Chapter 6: Encounter with Gaja

Samuel, now seven years old, had diligently mastered the art of controlled magic outputs, making his chores at the orphanage much easier and quicker.

Venturing into the unknown woods, Samuel's senses were heightened, keenly aware of every sound and movement. Soon, he encountered a creature unlike any he had seen before—a majestic magical animal known as Gaja. Towering at three meters tall, Gaja possessed dark grey skin and a formidable presence, enhanced by a striking feather headdress adorned with white, red, and blue colors.

Fascinated and cautious, Samuel observed Gaja from a safe distance. The creature moved with a grace that belied its size, its every step commanding respect and awe. Samuel's mind raced with comparisons to mythical creatures he had read about, recalling Baku [summoned beast of Danzo] from his previous life.

As Samuel stealthily trailed Gaja, he began to notice a faint glow emanating from the creature's core—a subtle yet distinct aura that intrigued him.

Remembering his own experimentation, Samuel focused his attention, activating his recently discovered spell—Life Vision.

Life Vision, a blend of light magic and Spirit Magic, altered Samuel's perception, allowing him to see living beings in vivid color while the rest of the world faded to gray. Through this magical lens, he discerned the strength of Gaja's life force and the intensity of its mana core. The spell's effectiveness was a testament to Samuel's growing proficiency as an Awakened, evolving alongside his core refinement.

In addition to Life Vision, Samuel's innate abilities granted him unique ocular abilities. Drawing upon his mastery of fire magic and Spirit Magic, he developed Fire Vision—a heightened perception akin to thermal goggles, casting his eyes in a fiery hue. Similarly, his Air Vision skill, rooted in air magic and Spirit Magic, heightened his awareness through the subtle movements of air.

Despite his newfound abilities, Samuel momentarily forgot the fundamental differences between his previous life and this magical world. Startled by a sudden gust of compressed air from Gaja's snout, Samuel instinctively dodged—a reflex honed through years of training in his former life as a ninja. The realization hit him hard—his knowledge of this world's creatures and magical beasts was sorely lacking.

With quick thinking, Samuel retreated silently, escaping the encounter unharmed but deeply contemplative. Alone in the quiet of the forest, he pondered the gaps in his understanding and the limitations of his current knowledge. Unlike in Konoha, where knowledge was readily shared and accessible, here in Canra Village, information was scarce and guarded.

Amidst his reflections, Samuel also noticed signs of a festival taking place nearby. Curiosity piqued, he approached cautiously, observing villagers celebrating with music and dance. Intrigued by the festivities, Samuel learned about a ritual known as Invigoration—a technique that replenished mana and revitalized the body by channeling world energy through physical contact.

Invigoration fascinated Samuel. Beyond its healing properties, it offered insights into body imaging and diagnostics, enabling the user to sense and manipulate mana flows within others. The technique also extended to inspecting magic items and artifacts, tracing their mana signatures and unraveling their mysteries.

As Samuel absorbed this newfound knowledge, he realized the limitations of Invigoration at his current stage of development. Though powerful, it required careful moderation to avoid hindering one's growth—a lesson he noted for future practice and refinement.

With the echoes of festival celebrations fading into the night, Samuel returned to the orphanage, his mind ablaze with thoughts of the day's revelations. 

The village's spring festival unfolded with a vibrant energy that captured Samuel's attention. Families from all corners of Canra Village converged, transforming the usually quiet settlement into a bustling hub of activity. Foreign merchants and carnival organizers bustled about, setting up their stands and arranging their merchandise in anticipation of the evening's festivities.

As dusk descended, the atmosphere shifted. Braziers and torches were lit, casting warm, flickering light across the village square. Samuel watched with curiosity as villagers gathered to peruse the stalls, searching for trinkets and jewelry to adorn their daughters' dowries—an age-old tradition steeped in local customs.

Amidst the preparations, Samuel noticed Lyla, the nuns, and the other children getting ready for the main event—the Spring Maiden Contest. This event, more akin to a debutante ball than a beauty pageant, showcased the village's young maidens, aged fifteen to sixteen, as they vied to display their beauty and virtues. It was a spectacle designed to attract suitors and celebrate the blossoming of young adulthood.

Lyla, normally confident and spirited, hesitated on the sidelines.

Using Invigoration, Samuel channeled world energy through physical contact, rejuvenating Lyla's vitality and removing traces of fatigue. The technique not only refreshed her but also subtly enhanced her features, restoring a natural glow to her complexion.

As others noticed the transformation, Samuel casually attributed it to a new spell he had developed—an explanation that garnered curious glances and whispers of admiration.

Throughout the festival, Samuel extended his assistance to others, discreetly using Invigoration to alleviate exhaustion and invigorate weary villagers. His actions earned him gratitude and newfound respect, solidifying his role as a helpful and capable member of the community.

Later that evening, as Samuel mingled with villagers and observed the Spring Maiden Contest from the sidelines.

The Spring festival in Canra Village unfolded with its customary blend of excitement and tradition. Among the attendees were Count Raymond, newly appointed to oversee the Canara region after the untimely passing of his father. Raymond's retinue included Baron Williams and his son, Ray, whose disdain for the villagers was palpable.

For Count Raymond, these public appearances were procedural necessities. He harbored ambitions of finding capable retainers and skilled magicians akin to those who served powerful dukes, ensuring his safety and prestige in the region.

"Father," Ray asked during a lull in the festivities, "may I explore the village? I wish to find something of interest amidst this dull affair."

Raymond nodded absently, his attention momentarily caught by the group of children and middle-aged women nearby.

Meanwhile, Samuel, accompanied by Ella, Emily, and Owen, attended the festival under the care of the nuns. The recent departure of Ron and Jacob had left the orphanage quieter than usual, prompting Samuel to take on a more active role in caring for his companions. Sensing their interest in various trinkets and treats at the festival stalls, Samuel generously purchased items for them.

As they wandered through the festival grounds, Lyla, acting like a protective older sister, guided the group and ensured they enjoyed themselves. Her demeanor caught the eye of Roy, a young nobleman attending the festival with his entourage. Intrigued by Lyla's grace and charm, Roy approached her, engaging her in polite conversation reminiscent of courtly exchanges from medieval Europe.

"Fair maiden," Roy began with a gallant smile, "might I have the honor of your company for a stroll through the festival? Your presence would brighten this dreary affair."

As the conversation between Roy and Lyla drew a small crowd, whispers of intrigue spread through the festival grounds. Samuel decided to hold the hand with which Roy was trying to grab Lyla.

Count Raymond, alerted to the commotion, approached Samuel, drawn by the spectacle unfolding before him. "Young man," Raymond addressed Samuel with a mixture of curiosity and authority, "what is the meaning of this disturbance?"

Samuel met Count Raymond's gaze calmly, aware of the potential consequences of any conflict involving nobility. "My apologies, Count," Samuel replied respectfully, "there seems to have been a misunderstanding. Lyla was merely accompanying us as a guardian, ensuring we enjoyed the festival safely."

Raymond's brow furrowed slightly, his keen eyes assessing Samuel with a mix of interest and scrutiny. "And who might you be, young man?" he inquired, his tone betraying a hint of skepticism.

"I am Samuel," he replied evenly, "a resident of the orphanage here. I am honored to meet you, Count Raymond."

Raymond nodded thoughtfully, sensing the sincerity in Samuel's demeanor. "Very well, Samuel," he acknowledged, "but know this—such disturbances are ill-befitting a festival."

As Raymond turned to address his retinue and the onlookers, Ray's wounded pride refused to yield. "I challenge you, Samuel," he declared abruptly, his voice laced with arrogance. "A duel, to settle this matter."

Samuel, sensing the tension escalating, remained composed. "As you wish," he replied calmly, stepping back to allow space for the duel.

In the clearing designated for such contests, Samuel and Ray faced each other. With a flick of his wrist, Ray summoned a small burst of wind magic, intending to intimidate. Samuel, undeterred, focused his energy, conjuring a distraction—a flurry of earth magic that turned the ground beneath Ray's feet into a slick, muddy surface.

Caught off guard, Ray's guard struggled to maintain his footing, his concentration momentarily broken. Sensing an opportunity, Samuel moved swiftly, using a quick strike to incapacitate Ray with a non-lethal blow to his legs.

The duel ended as quickly as it began, with Samuel demonstrating his skill. Count Raymond thus decided to end this matter.

He glanced back at Ray, whose gaze burned with wounded pride and simmering resentment. Samuel knew the issue was far from settled.

Throughout the festival grounds, children reveled in the joyous atmosphere, their laughter and excitement adding to the festive ambiance. They darted between stalls, sampling sweets and marveling at the colorful displays of handmade crafts.

The Spring Maiden Contest drew curious glances from villagers, particularly the families of eligible young girls, who eagerly awaited the evening's main event.

As Samuel watched the villagers enjoying the festivities, a pang of nostalgia swept over him. He wondered what it must have been like in Konoha, where the Uchiha Clan's powerful abilities were once used to resolve disputes and protect the village.