Crimson Phoenix Guardian- Aspiration to the Heavens: Becoming the Supreme Mage 4

Episode 103: Emotional Control

*Jude*

I held my hand out. "Psyche Draco!" I chanted. Energy flowed out erratically from the palm of my hand.

"Not bad, Jude!" Nat said.

I grumbled. He was just saying that. I should've been further than this by now.

"You need to relax," Alex said from behind me. "Your magic is giving away your distress. Out of all powers, psychic is most tied with emotions due to being a projection of our inner psyche."

I lowered my head. Maybe I wasn't cut out to be a psychic mage.

Alex moved to stand beside me. "Remember that story you told me? The one where you were able to lift up that large container all by yourself."

"That was from impulse," I said, recalling when I was little. Hal probably would've dodged that crate even if I hadn't saved him. Heck, he was more agile than a cat! "It just happened. I wasn't consciously thinking of lifting it up."

"So? That proves my point. Your emotions shape your magic."

I took a deep breath. In that case, maybe a break was needed. "How about a break? I could use some food."

"Sure. Let's take a break. Do you want me to bring anything for you?" Nat asked.

"Yeah. Can you get me a burger?"

He grinned. "Sure, little guy! What about you, Alex?"

"I'll have the same," Alex said, shrugging.

Nat blinked. "Nothing special?"

"You know me, boring is fine."

If Cart were here, he probably would've called Alex weird.

"I want mine to have cheese and a double helping of meat," I said.

"Wow, you're a bigger eater than I thought! Alright, then I'm off!"

Alex smiled slightly as his brother ran off. "Nat's still always running around, even here."

No wonder he could keep up with the energetic Cart.

"Hey, guys! We're back! And we brought snacks!" Hal said as he returned with An. Brother blinked. "Wait, where did Nat go?"

"You must've missed him," Alex said. "He went to get us hamburgers."

"Ehh?! What about An and me?"

"Knowing Nat, he probably will remember to get you two something generic."

Hal whimpered. "I don't like generic."

I got closer and peered into the translucent bag. My poker face eased a bit.

Big Bro laughed as he reached into the plastic bag and took out a bottle of melon milk.

"Fruit milk!" I said, reaching out for it.

He laughed, moving the drink out of my reach. "Oh no! If you're not paying attention, I might spill some on your head!"

I glared.

Hal laughed. "Alright, alright. Here."

I caught the bottle as he threw it. I peeled off the cap, took a swig, and then capped the bottle again before sitting back down.

"Anyways, Jude," Alex said, turning back to me, "try to calm yourself down. Meditation is important. You have to be able to channel your magic with no emotions getting in the way."

"I know." That's something I already tried to do. Emotions weren't something I was fond of dealing with.

"Then what are you so tense about?"