Fire Magic

Midnight's newfound power proved difficult to control. Despite being naturally agile, his strength had increased significantly, making his movements unpredictable. For nearly half an hour, Ranav trained him relentlessly, guiding the horse through the agility course. Midnight struggled at first, knocking over several logs along the path, but with persistence, he gradually improved.

Finally, after a successful run where Midnight avoided all obstacles, Ranav dismounted and let out a relieved sigh.

Paramita approached him with an excited grin. "Let's have a race between Lucky and Midnight."

Ranav smirked. "Are you sure about that?"

"Yes! I want to see how fast Lucky is compared to Midnight now."

After allowing both horses some time to rest, they lined up on the track. The race began, and as expected, Midnight surged ahead. Lucky, despite being a well-trained horse, couldn't quite match Midnight's new speed. In the end, Midnight won by a large margin.

Returning to the ranch, Ranav led Midnight to his stall. "You need to rest and recover. Sleep as much as you want," he instructed before turning to Grandpa Khan.

"Midnight will need a lot of food and rest for now," Ranav explained. "Please provide him with as much as he wants to eat."

Grandpa Khan scratched his head. "I've taken care of many horses in my life, but never a magical beast. What should I do differently?"

Ranav reassured him, "There's no need to treat him any differently… at least, not yet. Midnight just ate a lot to replenish his energy. Over time, his appetite will stabilize. I've already trained him to control his strength and magical abilities. He has activated Shadow and Air magic, but neither is harmful. His Shadow magic lacks the corrosive properties of dark magic, so you don't have to worry. And if he accidentally releases Air magic, it'll only stir up some dust or move small objects."

Grandpa Khan nodded. "Alright, I'll make sure he gets plenty of food and rest."

As Ranav and Paramita were leaving the ranch, they spotted the Countess approaching.

"Ranav, I heard that Midnight has become a magical beast. I came to see him," she said.

Paramita blinked in surprise. "Mom, you already heard? I was going to tell you after we got home!"

The Countess smiled. "News travels fast. Now, where is he?"

"I just put him in his stall," Ranav replied. "Please, come inside."

He guided the Countess to Midnight's stall. As she observed the magnificent changes in the horse… his shimmering black coat, golden mane, and glowing violet eyes… she stood speechless.

After a moment, she turned to Ranav. "Tell me everything. How did this happen? And where did you find that herb?"

Ranav had expected this question. He carefully answered with a mix of truth and omission, avoiding any mention of Jessica. He emphasized that it had been a gamble… an attempt to awaken Midnight's dormant bloodline with Nethershade Grass.

As they talked, he also mentioned his upcoming expedition to the Golden Highlands and the instructions given by his master.

The Countess frowned slightly. "It's true that the area is relatively safe, but Naria is right to be concerned. You shouldn't go on an expedition with unknown people, even if they're members of the Hunter's Union. Since Kulbir knows them, I'll ask him to accompany you."

She then turned to the maid beside her. "Find Kulbir Thapa and bring him to me."

After giving her instructions, the group returned to the main hall and sat in the lounge.

Paramita hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Mom, I've never been on an expedition before. I have a group mission at school later this year, but even though the teachers will supervise us, I'd feel more prepared if I had some experience beforehand. Since The Golden Highlands are relatively safe, and Ranav is going with a team, can I join them?"

The Countess considered her words. "School missions are meant to train students in combat and teamwork. This expedition is focused on herb collection. While I understand your reasoning, you'll need to ask your father's permission first. If he agrees, I won't object… but you'll still need a proper escort."

Paramita pouted. "But Dad won't be home until night. If we wait for his approval, there won't be time to prepare! Can't you call him?"

The Countess sighed. "Fine. My communication device is in my room. Go call him."

Paramita hurried off while Ranav and the Countess continued their discussion about Midnight's abilities.

A few minutes later, Paramita returned, grinning. "Dad agreed! But he said Grandpa Khan and one of the knights must come with us."

At that moment, Kulbir entered the hall and bowed respectfully. "My Lady, you called for me?"

The Countess nodded. "Ranav and Paramita are going on an expedition with two members of the Hunter's Union. Since you know them, you will accompany them. Take two of the knights with you as well. You'll also need camping equipment and supplies. Batu Khan will go with you."

Kulbir listened carefully and then left to make the necessary arrangements.

Ranav had planned to visit Usha to confirm his participation, but the Countess insisted on sending someone in his place. She asked for Usha's address, and Ranav provided clear directions.

Afterward, he returned to his previous room. His backpack was already placed on the bed. Other than some spare clothes, it contained nothing valuable. Of course, everything important was stored in his ring, but carrying a visible backpack made sense. It helped avoid unnecessary questions.

Ranav had considered buying a storage ring for convenience, but the cheapest one cost 1,000 gold coins… far beyond his budget. A communication device was another item he wanted, but only Mage Association members were allowed to purchase them, and even the most basic model cost 100 gold coins.

He sighed. I need to earn more money.

After taking a long shower, he sat cross-legged on the bed and began reading books they collected from Usha's library. He had just finished the last one when Jessica's voice echoed in his mind.

"Someone's knocking at the door."

Ranav opened the door to find a maid waiting.

"Young Master, the Countess has sent me to invite you for lunch."

He followed her downstairs and joined the family for lunch. Afterward, without wasting time, he returned to his room and began meditating. Hours passed as he focused on his red stars, and at long last, he succeeded.

A bright red star circle formed in his spiritual space.

Ranav opened his eyes, his heart pounding in excitement. I can finally use Fire Magic!

He spent another half hour stabilizing the energy flow before ending his meditation. "Fire is volatile. I should practice outside."

Glancing out the window, he realized night had already fallen. The wall clock showed the 27th hour.

"It's good that no one disturbed me."

Jessica's voice chimed in, "Paramita came to your door once, but she didn't knock. She left without saying anything, so I didn't inform you."

Ranav smirked. "That's good. If I had been interrupted, I might have failed to form my star circle."

Stepping out of his room, he headed downstairs, where Paramita and the Countess were deep in conversation.

"Oh, Ranav!" Paramita called. "We didn't want to disturb you. Go to the dining room… there are some snacks left for you."

"I'll eat later. First, I need to go outside and practice my Fire Magic."

Both Paramita and the Countess gasped in unison.

"What? You already formed your Fire Star Circle?"

Ranav smiled awkwardly and scratched the back of his head, "I got lucky."