Arcana Specters?

After a good night's rest and a hearty breakfast, I went to the main hall for a lesson with Verdi.

I assumed Mizuki was training diligently in the practice hall.

"Alright," Verdi said lazily as we settled in the vast back garden. "If I were to explain everything about magic, we'd be here all day. What do you want to know first?" His nonchalant demeanor was a stark contrast to the stern persona he displayed while working in his study.

I pondered for a moment. There were so many questions I wanted to ask, but one stood out above the rest.

"Why did you react so strangely when you saw my grimoire?" I asked. His expression at the time hadn't been one of pride or celebration; it was complicated, almost reluctant as if the outcome was both expected and unwanted.

"To put it simply, you're in imminent danger," Verdi said, his tone unusually grave.

"Huh?!"

"There are different types of elements: primary, secondary, and so on. Your 'Sun' element doesn't belong to any of them," he continued. "Let's start with the basics. What are the primary elements? These are the most fundamental, present everywhere around us: Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. Every magician has at least one primary element."

His explanation piqued my curiosity further. "What about secondary elements?" I asked.

"Secondary elements are advanced forms of the primary ones. They retain some of their original characteristics but are often more potent. For example, Water can manifest as Ice, and Life can branch into Vitality. Air might evolve into Storms. However, for a magician with a primary element to wield a secondary one, they must train diligently. It's not impossible, but it requires effort, talent, and, frankly, genius."

I nodded, processing the information before cutting to the heart of the matter. "So, what makes the Sun so special?"

"The Sun isn't a primary or secondary element," Verdi explained. "It's what we call an Authority. Authorities are incredibly rare. They're less like elements and more like special magic. Only one in twenty thousand magicians might possess an authority."

"Authority?" I echoed, intrigued.

"Yes," Verdi said, leaning forward. "Authority doesn't follow the typical rules of elemental magic. They're special abilities, sometimes inherited through bloodlines or created through exhaustive research. I've encountered magicians with Authority before, one could manipulate volcanoes, and another controlled glass."

His words sent a chill down my spine. I couldn't tell if I'd hit the jackpot or signed up for trouble.

"Your Sun Authority is our family's legacy. That's what makes it special," Verdi continued a hint of pride in his voice.

I was still processing this revelation when a thought struck me. "Does this mean Light and Life are primary elements too?"

"No," Verdi said, shaking his head. "Those two belong to another category altogether—Primal Elements."

"Primal Elements?" I asked, intrigued.

"Yes," Verdi confirmed. "They're tied to the fundamental laws of the world and are far more powerful than the primary elements. They're not limited to just attack or defense, they can affect reality itself. Examples include Light, Darkness, Lightning, Time, Space, and Life."

Hearing that made me grin. Three distinct categories of elements: Primary, Secondary, and Primal. I possessed Fire, a Primary element; Space, a Primal one; and the rare Sun authority. Lucky didn't even begin to describe it.

"With my Space affinity, does that mean I can use Space magic?" I asked, excitement bubbling up.

"No," Verdi replied bluntly. "Arai, having an affinity means you have permission to use an element, but that doesn't mean you can wield it immediately. You need to learn, practice, and acquire the right techniques. Just like having money doesn't mean you can access its value without spending it wisely."

His explanation felt like a bucket of cold water. So, my Space affinity was practically useless unless I invested significant effort into it.

"Now," Verdi said, his tone shifting, "let's talk about ranks."

I sighed internally. I still had so many unanswered questions, but I let him lead the lesson. There was no point in pushing further right now.

"Not really." Honestly, I didn't fully understand what it meant to be a rank four or rank five sorcerer. I knew they were remarkable and rare, but to what extent?

"Alright." Verdi raised a finger, and with a flick, ignited a flame shaped like the number "1."

Wow, magic is fascinating.

"First, rank one."

Verdi began to explain, illuminating the shadows of my ignorance.

"At rank one, a sorcerer gains strength beyond that of an ordinary human. As they progress through higher ranks, their body begins to merge with mana, making them fundamentally different from regular humans. Of course, their power is still limited to a small range at this level."

Hmm, so they're essentially superhumans?

The flame changed to display the number "2."

"At rank two, sorcerers can wield mana with greater force! They can be considered a common combat force."

"Rank three marks an elite level of power that cannot be ignored. It grants significant status to organizations and noble families. This rank is also the minimum requirement to consider traveling the world."

"Rank four? Now that's rare. Many major organizations and distinguished families in the Western continent are led by rank four sorcerers. Even in our kingdom, there are only 4 of them."

"As for rank five, that's the pinnacle of what humans can achieve."

"Rank five sorcerers can alter the weather and set rivers ablaze! They are living examples of what magic is. Sorcerers of this rank are extremely rare! There are only two in the kingdom." Verdi lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "Don't tell anyone, but King Lanovel is only a rank five in title! He doesn't truly possess the strength of a rank five. I'm the only real rank here."

"He's nothing more than a paper tiger!" he said smugly.

Eh? Ignoring his mockery of the king, "What about rank six and above? I've read there are nine ranks!"

This was strange. What did he mean by "the pinnacle of what humans can achieve"?

Verdi shook his head. "Son, I don't mean to discourage you, but rank six is closer to legend."

"Do you know how many rank five sorcerers exist in Artemis Isles?"

I shook my head, clueless.

"There are only four! Excluding the fakes, of course."

I felt a pang of disappointment. Were rank six sorcerers that rare?

Hmm, what's the reason? Is this world like a game map with locked zones? Do I need to unlock other areas to access this rank?

Noticing my disappointment, Verdi said, "Well, rank six does exist! I met someone of that rank years ago. In fact, rumors claim the strongest magician in the Truth Court is a rank six."

Hmm, so it's not completely hopeless after all.

"Father, what are your chances of reaching rank six?"

"0%." Verdi responded without hesitation.

Huh?

"Shocked?" He chuckled. "I'm merely a mid-five rank. Even reaching this rank was pure luck. Without our family's resources, I couldn't have made it. I would've been stuck at rank four, like Haist."

"Do you know the two most critical factors for a magician? Talent and resources."

"Without talent, resources are wasted. Without resources, talent becomes a curse."

"And to reach rank six? I'd need to empty the reserves of every nation in Artemis Isles. Actually, no, even that wouldn't be enough. Forget rank six, I relied on the accumulated resources of generations in our family to reach my current rank. Without them, I'd still be stuck at rank four."

Tsk, tsk. Am I destined to become a thief in the future?

"There's a small problem." Verdi's expression turned unusually serious.

"What is it?"

His sudden change in demeanor made me uneasy; he had never looked this way before.

"I didn't want to tell you this, but you're a smart kid. I think it's better you know." Verdi explained, "Our family is unique because of the 'Authority of the Sun.' And for that same reason, you're already in trouble."

Trouble? What kind of trouble could make his expression this grim? Hmm.

"Your great-grandfather was just like you. He possessed Sun authority and awakened a grimoire."

"While traveling in the western continent, he crossed paths with an organization called the 'Arcana Specters.' They pursued and hunted him relentlessly for a long time, sending waves of rank four, and even rank five sorcerers after him."

"But that's not the scariest part."

"The terrifying thing is that they have a rank six sorcerer!"

"Before his death, your great-grandfather wrote in his will, warning the next heir to avoid revealing his authority too openly, lest they come after him." From Verdi's tone, I knew he was deadly serious; this was no joke. He was warning me with absolute sincerity.

I felt a mix of emotions—confusion, and trepidation. All this, for a Sun? Strange.

Verdi continued explaining a few other things but didn't bring up the topic again.

"Alright, what I can teach you is limited, I'm too busy for that; I've hired a tutor for you. Just wait for them to arrive."

Verdi didn't know why my grimoire was sealed.

He told me that authorities are often like this at the start. The tutor, who was coming from the western continent, also had authority.

Perhaps he'll be able to help? I hope so.

...

After finishing my lessons with Verdi, it was time to head to the training hall.

This was for a test with Haist, the palace's enhancer guardian.

I got thoroughly beaten the last time—two years ago. He even said something like, "You're not cut out to be an enhancer."

Hmph! I don't care about reinforcement anyway, but I promised my mother I'd try.

– I couldn't become a sorcerer while neglecting my physical strength.

I'm not that foolish. Neglecting my physical capabilities would leave me vulnerable to close-range enhancers and sorcerers.

Of course, this problem could be solved by elevating my magic to a level where close encounters became irrelevant. Still, balance was important.

Come to think of it, I wasn't the fighting type.

So, I prefer to end it with a single, powerful strike.

I've never fought anyone in my life, which isn't surprising.

Maybe that'll change in the future.

Inside the hall, Mizuki was swinging her sword with relentless determination. She looked like a diligent student practicing kendo at a school dojo.

I have a hardworking sister.