Chapter 37 - Igniting the Inner Fire
On the fateful morning of Eric's first practical magic lesson, he could scarcely contain his swelling anticipation after many days spent immersed in theoretical studies under Lady Feywood's tutelage. Yet Lord Feywood cautioned patience, advising that iron control was paramount to avoid unwitting harm by the unleashed power.
"Before attempting to actively wield the arcane forces stirring within, you must first spend time opening your body's magic circuits - the subtle channels enabling mana to cleanly flow throughout one's spirit and physical form," Lord Feywood lectured.
"Most circuits lie dormant and closed off from birth until gradually awakened through dedication and training. They are like veins, branching and intersecting in a glittering filament network within your core."
He conjured a glowing ethereal diagram depicting these passages for illustration. "With sufficient focus, you can train your mind's eye to perceive and visualize each of your nascent circuits in turn. Thus, by seizing, widening and clearing any blockages inhibiting energy flow, you may slowly ignite your full network into a blazing rush of power, exponentially surging might."
Though barely able to restrain his impatience, Eric intently listened to his grandfather's wisdom, eager to begin activating the profound potential slumbering within. Following Lord Feywood's guidance, Eric turned his focus deep inward. Probing through layers of spirit, he gradually sensed the subtle web of dormant magic circuits awaiting his command.
Through intense visualization and concentration, Eric attempted to individually seize and stoke each faded filament alight. Yet the ancient passages initially resisted the sudden influx of energy, flickering weakly before guttering out again as his focus wavered. Undeterred, the boy repeatedly stoked them, pushing past waves of mounting discomfort, forging ahead with single-minded determination to kindle these conduits no matter the necessary effort.
Nearby, ever-loyal Shadow lay curled at his dear companion's feet, occasionally raising his head with soft whimpers as if sensing the monumental energies struggling to rise within the novice mage.
By sunset at the close of this first arduous day, Eric had managed to ignite only a handful of circuits to steadily hold their searing illumination. "Do not lose heart, the process requires immense patience and perseverance," Lord Feywood reassured, placing a bracing hand on his disheartened grandson's slumped shoulder. "Developing true control shall take time."
The next morning, Eric redoubled his attempts, somehow coaxing more of the faded channels to sustained ignition despite fatigue weighing his small frame. Yet still many elusive pathways defied his grasp, winking out again shortly after stuttering alight as his focus wavered.
Over three intensely grueling days, the young scion gradually taught himself through sheer force of will to fully kindle additional dormant circuits into blazing life. Each small success fueled his soaring dedication to push beyond ingrained limitations. Eric wholly embraced the increasingly searing pain, for it meant dismantling the inner obstacles holding his true capabilities hostage.
Finally, as the sun dipped below the horizon on the fourth evening, Eric sensed a profound shift within his core being - mana now flowed strong and smooth through countless illuminated conduits, his inner light wholly overpowering the gathering dusk. The time had come at last to actively shape these gifts thrumming within his spirit into tangible magic. His journey of wonders had truly begun.