The sky was dark.
Dawn hadn't yet broken; night and morning were intertwined.
Arthas arrived at the city walls early, brimming with anticipation.
Ais wasn't there; only Riveria stood before him.
"Where's Ais?"
Arthas asked, feigning surprise, though he was pleased.
"Loki's keeping her busy. She's thrilled Ais reached Level 6."
"Ais is Level 6?"
Arthas wasn't surprised; she was a genius, likely the fastest to reach Level 6 in history.
"It's thanks to Ais's hard work. Let's begin."
Riveria and Ais were keeping their tutoring secret; it would cause trouble if discovered.
Riveria was especially nervous; if their relationship was discovered, it would be disastrous.
The rule against inter-Familia relationships wasn't just Loki's; it was the Gods' decree. The consequences were severe.
The solution was simple: one of them would have to leave their Familia.
But neither would do that.
"Arthas, how much do you know about magic?"
Riveria began the lesson without delay.
"Magic…?"
Arthas frowned; he didn't know how to answer.
"Magic is the manifestation of elemental forces, channeled through one's mana. Fire, water…"
Riveria effortlessly assumed the role of teacher; she often did this in the Loki Familia. Red and blue shadows flickered from her hands.
"Magic has many attributes. Wind, fire, water, earth are the basics; many more exist. Your ice is an extension of water magic.
"Long ago, magic was exclusive to elves. But the Gods' arrival allowed other races to use magic."
"Other races' magic is usually simpler, single-attribute. Few master multiple attributes."
Riveria said proudly.
"I master many attributes, specializing in lightning, ice, and light magic. Arthas, you only use ice magic, right?"
Arthas nodded.
"Not necessarily. You might not have learned others. This ice magic might be an inherited ability; your body holds immense mana; learning other magic should be easy."
"Don't worry about learning magic now. Control your mana!"
Riveria extended her hand towards Arthas.
"Give me your hand. I'll guide your meditation. Meditation is crucial for mages; it restores and enhances mana."
Riveria and Arthas sat cross-legged, holding hands.
"Close your eyes, focus. Feel the power flowing within you—your mana."
Riveria had felt Arthas's mana before. While healing him, she'd felt a continuous surge of mana.
Its immensity, quantity, and power captivated her.
Mages sought this; the pinnacle of magic.
Riveria knew she couldn't reach the peak, but she saw hope in Arthas.
This was her primary reason for teaching him.
She wouldn't let his talent go to waste; she'd show him that magic wasn't inferior to strength or skill.
Magical skills were even more fascinating: precise mana control, timing, and destructive power.
"Good… I feel the mana surging within you. Do you?"
"Oof!"
Like an electric shock, Riveria retracted her hand, blushing, glaring at Arthas.
"What are you doing?!"
"Nothing."
Arthas looked innocent.
"I said no funny business! If you want to touch me, wait until later!"
Riveria said, then covered her mouth, realizing she'd spoken too soon.
"You said it yourself. Let's continue."
Arthas grabbed Riveria's hands again, making her close her eyes.
Are you my destined nemesis?
Sighing inwardly, Riveria knew arguing was pointless.
Fine… it's just… a touch. It won't kill me.
____________________
for more advance chapters visit my p@treon
[email protected]/kane45
Casual Reader - 20 Advance Chapters
Intermediate Reader - 40 Advance Chapters
Expert Reader - 60 Advance Chapters