Era of Arcane: The Journey Beyond Worlds

Chapter Four: The First Encounter with Magic

    "Emma, do you know Ambriel?" I had always felt there was something extraordinary about him.

    "Master Ambriel!" Emma gasped, covering her mouth in astonishment. "Oh heavens! Almost everyone on this continent knows of him. He is one of the few remaining Archmages—an existence so rare that they are almost godlike. Especially Master Ambriel, he is considered the greatest of all. Though he seldom participates in royal affairs, many have been blessed by his aid, and thus, people hold him in the highest esteem."

    I nodded slightly, still somewhat amazed. The greatest Archmage had come to instruct me? I couldn't fathom how my father managed to summon him. After all, Ambriel's stature far exceeded that of my father. It was hard to believe. "Emma, are there different ranks among mages?"

    "Yes, magic is categorized into several levels: Magic Apprentice—Junior Mage—Intermediate Mage—Senior Mage—Archmage—Holy Archmage. To this day, no Holy Archmage has ever been known. Achieving that rank is the ultimate dream of every mage."

    Who would have thought that carefree Emma would know so much about magic? It seems my knowledge of this world is far too limited. "Oh, right." I suddenly struck my left hand against my open right palm, catching Emma's curious gaze. "How old is Ambriel, anyway?"

    "Ah?" Emma frowned in mock frustration. "I thought you were going to ask something important! And it turns out to be this?"

    I chuckled softly, resting my head on my hand. "Just curious, really. Ambriel's beard must be quite long by now." I gestured with my hands and looked at Emma with a playful glint in my eyes.

    "Alright, my lady, stop looking at me like that. It's making me embarrassed!" Emma exclaimed, covering her face, which made me cringe a little.

    "Master Ambriel is over three hundred years old," Emma replied in a tone filled with reverence.

    "Three hundred years!" I widened my eyes. Is he even human?

    "Miss, don't you know that those who study magic can extend their lifespan?" Emma patiently explained, "Ordinary people typically live around two hundred years, and those who are in good health live longer. However, those who train in martial arts or magic live even longer, as it slows down the aging process."

    I couldn't help but marvel. So, does this mean I have an abundance of time at my disposal? Living that long might not be so bad after all. "No more chatting. I'm off to study magic." I waved to Emma and headed out.

    "Good luck with your studies, my lady!" I could still hear Emma's voice as I walked away, and a slight smile played on my lips. Magic—it truly stirs anticipation in me.

"Miss, please follow me." A servant bowed, extending his left arm to escort me. Shortly after, we arrived at a room. "We've arrived. Master Ambriel is inside." With that, the servant quietly withdrew.

    Feeling a bit anxious, I pushed the door open. "Master Ambriel, I'm here." I entered, finding myself in a vast, basement-like space. Ambriel stood with his back to the door, but upon seeing me, he smiled warmly. "Lisa, you've come."

    "Yes, I've arrived," I responded, bowing respectfully.

    "To begin learning magic, we must first see if you possess the innate talent. Let's determine whether you have the potential to wield magic," Ambriel said, drawing a circle in the air with his hand, from which he produced a crystal orb.

    "What should I do, Master Ambriel?" I asked, a little nervous. I sincerely hoped this body had the aptitude for magic, or I would be at a great loss.