Crossroads of Change: Farewell and New Beginnings.

Together, they all headed to the living room, where Eris had already announced the move. After that, everyone began to pack actively. Windsom and a few maids went for wagons with horses. The rest began preparing for the move. Victor immediately headed to the village square to announce important news. And also to declare the next Village Elder.

In the evening of the same day, Victor arrived at the central square of the village in a traditional outfit dyed in dark red colors with golden patterns. His steps were resolute, each echoing off the pavement. The square was already crowded: villagers, both older and younger generations. All gathered to hear important news from their respected Elder.

Victor climbed onto a small wooden platform, specially set up for today's event. His gaze swept over the gathered crowd, and he nodded to his old friend and assistant, who handed him a scroll with a speech.

- "Dear Villagers," Victor began, his voice confidently spreading across the square. — "Today we have gathered here to discuss the future of our village and my family."

The crowd listened attentively, and Victor continued:

- "First of all, I want to announce that today we will have a new Elder. This is a person I trust as myself, and who, I am sure, will lead our village to new successes."

After a pause, giving the villagers time to digest the news, he waved his hand towards a young man standing to the side of the platform.

- "Allow me to introduce you to Robert Tors, who has served our community for many years. His dedication and ability to solve the most complex tasks make him the perfect candidate for this role."

Robert climbed onto the platform, his face expressing a mix of pride and excitement. He briefly nodded to the gathered and addressed them:

- "I am deeply moved and promise you all that I will serve with honor and justice. Together we will achieve great things!"

Applause erupted among the crowd, but as it subsided, Victor raised his hand, attracting attention to continue.

- "I must also inform you of another sudden change in my life. My family and I are forced to move. Many of you already know the reason. Therefore, I will not go into details. This decision was not easy for us, but we feel that it will be better for everyone."

An instant silence was replaced by whispering, people exchanging surprised and concerned looks.

- "I am confident that under Robert's leadership, the village will feel safe and continue to prosper. My family and I are forced to leave you. But I give you my word that the day will come when we can live and rejoice with all of you again as before".

Victor paused, looking at the faces before him, each of which he had remembered and loved over the long years of his leadership.

- "Thank you for the years of support and faith in me. I will never forget this place and all of you. Thank you, friends."

He bowed his head in respect and gratitude, then slowly removed his traditional robe and put it on Robert, proclaiming him the new Village Elder. Before stepping down, Victor looked once more at the village and its inhabitants, which had been home to him and his family for so many years.

Silence reigned in the square, gradually replaced by loud applause and shouts of gratitude, saying goodbye to Victor, who slowly stepped aside, applauding the new elder.

As soon as Victor returned home, he called Lawrence, and they went to the garden. Victor explained the basics of defensive magic to Lawrence, showing a couple of spells in action.

- "Son, since you easily mastered the 'Air Sphere' without any effort, I think you understand well how to use Mana Particles. But still, let me explain again. For Offensive spells, you try to compress the Particles in a specific place on the body. Mostly, it's either hands or legs. But if you use a conductor, like staffs or magic wands, naturally it becomes easier to concentrate the particles directly in it. Well, for Defensive spells, you need to learn to distribute Mana Particles throughout your body. Focus not only on your hands or legs but also, take into account other body parts. Look."

Squatting next to Lawrence, Victor concentrated the absorbed Particles throughout his body. From which, magical particles lit up along the contour of Victor's body in the color of his Mana Core. Purple. This is just one of the basic defensive spells you should know as a Mage.

Next, Victor showed a few more defensive spells. And Lawrence, in turn, fully replicated all the spells his father had shown.

- "You learn incredibly fast, my son. I'm very proud of you!"

Victor exclaimed and, lifting Lawrence onto his neck, went into the house. This small demonstration lesson taught Lawrence the basics of defensive magic, which was relevant after the morning's events.

Meanwhile, Eris and Shelly had already organized full preparations for the move, discussing what had happened and sharing their experiences and plans for the future.

This day turned out to be filled with lessons not only for Lawrence but also for the entire family. They realized that the world is full of dangers, but together they can withstand any challenges.