Chapter 1: Looming Winter

-Salamanca East Region of the Kingdom of Salamanca (Woodland)

An ethereal woman, radiating a gentle and divine-like aura, secretly observes a boy diligently collecting an abundance of firewood in preparation for the impending winter season. A genuine smile graces her lips as she witnesses this simple yet profound act of affection towards his parents.

"Father," the child inquired with a touch of anticipation, "in your estimation, for how many months will we depend on the firewood we've been collecting since last week?"

The question sprang forth from the depths of the child's heart, buoyed by the sheer delight derived from their bountiful harvest.

With each passing day, the approach of winter became more apparent, and the brisk breeze served as a poignant reminder of their steadfast commitment to accumulating firewood.

"Roughly about three months, I suppose," his father replied with a smile, though weariness lingered in his eyes.

However, he didn't show it to his child.

"Father, the winter season seems longer this time, according to the newspapers. We still need to find more firewood to secure ourselves for the cold season," the child said, aware that their stockpile was still lacking. This, however, didn't dampen the child's spirits.

'What an optimistic child!' the woman thought to herself as she continued to observe from her concealed vantage point.

"Sebastian, so what's the constant reminder I always give you?" the father asked his son.

"To study hard and become a full-time Arcane Master. But Father, there's nothing wrong with being poor, is there?"

"Son, there's nothing wrong with being poor, but it hinders your development as a child. We can't provide for your needs if you remain impoverished."

"Isn't your teaching good for me?"

"It's not enough to make you develop in life. Perhaps there are things you can learn from my guidance, but it's only a part of it. You'll learn various things I'm talking about when you're of the right age. After the winter season, we'll head to an awakening center to determine if you have a chance to become an arcane master."

Although Sebastian was only six years old, he was forced to mature in his thinking due to the hardships of life.

The woman, who had been smiling just a while ago, now had traces of tears in her eyes.

While the father and son walked and gathered firewood, they moved farther and farther away from the woodland and deeper into the forest.

"I think, son, we should pause here for a moment. The story about this forest is that many arcane beasts are roaming around, even at the entrance," the father said.

"Alright, Father," the child replied.

Gerald was worried about his child because he himself was an arcane master, but he was only Tier 1: initiate level, a mere novice. In other words, he didn't have enough capability to confront the arcane beasts. Because the initiate-level novice of arcane beasts is equivalent to the initiate-level adept of masters.

Within the realm of Arcane masters, levels are categorized into seven Tiers. However, the tale speaks of three Tiers that remain elusive to all.

Tier 1: Initiate Level:

Novice: Introduction to basic magical concepts and minor arcane abilities

Adept: Improved control over arcane forces, unlocking new possibilities

Master: precision and creativity in wielding arcane powers, capable of more complex effects.

Tier 2: Apprentice Level:

Novice: Further refinement of arcane control and basic combat spells

Adept: Mastery of arcane abilities and basic understanding of secondary powers

Master: Can combine arcane forces with secondary powers for advanced spellcasting.

Tier 3: Journeyman Level:

Novice: Advanced arcane manipulation, capable of arcane shielding and offensive spells.

Adept: Proficiency in secondary powers and advanced fusion with arcane forces

Master: Can manipulate multiple powers simultaneously with finesse.

Tier 4: Acolyte Level:

Novice: Exceptional arcane control and proficiency in advanced combat spells

Adept: Mastery of arcane abilities and proficiency in rare secondary powers

Master: Can perform power transmutation, altering the fundamental nature of abilities.

Tier 5: Adeptus Level:

Novice: profound arcane mastery, capable of bending reality to their will.

Adept: Mastery of arcane forces and esoteric secondary powers

Master: can manipulate the fabric of reality and transcend physical form. In addition, the evolution of arcane power starts

Tier 6: Archmage Level:

Novice: Legendary arcane control, able to reshape the world with their will.

Adept: Mastery of all known abilities and legendary spells

Master: Can transcend the boundaries of magic itself.

Tier 7: Grand Magister Level:

Novice: Near-divine arcane power capable of altering the course of civilizations.

Adept: Mastery of esoteric and unknown abilities

Master: Can manipulate time, traverse dimensions, and rewrite history.

Meanwhile, the three Tiers that remain mythical due to the powers they possess are:

Tier 8: Sorcerer Supreme Level:

Novice: almost limitless mastery over arcane forces, shaping the cosmos.

Adept: Mastery of every known ability and the mythical ones

Master: Attain god-like powers, capable of reshaping the multiverse.

Tier 9: Archon of Magic Level:

Novice: Control over cosmic forces and transcendent magic

Adept: mastery over the balance of creation and destruction.

Master: Attains the pinnacle of magic, able to rewrite the laws of reality.

Tier 10: Ascendant Level:

Novice: The highest known level of power, wielding the forces of creation itself.

Adept: mastery over the universe and the power to transcend mortal limitations

Master: Ascends to a state of pure consciousness, becoming one with the cosmos.

 ***

When a normal person awakens even a single arcane power, it shows the potential to become an arcane master.

When Gerald participated in the awakening ceremony in the Capital City, he succeeded in awakening an arcane power, the Arcane Axe. The arcane axe had the potential to cut through air or water if it were developed to a higher level. However, some wealthy families became jealous because he had awakened an arcane weapon. He was bullied to the point of becoming crippled, and his arcane power was marred. It could no longer accumulate arcane energy, so he remained at the initiate level. 

Arcane power has three categories.

The Elemental Arcane, Arcane Weapon, Auxiliary Arcane

Elemental Arcane: Elemental Mastery

Elemental Arcane practitioners, known as Elemental Masters, harness the raw power of nature's fundamental elements: fire, water, earth, and air. These skilled individuals can manipulate the elements with precision, creating devastating firestorms, colossal tidal waves, impenetrable stone barriers, or destructive tornados. Elemental Masters are attuned to the world around them, drawing energy from the environment to unleash their formidable powers.

Arcane Weapon: Weaponry Enchantment

Arcane Weapon users, referred to as Enchanters, specialize in the art of imbuing ordinary weapons with extraordinary properties. Their abilities allow them to enchant swords to cut through solid steel effortlessly, bestow bows with arrows that never miss their mark, or imbue staffs with the power to unleash devastating spells. Enchanters are sought after in battles, as their abilities can turn the tide with the simplest of weapons.

Auxiliary Arcane: Mystic Augmentation

Practitioners of Auxiliary Arcane, known as Augmenters, possess a unique set of skills that enhance and augment their own or others' abilities. Augmenters can increase physical strength, speed up the natural healing process, or temporarily amplify magical powers. Their talents are versatile, making them valuable assets in both everyday life and epic battles.

 While Arcane energy is the lifeblood of an Arcane master's strength and prowess. It serves as the foundational wellspring from which they draw power, allowing them to enhance their abilities and ascend to higher levels of mastery. This mystical force, often unseen but profoundly felt, permeates the very fabric of their being.

In the realm of Arcane magic, an individual's connection to arcane energy is paramount. It's through this connection that Arcane masters can elevate their skills, channel more potent spells, and attain greater command over their chosen Arcane discipline, whether it be Elemental, Weaponry Enchantment, or Auxiliary Arcane.

Imagine arcane energy as a boundless reservoir, ever-flowing and ready to be tapped into. Arcane masters learn to access this energy through rigorous training and focused meditation. With each progression, their attunement to this mystical force deepens, enabling them to perform feats that were once beyond their reach.

This energy acts as the catalyst for growth and transformation. It allows Arcane masters to push their limits, break boundaries, and achieve unparalleled mastery in their chosen field. It's the essence of their journey, a force that propels them toward becoming true Arcane adepts.

But harnessing arcane energy is not without its challenges. Mastery requires discipline, control, and a deep understanding of the mystical forces at play. Unleashing too much energy too quickly can be perilous, akin to a wildfire that consumes everything in its path. Thus, Arcane masters must balance their thirst for power with the wisdom to wield it responsibly.

In essence, arcane energy is the bridge between potential and realization, a force that empowers Arcane masters to transcend their limitations and reach ever-greater heights of magical prowess. It's the key to unlocking the full extent of their abilities, pushing the boundaries of what is magically possible, and ascending to the highest echelons of Arcane mastery.

***

'Sebastian'

While the father and son rested, Sebastian heard a voice that was incredibly gentle and comforting. He looked at his father.

"Father, can you hear that?" he asked his father.

'Sebastian,' the voice called his name again.

"I hear nothing. What is it?" he replied.

"Nothing," he answered politely to his father, but he continued to hear the angelic voice.

'Sebastian.'