Ujaraq folded his hands behind his back and glanced at Henrry.
"You'll begin your basic training today," he said, turning to Ronnie. "You'll guide him."
Ronnie blinked, visibly annoyed. "So now I'm babysitting?"
But he didn't argue further. With a sigh, he motioned Henrry to follow. As the two walked out of the chamber, Mia trailed behind, until—
"Mia," Ujaraq called out, "Stay back. I need a word with you."
She stopped reluctantly as Henrry and Ronnie disappeared down the hallway.
In a clearing surrounded by withered trees, Ronnie turned to Henrry and said, "Give me your wand."
Henrry tilted his head. "Wand?"
Ronnie rolled his eyes and pointed to the stick Henrry carried. "That kid, is a wand. You store your mana in it and channel it into spells. This one isn't just any wand—it belonged to Grandmaster Omar himself. It's called Noxumbra."
Henrry whispered the name, almost reverently. "Noxumbra…"
Ronnie nodded. "Yeah. Use it well."
Then, with a smirk, he added, "I just reached sixth rank recently. Mia's still fifth. You're a beginner mage—just don't get cocky."
Henrry grinned. "I'll do my best."
Ronnie burst into laughter. "You think it's that easy? Some mages take decades just to reach from first to second level. You're dreaming."
He grew serious. "So… have you ever used this wand?"
Henrry nodded. "Twice."
"Show me."
Henrry took a deep breath, held Noxumbra tight, and chanted, "Aayana Wiste!"
The book appeared in a flash of blue light. This time, there was no fear on Henrry's face—only fire. He tried catching the book mid-air, but missed. It fell shut and vanished in an instant.
Ronnie burst out laughing. "Smooth."
Henrry scowled and tried again. "Aayana Wiste!"
The book returned. This time, he let it fall to the ground and calmly picked it up.
He flipped to a spell and chanted, "Vido Narmate!"
Nothing happened.
Ronnie shook his head. "You think just saying the words will work? No. First, you need to focus your mana into a point. That's what the wand is for—it helps you gather mana and convert it into energy."
He pulled out his own wand, pointed to a nearby tree, and said, "Vido Narmate!"
The tree cracked and fell instantly.
Ronnie dusted his robe. "These basic spells don't require much mana. Any clan can use them. But once your level grows, you'll unlock spells unique to your bloodline—only the Infinity Clan can use theirs, same goes for the others."
He glanced at Henrry. "When you reach level seven, you won't even need a wand."
He pointed toward a fallen leaf. "Now. Focus on that. Use your mana to pierce it. This will teach you control and focus."
Henrry knelt and stared at the leaf. Ronnie stood behind him with crossed arms.
The sky began to darken.
"You haven't even gathered mana yet!" Ronnie shouted. "A three-year-old learns faster than you!"
Henrry's shoulders tensed. The excitement he'd started with had now turned into frustration.
Ronnie kept going. "And I will be blamed when the 'Chosen One' can't even move a leaf. How do I teach this stubborn mule?"
Mia arrived just in time.
"Ronnie," she said, "you're still yelling at him?"
"He can't even store mana, Mia!"
"He needs rest," she said. "You're pushing him too hard."
Henrry slowly lowered Noxumbra. His hand trembled. His breathing was shallow.
Ronnie groaned. "No. Not yet. Try again."
But Henrry looked at Mia—his face worn, drained. She walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Master Ujaraq has called for us."
Henrry exhaled deeply, as if the world had given him a moment to breathe. He followed Mia quietly as they returned.
In Ujaraq's chamber, a new figure stood beside the clan leader.
He was tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in deep grey robes. His expression was calm, and his eyes sparkled with a quiet intensity.
Ronnie's face lit up. "Brother!"
The man smiled warmly. "Good to see you, Ronnie."
He extended a hand to Henrry. "I'm Conrad. Ronnie's older brother."
Henrry shook his hand. There was strength behind that grip.
Ujaraq stepped forward. "Conrad has just returned from the Beast Clan territory. He's one of the highest-ranking mages we have."
He looked at Henrry. "Tomorrow, you, Mia, Ronnie, and Conrad will leave for advanced training. Conrad will be your leader."
Ujaraq continued, "Everything Ronnie taught you until now—those were basics. Conrad will now introduce you to spells only the Infinity Clan can use."
Ronnie gave a crooked smile
He paused, looking each of them in the eye.
"You have eight months. The Regal Dignity Test is coming. All three of you will participate—and Conrad will prepare you for it."
He nodded once. "George will arrive tomorrow to guide you out of the hideout and give all of you something important . Rest well."