The Library

Zell hoped that he could start learning magic here. Maybe he could find a book on mana breathing? Surely somewhere amongst the thousands stored in this vast structure must contain information relating specifically to such abilities. Also, maybe there were rare scrolls containing spells that needed specific materials or ingredients unavailable anywhere else. Either way, he planned on spending hours searching diligently. Whatever secrets lay hidden beneath these shelves, surely worth finding! He certainly hadn't expected to discover anything useful today since he arrived late afternoon following lunchtime, but then again, fortune favored fools occasionally. He wouldn't know unless he searched properly. Besides, he intended on visiting libraries regularly regardless of the outcome.

"Shall we enter or...?" Elisabeth asked.

After climbing three flights of stairs and passing through numerous hallways filled with countless bookshelves, Zell paused outside of a large wooden double door painted red with golden trimming around the edges.

On each panel were carved various symbols representing fire, air, earth, and water, These four elements represented elemental magics known collectively as magecraft. Each type of magical ability required a different element depending upon which direction one chose to study. Some mages preferred studying one aspect exclusively whereas others studied multiple types simultaneously.

Those practicing divination studies tended to favor water while those specializing in healing techniques usually focused primarily upon earth. Fire wizards were also common among the ranks of healers although few actually mastered all aspects equally well.

Regardless of specialty, a wizard learned to manipulate energy in accordance with their chosen discipline. Magic granted power over nature and objects possessing inherent properties capable of changing shape according to will. Such powers extended far beyond simple transformations.

Spells could influence weather patterns altering rainfall amounts, cloud formations, winds blowing clouds apart producing rainbows, storms brewing, lighting strikes igniting forest fires, turning snow white creating mountains of ice, etc. Spells could cause plants to grow faster increasing yields while causing crops to wither and die. They could turn animals wild killing off entire herds within days, making fish swim upstream to spawn, change seasons, etcetera. Mages possessed tremendous potential to alter reality at will.

Mages could summon powerful beasts and monsters to fight alongside them in battle. Other times, they summoned lesser creatures like bats, rats, mice, spiders, snakes, cockroaches, beetles, centipedes, etcetera, to perform mundane tasks requiring little intelligence.

All to say, a grand mage is equivalent to a god. In fact, many believed that only gods truly controlled the world. But then again, who knows what the truth may be?

"It's open."

Elisabeth stepped past Zell pushing the doors wide enough for him to enter. Inside the room was spacious and dimly lit. There were rows of tables lined up facing each other with chairs placed neatly on either side. A massive oak desk stood prominently positioned near the center of the chamber. Bookshelves covered the walls and ceiling. The floor consisted of polished marble tiles. This place resembled a university more than an actual library. However, despite the size of this library, it appeared smaller than most due to the lack of space available. Most likely, it was designed to accommodate fewer visitors than the main branch in the city proper.

There weren't any signs indicating where to begin looking for books. Instead, each table displayed a number written on small slips of paper taped underneath the woodwork. Zell approached one of the desks and picked up a slip reading #2. He read aloud, "Mana: How to start learning magic".

How could Zell be so lucky to find what he was looking for the first time he picked up a book? Perhaps fate smiled upon him this day.

The book contained detailed instructions on how to use mana, basic concepts regarding the subject, and numerous illustrations depicting various exercises and rituals related to the art of controlling one's mana.

However, unlike other texts detailing similar content, this particular volume seemed to be aimed specifically at beginners. Zell wondered why that was the case. Was there something special about this book that set it aside from other volumes dealing with the same topic?

"Here," Elisabeth interrupted his thoughts. "You can borrow my notebook."

Zell raised his eyebrow curiously. "What for?"

Elisabeth shrugged. "Just take it."

Not knowing what to make out of her behavior, he hesitantly accepted the item. Elisabeth watched him intently as he opened it up and flipped through the pages. After a minute or two, he closed it and handed it back to her. Elisabeth returned the gesture and continued watching him.

"So…what does it look like?" she asked.

"A regular notebook," he responded nonchalantly.

She nodded in approval and motioned for him to sit down across from her. Then, she sat down right beside him.

"I've always wanted to learn magic myself," Elisabeth started explaining. "My mother used to tell stories about her father being a master magician in the old country. He supposedly taught her everything he knew, but unfortunately, I don't remember much because she died shortly thereafter."

Zell listened attentively, "Do you think your family has any knowledge concerning this subject?"

He couldn't help noticing that her eyes sparkled when she mentioned her deceased parents.

Elisabeth shook her head sadly. "No…no they're both gone long ago."

Zell sensed that she was holding back tears forming behind her eyelids. Yet, she kept herself composed. He guessed that whatever caused her grief had passed along with her beloved parents years earlier. Nowadays, she wore a mask of indifference concealing all traces of sadness.

"Anyway…" Elisabeth said taking another sip of wine. "Why are you interested in learning magic?"

That question caught him completely unaware. Did he really not realize until now? Why indeed? What was wrong with him? Had he forgotten all sense of curiosity?

"Well..." Zell replied nervously. "I want to know if I'm suited for it or not."

Elisabeth cocked her head slightly confused by his response.

"Because I believe I am." Zell added hastily.

"Oh yes, you're quite talented," Elisabeth said approvingly.

Zell blinked surprised at her praise. She didn't seem particularly impressed by his physical prowess nor his skill wielding swords. That meant he must possess some sort of innate talent. His natural ability should have allowed him to excel without needing any training whatsoever. So what exactly was the problem? If he possessed true aptitude, perhaps he would even surpass the greatest masters of magic in history. But then again, that wasn't necessarily possible.

While he pondered the issue further, Elisabeth reached over to touch his arm lightly. When she came into contact with him it felt as though several lightning bolts shot through her hand straight into her heart. Her breath quickened considerably. And yet, she remained calm and collected. No doubt her control over her emotions helped keep her mind clear and focused. Even when faced with danger, she never showed fear. As a result, she rarely panicked no matter the circumstances. Not once in her life did she ever allow herself to lose focus.

In contrast, Zell often lost himself in thought when confronted with difficult situations. Although he tried to stay alert and pay attention during combat, sometimes events simply overwhelmed him. At least, that's how it felt for him anyway. Of course, this resulted in unnecessary deaths. To avoid this unfortunate circumstance, Zell attempted to concentrate on every single detail surrounding him before acting accordingly. Sometimes, however, his concentration lapsed resulting in disastrous consequences. On occasion, his own ignorance played a part in failure too.

Now that he thought about it, Zell realized that his inability to remain focused on matters of importance was the root cause for almost all of his mistakes.

Was he destined to fail?

He spent the day there and borrowed some books on how to start learning mana.