Practice

After running three rounds of the field, Casey and Lane were completely exhausted. They had never pushed themselves so hard before and it showed. Their breathing was laboured, and they were drenched in sweat. They collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air.

Serenya and Lucius approached them, both looking pleased with their efforts. "Well done, both of you," Lucius said, offering a hand to help Lane up. "You pushed through the exhaustion and completed the task. That's the first step to becoming a true warrior."

Casey struggled to sit up, her muscles screaming in protest. "I don't think I've ever been so tired in my life," she said between gasps. "How do you guys do this every day?"

"It's all about training and discipline," Serenya replied, helping Casey to her feet. "Your body will get used to it, and you'll be able to run those rounds without feeling as exhausted as you do now. It just takes time and dedication."

Lane nodded in agreement, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I think I need a break before the next training session," he said with a chuckle.

Lucius grinned. "No rest for the weary, your highness. It's time for physical training." He led Lane away to begin his next training session, leaving Serenya and Casey alone on the field.

Serenya sat down on a nearby rock and motioned for Casey to sit beside her. She took a deep breath before starting to explain the basics of magic.

"Magic is a powerful force that can be used for both good and evil," she began. "It is energy that flows through everything in the world, and those who can harness it have the ability to do incredible things."

Casey listened intently, her eyes wide open with wonder. She had always been fascinated by magic but had never thought she would have the chance to learn it.

Serenya continued, "To use magic, you need to have a clear mind and a strong will." You must be able to focus your energy and channel it through your body and into the world around you."

She paused for a moment before adding, "But it's not something that can be learned overnight. It takes years of practice and discipline to master. Since it is already in your blood, just a little push will make you do greater things."

Casey nodded, understanding the weight of what Serenya was saying. She knew she had a lot to learn, but was willing to put in the effort to become a skilled magician.

"Magic is all about tapping into the natural energy around us," she began again, her voice soft and melodic. "It's about connecting with the elements and harnessing their power to do incredible things."

Serenya extended her hand and a gust of wind suddenly picked up, rustling Casey's hair and clothes. "For instance, I can use my wind magic to manipulate the air currents and create a powerful gust like this," she explained.

Casey watched in awe as Serenya continued to demonstrate her wind magic, manipulating the air to create a miniature tornado that swirled around them.

"Now, let me teach you the basics," Serenya said, turning to Casey with a kind smile. "It all starts with feeling the energy around you. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing."

Casey did as she was told, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She felt the wind brushing against her skin, the grass beneath her feet, and the energy in the air around her.

"Now, focus on that energy," Serenya instructed. "Picture it as a bright light within you, and feel it growing stronger with each breath you take."

Casey focused on the energy within her, visualizing it as a bright bolt of light that grew brighter and more powerful with each passing moment. She felt a sense of warmth and excitement as the energy coursed through her veins.

"Okay, now try to channel that energy into your hands," Serenya said, watching as Casey concentrated.

Suddenly, a small ball of shock bolt appeared in Casey's hands. She gasped in surprise and excitement, staring at the lighting in awe.

"That's it, Casey," Serenya said, nodding approvingly. "You're a natural at this."

Over the next few hours, Serenya taught Casey the basics of magic, helping her to hone her skills and control her powers. Casey was fascinated by magic's endless possibilities and she couldn't wait to explore more.

Serenya continued her instruction, "But remember, every time you use magic, it drains your energy. You need to be careful and not push yourself too far. There is a limit to how much magic a person can use."

Casey nodded, taking in Serenya's words. "What happens if I reach my limit?" she asked.

"If you use too much magic, you can become exhausted or even pass out," Serenya explained. "It's important to know your limits and not push yourself too hard. Remember, your magic is a gift, not a tool for self-destruction."

Casey listened intently, absorbing Serenya's every word. She was determined to master her magic, but also cautious not to overuse it.

Serenya watched as Casey practised the lightning attacks she had just taught her. She was improving quickly, and it pleased Serenya to see that her teachings were having a positive effect.

"Casey, do you still remember what I told you about Astralite?," Serenya said, interrupting the training. "Something about it?"

"Somewhat?" Casey asked, looking up at Serenya with curiosity.

Serenya sat across from Casey, her eyes focused intently on the young girl as she spoke.

"Astralite is the essence of our magic, an invisible force that dwells within every living being," Serenya explained. "Those who have the ability to harness this energy possess a core, a magical organ that acts as a conduit for astralite. The core is located within the body, often near the heart, and can be strengthened through training and experience. As the core grows in power, so too does the wielder's ability to channel and manipulate astralite. This allows them to shape and transform reality to their will."

Casey listened intently, her eyes widening with each passing moment. "So, you're saying I have a core too?" she asked.

"Yes, that's correct," Serenya nodded. "And with proper training, you can learn to tap into its power and use it to perform incredible magic feats."

Casey looked thoughtful for a moment before asking, "How do I strengthen my core?"

"That's where training comes in," Serenya replied with a smile. "By practising your magic and using it in new and challenging ways, you'll slowly but surely begin to strengthen your core. It takes time and dedication, but I have faith in you, Casey. I believe that you have the potential to become a powerful mage."

Lucius led Lane to a small clearing, surrounded by tall trees that rustled in the gentle breeze. He reaches behind him and takes a wooden sword from a nearby rack. He holds it out to Lane, hilt-first.

"Here," he says, "take this. It's not the real thing, but it's good for practice."

Lane takes the wooden sword from Lucius, feeling its weight in his hand. It's lighter than he expected but still feels solid.

"Alright, let's start with the basics," Lucius says, drawing his own sword. "First, you need to have a proper grip. Hold the sword with both hands, one hand on the hilt and the other near the base of the blade. Your grip should be firm, but not so tight that you can't move your wrist."

He demonstrates the grip, then nods to Lane. "You can try."

Lane adjusts his grip on the wooden sword, copying Lucius' movements as best he can.

"Good," Lucius says. "Now, let's move on to footwork."

He begins to walk around Lane, who follows him with his sword at the ready. Lucius takes quick steps, always keeping his weight balanced and his movements fluid.

"Notice how I'm always ready to move," he says. "You don't want to be caught off-guard, especially in a real fight. Always be ready to dodge or strike."

Lane nods, trying to keep up with Lucius' movements. They continue to walk around the training area, practising footwork and gripping until Lucius is satisfied with Lane's technique.

Lucius held the wooden sword in front of him, his stance steady and strong. He gestured for Lane to do the same, instructing him to hold the sword with both hands, one hand on the hilt and the other on the base of the blade.

"All right," Lucius said, nodding at Lane's grip. "Now, we'll start with the basic strike. Keep your elbows slightly bent, and when you swing, lead with your wrist."

He demonstrated, smoothly swinging the wooden sword in a downward arc. "Try to keep the motion fluid, like you're slicing through the air."

Lane nodded, taking a deep breath and mimicking Lucius' movements. He swung the wooden sword downwards, trying to replicate the smoothness of Lucius' strike. But his swing was clumsy and awkward, the sword almost slipping out of his hands.

Lucius gave him an encouraging smile. "Don't worry, it takes time and practice. Try again, and this time focus on your wrist."

Lane nodded, taking another deep breath and trying again. This time, he focused on leading with his wrist and keeping the motion fluid. The strike was still far from perfect, but it was smoother than before.

"Good, good," Lucius said, nodding in approval. "Now, let's work on your footwork for this. Remember to keep your feet shoulder-width apart, and pivot on your back foot when you strike."

Lucius demonstrated, showing Lane how to pivot his back foot to add power to his strike. Lane tried to replicate the movement, stumbling a bit at first but gradually getting the hang of it.

As Lane was practising his sword strikes with Lucius, they suddenly heard a loud crackling sound that echoed throughout the field. They turned around to see a blinding flash of lightning, followed by a deafening thunderclap.