The Magical Elements

Chapter 1: Introduction to a World of Magic

He didn't want to become a Magic Keeper like his brother, nor was he sure he wanted to follow in his parents' footsteps as an Adventurer.

There were other paths—Hunters, Guards, Craftsmen, Brewers, even Chefs—but none of them felt right.

What he did know, however, was that his Mystic element had untapped potential.

If magic could evolve, then there had to be more he could do with it.

And until he found those answers, he wouldn't be satisfied.

With a world full of mysteries ahead of him, Rakai's journey was only beginning.

Ronald leaned back against the cushioned bench in their home's training ground, shaking his head with a small grin. "You're always like this, Rakai. You want to know everything at once. But even with my space element, I still learn new things every now and then. Magic isn't something you just master in a day."

Rakai crossed his arms, still feeling unsatisfied. "Yeah, yeah, but you can at least test stuff. With space magic, you can try warping things in different ways or making new types of slashes. I can only shoot blasts, block attacks, or power things up. That's barely different from just having a stronger body."

Ronald chuckled. "You say that, but imagine fighting someone who doesn't have a way to block or counter an energy beam. Or someone who relies on weapons, and you make their sword shatter with a single energy-infused punch." He gestured at the air. "The real problem is that you just don't have enough patience to experiment properly."

Rakai sighed and plopped onto the floor, lying on his back.

He stared at the ceiling, his mind racing with possibilities. "I guess. But I feel like Mystic magic should be deeper than this. The Magic Keepers always say magic is still evolving, right? So what if I just haven't figured out what's next?"

Ronald's expression turned thoughtful. "That's true. Maybe the Mystic element does have more layers we don't understand yet." He smirked. "But you're on your own if you want to discover them. I already did my four years of studying, and I still have many questions for my own element."

Rakai sat up suddenly, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Then I'll do it myself. I'll figure out what Mystic magic is really capable of!"

Ronald chuckled, standing up and stretching. "Just don't blow up the house while you're at it."

Of course, Ronald was joking.

Even the most destructive magic like explosion and acid would have a hard time destroying it, as there was an additional layer of reinforcement magic on the walls.

Rakai grinned, already lost in thought.

If magic was always evolving, then he just had to be the one to push it forward.

However, thinking a little more made him frown. "I don't really want to be a Magic Keeper, though. I want to be free."

Ronald was mid stretch, as if he wasn't surprised. "It's fine, there are always more options. You could be a hunting beasts as a Hunter, enforcing the law as a Guard, creating equipment as a Craftsman, or making food as a Chef."

Rakai shook his head in disbelief. "A chef?? Come on, Ronald. How is that even comparable to a Magic Keeper or a Hunter?"

Ronald sighed, already preparing for another long debate. "Rakai, think about it. Everyone needs to eat, right? A skilled chef who knows how to properly mix magical ingredients can make meals that restore stamina, boost magic, or even enhance someone's affinity with their element for a short time. You think Hunters or Adventurers survive on just plain bread? No, they rely on proper food to keep going."

Rakai groaned. "Fine, fine, I get it. But I'm not about to be some guy in a kitchen when there's a whole world out there to explore."

Ronald smirked. "Then maybe an Adventurer like Mom and Dad?"

Rakai tapped his fingers against his knee, considering it. "Maybe... but I'm not sure. I like the idea of discovering things, but I also want to figure out more about my magic. Just exploring places won't necessarily help me with that."

Ronald nodded. "Then don't rush it. You're only sixteen, Rakai. You have time."

Rakai huffed but didn't argue.

He knew Ronald was right, but that didn't make the feeling of uncertainty any less annoying.

Ronald started his studying of a Magic Keeper about 4 years ago when he 17—only 1 year older than him.

He wanted to do something—something important.

Something that would push his magic to its limits.

He wasn't interested in following a set path just because it was expected.

After a moment of silence, Ronald clapped him on the back. "Anyway, don't stress too much. You'll figure it out. For now, why don't we train a little? Maybe you'll have one of your 'mystic revelations' if I beat you up enough."

Rakai's competitive spark immediately reignited. "Tch. As if. You're the one who's gonna be on the ground."

Ronald laughed, stepping onto the training mat. "We'll see about that."

With a grin, Rakai stood up, already focusing his energy.

Even if he didn't know what his future held just yet, he knew one thing—he would keep pushing forward until he found out.