Chapter 4 : Learning Magic

The next morning, Rei stood in the courtyard once more, his body still sore from the previous day's training. Varen arrived shortly after, holding a wooden staff and a mischievous grin.

"Alright, kid. Time for the next lesson. You fought well yesterday, but close combat isn't always an option. So today, I'm teaching you magic."

Rei's eyes widened in excitement. "Magic? But I thought I was just a Beast Tamer."

Varen chuckled. "Beast Tamers can still use magic, just like any other profession. You just have to know how. Now, listen closely. I'm going to teach you two spells: Vine Grasp and Iron Spike."

With a flick of his wrist, Varen tapped his staff on the ground. The earth trembled slightly before green vines erupted from the soil, twisting in the air like snakes. They lashed forward, wrapping tightly around a nearby training dummy, restricting its movements completely.

"This is Vine Grasp," Varen explained. "It's a binding spell that immobilizes your enemy. Perfect for capturing wild beasts or stopping an opponent in their tracks."

Rei stared in awe. "That's amazing… but wait, aren't you an Earth Mage? Why can you use plant-based magic?"

Varen smirked. "Good question, kid. Most people think Earth Mages only control stone and dirt. But my magic isn't that simple. My unique skill lets me control any solid substance connected to the earth. That includes minerals, wood, and even plants."

Rei's mouth hung open. "That's crazy. So you're not just an Earth Mage… you control everything on the ground?"

Varen nodded. "Exactly. Now, let's move on to Iron Spike."

He stomped his foot, and a sharp metal spike shot up from the ground, piercing straight through another training dummy. The impact was so powerful that it shattered the dummy's torso into splinters.

"This one's offensive," Varen said. "It creates metal spikes from the ground to impale your enemies. You can even adjust their size and direction with practice."

Rei clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. "I want to try."

"Good. Now focus. Magic comes from intent and mana flow. Picture the vines in your mind and will them to move."

Rei took a deep breath and placed his hands on the ground. He concentrated, trying to imagine the vines growing and moving at his command. At first, nothing happened. But then, a single vine sprouted from the soil, weak and thin.

"Not bad for a first attempt," Varen said. "Keep going."

Rei gritted his teeth and pushed harder, pouring more of his will into the spell. The vine thickened and lashed forward, albeit clumsily, before collapsing onto the ground.

Varen nodded approvingly. "You've got potential, kid. But you'll need a lot more training before we head into the dungeon."

Rei wiped sweat from his brow, panting slightly but smiling. "I'll master it. I promise."

Varen grinned. "That's the spirit. Now, let's go again."

The training continued, and as the hours passed, Rei's control over Vine Grasp and Iron Spike steadily improved. Though exhausted, he felt stronger than ever. He was no longer just a weak Beast Tamer—he was on the path to becoming something more.

By midday, Varen called for a break. He handed Rei a waterskin and sat on a nearby rock, observing his progress. "You learn fast, kid. That's a good trait to have in this world."

Rei gulped down the water before wiping his mouth. "Thanks. But I still feel like I have a long way to go."

"That's natural. You're only just starting." Varen leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "Magic isn't just about throwing spells around. It's about control, adaptability, and knowing when to use your abilities. In battle, hesitation can be the difference between life and death."

Rei nodded, absorbing his words. "So, what's next?"

Varen smirked. "Now, we test your endurance."

He suddenly slammed his staff against the ground. The earth beneath Rei trembled as multiple stone golems emerged, their glowing eyes locked onto him.

Rei's heart pounded. "Wait… again?"

"Of course," Varen said, crossing his arms. "You need to be able to fight even when exhausted. Use Vine Grasp to hold them, then finish them off with Iron Spike. Don't stop until I say so."

Rei groaned but quickly got into position. He planted his hands on the ground and summoned the vines once more. This time, they shot forward faster, wrapping around the first golem's legs. With a flick of his wrist, he willed an iron spike to rise from the ground, piercing through its chest and causing it to crumble.

The second golem charged. Rei reacted instinctively, sidestepping and summoning another vine to trap its arm. However, the golem struggled, pulling against the restraint. Gritting his teeth, Rei focused harder, strengthening the vines until they tightened enough to crack the golem's rocky surface. He followed up with another iron spike, shattering it completely.

Panting, Rei turned to face the third golem. His vision blurred slightly from exhaustion, but he refused to back down. He could feel the mana in his body depleting, but he gritted his teeth and summoned one last burst of energy. The vines lashed out, wrapping around the golem's torso, and with one final stomp, he drove an iron spike straight through its core.

The courtyard fell silent. The golems were nothing but rubble.

Varen clapped his hands. "Not bad. You lasted longer than I expected."

Rei collapsed onto his knees, gasping for air. "That… was intense."

"Get used to it," Varen said with a grin. "Because in the dungeon, there won't be any breaks."

Despite his exhaustion, Rei felt a sense of accomplishment. He wasn't just a Beast Tamer anymore—he was becoming a fighter. And for the first time, he truly believed he had a chance at survival in this world.

Varen extended a hand to help him up. "Rest for now. Tomorrow, we head to the dungeon. That's where the real challenge begins."

Rei grinned despite his aching muscles. "I'm ready."

Later that afternoon, Varen shifted the focus of the lesson. He instructed Rei to concentrate on refining the Iron Spike spell.

"Today's lesson will be all about refining your offensive magic. You've got the basics of Vine Grasp down, but Iron Spike is where you'll truly learn to make an impact."

Rei nodded, eager to learn more. He had never thought of himself as someone who would use magic to fight, but now that he had experienced the power it held, he was beginning to understand its value.

Varen stood a few feet away, holding his staff firmly. "You've seen how the spike can be used in battle. But let's see if you can create something bigger."

Rei raised an eyebrow. "Bigger?"

Varen's smile widened. "Yes, bigger. The more control you have over your spells, the more power you can channel. Focus on the intent. The more you focus on the spell, the more your mana will flow, and the bigger the spike will be."

Rei knelt down, positioning his hands on the ground, his fingertips brushing against the soil. The metal around him responded, and he could feel the mana building up beneath his feet.

"Now," Varen said, "picture a massive spike shooting from the ground, one that can pierce through stone and iron. Focus, kid."

Rei took a deep breath, focusing all his energy on the image of a towering spike, one that could shatter mountains. His mind narrowed to the point where everything else faded. The mana pulsed through his body, and he began to feel a connection to the earth beneath him.

A loud crack echoed through the courtyard as the ground shook.

Rei's eyes snapped open. Before him stood a massive iron spike, nearly ten feet tall, protruding from the ground like a spear. It shimmered with raw power, its edges gleaming in the sunlight.

Varen's eyes widened in approval. "Well done, kid. You've got the right mindset. Now, try to control it."

Rei, still amazed at what he had just created, focused again. He wanted the spike to move, to shift slightly, to strike a target. It wavered in response, but it didn't go far.

"Not bad for a first attempt. But you can do better," Varen encouraged.

Rei's brow furrowed in concentration. Sweat dotted his forehead as he visualized the spike twisting and shifting, honing it into a more precise weapon. Slowly, the massive spike began to bend. With a snap of his wrist, it shot forward, splitting the air as it slammed into a wooden target several meters away.

The target shattered into splinters, falling to the ground in pieces.

Rei's heart raced with excitement. "I did it!"

Varen nodded, his grin widening. "That's the power of Iron Spike. Now, let's see if you can control it on the move. Keep your focus, and try to use it during combat."

Rei wiped the sweat from his brow. He knew this was only the beginning. But for the first time, he felt a sense of pride. He wasn't just a Beast Tamer anymore. With Varen's guidance, he was evolving into something far stronger—a warrior in his own right.