Wild Era 4, Ch 6: Apprentices

Kelin was looking up at the sun, studying the flow of Fire essence as the sunlight fell through the crystal panels of the ceiling.

It was giving him some ideas for the Fire gate and the sun he’d created in his sanctum. 

“Master!” Naomi shouted as she led the way into the room. “You’re back! We’ve been waiting for you!”

Yao was right behind her.

The two of them looked stronger and more dangerous than they had before, and Kelin could sense the denser flow of mana around them. They’d gained some levels and combat experience since he’d left.

Their souls also showed more maturity and a stronger sense of self. 

Now they looked their ages or a bit older, although that was in their confidence and stance.

Their birthdays had come and gone while he was away. 

Yao had turned 15 and Naomi reached 16 the month after him. 

Even without the sovereign’s gift, they would have unlocked their classes soon, but it had given them a good head start.

He analyzed them briefly, letting the mana glide over them politely. It was enough to see their classes and new levels.

Yao of Highmist. Human. Level 18. Lightning Caller (Rare)-No Subclass.

Naomi of Highmist. Human. Level 18. Fire Summoner (Rare)-No Subclass.

It looked like they’d followed his advice on their classes, with each of them choosing a basic elemental variant.

Even someone with their affinities had to start with a Rare class normally. It wasn’t easy to get an Epic class from the beginning.

Some of the nobles tried to do that, earning accomplishments before they even reached Level 9, but with his apprentices’ special affinities, it didn’t make a difference. 

They would grow into those affinities over time.

Right now, given they didn’t have the years of training to use basic mana and combat abilities, it was best for them to start here, with something simpler, and to master the fundamentals before they focused.

They hadn’t chosen their subclasses yet, which was fine, but they should do it before Level 20.

“Welcome back,” he said with a smile.

“Wow! You’re on fire...” Yao said, stumbling to a halt as he looked at Kelin.

“Really on fire,” Naomi agreed. “It’s all around you, like streams of mana. That’s new.”

“You’ve seen Fire magic before,” Kelin said, feeling amused. “What makes this different?”

“Most Fire mages gather fire into spells or summon it,” Yao said, “but you look like you’re living in it, like a fire elemental. You didn’t have that before, although you did sort of glow.”

“Did you bond with a Fire elemental too?” Naomi asked, looking interested. “Is it possible to have two elementals? Can we do it too?”

“Not that,” Kelin said, chuckling. “It is possible, but it would make things overly complicated and it doesn’t work well. You would need a three-way experience split, but more importantly, having two separate elementals would be an enormous burden on your souls. 

“Depending on the person, it could make them go insane. A soulbond is very different from a summoner’s ability to call up an army of elementals.

“Come have some lunch and I’ll explain more,” he said, waving them toward the table he’d set up not far away. “We can go over the theory and you two can fill me in on what you’ve been doing. I hear you’ve been making quite the name for yourselves.”

He led them over to the table and they chatted about idle things as they settled in. During the meal, he pointed out a few of the dishes and explained how to use some utensils that went with them. 

He’d selected those dishes to teach them about aristocratic customs in Celadon. This was a cultural lesson as much as it was a lunch. 

Being raised at the orphanage meant they didn’t have too much experience with local noble customs, much less ones farther out.

“Go ahead and say it,” he said eventually, holding back a smile as he saw them fidgeting. “I can see you want to.”

“We’ve been killing monsters!” Yao burst out in a half shout. A grin appeared that he wasn’t able to hold back any longer. 

“Lots of them!” Naomi agreed, slightly more calmly.

Kelin smiled, refilled his cup of coffee, and leaned back in his chair.

“Tell me about it,” he said. “Whatever comes to mind first.”

“The monsters were huge!” Naomi said immediately. “I couldn’t believe they were all like that, but they were.”

“They were the size of four or five people put together,” Yao agreed, “giant bear things called ursans. We went into a dungeon with the guild to find them! They only let five of us in and we had to pass a trial first that was even harder than the bears. Only one guild trainer followed us inside.”

“The exam was a series of simulated fights and survival methods in the training hall here,” Naomi explained. “We’ve been fighting monsters there for a while and getting a little bit of experience, but this was different. It was a real dungeon.”

“You could feel the mana inside,” Yao agreed. “It was like it was pressing into my skin.”

“Dungeons tend to have a higher mana density,” Kelin agreed. “Usually elemental essence alignments as well. Both can feel like that. What type of dungeon was this one?”

“Earth,” Naomi said. “The mana felt heavy and the ursans were strong. They could stomp on the ground to create earthquakes and send stone spikes shooting up.”

“I felt my bones creaking under the pressure,” Yao agreed. “It almost felt like they were going to break.”

“You need more Constitution,” Kelin said, nodding. “Or a mana lattice to reinforce your body more. I’ll show you. It’s about time the two of you started. But finish your story. What else happened?”

Yao and Naomi glanced at each other and suddenly grinned.

“We defeated the Challenge and the boss!” Yao said as he spun back toward Kelin. “Just the two of us!”

“Oh?” Kelin asked, raising an eyebrow. “What happened to the rest of your team?”

“They...got pulled out by the trainer,” Yao said, looking down abashedly. “It was during the second Challenge.”

“We tried to help,” Naomi added, looking upset, “but they lost control and couldn’t hold the line when three ursans attacked at once. One of them was an Elite. The others were hurled away and then it was just Yao and me.”

“How did you manage while they didn’t?” Kelin asked. 

“Our elementals helped,” Yao said immediately. “Mine summoned wind blades and Naomi’s created a water barrier that split them apart. Then we divided and conquered, focusing on one at a time. We left the Elite for last.”

“Next time, do that earlier,” Kelin said mildly. “Then you’ll be able to keep your team alive and the rest of the dungeon will be easier. What did your trainer say?”

“She was impressed that we managed alone, but she said the same thing,” Yao replied. “That it wasn’t worth letting your people die, even if you won.”

“She also said we could have retreated instead,” Naomi agreed. “That we could have taken everyone else with us and left the Challenge when we saw it was too dangerous.”

“And what did she say to the rest of the group?” Kelin asked.

“That they need to do better, basically,” Yao said. “She said they had the ability to hold the line, but they got nervous and didn’t trust each other. That they might have been injured, but that’s what a healer is for, and to have faith in the team.”

“Good enough,” Kelin said. “It sounds like you’re learning something. You went to the boss after that?”

“Yes!” Naomi agreed, looking proud. “That’s where we really got a compliment. Sergeant Reeler let us do it, but she left the tactics up to us.”

“It was a humanoid Ursan shaman,” Yao said. “He cursed us a bunch and we got injured, but we managed it. We didn’t want to let you down.” 

“Learning something in training doesn’t let me down,” Kelin replied. “Losing your group does. Your trainer is teaching you to win, which is good. You need it to survive. But I’ll share with you a broader perspective.”

He paused, pouring them each a cup of tea as he let the words hang in the air.

“You did well to work together,” he said as he set the pot down, “but it doesn’t make up for losing the rest of your team. Remember to look out for your people. It sounds like you had the ability. Next time, use it. 

“Those trainees who fell out today might be the people who stand beside you many years in the future. They will remember what happened back in your training, as will you. So make allies, not enemies, and not false friends who resent you because of something foolish that happened. 

“At the end of that dungeon, when you got the praise for completing it, what did they get?”

He looked between them and he knew there was no need to answer the question. His words weren’t very harsh, but they did make Yao and Naomi bow their heads as they looked guilty.

“Yes, master,” Yao said, the delight fading from his expression.

Naomi echoed him.

“If you go into a dungeon with a team, try to keep them alive,” Kelin added. “You’ll probably end up going with just you two eventually, and you’ll find that it’s more effective, especially as you level up, but for now, learn from the guild tactics and how to be part of a team. You’ll need it one day. 

“Think of it as making allies. Don’t grandstand. When you earn praise, share it. When you seize a victory, give it away.”

It was the same reasoning he used himself when it came to his allies, and the reason he was planning to continue helping Serai, Maro, and Galin to advance.

They deserved help for who they were, but one day, he hoped they would be his allies at the highest level, where it really mattered.

That way, he wouldn’t be alone at the peak.

There was a big difference between making a few connections at that level and people who had risen through the ranks with you, where you knew them inside and out.

He waved his hand at the dishes on the table. 

“Now, let’s finish lunch and we’ll talk about your subclass choices and things to work on as you strive for the First Evolution. I expect you’ll both have Epic class choices waiting for you, so you need to prepare for them. Master the fundamentals of combat magic first. Then you’ll be able to really take advantage of the improvements.”

Yao and Naomi’s enthusiasm came back as the meal continued. They told him more about their training, from small things to large, and asked for his advice on a dozen different things.

He spent the rest of the day with them, going over their improvements and sharing his experiences from travel and leveling in both of his lives.

After that, he had them study key parts of the inheritance he’d given them, walked them through a couple of important skills, and gave them an in-depth lesson on Irian Mana Weaving to speed up their progress with mana control.

Eventually, he would teach them Intensify Spell and similar enhancement magics, but it would have to wait until they were much more adept with mana.

Irian Mana Weaving would help. The specific form of Intensify Spell that he used was based on it. 

It was more complex than other forms, but it offered better control and mana conservation than the usual type.

After a while, he turned the conversation to a key point.

“Have you named your elementals?” he asked as he studied their soul chambers and the elementals inside.

He could sense the elementals were content with the soul bonds, which was good. It meant they were being treated well.

“I’ve named mine Aquaris,” Naomi said, grinning. “It just means ‘of water.’ He decided on it  himself.”

“Mine is Stormwind,” Yao added. “He says he’s not a storm elemental yet, but he will be one day, which is why he joined me. He’s full of curiosity about my other affinities.”

“Wind elementals are known for their curiosity,” Kelin said, nodding, “but it’s rare for one at that level to plan ahead for an evolution. Good for him. 

“Naomi, Aquaris’s name is strong and he can evolve too, so don’t feel like you need to push him to change in the same way that Stormwind wants to. Just make sure you give him the opportunity to grow with you.”

Elementals rarely chose names for themselves, and when they did, they almost always chose something that was close to their element, like Aquaris.

Kelin had followed that pattern in naming Gaius. It was an old word for the earth, as well as for a noble spirit. 

Left to their own devices, earth elementals were one of the least likely to care about a name.

“Now, for your subclasses,” Kelin said, turning to a different subject. “What will you choose? A crafting path or some other type of support or utility? You know my thoughts on double combat classes and why it’s a poor option.

“I won’t stop you from doing it if you really want to, but too much overlap will limit your advancement in the future and result in narrow abilities. Your subclass is your second best chance to choose something that will help to define your future and make you capable of greater things. It can also supplement your income and allow you to build a living outside of combat.”

“I want to be an enchanter like you,” Naomi said immediately. “You already gave me the inheritance for the school of enchanting you created and I’ve been considering classes to match it.”

“Soulfire Enchanting?” Kelin asked, nodding briefly. “You’ll need to master more soul magic, but it will work just as well with your Fire magic. It’s a good choice.”

He turned to Yao.

“How about you?”

Yao hesitated for a moment before he spoke.

“I’m not as interested in enchanting as Naomi,” he said. “I always wanted to be a mage, but I don’t see myself inscribing talismans or enchanting things. I’ve been looking at the options for other crafts, but I’m not sure what would work. 

“Is there a lightning mage crafting class or anything? I want something that’s more active, where I can move and cast rather than sitting still.”

“Lightning is like that,” Kelin said thoughtfully as ideas floated through his mind. “It’s no surprise you would want something full of movement.”

He considered Yao’s temperament and what might work, and eventually an idea came to him. 

“Lightning can be destructive,” he said, “but it doesn’t have to be. It’s also full of life and potential. If you’re not interested in a crafting subclass, how about a healing one? It’s a skill that is always in demand and it would keep you moving around.”

Lightning wasn’t the normal affinity for a healer, but Yao had high affinities in Earth, Water, and Wind as well. With four different elements to call on for healing spells, it would be very effective.

“I can do that?” Yao looked shocked. “I didn’t even think it was a possibility.”

“Almost any element can be used to promote healing,” Kelin explained. “Some are just easier than others. 

“Wood is the best known, since it is innately linked to life and vitality, but Water can cleanse a body, Earth can bolster its strength, Fire can purge it, Wind can purify it...they all work in different ways. Metal is more difficult, but it can be used to destroy negative issues in a targeted way. 

“Healing is primarily about restoring vitality rather than the element you use to channel it. Some argue that it is a blend of the elements or a unique element itself with an essence of Vitality. I can see the case for that. 

“Many powerful forces create their own versions of healing magic, whether it stems from an element or a Law, but what matters is that it will work. Lightning is a powerful force of life, vitality, and destruction, and it is capable of purging negative energies and restoring health. You’ll just need good control over it.

“As a subclass, it won’t be as strong as your primary one, but it’s a good option. Combining combat and healing will give you breadth and a useful perspective when you form your Law. It might also balance the more violent aspects of Storm or Cataclysm magic, if you take those up in the future.”

“After a storm, new things can grow?” Yao asked, looking interested. 

“That sounds like a potential concept for your Fourth Evolution.” Kelin nodded. “If it fits, then feel free to take it.”

Yao looked up to where the sunlight was falling through the glass ceiling, his eyes distant. He looked like he was half in a trance.

Then he nodded, once.

“I’ll do it,” he said. “It should be good for helping a team.”

“Alright,” Kelin said, feeling pleased. “Ask the Path to grant your subclass when you’re ready. It should give you some options.”

He turned to Naomi. 

“And it’s the same for you. Ask the Path when you’re ready and you can look through the available subclasses for Soulfire Enchanting. There should be a few. You don’t need to stick to Fire if something else looks better. Focus on a subclass that grants you useful skills outside of what you can already do, like mine did.”

He sent her a brief mental impression of his subclass’s abilities, from Artisan’s Sight to Affinity Focus, showing her what to look for.

Then he waited as both of his apprentices looked upward and called on the Path.

There was a veil of silver light in the air that surrounded them and weighed down on the area, but since it wasn’t a full Evolution, it was relatively minor.

He saw the light cover their eyes as their awareness was swept up by the Path and time bent for them.

After a moment, they suddenly shivered and their eyes opened as the energy of the Path faded away.

Kelin analyzed them, his lips quirking.

Yao of Highmist. Human. Level 18. Lightning Caller (Rare)-Vital Spark (Rare).

Naomi of Highmist. Human. Level 18. Fire Summoner (Rare)-Force Enchanter (Rare).

He nodded at what he saw.

Yao had found a Lightning-affinity healing subclass and Naomi had chosen a straightforward enchanting one that would be a good foundation for future efforts.

Vital Spark was based on accelerating the vital energy of those Yao touched, so it came with some effects for haste and purging negative energies as well as healing, but it was limited in range for now.

As for Naomi, Force Enchanter was an excellent choice, a class based on enchanting force effects into objects, either temporarily or permanently, with the intensity and duration based on her skill.

The effects could be combined with other elements to create fire blasts, wind bursts, or other things, both for combat and utility, like levitation, weight reduction, and more. 

It had a broad range.

Force was a subset of spatial energy, so she would find it easier than most enchanters to take up the creation of spatial items eventually. 

She had undoubtedly qualified for the class due to her high Spatial affinity. 

Kelin hadn’t expected her to receive a class named after Soulfire Enchanting, but she might eventually take one. Either way, the name wouldn’t stop her from benefiting from the inheritance he’d given her.

She would have to practice her mana control and engraving, but the future was wide open.

“Congratulations,” he said, feeling pleased. “Take your time to get familiar with them.”

A wave of his hand made the room change, with an enchanting table appearing on one side and a combat target dummy on the other.

“Then we’ll see what you can do.”