“There’s an academy in the Upper Haven that specializes in teaching wizardry. To join it, you need to pass an entrance exam that’s held at the end of every year. But if you’re still discovering your innate skill or haven’t learned any specific magic techniques, it’s best if you don’t attempt the entrance exam. You’ll most likely fail,” Oliver revealed.
“But what exactly is wizardry? And what are these innate skills you’re talking about?” Val asked, a frown creasing his brows.
Since Val had never had a mentor to guide him through the complexities of wizardry, naturally he didn’t know a thing about being a wizard.
Oliver realized that he was talking to a total amateur.
However, he decided to be patient, taking it upon himself to explain it as simply as he could as that’s what wizards do when they come across their kind – help them as best as they can. It was a tradition that was passed on to him by his master. His mind raced as he came up with an explanation that could make this complex topic more understandable for Val.
“Wizardry,” he began, “is the act of using one’s soul power to cast techniques. These techniques require intense concentration and a considerable amount of soul power to activate. The power of one’s wizardry is determined by the degree of their concentration and the amount of soul power one can muster at a given moment. It’s like bodybuilding; the more you train, the stronger your body will get. However, in this case, what needs to be strengthened is not your body but your mental fortitude and your ability to manipulate soul power. By improving these aspects about you, you can significantly elevate the purpose and power of your wizardry.”
“As for innate skills,” Oliver continued, “Think of them as tools wizards are born with. For example, a carpenter has hammers and chisels, an artist has brushes and paints, and we wizards have our innate skills. They are our primary tools in practicing wizardry. It’s just that these tools are hidden in plain sight and we need to discover it ourselves, which is the toughest part about being a wizard. My innate skill, for instance, is gravity control. I can increase or decrease the gravity acting on anyone I desire. You’ve experienced it yourself in our duel.
“Most importantly, innate skills are like a wizard’s unique fingerprint etched into their Arcane Heart. They are highly individualized and make up the most unique aspect of a wizard’s skillset. These skills are unique to each wizard, and they define our abilities. For instance, a baker wouldn’t try to fix a ship, right? Similarly, a wizard with an innate fire skill wouldn’t try to control water. You could consider them as proprietary as an artist’s unique style or signature. Just as one artist cannot truly replicate another’s style, these innate techniques cannot be mimicked or copied by other wizards.
“Typically, most wizards are born with one innate skill. But there are exceptions. Some gifted individuals may have two. But wizards with two innate skills are incredibly rare. So rare that I am yet to see one in my life.”
Val’s mind was reeling with this new information. His thoughts immediately went to his Heavenly Eye Trait and the Soul Archive skill. They were definitely his innate skills as there was no other way to define them.
What did that make him? It made him a wizard who was born with two innate skills!
‘It seems like I am an exceptionally talented individual with immense potential as a wizard,’ Val thought.
“I understand,” Val stated after processing Oliver’s words.
Oliver nodded, “Back to what I was saying, joining the academy is the only way to truly learn about wizardry and become part of the wizarding community. However, to take the entrance exams of the academy, you first need to earn the privilege to enter the Upper Haven. It’s a lot of work. But I can cut you a deal. I can teach you wizardry, but there’s a price to pay. Alternatively, in the treasure pavilion of the Lower City, where you can exchange contribution points for items and knowledge, there are many books about the basics of wizardry. But even the cheapest one costs a thousand points. So, what’s it going to be?”
Val was silent for a moment, weighing his options. He didn’t have the points to afford the books and entering the Upper Haven would indeed be a lot of work. But this deal Oliver was proposing was a chance he couldn’t afford to miss.
“And what do you want in return?” Val finally asked, breaking the silence.
Oliver let out a small laugh, “You’re a natural with the sword. If it weren’t for my wizardry, you would have defeated me within half a minute of our duel. In exchange for teaching you wizardry, I want you to teach me swordsmanship.”
Val was surprised at the request, but he nodded, “Deal.”
They agreed that for each lesson on wizardry Oliver gave, Val would have to spar with Oliver until the latter was defeated. Oliver firmly believed that the fastest way to grow was through battles. Swinging a sword a thousand times was beneficial, but it could never be as good as an actual duel.
This agreement was a win-win for both of them.
“So when should our training start?” Oliver asked. 𝑜𝑣𝓛xt.𝑐𝑶𝑚
Val answered without a moment’s hesitation, “AfterI win the mini tournament.”
Oliver was taken aback by Val’s bold declaration, but he couldn’t help but acknowledge the fact that Val did indeed possess the skills to back up his confidence. Looking around, Oliver couldn’t spot anyone who could match Val’s proficiency in swordsmanship.
Val had defeated him even when he had used his wizardry, and none of the tournament participants had ever bested Oliver in a pure sword fight. It was quite logical to conclude that Val would certainly come out victorious against any one of them in a one-on-one duel.
It was an amusing and enlightening realization for Oliver. Val would most likely become one of the victors of the mini tournament, earning himself 300 contribution points.