Conclusion of Apprenticeship

Three months…

Three months of complete mental stress and pressure that exceeds far than what anyone of low level is capable of in the dealings of the mind, honing one's intellectual capacity and pushing it to the brink of its limit and potential.

The strains of the gruelling magic exercises, the intricacies of Alchemy, the exertions of the Enchanting ritual, the complexity of Magic Circles, and of course, the demanding convulsions of the Sentmaturgy profession.

Let's also not forget the arduous learning process involving the Elven language of Elharis.

But for Gray Allister and Selena Allister, those three months are no doubt the best things so far that has ever happened to them despite the relentless challenges and trials that they managed to overcome, showcasing an indomitable will of the mind only matched by a few.

In those three months, the two have grown significantly by leaps and bounds as they unquestionably become even more powerful than they initially are before, as depicted in their status.

Gray Allister

Level 21: <Arcanist>

Health: 1,724 / 1,724

Stamina: 1,021 / 1,021

Mana: 3,812 / 3, 812

___

Selena Allister

Level 20: <Arcane Sentinel>

Health: 1,913 / 1,913

Mana: 3,551 / 3,551

The reason for their level growth is because of the training experience that both of them received during the days of their training. Some days granted a lesser amount of XP points while other days awarded larger amounts, depending on the degree of the training that they have done on that particular day.

Gray knew that with his <Arcane Physique>, he also needs to be quick on his feet and somewhat resilient in combat if he'll be forced in melee or if the enemy somehow has taken his magic away from him. As such, he spent his remaining reserved points evenly on Dexterity and Endurance to bring his role as a hybrid of Warrior and Mage into the light.

The other attributes will be compensated by the equipment that he may encounter in the future like the <Peacekeeper's Tunic>.

The two sibling's lessons have progressed quite well in their part as they perform exceptionally well in every department. In Sentmaturgy however, Gray is having some slight difficulty since it's not exactly his forte and cup of tea. Still, the boy has a good knowledge of the basics and is still capable of it. But for Selena, it's relatively easy for her. Being a Sentinel, she was absolved of all mortal limitations and fatigue, thus being able to perform exceptionally well during that particular lesson.

The same applies to Alchemy, but Gray is also performing remarkably well on that profession as well as Enchanting and the drawing of Magic Circles.

The month of Ending's Cry approaches the end of the soul-siblings' apprenticeship under Rarsu Khougraox as the lizardling could not help but stare at his two apprentices with both pride and joy, emotions of fulfilment that any master would feel at this very moment of the day.

And speaking of this day, it's indeed a special day for the two apprentices, marking their last day as mage apprentices and the real beginning of their journey as they partake their own paths to transverse.

"Gray Allister, Selena Allister," Rarsu spoke each of their names as he respectively faces each of them. "I'm not exactly one for giving praises, but I suppose I'll make this day a special case since the lot of you both deserved it."

Gray merely chuckled in response at their Master's antics, knowing full well that despite his hard scaly exterior, the lizardling is a big softie on the inside.

"Let's get this over with." Rarsu sighed at the elf snickering at him with a smug look on his face. "For three months, the two of you have displayed nothing but efforts that were truly praiseworthy and commendable. In every task and assignment, you have remarkably performed to the best of your abilities despite being constantly under pressure. In the end, the two of you have prevailed, marking the culmination of your endeavours that brought us to this very day."

"Thank you, Master." Gray smiled as he and Selena looked at the lizardling with the utmost appreciation. "It's indeed a great honour for us to be under your tutelage for the past three months."

"Heh, don't get too cheeky on me brat," Rarsu smirks teasingly at the elf but appreciate the words nonetheless. "Anyways since this is your last day, I believe it's time to say good riddance to that seal of yours and see how far you truly come in your magic control."

"Finally!!" Gray could not help but be ecstatic at the prospect of finally being rid of that troublesome seal that has been causing him difficulties for the duration of his apprenticeship.

Selena was also feeling the same way as her soul-brother. Ever since she too was formally inducted in Rarsu's magic training program, she was as well given the same treatment as Gray with no exceptions, thus also being subjected to the debilitating effects of the curse on the second day.

And yes, apparently seals fully work on Sentinels like her.

"I believe that the two of you now have achieved an exceptional amount of control in your magic overall." The lizardling said as he instructed something to them. "First, try to cast that <Arcane Bolt> of yours as powerful as you can focus on one of the dummies."

"Right." Gray nodded as he and Selena prepared the most basic spell of their arsenal at their respective targets. Despite the seal's debilitating curse, both of them managed to cast the attack normally, as a result of their training and being continuously used to the adverse effects for the past three months. The spell is not bad per se, merely showcasing what a normal spell would be of an average Mage.

"Tsk." Gray clicked his tongue in annoyance at how underwhelming for him the effects of his attack are. "I guess that's the limit of what we can do under this fucking ass of a curse."

Rarsu simply nodded as he gestured for both of them to approach him.

"Don't be frustrated." The Druid consoled his two young apprentices. "Now, I'm sure both of you are thrilled at finally being rid of the seal. I'm going to undo the seal, so hold still."

The two complied in an instant as the lizardling touch their respective chests where he put the seal to them. With a deep focus of his magic, Rarsu was able to undo the effects, finally lifting the curse away from them.

In a short while, Gray and Selena felt as if a heavy burden departed from their own bodies, the feeling of pressure and stress are all gone for good as it was replaced with a state of utter tranquillity. Indeed, both of them could not help but rejoice at this serene feeling that they have not experienced for a significantly long period.

"Now, listen to me," Rarsu called Gray and Selena's attention, causing the two to snap out from their extreme feeling of repose. "With the seal now removed from your bodies, I want the both of you to cast your most powerful <Arcane bolt> again at the dummies over there."

"Are you sure, Master?" Gray smirks as he could feel an overwhelming amount of power coursing within him as a violet aura surrounds him with his eyes glowing the same colour. "We don't want your precious basement ending up in rubbles after all."

[+2 CHAOS]

Selena definitely felt the same way as her soul-brother, an aura of pure power also radiating within her as she could not help but bask this new-found addicting feeling of magical sensation.

"Heh, don't get cocky little brats." Rarsu smirks defiantly in response to their mischievous nature "The surrounding vicinity and equipment is protected by powerful magical barriers that I have prepared for this very moment. Meaning, you may let loose with those spells of yours as you please."

"Good to know," Gray responded, cracking his knuckles as he and Selena channelled their now unrestrained Mana to cast the spell.

With no curse limiting their magical prowess, the <Arcane bolt> was conjured more easily from their hands, sending the volatile blast of magical energy into the dummies. The bolt of energy if one describes it physically is still essentially the same, everything from the size to its overall appearance.

But the soul-siblings knew better…

Gray and Selena unquestionably felt the extremely intense power of the spell the moment when they conjured it from their hands, brimming with even more power than they have ever imagined.

As a result, when the bolt landed at the dummies, a massive explosion of utter destruction has occurred in front of them, eradicating the whole dummies.

Thankfully, Rarsu was able to contain the explosion with a wall of rock that he summoned in an instant, blocking the three of them from the impact.

As the dust cleared and settled, the dummies are nowhere to be found. All of them knew that the dummies possessed incredible regenerative characteristics to accommodate the practice of projectile spells consistently.

So you could imagine how Gray and Selena are feeling right now when the dummies are not even reforming back to their original state.

"C-crap." Gray chuckled sheepishly while scratching the back of his head embarrassingly. "I guess we overdid it, huh."

With his new-found capabilities, the System notifies him of a new skill for him to utilize.

Skill Unlocked: <Amplified Magic>

<Amplified Magic> (Passive) – Due to your concentrated magical training under the constant effects of the <Seal of Debilitation>, you have honed your exceptional magical prowess that most Mages of your level had yet to achieve. As a result, certain (not all) spell effects are amplified by 300% at a maximum at the cost of twice the Mana. Additionally, you may control its magnitude to a refined extent, making the spell weaker or stronger as you see fit.

<Arcane Bolt> (Active) (Lvl 3, 100%) - Launches a blast of violent energy, dealing 961 damage to enemies within the area of impact. Mana Cost: 415. Charges: 3. CD of each charge: 6 seconds.

'Woah.' Gray thought with sheer wonder at the new benefits that he has attained. Not to mention, his <Arcane Bolt seemed to have improved significantly with slight changes. Instead of being a single target spell, it's now evolved, being an area of effect instead. The elf could only deduce that this must be from his training that pushed him to the very limits of the mind.

Unfortunately, Gray was also aware that his skills are capped at level 3 for now upon seeing its level, with his user level being in the twenties. If he wants his skills to improved even further, then he must raise his user level of 21 as well.

Anyways, Gray decided that he'll think more of this matter shortly since he still is in a conversation with his Master.

"Yes." Rarsu merely shook his head with a calm look. "I expect nothing less from both of you. Your spells certainly are more potent than ever before that even the magic dummies weren't able to keep up with their regenerative abilities. Well done indeed, you two."

Gray smiled honestly on behalf of himself and Selena as they nodded in deep appreciation for the things that the Druid has done and provided generously for the both of them in the past three months.

"Now that everything is said and done, I believed that this marks the conclusion of your apprenticeship." Rarsu declared while crossing his arms. "I suppose congratulations are in order then. From this day onward, you are no longer apprentices. Both of you are free to partake in any path you desire, outside the boundaries of the prophecy, of course. As your Master, I'm truly proud of you two."

Gray solely smiled sincerely once more in response to the praises as he bowed down genuinely with the utmost respect and gratitude at his Master.

Selena, however, opted to expressed her gratitude differently as she suddenly approaches Rarsu rather closely.

"Uh… what are you doing girl?" Rarsu questioned as he stared at the Sentinel child who is gazing at him intently. Without warning, Selena quickly hugged him at Rarsu's waist level as her eyes gleamed with utmost appreciation while raising her head adorably to meet him face to face.

'C-cute!!!' Gray and heck, even Rarsu could not help but feel themselves all warm and fuzzy in the inside by the adorable act that the girl is displaying to them.

Then, a fun idea instantly entered the elf's mind as a wide grin assumes his youthful face.

"Hehe, I believe that this calls for a group hug!!!" Gray suddenly joins the heartwarming scene as he dashes at their direction and engulfs both Rarsu and Selena with a massive hug of his own. "Thank you for everything, Master!!!"

[+5 GOOD]

"*Hiss!!*, get off me boy, I don't partake this activity of 'group hug' that you speak of!!" Despite the context of his words, Rarsu is seen to be blushing in embarrassment as he made no attempts in struggling himself out of the two soul-siblings' embrace that defined profound gratefulness for the ones that they truly care about.

'Tsk, perhaps I'll make this day an exception.' Rarsu thought as he patted the heads of his two apprentices with two hands respectively while smiling genuinely with his eyes closed.

- The end of the Paragon Gray and Selena's apprenticeship under Master Druid Rarsu Khougraox, 17th Day of Ending's Cry, 1457.