-----
-----
After the test was done, Augustus looked at the three people waiting for him to speak, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. Their magical affinities were all ideal—no one got stuck with no element or anything too obscure or useless.
"These fourteen stone tablets each represent a different magic element. More specifically, the fourteen elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Water, Metal, Wind, Thunder, Light, Darkness, Ice, Necromancy, Summoning, Arcane, and Illusion.
Fourteen major schools of magic. All three of you have mainstream elemental affinities. Usually, early on, wizards focus on learning magic that matches their innate element. Later, you can branch out and dabble in others."
"That's a lot. Even at a higher level, you can't possibly master all of them, right?" Malfoy asked, sounding a bit confused.
"A person's energy is limited. Of course you can't master them all equally. But learning the basics of each doesn't take that long. A real wizard should aim to be knowledgeable. Making connections between different branches of magic—that's foundational," Augustus said calmly.
"Looking at the names, I can kinda guess what each school does," Loki said thoughtfully. "But how come I've never heard of any wizard in history using these systems? A magic structure this huge couldn't have just appeared overnight—it must've taken years of development. If this really existed, the old pure-blood families like mine would definitely have records of it."
"Yeah! I've never heard of any of these either," Lillian added, a chill running down her spine. "This completely flips everything we know about magic on its head. If word got out, we'd probably be taken in and turned into lab rats!"
"As for where this system came from, well… that's a secret." Augustus suddenly dropped the punchline just as he had everyone hooked. Even Loki nearly choked on air from frustration.
"Alright, enough Q&A. Let's get to the actual lesson. The test you just took was only to determine your elemental affinity. Whether you'll eventually master your element or reach the highest levels depends entirely on your own talent—and more importantly, your determination. I'll give you the basics—the method to get started, and the techniques specific to your element. But how far you go is up to you."
Augustus glanced at the three in front of him. These were his first official students in this life. In his previous life, he had eight disciples. Even the weakest of them had reached the level of Grand Archmage.
"So what do we have to do to be considered 'started'?" Loki asked a meaningful question.
"The first thing I'll teach you is the most basic skill for any mage—meditation. Through meditation, you'll be able to see the magical network around you and sense the elements in the air.
Once you're able to connect with the elements that match your affinity and form your own unique magic string, that means you've truly entered the world of magic.
How long it takes depends on your talent and elemental compatibility. It varies for everyone."
As he spoke, Augustus handed over the meditation technique he had written himself, along with instructions on how to form a magic string.
"What's the magic string for?" Malfoy asked simply.
"The magic string is like a bridge between you and the elements of the world. Through it, your spiritual power can influence the elements around you to cast spells. The length of your magic string shows how many elements you can connect with. Early on, it can directly affect how powerful your spells are."
Augustus smiled faintly. In his eyes, the magic string was like a Damocles' sword hanging over every mage's head—a crucial measure of power.
The three were all sharp. After reading the material on meditation and magic strings, they quickly got to work on their first attempt.
Augustus stood quietly, watching the three begin their practice.
Time passed slowly. Loki was the first to open his eyes, followed by Lillian, then Malfoy.
"I saw it—the elements are everywhere in the world. It's amazing! But without a magic string, I couldn't really interact with them. Those pure white ones must've been ice elements—they felt oddly familiar," Loki said, clearly still buzzing with excitement.
Getting a first glimpse of the elemental world—the colorful energy flowing all around—had left him feeling like he'd just stepped into another reality.
"Yeah, and those fiery red ones looked like stars in the sky—so warm and bright," Lillian nodded, equally awed. It was like watching the gears of a hidden world turning right in front of her eyes.
"You guys already pulled it off? Seriously?" Malfoy groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Does this mean I'm really that untalented?" His first attempt had failed, and he looked downright miserable.
"It's fine. Most people fail the first time," Augustus said kindly. "Don't let it get to you. With your talent, you'll probably succeed on your next try.
You might've just missed the key to how meditation works. Go over the important points I wrote again. You'll get there."
"Next step—forming the magic string," Loki said to himself seriously. "Can't mess this part up." He picked up Augustus's notes on magic string formation and began reading with intense focus.
Lillian, not wanting to be left behind, also grabbed a copy and started studying. Malfoy had no choice but to go over the meditation guide again.
The room fell silent once more. Augustus watched his three students immersed in their studies and felt a wave of complex emotion.
These three were the very first in this world to be exposed to his magical system. In the future, they might become the backbone of this foreign magic framework in this world. Today, a seed had been planted—a seed that might one day spark a collision between two different magical civilizations.
Which one would be absorbed? Which one would dominate? Or would something entirely new be born?
No one could say.
Augustus had no idea how history would judge his actions today, hundreds or even thousands of years from now. But like a butterfly flapping its wings, this moment might one day set off a storm that would sweep across the world.
"....."