Astralon Circle is an ancient and enigmatic structure composed of towering monoliths made from a unique, luminescent stone that glows faintly under the night sky. Each stone is engraved with intricate symbols and constellations that only reveal their secrets when illuminated by the starlight. Menelaus gathered us in the serene expanse of this ancient site, where we can feel more connected to the celestial energy. The night sky above was filled with stars, their light reflecting off the still waters in the middle of the circle and illuminating the monoliths around us.
"We are made up of stars," Menelaus began, his voice resonating with the weight of the knowledge of old. "Every cell in our body comes from the very core of the stars in the heavens. With Affinity training, we'll focus on the natural link we have with the celestial power of the stars, channeling their energy through constellation magic."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "By forging a connection with these celestial patterns, you will draw their power into yourselves, weaving their magic into your core. Make your bodies vessels through which celestial energy flows, and draw magic from that energy."
Menelaus walked to the center of the Astralon circle, raising his staff towards the sky. "Magic is nothing but the application of the natural laws around us. We harness the power of nature through magic, and a mage's capacity is limited only by two factors: imagination and the law of conservation of energy. The first allows you to summon, proliferate, and generate based on the inner workings of your mind. The second, the law of conservation of energy which states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed. We mages manipulate energy, we don't create itand the extent of that manipulation distinguishes an excellent magician from a mediocre one."
He lowered his staff and looked at each of us intently. "You need to control your magical energy as you control your breathing. The inflow of energy should not exceed what you can hold as a vessel. Anything beyond your capacity is dangerous; anything less is useless. By concentrating on your elemental affinity and manipulating the energy flow within you from your environment, a mage can achieve the perfect balance which leads to remarkable feats—travel vast distances, heal mortal wounds, transfigure entities, create force barriers, and generate energy blasts. The possibilities are as vast as your imagination and the existing laws of nature."
Menelaus raised his hands, and we watched as a small orb of energy formed above us, shimmering with ethereal light. "Each of us has innate energy reserves. The first thing you must learn as a mage is to tap into those reserves before accessing the unlimited energy around you. Now, let us begin."
He turned to Bran, who stepped forward confidently. "Show us your fire magic, Bran," Menelaus instructed.
Bran nodded, closing his eyes and concentrating. A warm glow enveloped him, and soon, flames danced around his hands. He raised his arms, and the fire spiraled upwards, forming a magnificent firebird that soared into the night sky before dissipating.
"Excellent control," Menelaus praised. "Remember, the key is to balance the energy within you and the energy you draw from your surroundings."
Next was Ishtar. He stepped forward, his face a mask of concentration. He closed his eyes, and a gust of wind swirled around him, lifting him a few inches off the ground. He moved his hands gracefully, and the wind responded, forming intricate patterns in the air.
"Impressive," Menelaus said. "Your connection to the wind is strong, Ishtar. Continue refining your control."
The twins, Karim and Haruno, stepped forward together. Menelaus nodded, and they held hands, their faces mirroring each other's determination. Karim focused on water, while Haruno concentrated on fire. To our amazement, a vortex of steam formed around them, the fire and water elements merging seamlessly.
"Remarkable," Menelaus observed. "Always remember twins draw magic from their bond, one is weak without the other, but together, you two can do feats worthy of an Archmage title. Use it wisely."
Finally, it was my turn. I stepped into the center. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, focusing on the peaceful, tranquil energy I had felt during the Divination training. Slowly, I felt a surge of power within me, like the gentle warmth of the sun.
"Draw upon the stars," Menelaus encouraged. "Feel their energy flow through you."
I raised my hands towards the sky, and a soft, golden light emanated from my palms. The light grew brighter, forming a protective barrier around me, shimmering with the essence of the stars.
Menelaus smiled. "Well done, Erik. Your affinity with celestial magic is strong. Remember, control and balance are key."
He then demonstrated his own mastery, combining elements with effortless grace.
"Observe closely," he instructed. "The manipulation of energy is subtle but powerful. Watch how the elements respond to my will, how they flow and merge seamlessly."
We watched in awe as Menelaus continued to showcase his abilities. The air around us buzzed with raw magical energy.
"Now, practice," he said, stepping back. "Each of you must hone your skills, find the balance within yourselves, and learn to draw upon the stars."
For the next few hours, we practiced tirelessly. Bran's firebird grew more intricate, Ishtar's wind patterns more complex. The twins continued to perfect their steam vortex. With protecting the people from my village in mind, I focused on my celestial barrier, trying to maintain its stability while increasing its maximum output and range, drawing more energy from the stars.
Menelaus moved among us, offering guidance and encouragement. "Remember, energy flows like a river," he said. "Do not force it. Let it guide you, and in turn, guide it."
As the night wore on, exhaustion began to set in, but our determination remained unwavering. The stars above seemed to shine brighter, their energy flowing into us, fueling our magic.
By the time Menelaus called for a break, we were all drenched in sweat but filled with a sense of accomplishment.
"Well done, all of you," Menelaus said, his voice filled with pride. "You have shown remarkable and unlimited potential. Continue to practice, to learn, and to grow. The power of the stars is within you."
