Chapter 1: I Want to Learn About Magic!

“Mommy! Mommy! I have a question!” shouted a small, sweet human boy as he raised his right hand with eager excitement, waving it back and forth.

A bright, innocent smile lit up his face. His vivid green eyes sparkled with wonder as he looked up at his mother, listening closely to every word spoken by the beautiful woman before him.

“Please, answer me!”

The boy was five years old, with medium-length dark blond hair that fell in soft strands over his forehead and a height typical for his age. He wore beige pants with pockets on both sides, a long-sleeved black shirt, and simple slip-on shoes.

Smiling, the woman nodded—delighted to see her son so eager to learn.

“That’s what I like to see,” she said. “You must always ask! If you ever want to know something, don’t hesitate to come to me. You know I’ll always answer you.”

Her voice was gentle and melodic, its natural beauty revealed with every word.

“So then, tell me, Christopher—what do you want to know?”

The beautiful woman had long, well-kept hair with a striking peculiarity: the right half was a deep, midnight black, while the left half was a pale, snowy white.

That unusual trait only made her beauty stand out even more.

Her porcelain-white skin made her striking eyes stand out even more—one a brilliant sky blue, the other as dark as the night. Those two shimmering colors were her windows to the world.

Her ears were long and pointed, with small rings adorning each lobe and several piercings along the cartilage. It was here that one could clearly tell that this beautiful woman—Valentina Hope—was a remarkable elf.

And although Valentina was indeed an elf, she was considered unusual because of her two-toned hair and mismatched eyes. Everyone knew her hair should have been completely white, and her eyes should have been blue.

“What’s wrong, sweetie? You suddenly went quiet. Oh, I know! You’re mesmerized because your mommy is just too beautiful, isn’t that, right?”

Valentina wore clothing with a touch of Victorian elegance: a long black skirt with ruffles that reached mid-calf, and a white blouse that covered her graceful torso, accented by a small bow resting above her chest.

A fitted sash cinched her waist, highlighting her enviable silhouette.

She completed her outfit with white stockings that reached her knees and black heeled boots that rose to her calves—though they were mostly hidden beneath her long, elegant skirt.

Mother and son—she, three hundred years old yet appearing no older than twenty-five, and he, a lively five-year-old—studied and chatted cheerfully in the home’s small library. It wasn’t a large room, but it was perfect for enjoying a quiet, pleasant moment of reading.

Two bookshelves stood against the walls, filled with volumes still waiting to be read or continued—mostly books on history, medicine, and magic, along with a handful of fantastical storybooks. The rest were neatly arranged in their proper places, giving the room a warm and orderly charm.

Their conversation flowed naturally.

“It’s not that… you’re just too clingy, Mom,” the boy grumbled—though not a trace of his bright, positive energy faded from him.

“I want you to tell me—who are the gods? Do they have names? Do you know them?”

A tiny, almost unnoticeable twitch appeared in Valentina’s right eye the moment Christopher asked that innocent question. She glanced briefly at the ceiling, then focused on giving him the best explanation she could.

“Let’s just say I… know about the Gods only what everyone else knows, all thanks to books and the church. That’s why reading is so important.”

Christopher nodded, and Valentina let out a small smile; she loved how attentively her son absorbed everything she taught.

“There are no records mentioning whether they have individual names… but everyone knows them as:”

The Warrior God of Life

“The God who created life!” Christopher exclaimed.

“Exactly,” Valentina continued. “While Kosmos was being formed, this god was responsible for bringing every form of life into existence, filling the world with intelligent and sentient beings capable of feeling, evolving, forming bonds, reproducing, and spreading across the land.”

“Did this god also create the beasts and magical creatures?” Christopher asked.

“That’s right,” Valentina replied. “He created them all—from the smallest, most insignificant creature to the largest and most fearsome of all the beasts.”

“Mom, which god comes next?”

The Warrior God of Death

“He… he scares me a little.”

“You don’t need to be afraid,” Valentina said softly. “The gods aren’t evil beings. They’re essential to us.”

Christopher nodded, almost entranced, as Valentina lifted a finger and continued the lesson.

“To maintain balance in existence, this god was the one who introduced death to Kosmos. Only then could the cycle of life and death be completed.”

“And… is that really important?” Christopher asked, doubt shimmering in his eyes.

“Very important,” Valentina replied. “Because for life to exist, death must exist as well. And for death to exist, life has to come first.

“Now, pay close attention, because we’re moving on to the god you like the most.”

“Yes!” Christopher exclaimed, nearly bursting with joy. “The God who blessed us with magic!”

The Warrior God of Magic

Valentina continued her explanation.

“This god blessed all of Kosmos with what we call magical energy, granting every living being the ability to use it—whether in great or small measure. There isn’t a single creature incapable of using magic… they simply don’t know how.”

Christopher brought a hand to his chin, nodding thoughtfully.

“Like animals, right?”

“Exactly, sweetie,” Valentina praised, gently tapping his nose. “If we take a dog as an example, everyone knows it can’t use magic because it doesn’t have the kind of thinking needed to use it.”

“And what about magical beasts?” Christopher asked, more curious than ever.

“Magical beasts are the exception,” the beautiful elf explained. “They’re beings born with that ability—in other words, magical beasts come into the world already knowing how to use magic.”

“Magic… I know some kinds of magic. But do you know how many there are?” Christopher’s face lit up again.

“Of course,” Valentina replied, her heart softening at the sight of her beloved son’s smile. “There are many types of magic a living being can use. Look, I’ll tell you which ones they are:”

The Elemental Magic

“Fire magic, earth magic, wind magic, and water magic!” Christopher exclaimed, already imagining everything he could do once he learned more about magic.

“Exactly! You really do know quite a bit,” Valentina said as she pinched his cheeks again. “Elemental magic covers all four elements: fire, water, earth, and air.

“On top of that, you can combine different types of magic through something called Magical Fusion. This allows you to access secondary elements such as lava, ice, lightning, and many others.”

“Magical Fusion…” Christopher whispered. “Mom, what would happen if you combined, for example, fire magic and earth magic?”

“When you combine earth magic with fire magic, you can create another type of elemental magic—in this case, lava magic. But you should know that Magical Fusion isn’t only for combining elemental magic.”

“You can combine other kinds too?”

“That’s right. Other types of magic can be fused as well. But you need to understand that it’s not just about casting spells or magical attacks. If someone doesn’t fully understand the process required to access secondary elements, they risk harming themselves… or even losing their life.”

“I see…” Christopher murmured. “Magic is more dangerous than I thought… and I’ve been practicing it in secret…

The Arboreal Magic

“With this type of magic, you can create all kinds of plants. It’s not usually used in combat—unless the user knows how to adapt it for battle. Still, it has many other applications.”

“Like making plants grow where there aren’t any?”

“Exactly,” Valentina replied. “That’s why I said it’s very useful. In fact, magic is meant more for everyday life than for fighting. But now, let’s move on to the next type:”

The Light Magic

“It allows the user to wield light-based energy, and it’s especially effective against enemies who rely on its opposite: Darkness Magic.”

“This magic is really strong, right?”

“That’s right, sweetie,” Valentina said with a smile. “And just like other types of magic, Light Magic is very flexible—you can shape it into an object, like a blade of light, or turn it into a defensive barrier, which is particularly effective against Darkness Magic.”

“So then,” Christopher wondered aloud, “can I defeat lots of enemies with this magic?”

“Yes, you can,” Valentina replied. “But the most wonderful thing about magic is that it doesn’t have to be used for fighting.”

“Light Magic can do many things outside of combat. For example, it can be used to illuminate dark places, like caves or pathways at night.”

Christopher smiled and pointed at the ceiling.

“Or our library! Which one comes next?”

The Darkness Magic

“This type of magic is the opposite of Light Magic, and it’s usually a bit weaker against it—although that depends heavily on the user’s skill. For example, if someone highly experienced in Darkness Magic faced someone less experienced in Light Magic, the victor would be the one with greater mastery.”

“The one with more experience,” Christopher said aloud. “So in that case, the one using Darkness Magic would win.”

“Yes, but remember: Darkness Magic has many uses, especially its ability to instill fear and panic in an opponent.

“And it can also be used for simpler—but still helpful—things. For example, when you’re trying to sleep. If you’re somewhere too bright, you can use it to darken the area and rest more comfortably.”

“Teach me! The spirits that live in your garden always visit me at night, and they glow too much. I can’t sleep because of them.”

“Don’t be mean,” Valentina protested, pouting adorably. “They love you so much. But let’s move on to the next one.”

The Holy Magic

“This type of magic is usually used by high priests or the most devoted believers. However, those known as ‘Blessed by Magic’ can also wield it at advanced levels.”

“You’re strong… can you use it?”

“I can’t,” Valentina replied. “I’m not part of that faithful, devoted group, and I don’t even know how to use it properly.”

“I see,” Christopher murmured. “And… do you know what it’s used for?”

“Of course. This type of magic is used primarily in battles against the terrifying Daimonas, the most hated beings in the world.”

A shiver ran down Christopher’s spine.

“Holy Magic is one of the four types of magic capable of destroying a Daimonas with a single attack—so long as the user has enough energy. With other types, it takes much more effort to achieve the same result.”

Christopher jotted that down in his notebook, and Valentina continued.

“Holy Magic also grants healing abilities, which are highly valued.”

She brought a hand to her chin, wondering if she had forgotten something.

“By the way, Holy Magic isn’t only used to defeat DAIMONAS or heal during battle. It’s also used to cure the sick, grant blessings, and ease the suffering of other living beings.”

“I know that spell,” Christopher added. “It’s healing magic, right? The one they use in the temples.”

“That’s right,” Valentina answered, her tone growing noticeably more serious. “Healing is considered one of the kindest magical spells in existence. It doesn’t just allow you to heal yourself or your allies—it can also heal animals, magical creatures, and even… enemies.

“But it’s very rarely used to heal enemies. Now then, the next one is:”

The Celestial Magic

“Heaven’s magic,” Christopher said. “It’s the magic only the ones who live in the sky can use, right?”

“That’s what people believe,” Valentina replied. “The most common belief is that, because of its divine essence, only celestial beings—like angels or other heavenly entities—can wield it.

“Adventurers often argue about rumors claiming that this type of magic belongs solely to the gods, and that no one else could ever use it.

“Some even claim to have seen a celestial being descend from the heavens to confront a Daimonas.”

“The Daimonas…” Christopher whispered. Just hearing that cursed, blasphemous, macabre word made his body bristle as if touched by cold steel. “The most evil beings in all of Kosmos…”

“Yes,” Valentina said softly. “Those things… they’re the worst of the worst. There’s nothing—and no one—whose malice compares to theirs.”

“Mom… have you ever seen one?” This time, Christopher’s eyes held no spark of curiosity. They were dim, clouded with fear. “Are they really that horrible?”

“They’re worse than anything you can imagine…” Valentina answered, her voice tinged with melancholy and fear. In that single reply lay far too much experience—far too much history—something anyone would wish to forget.

A brief silence fell between them. Neither seemed willing to continue speaking about those living abominations.

Valentina noticed her son’s mood sinking, and it was understandable. Not just anyone can talk about the Daimonas—the enemies of the world—without losing some of their optimism.

“You know what? Let’s forget about those ugly monsters,” Valentina said as she leaned forward and pinched his nose. “I want us to keep talking about magic. What do you say?”

“Yes!” Christopher replied, nodding excitedly. He quickly filled an entire page of his notebook with observations about Celestial Magic.

“And what can this type of magic do?” he asked, his bright eyes fixed on his mother.

“In truth… no one knows,” Valentina said, shaking her head as her expression grew more serious. “We don’t know what Celestial Magic can do, or what offensive or defensive spells it might have. There are no books or reliable sources that can guide anyone trying to learn it.”

“We simply know nothing.” She touched her chin, deep in thought. “Although… it’s very likely that the high ranks of the church know far more than they admit. At least, that’s what I believe.”

“And why do they hide it?”

Even Valentina was taken aback by that question. She nodded slowly. “Many of us wonder the same thing. But anyway, let’s set that aside. I do know plenty about the next type of magic, and that is:”

The Sound Magic

“Sound magic! And it’s musicians’ favorite,” Christopher said.

“This type of magic is mainly used for distraction. It lets you confuse or locate hidden enemies. You can even influence their movements—though only to a certain extent.”

“You can influence them? I didn’t know Sound Magic could do that!” Christopher’s face lit up with pure amazement.

Valentina paused, choosing her words carefully.

“Let’s see…” She closed her eyes for a moment. “It’s not that you control them. Rather, Sound Magic allows you to hide the noise of your own movements or launch surprise attacks, making the user nearly invisible.”

She considered her next explanation as Christopher stared at her, silently urging her to continue.

“You can also use it offensively—attacking an enemy’s eardrums with sound, causing dizziness, loss of balance… even deafness.”

“How horrible it must be to go deaf…” Christopher murmured, imagining such an attack and how painful it would be. “I can’t even imagine it.”

Valentina continued.

“You must remember that this type of magic isn’t malleable—meaning you can’t shape it the way you can with other forms of magic.”

“So I can’t make a sword out of sound?” Christopher asked, slightly disappointed.

“Exactly,” Valentina replied. “You can’t give Sound Magic a physical form. However, it can be used defensively—by using sound as a shield—and it can even neutralize other magical attacks. In truth, it’s far more useful than it seems.”

“Okay! Now the next one!” Christopher said eagerly.

“All right, the next type is:”

The Reinforcement Magic

“This type of magic is used to enhance one’s physical abilities—or those of another person, or even an entire group. It can grant greater strength, endurance, agility, and durability for battle.”

“So adventurers use it a lot, right?” Christopher asked, his pen and notebook already prepared for more notes.

“That’s right,” Valentina replied. “It’s very important for adventurers to learn it. And you should learn it too,” she added, pinching his nose once again. “If you want to become an adventurer, you’ll need to master this type of magic.”

Another blank page in Christopher’s notebook quickly filled with neatly written notes and careful observations. Valentina continued.

“It’s worth mentioning that this type of magic isn’t only for fighting. It can be used in many other situations. For example, it can enhance eyesight and increase visual range, allowing the user to detect enemies from remarkable distances.”

Christopher nodded, imagining himself spying on his friends from afar and throwing stones at them—an idea he proudly considered brilliant.

“It can also be used to win strength contests, like arm wrestling. And it provides a considerable advantage in martial arts tournaments, as long as the rules allow it. Some people even use it in… intimate situations, to intensify physical pleasure.”

Valentina said that last part with a small, embarrassed smile.

“Physical pleasure?” Christopher repeated, confused, unable to imagine what that could mean.

“That’s not something you need to know. Not for now—so just forget I said that.” Flustered, Valentina cleared her throat and quickly moved on. “Let’s talk about something more interesting:”

The Seal Magic

“Listen carefully, Christopher—Seal Magic is a very interesting, useful, and powerful type of magic.”

Christopher nodded, his hands practically trembling with excitement, more than ready to fill another page with notes.

“With this type of magic, you can restrain an enemy’s movements or seal powerful beasts or magical creatures—sometimes even Daimo—” She stopped herself abruptly. “You seal these creatures inside enchanted objects, as long as the user is strong enough to do so.”

“And then you can summon them, right?” Christopher asked. “And they can help you fight!”

“Exactly,” Valentina replied. “Seal Magic also allows the use of Magical Runes, which is one of its variations.”

“Variations?” Christopher’s eyes reflected not doubt, but an endless desire to learn—he was more fascinated than ever.

“Think of it this way: it’s like a different branch of magic within the same category. For example, runes are considered Rune Magic, but they still fall under Seal Magic.”

“I get it,” Christopher said, pausing for a moment before eagerly returning to his notes.

“What else can you do with Seal Magic?”

Valentina lifted a finger, like a seasoned instructor preparing to explain something important.

“This type of magic can also be used to release your own power, increasing your hidden potential… or sealing it away, if you prefer. And as we mentioned, it can be used to summon beings with whom you share a bond—or beings bound to you by contract. Seal Magic also allows you to call forth objects—whether magical items, forged weapons, or even natural elements—as long as the user has the necessary capability.”

“So then, the next one is—” Christopher said, counting on his fingers.

The Racial Magic

“This type of magic can only be used by the races of Kosmos—except for humans, who don’t possess it.”

“That’s not fair!” Christopher complained. “You can use elven magic, but I’m fully human. It’s really not fair.”

“Sweetie, don’t say that,” Valentina replied with a gentle smile. “You’re incredibly capable, and you don’t need this kind of magic. Now, let me give you a few examples: dragons—fierce, intelligent, and nearly invincible magical beasts—are the only beings capable of using Draconian Magic.”

“And what about the demi-humans?”

“I was just getting to that,” Valentina said. “Demi-humans and beastmen from different clans can use Bestial Magic. Dwarves, on the other hand, wield Mineral Magic. And each race can have unique spells, not limited to just one category.”

“It’s still unfair…” Christopher muttered, puffing out his cheeks in frustration, unable to even write.

“You look like a little hamster when you do that. It makes me want to put you in a tiny box and keep you forever.” She giggled softly. “Shall we continue?”

Christopher nodded.

The Unique Magic

“This is the rarest type of magic of all. It’s so rare that only a handful of people in all of Kosmos can use it—regardless of their race or age.”

“Unique Magic…” Christopher whispered. “Mom, do you have Unique Magic?”

“No, sweetie,” the beautiful elf replied. “I wasn’t born with that ability. Unique Magic is more like a gift a living being is born with; it isn’t learned— it simply manifests from birth. For example, the ability to foresee the future to some extent, or to control minds, among many others.”

“Is there only one kind of Unique Magic?” Christopher asked, fully absorbed in the conversation.

“No,” Valentina explained gently. “A small number of individuals can share the same type of Unique Magic. In fact, a single city could have more than one person capable of reading minds.”

“And you can’t teach it to someone else?” Christopher paused his note-taking, giving her his full attention. “If someone in Gignit can do it… can’t they teach us?”

“That’s a very good question.” Valentina pinched his cheeks again, making him grumble softly.

“But no—Unique Magic can’t be copied or learned, because it’s tied to the individual’s soul. It can, however, be inherited by one’s descendants. And even someone who possesses one Unique Magic cannot learn another.”

“So no… unfortunately, no one can teach it to you.”

“Another injustice…” Christopher pouted again, while his mother simply laughed and stuck out her tongue at him.

“Now let’s move on to the last one—one of the most useful types of magic there is:”

The Spatial Magic

“Spatial Magic is considered one of the most useful types of magic in existence—but also one of the hardest to learn.”

“Mom,” Christopher called, his eyes full of eager expectation. “Can you use it?”

The weight of his hope felt like sharp pressure against her back. For a moment, she hesitated… then sighed, knowing there was no point in lying.

“I’m sorry, sweetie, but I can’t. In fact, I don’t even know how to use it.”

Yet there wasn’t a single trace of disappointment on Christopher’s face. Instead, a small smile emerged—almost as if he had just discovered a new goal, a new way to surpass his mother.

“And do you know what you can do with Spatial Magic?”

“Of course,” Valentina said proudly, puffing out her chest. “With Spatial Magic, you can store all kinds of objects. It works like a magical inventory, regardless of their size.

“However, the amount and size of what can be stored depend greatly on the caster’s capacity and magical energy. Those who master this magic often hide all their belongings inside a space created specifically for that purpose, allowing them to travel without exposing valuable items.

“That way, they avoid being robbed by thieves or mercenaries on the road.”

Christopher nodded vigorously, as if his notebook were moments away from bursting into flames from how fast he was writing.

“Spatial Magic is even more useful than Seal Magic.”

Valentina nodded in agreement.

“Yes, but at the same time, mastering Spatial Magic comes with many complications.”

Christopher raised an eyebrow.

“Why is it such a problem? I like it a lot, and I want to learn it!”

“You’re right—it’s incredibly useful,” Valentina said, slipping back into her gentle, teacher-like tone. “The problem comes from other people… those who are very interested in finding users of this magic.”

Christopher nodded thoughtfully, trying to piece together why Spatial Magic might come with hidden dangers.

“Normally, those who can use this type of magic tend to hide it, because they’re often hunted for their ability. Criminals want them to hide stolen goods… or contraband.”

“Criminals… they always ruin everything.”

“And you’re not wrong. They’re the worst part of our society. But let’s not talk about those wretches. Regardless of their intentions, Spatial Magic users are also highly sought after by merchants for transporting goods across long distances.

“Spatial Magic is incredibly useful, but in combat it’s only effective if it’s been specifically trained for battle. For example, even if an enemy is far away, the user could harm them by manipulating the space between them.”

Christopher raised his hand, and Valentina nodded, giving him permission to speak.

“So if I learn it… could I cast spells that let me visit my friends’ houses… and Selestia’s?”

Valentina immediately noticed the faint blush on his cheeks at the mention of the little girl’s name.

“That’s right—you could visit your friends… and your girlfriend, Selestia.”

“She’s not my girlfriend!” the boy protested, staring at the floor in complete embarrassment.

“She’s… she’s just my friend…”

They stayed quiet for a moment as Valentina teased him a little more, though the lesson had to go on. Learning was serious… but also meant to be fun.

“So if Spatial Magic lets me travel from one place to another… does that mean it’s the strongest of all?”

Valentina shook her head, this time with a much more serious tone.

“In essence, it might seem like the best type of magic. But the truth is that no type of magic is weaker or stronger than another; everything depends on the user’s abilities. And more importantly, magic isn’t limited to fighting, battles, or killing. It can be incredibly useful in everyday life.”

“So then…” Christopher murmured, writing slowly and thoughtfully in his notebook. “If I learn this kind of magic… I’ll be able to defeat Mom and Dad…”

And I know that someday… you will, my son.

“With this, we’re done talking about the different types of magic. So let me ask you something: can you learn any type of magic? Any one you want, regardless of which it is?”

“No, I can’t,” Christopher replied seriously, as if taking an exam. “There are some I can’t learn, and since I’m human, there are several that aren’t available to me… and that’s really unfair!”

“I know, sweetie. And you’re right—you can’t learn every type of magic. Celestial Magic, Unique Magic, and Racial Magic are off-limits to you.”

“But I can learn all the others, and that’s enough for me to become the best adventurer!” he declared, still visibly frustrated about giving up the types he found so interesting.

“And you will. Aside from those ‘special’ types, every other kind of magic can be learned by any living being with enough intelligence and reasoning. You don’t need compatibility or natural affinity.”

“So… can I learn Light Magic and Darkness Magic at the same time?”

“Exactly,” Valentina said with a smile, revealing a swirl of dark mist forming in one palm while a bright sphere of light shimmered in the other. “Someone who masters Light Magic can also use Darkness Magic without any problem.”

“So then I can learn Elemental Magic too—like water and fire, or earth and air!”

“You really are a little genius, huh?” Valentina praised, earning from her son one of the brightest smiles he had ever shown. “You can learn them all. What you need is the willingness and the perseverance to do it.”

“But keep something very important in mind, Christopher.” Valentina raised a finger and pointed it toward the ceiling. Christopher followed the gesture—only for his cheeks to be stretched a moment later. “Some types of magic are harder to learn than others. You’ll notice that as you continue training.”

“And as you already know, some types of magic consume more energy, or require far more effort to master than others. And finally, the most important thing of all: to cast magic—whether offensive or defensive—you must always recite it in the magical language.”

✧ ✧ ✧

Christopher brought a hand to his chin again, mimicking a gesture his mother made so often—an unmistakable sign that he was thinking deeply. The sight amused Valentina, who rested her elbows on the table and cupped her chin in her palms, losing herself for a moment in the serious, thoughtful gaze of those green eyes she adored so dearly.

“Why are summonings considered Seal Magic?” Christopher asked, his face filled with genuine curiosity. “Is it like you said—just a variation of Seal Magic?”

Valentina raised an eyebrow, her expression brightening with satisfaction. Her son was far more intelligent than he seemed, and she knew it. More than anything, she loved how carefully he listened and turned that attention into questions… into real learning.

“That, sweetie, is a very good question.” Valentina smiled, needing a moment to pull herself back down to earth after drifting into those verdant eyes.

“As you surely ‘already know,’ summonings require forming a pact or contract with magical creatures or beasts. That contract is sealed inside something capable of containing them—or of transporting them from wherever they are to your location. It might be a crystal, a scroll, a ring… even a sword.”

She paused, searching for the best way to explain it to a child—an exceptionally intelligent one.

“What you summon depends entirely on the magical beast with whom you’ve made the contract. The more intelligent the creature is… the more powerful the summoning will be. And the more it evolves, the stronger it becomes. But you must grow stronger as well.”

Valentina let out a soft sigh, tinged with a faint hint of guilt as she chose her next words, a small bead of sweat forming on her temple.

“Although… in the case of creatures with low intelligence, you can take advantage of that and simply capture them.”

“Isn’t that… a little cruel?”

“Maybe it is. I won’t deny it—and that’s coming from an Elf.”

She pointed at herself, though this time her voice carried neither pride nor confidence.

“But that’s life in Kosmos, and you need to adapt to it. Especially if you want to become an adventurer.

“Look here, I’ll show you something…”

Valentina lifted her right hand, revealing the ring on her index finger. It was pale in color, marked with delicate black web-like patterns, and set with a small purple gemstone that glimmered faintly.

A moment later, a tiny spider materialized and began walking across the table toward the boy.

“Summons consume a portion of your magical energy. The stronger the creature, the more energy it takes. But this little spider isn’t very strong—I only use her for a few things.”

Christopher watched, completely absorbed, as the small spider with long black legs moved toward him. Instinct urged him to touch it. He reached out… and poof—it vanished with a soft pop.

He looked back at his mother with a bright smile, though she didn’t seem very pleased. One should never touch a summoned creature without caution.

“And what about weapons? I know you can summon swords too.”

Valentina smiled again.

“That works almost the same way, except you don’t form a contract with an object. But if the object is extremely powerful, you’ll need something capable of containing it before you can use it.”

“I want my own magic item someday, Mom… don’t be mean—give me one.”

Christopher pouted, and Valentina sighed softly, utterly defeated by his overwhelming cuteness.

“I promise I’ll give you a few if you behave,” she said. After a brief moment of thought, she offered him a warm, gentle smile. “But you’ll also need to work hard and be a good student—both in magic lessons with me and in martial arts with your father.”

Christopher nodded enthusiastically.

“That’s it? That’s easy!”

The beautiful elf sighed, once again losing herself in the deep green eyes of her beloved son. She became so absorbed that she didn’t even notice he had been calling her… not until he practically shouted.

“Mom! Why aren’t you listening? I asked you to tell me about all the Gods… there are still more left!”

Valentina blinked a couple of times, shaking off her wandering thoughts and returning to her task: teaching.

“Ah—yes! Forgive me, sweetie… I got distracted staring into those beautiful eyes of yours.”

A faint blush colored the boy’s cheeks.

After all, Valentina could be incredibly affectionate—and a little flirtatious—with him.

“Let’s continue.”

The Warrior God of Wisdom and Knowledge

“Thanks to this God, every living being in our world was blessed with the ability to think, reason, and analyze. He is the one who gave us the desire to learn and seek knowledge. And as time passes, we accumulate more and more of that knowledge—until we become wise.

“Wisdom is gained through experience, training, and practice. And also through reading—whether it’s books on magic, history, or anything else that can teach you something new.”

Valentina continued her explanation while her son nodded almost automatically, the perfect attentive student. He wrote down everything about this God before lifting his gaze to her again.

“Christopher, this is something very important that you need to understand well.”

Seriousness returned to Valentina’s expression. “To perform magic, training alone is not enough.

“You must also acquire knowledge—search for information in books, understand the explanations they offer, put them into practice… and, if necessary, ask someone experienced for guidance. And always write down everything you learn so you never forget it.”

Hearing that, Christopher felt pride swell in his chest.

There were many things he was proud of. For example: being able to read and write at such a young age—despite never having been taught. How he had accomplished that… remained a secret only he knew.

And, of course, there were his parents: the leaders of Gignit.

Valentina continued her masterful lesson.

The Warrior God of Battle

“This God granted the world the knowledge of the Art of Battle. Overcoming obstacles—and even overcoming oneself—are among the blessings bestowed by this divine being. He also grants the ability to turn a seemingly lost fight… into victory.

“His blessings aren’t limited to physical combat. Even the simplest game can be a great battle. The same goes for an argument with your partner… or a quarrel between children.”

“Even a game?” Christopher whispered as his mother continued speaking.

The Warrior God of Courage

“He is the one who bestowed courage and bravery upon the world. Thanks to him, many living beings manage to withstand terrible storms, embark on the most dangerous adventures… and return victorious.

“And you must understand that courage isn’t limited to battles or adventures. You also need it to build a family, to say ‘no’ to something you dislike… or even to confess your feelings to someone you love.”

“To confess… that… takes a lot of courage.”

“You have someone in mind, don’t you? I’ll bet you a candy it’s Selestia.”

“Mom, stop already! It’s not like that.” A deep crimson blush flooded Christopher’s face. “Just continue… and don’t tease me anymore.”

“Sorry, sweetie. I couldn’t help myself. Let’s continue.”

The Warrior God of Creativity

“The blessing this God bestowed upon Kosmos is creativity, and it touches every moment of life—from preparing a new recipe to crafting battle strategies. Creativity is also essential in magic and martial arts.

“The greatest merchants and blacksmiths say that to create the finest product or achieve the highest sales, one must have knowledge, proper wisdom… and the creativity to combine everything.”

As Valentina said, this applies to every aspect of life, in any world. It isn’t just about creating a product; to achieve victory in battle, one must know how to create the exact moment that leads to triumph.

The Warrior God of Light

“As you already know, he blessed the world with the warmth of day. He was responsible for creating the Sun, allowing all living beings to carry out their missions and daily activities… and enjoy the rays that illuminate the world.”

The Warrior God of Darkness

“And this God was the one who created the night. But he did not do so to strengthen the DAIMONAS—he created it so that all living beings could rest… and, when day arrived, recover their strength.

“It is said that the Warrior God of Darkness watches over those who must act during the night: those who stand guard, carry out missions, or protect their villages.

“To them, he grants the courage needed to fulfill their duty.”

Valentina let out a quiet sigh, tinged with nostalgia and melancholy.

“Now comes the Goddess I believe in… the only one I pray to.”

The Warrior God of Hope

“This Goddess brought into the world the will to live, the strength to keep moving forward, and the belief that in the end… everything will turn out well. Hope is such a powerful force that it can transform even the weakest of men… into the greatest hero in history.

“I don’t know if you’ve heard this, but it’s said that the leaders of the Church know of a certain prophecy. And according to one part of it, in the future—when the final great war begins… hope will be the key to victory.”

✧ ✧ ✧

“Wow… the Warrior Gods really are incredible, Mom. Do you truly believe in the Warrior God of Hope?”

Valentina looked at her son with tenderness, though her eyes held a hint of doubt… and a trace of guilt. She reached out and gently pinched Christopher’s nose.

“Yes. I believe in her with all my heart. After all, it’s thanks to that Goddess that I have you in my life. You’re the most precious and important thing I have.”

With a soft smile, Valentina stroked his head and kissed his forehead. Then she stood, inviting him to follow her outside.

“Come on, sweetie. It’s time for our magic lesson.”

But before that, she paused and glanced down at herself.

“Just wait here a moment. I need to go change my clothes, because we absolutely cannot train while I’m looking this beautiful, gorgeous, stunning, and overwhelmingly radiant. I would steal far too many glances—and I don’t want that! I already have the only men I need right here with me. It’s more than enough that you two tell me how beautiful, incomparable, dazzling, and utterly unreachable I am.”

There she goes again.

Christopher smiled nervously. He knew all too well how flirtatious his mother could be… but only with his father, and with him.

He finished writing down everything he had learned that day in his notebook. Then he got up and walked to the living room, where he would wait for Valentina so they could head out to train properly.

From miles away, anyone could tell he was barely managing to contain his excitement.