Chapter 5: Whispers of Fire
Elian knew he needed to expand his understanding of the Weave, to move beyond manipulating Material Energy and delve into the more potent forces that shaped their world. Elemental Energy, the power that resided in fire, water, earth, air, and other fundamental elements, was his next target. He had heard whispers of mages who could command these forces, bending them to their will with breathtaking displays of power. He yearned to possess even a fraction of that control.
His infant body, however, presented a significant obstacle. He was confined to his crib, his movements limited, his ability to interact with the world severely restricted. He couldn't exactly go out and find a volcano to practice fire magic. He needed to be creative, resourceful. He needed to find a way to access the elements within the confines of his small world.
He began by focusing on the small, flickering flame of the oil lamp that hung above the crib room. It was a constant presence, a small beacon of light in the pervasive darkness of the orphanage. He focused on the flame, trying to sense its energy, its essence.
[Oil Lamp Flame]
[Properties: Small, Inconsistent, Contains Trace Amounts of Fire Elemental Energy]
Trace amounts. Not enough to do anything significant. But it was a starting point. He focused on the Fire Elemental Energy, trying to isolate it, to understand its nature. He imagined it as a tiny spark, flickering within the larger flame, a seed of potential.
He tried to draw the Fire Elemental Energy into himself, to connect with it, to feel its warmth. He felt a faint tingling sensation, a familiar drain on his energy reserves.
[Attempting to Draw Fire Elemental Energy]
[Energy Cost: 10]
[Current Reserves: 50/100]
He felt a faint warmth spreading through his tiny body, a pleasant sensation that chased away the chill of the orphanage. He could feel the Fire Elemental Energy within him now, a tiny spark of power. It was exhilarating.
He tried to control it, to shape it, to make it grow. He imagined the spark expanding, becoming a small flame, dancing in his palm. But nothing happened. The spark remained small, flickering weakly.
[Insufficient Control. Requires Practice and Understanding of Elemental Manipulation.]
He needed to learn how to control this energy, how to shape it, how to wield it. He needed guidance, instruction. But where could he find it? He was a baby, trapped in a crib.
He thought of the whispers he had heard – "Battlefield," "Mages," "Elemental Masters." He knew that mages were the ones who could control the elements, who possessed the knowledge and skill to wield these powerful forces. He needed to find a mage, to learn from them. But how?
He focused on the oil lamp flame again, trying to maintain his connection to the Fire Elemental Energy. He knew he had a long way to go, but he was determined to learn. He would master this power. He would become a mage. He would rise above his F-rank status.
He continued to experiment, trying different approaches. He tried visualizing the flame, imagining its heat and intensity. He tried channeling his own energy into the spark, trying to make it grow. But nothing seemed to work.
He was about to give up for the day when a new thought echoed in his mind, seemingly out of nowhere: "The Crimson Hand… they seek those with potential…"
The Crimson Hand? What was that? He focused on the thought, trying to grasp its meaning. But it was fleeting, gone as quickly as it had appeared.
He was left with more questions than answers. But he had a new lead, a new direction to explore. The Crimson Hand. He would remember that name.
He looked at his Energy Reserves.
[Current Reserves: 40/100]
He needed to replenish his energy. He looked around the room, considering his options. He could take a small amount from one of the other infants, but he was hesitant to do that. He didn't want to harm them, even unintentionally.
He decided to wait. He would find another source of energy, a less… sentient… one. He would be patient. He would learn. He would grow stronger.