LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 7: Chapter 6: New Objective
Chapter 6: New Objective
Jason stood in the center of his chamber, the faint hum of energy still resonating in his palm. The orb of light he had summoned moments earlier flickered and dimmed before vanishing altogether. The sensation of magic coursing through his body was exhilarating and alien, like discovering a muscle he never knew he had. He could feel its potential, a deep reservoir waiting to be tapped. But potential wasn't enough—he needed mastery.
The system's voice echoed in his mind as if to affirm his thoughts.
**[New Objective: Learn basic magic spells. Complete three foundational spells to unlock advanced magical pathways.]**
Jason grinned despite himself. He had spent most of his life in the modern world, where magic was confined to myths and stories. Now, it was a tangible force within his grasp. His excitement was tempered by a practical understanding: magic could be his greatest asset in this world, but only if he approached it with discipline and caution.
"Alright," he said aloud, his voice cutting through the silence of the room. "Let's see what this is all about."
---
The first step, Jason realized, was to understand the mechanics of magic in the Pagan Empire. Mira, ever perceptive to his needs, had already provided him with several books on the subject. He retrieved the stack of texts from a nearby table and settled onto a cushioned seat, flipping open the first volume.
The book, titled *Foundations of the Arcane*, was an elegantly written guide on the basics of magical theory. Jason read with the intensity of someone cramming for an exam, absorbing every word.
Magic, according to the text, was the manipulation of *Anja*, the life force that permeated all living things. It was a delicate balance of willpower, concentration, and understanding of natural elements. The three foundational spells every mage learned were: **Light Orb**, **Elemental Spark**, and **Shielding Veil**. Each spell served as a building block for more advanced techniques, teaching control, focus, and the connection between the caster and the surrounding energy.
Jason couldn't help but smirk. "A curriculum, huh? I guess even magic has its prerequisites."
---
The first spell, **Light Orb**, was deceptively simple. It involved gathering raw Anja and shaping it into a visible orb. Jason had already stumbled upon this spell during his initial experiments, but according to the book, the true test lay in refining the orb's stability and brightness.
He stood in the center of the room, closed his eyes, and focused inward. The hum of energy beneath his skin responded, like a stream waiting to be directed. Jason visualized the flow of energy coalescing in his palm, and an orb of light materialized, faint and flickering.
"Alright, focus," he muttered. He steadied his breathing, visualizing the orb as a steady flame. Slowly, it grew brighter, its edges smoothing into a perfect sphere. The light illuminated the room, casting long shadows against the walls.
Jason grinned, satisfaction blooming in his chest. "One down."
The orb dissipated with a thought, leaving him eager for the next challenge.
---
The second spell, **Elemental Spark**, was a step up in complexity. It required channeling Anja through a specific element—in this case, fire. The book explained that fire, being volatile and unpredictable, was the ideal medium for teaching control.
Jason prepared himself, stretching his fingers and rolling his shoulders. He focused again, drawing Anja to his fingertips, but this time, he imagined it as heat—a spark waiting to ignite. His hand grew warm, then hot, as small embers danced along his palm. A sudden burst of fire flared to life, bright and fierce.
He yelped, shaking his hand to extinguish the flames. "Okay, maybe a little too much enthusiasm."
The heat had been intense but manageable. He tried again, this time guiding the energy more carefully. A single spark leapt from his fingertips, hanging in the air like a tiny star before vanishing.
"Better," Jason said, exhaling slowly. He repeated the process several times, each attempt refining the spark's size and duration. By the end of the session, he could summon and extinguish the spark with precision.
"Two down," he murmured, wiping sweat from his brow. Magic, he realized, was as much a physical exercise as a mental one. Each spell required focus and stamina, and he felt the strain with every attempt.
---
The final spell, **Shielding Veil**, was the most challenging. Unlike the previous spells, which were external manifestations, this one required internal fortification. The Shielding Veil was a protective barrier, drawn from Anja to deflect physical and magical attacks. The book warned that failure often resulted in the shield collapsing under its own weight, draining the caster's energy.
Jason took a deep breath, bracing himself. He closed his eyes and visualized a barrier surrounding him, a translucent dome of energy. He felt the Anja respond, spreading from his core to form a protective layer.
The air around him shimmered faintly, but the barrier was fragile, wavering under its own instability. Jason gritted his teeth, pouring more energy into the spell. The shield grew stronger, its surface solidifying into a faintly glowing veil.
A knock at the door startled him, and the barrier shattered with an audible crack. Jason stumbled, his breath coming in short gasps.
"Your Highness, is everything alright?" Mira's voice came from the other side.
Jason straightened, wiping his damp forehead. "Yes, just… practicing something new. Come in."
Mira entered, her eyes widening as she saw the faint traces of magic lingering in the air. "You're progressing quickly, sire."
Jason nodded, still catching his breath. "Magic is powerful, but it's demanding. I'll need more training if I'm going to master it."
Mira smiled softly. "You're already doing more than most novices. I've seen seasoned mages struggle with the basics."
Her words were encouraging, but Jason wasn't satisfied. "Struggling isn't enough. I need to excel. This empire doesn't have time for me to lag behind."
Mira nodded, her expression serious. "Then I'll make arrangements for you to meet with a tutor. The High Council of Monks oversees magical training, but there are independent scholars who might teach you quietly."
Jason considered her suggestion, then shook his head. "Not yet. For now, I want to focus on what I can learn on my own. I need to understand this power before involving others."
Mira bowed. "As you wish, sire."
---
Jason spent the next several hours refining his spells. The Shielding Veil took the most effort, but by the end of the night, he had created a barrier strong enough to withstand small projectiles—a success that left him both exhausted and exhilarated.
The system's voice chimed again, cutting through his weariness.
**[Objective Complete: Learn basic magic spells.]**
**[Reward: Unlocking "Intermediate Magic Pathways." New skills available for exploration.]**
Jason smiled faintly, his body aching but his mind alight with possibility. He had taken another step forward, his progress slow but undeniable. The magic he had once viewed as a distant, unattainable force was now part of him—a tool he could wield to shape his destiny.
As he lay on the bed, staring at the intricate patterns on the ceiling, Jason's thoughts turned to the future. The system's next objective would likely push him further, but he welcomed the challenge. He had chosen this path, and he would see it through, no matter how steep the climb.
"This is only the beginning," he whispered to himself, the words a quiet promise in the dark .
(Continue….)