You're given multiple chances to succeed until your first failure. Besides that, the Mage Association and Hunters Guild charge ten gold for a normal awakening. Archmage Krushna's targeted awakening, however, costs two hundred gold, but his success rate is unmatched. Even mages who failed multiple awakenings have succeeded under his guidance."

Ranav nodded thoughtfully. "Master, I wanted to ask a favor. This winter, I taught my two sisters the basics of magic and the awakening process. Would it be possible to include them in the next awakening session? Normal awakening will be enough for them."

Nanima raised an eyebrow. "Two sisters? I thought you only had one."

Ranav explained, "Do you remember Camilla? She came with us when we returned from the county. Her parents passed away, and she had no immediate family. My parents adopted her and gave her our family name."

Nanima's expression softened. "Ah, I remember her now. I thought she was your cousin visiting temporarily. Your parents did a noble thing by adopting her. I'll include her in the awakening process. However, she's much older than you and your sister. Are you sure it's worth awakening her magic at this age?"

Ranav smiled. "Camilla is more competent in magic than my sister. Even if she doesn't awaken all six elements, she can still become a hunter or healer. She's aware of the limitations but wants to try."

"Very well," Nanima said. "I'll arrange for their awakening, but you must upgrade your Darkness and Summoning Star Circles to level-1 first. The countess may sponsor your awakening, but your family will need to cover the costs for your sisters."

Ranav nodded confidently. "Don't worry, Master. My parents and I have already discussed it. We're prepared for the costs."