Secret Of Magic

"Are you listening? You've been staring at me for a while now." She reached over, tapping her forehead with a delicate finger.

"Do I have something on my face? Is that why you're looking at me like that?"

Vienna quickly looked away. "No, I apologize. I was mere. Lost in thought." She smiled sheepishly, "I must have seemed rude, didn't I?"

"Not really. What were you thinking about?"

"Well... You see," she began slowly, averting her gaze from her, "I was wondering..."

"Yes?" She encouraged as she leaned closer.

"Would you consider giving me a chance to learn magic?" Vienna said, her cheeks blushing lightly in embarrassment. "Please."

"You want to learn magic?"

She hadn't thought that Vienna would be interested in learning. After all, magic is an arcane art, not exactly suited for someone like Vienna. Her curiosity peaked at her request, and she wondered why.

Vienna nodded, still looking down at her hands. "I am fascinated by magic," she said, "I always dreamed of one day being able to travel and explore the worlds beyond the borders of the mundane through magic. But that's never going to happen because I don't know magic."

She sighed as her face fell. "That doesn't mean I can't still have fun. I wish to spend my life exploring and experiencing everything and anyone."

Ironna's mind returned to a time when she was young, not too long ago. She'd wanted to experience more of the world, more adventure, and travel wherever she pleased. Unfortunately, that turned out poorly. Because of her parents' protests, she decided to give up trying and return to her family. Even so, having some fun and being adventurous is fine, even if those experiences are limited in scope.

"There are many types of magic and techniques that you can learn. If you ever find a spell that you want to master, I wouldn't mind teaching it to you. Although, we won't be able to practice magic until you're a bit stronger." She offered.

"Using magic will strain your body, and it would be much harder, considering that we're both women. Do you think that's alright?"

"Of course, it's fine. I want to pursue knowledge in magic and use them as much as possible," Ironna reassured her. "Besides, if I did decide to learn magic, who better to help you than your friend?"

"Indeed," Ironna assured her, smiling. She held out her hand. "In the meantime, you might as well join me for tea."

***

Vienna visited Ironna a month later after working hard to get ready to learn magic, wishing to gain a more excellent knowledge of magic.

"So, when can I start practising magic?" Vienna asked eagerly.

It hasn't been nearly long enough for me to begin.

"You still want to learn magic?" She asked incredulously. "Are you sure about this?"

Vienna shook her head, surprised by her question. "She's acting strangely. Did something happen?" She muses to herself.

Ironna shook her head, sighing. "No, you don't. Most people have never had a chance to learn anything at all truly. Trying to unlearn things you've learned is dangerous, and having magic ability makes you a liability at best and a potential danger at worst."

She frowned slightly. "But there's nothing wrong with trying to learn magic."

"Vienna, you're not born with magic ability, and I don't think you understand the consequences if you learn magic. You're better off not having been who you are now."

Vienna frowns, "I can't imagine how horrible it would be to have to live the life of a commoner constantly. I couldn't bear it!"

"It doesn't work like that, Vienna. Not everyone is equal."

"That's not right!" She yelled, suddenly losing her temper.

"Anyone can learn magic!" She huffs.

"Why can't it be the same for ordinary people like me? Why is everyone different?" She lowered her voice as she glared at her with burning eyes.

"Just because I'm born without a gift and because we're all different doesn't mean I'll give up learning magic."

Ironna looked towards the window. There was silence for several moments.

"Vienna, I lost people I love because of magic." Her voice trembled as she spoke, breaking the silence. "I watched them die."

Vienna remained silent as she looked away, feeling somewhat uncomfortable, knowing there was no excuse to justify what she had just said to her.

"I'm sorry," Ironna says as she deep sighs.

"For bringing up painful memories, but it's the truth. I loved my friends dearly. But they're dead because they cannot control their magic power. I wouldn't want to repeat the same mistake with you..."

She looked down. "The one thing I could never forgive myself for... was teaching them magic," she added softly. "They were innocent, didn't deserve such a fate, and deserved a better ending than that."

"... Then I won't force you," Vienna replied, "I understand that you're not comfortable with talking about it yet, so you shouldn't feel pressured to talk about it."

"Thank you," she answered quietly, her gaze drifting away. "You can speak freely about the matter as soon as you are ready. As for now, you have your answer. Now that we've gotten that off our chests, perhaps you should rest a bit." She suggested as she stood.

She noticed that Vienna was upset with her and let out a sigh.

"Fine. Tomorrow, you're going to learn armour spell."

"... Excuse me?"

"As I said, I'll teach you magic. But."

"... But?"

"I can't teach you more than that. I already made a promise to myself."

"I understand..."

"That's the least I can do for you."

"But... Armour spell? What's that?"

"It's a special type of magic that helps enhance one's physical strength, endurance, and durability through armour." She explained. "And it's handy in combat.

"Combat?! I'm fighting close range?"

"Yes. Well, since you're training to become a knight. You might want to utilize this in battles to increase your abilities."

Vienna nodded in understanding. "I have heard of many mages who used powerful elemental magic, but this armour spell sounds intriguing... Is it that powerful?"

"It's more of a defensive magic." She explained, "It allows you to defend against attacks while enhancing your strength and stamina. You'll be stronger, faster, and harder."

"I see. So, if I could learn some of that, it would greatly improve my overall battle effectiveness?"

Ironna smiled in response, nodding lightly. "Exactly. I'd say that's pretty useful." She commented.

"A magic that protects. That's what you should learn." She ponders to herself.

"Alright, tomorrow morning, we shall begin."

Vienna smiled. She was happy that Ironna was willing to teach her. "Sounds good to me." She responded cheerfully.

"Very well then. I must return to my room. Goodnight, Vienna." She stated, bowing slightly to show her respect

"Goodnight! And thank you..."

Ironna gave her one last smile before leaving.

***

The following day, the pair met after breakfast, and it was easy getting ready since they agreed on an early start. Afterwards, they headed downstairs. The guards on duty nodded respectfully to Ironna and smiled as she passed through the door.

"Hello, good morning. Miss."

She smiles back at him. "Good morning."

"Have a pleasant day. Miss."

"Thank you."

They greeted her, smiling at her as she passed them.

They reached the courtyard shortly.

"Now, we will begin your first lesson today."

"Okay!"

"I'll begin by teaching you the basic form of armour spell and then move on to how to create it." She paused and stared deeply into Vienna's eyes, waiting for her to respond.

"Uh, okay…?"

"Now, I want you to close your eyes and relax."

She nodded. "Like this?"

Ironna took one of Vienna's hands in hers, guiding it over to the centre of her chest.

"Focus on the centre of your chest. Take slow, steady breaths. Try to keep your focus in the centre of your chest. Let everything else fade out until your senses are filled only by you."

"Okay..."

She breathed deeply and relaxed her entire body. A slight tingle travelled throughout her fingers. She continued to live slowly, focusing harder. Finally, she felt her mind begin to blur as fatigue began to overtake her. Slowly, she felt herself beginning to slip.

"What? What's happening? Why is everything spinning?" She thought frantically, suddenly aware of the fact that she was falling. She tried to fight it, focusing her attention once more. She needed to stay awake and pay attention, but everything around her started scurrying, and before she knew it, her vision began to blur completely.

"Wake up," Ironna ordered gently.

Vienna gasped as she woke up, gasping for air. "What just happened?" She wondered, breathing heavily for air.

"I'm giving you a mana boost." She explained.

"Take a deep breath and try again."

Vienna did as instructed, closing her eyes tightly as she focused. She took one, then another deep breath, and slowly opened her eyes. She noticed that her face was slightly flushed and seemed somewhat dazed.

"Are you feeling better?"

She nods quickly.

"How about we continue with the basic form of armour spell?" She suggests.

"First, try to imagine the shape of your chosen armour."

"Okay…"

Once again, Vienna focused, attempting to picture the shape of the armour. She imagined the form of her armour, but nothing seemed to happen.

After a few seconds, she sighed. "Um, I guess I failed?"

"Well, you haven't failed anything yet. We're only getting started." Ironna insisted.

"Sorry..." She apologized, looking down at the ground in shame.

"There is no need to apologize," she assured gently. "You just need to practice more. I assure you that it won't take long until it comes naturally. I'm sure that after practising this, it'll come naturally for you."

Her head shot up as she turned to look at her curiously. "Really?" She asked excitedly.

"Yes. But your focus is vital because you can only use your ability properly with it, especially when you are fighting against multiple opponents. Your focus has to remain perfect."

"Do you ever lose focus?" Vienna suddenly asks.

"Hmm... In the short term, yes, but generally speaking, it doesn't happen too frequently." She replied with a smile.

"However, sometimes there are moments where it seems like a lot is riding on you," she admitted. "Which is why, when working on it, make sure your focus stays constant. Do not falter."

"Okay…"

She nodded. "Let's try something else. What colour is your armour?"

"Silver?"

"Good. Keep focusing. Imagine your armour being silver, and imagine yourself wearing it. Imagine it protecting you. Let the feelings wash over you."

She nodded and continued to try. Soon, she felt the warm sensation of energy flowing through her body, from her fingertips and through her arms, legs, and shoulders, reaching all around and within her. Her hands began to glow brightly, and she felt the light surround her body. Suddenly she gasped softly.

"I feel something..." She told Ironna in awe.

"Good. Now, repeat after me. 'Protect, armour.'" She told Vienna calmly.

She repeated after her and then stopped, taking another deep breath as she closed her eyes and focused again.

"Protect, armour."

The glowing around her grew brighter as soon as she finished saying that. She gasped in surprise as she felt the energy flow deeper inside her. Faint whispers were echoing around her, making it almost as if they came from nowhere.

Her heart beat faster as she felt energy rushing inside of her body. She gasped again, couldn't hold it in any longer, and let out a shriek before she collapsed. Her entire body was trembling, and sweat beaded upon her brow. The voices faded as she fell into unconsciousness.

***

Vienna awoke on a grass bed, surrounded by a warm light shining through a thin layer of clouds. The wind whistled around her as if to tease her. She slowly raised her gaze upward. Her eyes widened in awe at the stunning blue sky. As she lay motionless, she could feel her body relax. She smiled happily and let out a sigh. She felt calm and safe here. She could barely remember anything except that the sky was so beautiful. A familiar voice called her as she lay there, enjoying the moment.

"You're finally awake," Ironna said, walking towards her. "How do you feel?"

"... How long did I pass out?"

"Well, only for a few moments."

She nodded in response and looked around. "My head feels heavy..."

"That's normal. You went through quite the shock back there."

"Want to try again?" She offered her hand, and Vienna took it with a smile, holding it firmly as the words escaped her lips.

"Is it, Protect...? Armor?" She asks as she reaches for her hand and gets up.

"Correct."

She closes her eyes as she imagines the armour in her mind.

"Protect, armour..."

After a moment, she lets go of Ironna's hand. But nothing happens.

"... I'll try again."

She tried again, focusing hard.

"Protect, armour!"

Suddenly, the image of silver and white began forming around her body, and when she opened her eyes, she saw the outline of her new armour shining under the rays of sunlight coming through the sky. Her jaw dropped slightly, looking at her new armour before lifting her gaze to meet Ironna's expectant stare.

"It looks beautiful..." She whispered in amazement.

"You did it!" Ironna said in excitement.

"We always say there aren't rules or guidelines for using armour magic. All you need to know is that whatever you use to attack, defend, move, or run must possess a magical property. You will find that magical items will appear to do the same things in different ways." She says.

"The most common way you see is through armour, which requires magical properties. However, there are other ways to create armour, and I'll explain later. But, if you want to create armour, you need to be able to manipulate your mana energy so that it can flow through them."

"How does one control their Mana?" Vienna asked curiously.

"Mana is the spiritual fuel that allows the magic ability to function and use it to cast spells and execute other superhuman feats." she began explaining.

"Mana has a certain energy pattern, and everyone takes a different approach to deal with it. Concentration, on the other hand, is a common strategy." She explains.

"Imagine the Mana within you is like a fire, and if you have enough mana, you can create a spark, and the flame burns itself. That's how you control the mana within yourself or control your powers. However, you will find that it is more difficult than simply calling it forth. A simple spark, magic, or even breathing can change the appearance or composition of mana; however, a spark is only the beginning. Energy can change itself through the manipulation and manipulation of mana and can also move through physical contact, such as touching. When this happens, mana becomes unstable and unstable mana can produce dangerous effects, such as the ability to warp matter, causing great harm if not contained. You must manipulate magic carefully to prevent damage from doing serious harm."

After Ironna finished, Vienna looked at her curiously, wanting to ask questions about everything that she had just learned. So much had happened since she woke up, and it had been almost entirely new information, and she decided instead to listen and absorb it all.

"Now, let's get back to business," Ironna said, getting into her fighting stance once

"Wait!" Vienna exclaimed, suddenly stopping her.

"Trust your armour to protect you."

"W-Wait!"

Ironna unleashed a powerful punch in her direction and watched as she sent her flying backwards. She hit the ground hard, gasping for air. She slowly picked herself up and glanced at Ironna, who remained emotionless, with no emotion apparent, just staring at her calmly.

Her armour slowly cracks and then breaks off, falling to pieces onto the floor as she watches it fall. Her eyes widen, and she stares helplessly at her armour, wondering what happened. She touches herself but finds that she cannot feel her armour anymore, which seems to have disappeared completely.

"My punch was magically enchanted. At worst, you would die from it or suffer severe injuries. Your armour kept you safe." She said, "And now you understand what I mean. Remember it. Never take a punch unprepared." She added

Vienna nodded. She still remembered the sensation from her punch vividly. After that, she tried to think of a question she wanted to ask but couldn't. She knew that Ironna had explained all that she needed to know, and although it seemed that her explanation had left her speechless, she wasn't surprised.

"Don't worry. The strength of your armour increases as you practice using it. Eventually, you will reach that point where you're strong enough to withstand multiple punches or blows and even magic attacks, and you will learn how to use it better and become stronger." She continued, "But first, we should eat something."

"Food…" Vienna mumbled as she followed behind Ironna.

She didn't notice that her stomach growled loudly, and she blushed lightly, trying to hide it from Ironna. She laughed and shook her head lightly. "Hungry already?" she teased.

"Um... Yes, sorry." She replied sheepishly.

"Understandable, using magic is strenuous and requires energy. Ironna said simply, "So, I think you're going to need some food, water, a few hours rest, and hopefully a nap," She winked and smirked as she continued. "So, food first."