Lost in thought, Luna’s fingers curled around the wand in her pocket as a memory surfaced—vivid and unshaken by time. She could still recall the day she met Elise, the day her life changed forever—the day she first learned the basics of magic.

  She had been only seven years old when she met Elise.

  It was a quiet afternoon in Karmine. Her mother, Linda, had gone on one of her usual delivery runs to the port town, leaving Luna to wander the streets alone. Her crescent pendant swayed with each step, clinking softly against the green gem necklace that hung around her neck.

  She hadn’t meant to stray too far. But as she ran past the familiar buildings and the busy market, excitement carried her forward, her small feet eventually leading her to the south gate.

  In awe, she paused, mesmerized by the vast fields stretching beyond the open gate. Rolling greenery, trees dotting the landscape, and the bright blue sky blended into a breathtaking scene of serenity. The peaceful view held her gaze, drawing her attention beyond the safety of the town.

  That day, for reasons unknown, the gate had been left open. No guards stood watch.

  And then… A low growl cut through the quiet and peaceful afternoon. From beyond the gate, three Shadow Hounds, wolf-like beasts tainted by the Dark Lord’s corruption, lurked into view. Their black, matted fur bristled. Red eyes, gleaming like embers, locked on her. These creatures had long been devoured of intellect, reduced to nothing but primal hunger. They sensed her presence, their instincts screamed to attack.

  The largest of the three snarled, baring jagged fangs, and then—all at once—they lunged.

  Luna froze, barely having time to scream. But before the creatures could reach her, Elise appeared out of nowhere, her voice ringing with command as she unleashed her magic.

  "Earthen Snare!"

  The ground trembled. Thick roots exploded from the earth, ensnaring two of the beasts mid-air. They thrashed wildly, snapping their jaws, but the magic held firm.

  Without hesitation, she followed up with another spell.

  "Incinerate!"

  A surge of flames engulfed the trapped creatures, their howls of agony cut short as they were reduced to ash.

  But the third hound was faster. It twisted away from the spell, darting through the flames, and lunged straight for Luna.

  Elise reacted instantly. "Barrier!" A shimmering shield formed around Luna just in time to block the attack.

  Terrified, young Luna screamed. For the first time in her life, she felt fear unlike anything before. She raised her arms, instinctively shielding her face. In that desperate moment, something deep within her awoke. An unseen force surged within her, a raw, untapped power. A sudden blast of energy erupted from her hands, striking the Shadow Hound and sending it flying into a wall and hitting the ground with a heavy thud, dazed and motionless.

  Elise gasped, emotion welling in her eyes as she recognized what had just happened. With a fierce expression, she raised her hand and unleashed a devastating spell.

  "Soul Rupture!"

  A surge of dark energy ripped through the air, striking the wounded beast. The spell tore through its very essence—soul, flesh, and bones—all obliterated in an instant.

  Silence fell over the street.

  Once the danger had passed, Elise approached Luna and knelt beside her, gently checking for any injuries. The first thing she noticed was the shattered green gem on Luna’s necklace.

  "Are you alright?" she asked softly.

  Luna nodded, still shaken but unharmed. “I—I think I’m okay. Thank you… for saving me.”

  Elise gave her a reassuring smile. "What’s your name?"

  "…Luna." She hesitated before tilting her head curiously. “What about you?”

  "My name is Elise," she replied, placing a hand over her chest.

  Luna glanced at the remains of the creatures, her expression filled with wonder and fear. "What were those things?"

  Elise’s face grew serious. "They are creatures of the dark, corrupted by its power." She placed a gentle hand on Luna’s shoulder. "You must be very careful, Luna. There are many others like them scattered across Terra, roaming the land."

  With patience, Elise explained everything, ensuring the young girl understood the dangers of the world she lived in. Luna listened intently, nodding in agreement, but another question burned in her mind. She looked up at Elise, eyes filled with wonder.

  “Elise… are you human?” Her voice was soft yet filled with curiosity. “You used such powerful magic… I’ve never seen anyone do that before. I can’t do anything like that, and most people I’ve seen can’t do that."

  The question lingered between them. Elise hesitated, making a silent decision whether to reveal the truth.

  Finally, she sighed and looked at Luna. "This must remain a secret. Do you promise?"

  Luna, eyes wide with curiosity, nodded firmly. "I promise!"

  Elise smiled slightly before answering truthfully. "I am a Nephilim. Both ancient and human blood run through me. We possess power far greater than ordinary humans. Our bodies are blessed with an abundance of energy."

  She lifted her left hand in front of Luna, channeling her mana. With effortless control, she manipulated the elements—gathering the air in her palm, condensing it into water, and making it swirl gracefully. Then, with a subtle shift in energy, she froze it into a delicate crystal of ice, letting it hover momentarily before shattering it into glimmering fragments.

  As Luna watched in awe, Elise continued. "This energy grants us a stronger mana flow and heightened focus. Some of us are gifted with immense strength, while others move with extraordinary speed."

  Her expression darkened. "I know there are still others like me… but our numbers dwindle with each passing year. The Legions of the Dark Lord and the Ancients hunt us relentlessly." Elise paused, her voice heavy with sorrow. "And mankind... they, too, share the same fate."

  Luna’s excitement dimmed slightly at the sadness in Elise’s voice.

  But then, with a gentle smile, she held her hand, her tone lightening. "Say… would you like to learn how to control your mana and use spells?" she asked brightly.

  Luna’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Really?! Yes! Please! I’d love to!”

  Elise chuckled, returning her enthusiasm. "How about we start right now?"

  Luna nodded eagerly, but then Elise glanced around. "But not here. Magic draws too much attention, and some people might not take kindly to it. Come with me to my home, it’s just down this road. What do you say?"

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  She held Luna’s hand as they walked together, chatting and discussing magic. But just a short distance from the gate, they came upon two guards, meant to be protecting it, struggling to fend off a lone Shadow Hound.

  Without breaking stride, Elise calmly raised a hand and whispered a spell. "Earth Spike."

  Three spikes erupted from the ground, impaling the creature instantly. The guards gawked, frozen in shock. And with the threat dispatched, Elise and Luna simply continued on their way, resuming their conversation as if nothing had happened.

  They finally arrived at Elise’s house, stopping in the lush garden that surrounded the cozy bungalow. Luna gazed around in awe, taking in the serene beauty of the home and its surroundings.

  Elise smiled warmly. "Welcome to my home."

  "Your house is beautiful, Elise!" Luna exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration.

  "Thank you, Luna," Elise replied. "Would you like something to drink before we begin?"

  "Yes, please! Just some water would be fine."

  "Well then, let’s head inside," Elise said with a nod.

  As they stepped through the door, Luna froze in place, her jaw dropping in amazement at the sight before her.

  Elise’s house was a serene sanctuary of magic and wisdom, meticulously kept and brimming with arcane knowledge. The air carried a faint, calming fragrance of enchanted herbs, mingled with the lingering essence of old parchment and candle wax.

  Inside, everything was meticulously arranged with perfect order. The polished wooden floors gleamed under the warm afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows, casting soft, golden rays that illuminated the space without a hint of clutter or disorder.

  One side of the wall was lined with perfectly arranged shelves, each filled with carefully labeled spellbooks, enchanted scrolls, and ancient tomes. Among them were a bestiary, detailing the creatures of Terra, a book on healing herbs, and potion crafting, all meticulously placed in their designated sections. Jars of alchemical ingredients—ground crystals, rare herbs, and shimmering liquids—were arranged in perfect symmetry, each sealed and inscribed with delicate runes to preserve their potency.

  Other tomes rested in their proper places: a geographical compendium of Terra’s locations and landmarks, an ancient manuscript on lost relics and hidden ruins, and even a book featuring dishes from most regions of Terra, each title meticulously recorded in elegant, flowing script.

  Every book, jar, and scroll had its place, a reflection of Elise’s precise order and deep thirst for knowledge.

  At the center of the room stood a large circular table, its surface engraved with a golden sigil, faintly pulsing with energy. The table was free of clutter, with only a few essential tools neatly placed, an inkwell and quill, an open book, a grimoire, and a cup of herbal tea, its warmth nearly faded.

  To the right of the room, a potion station was set up near a window, bathed in soft natural light. Neatly organized vials, flasks, and enchanted burners lined the workspace, each carefully arranged. A small cauldron sat atop an ornate stand, bubbling softly with an iridescent liquid, filling the air with the scent of fresh lavender and arcane essence. Above, dried herbs hung in precise bundles from a nearby shelf, their placement as deliberate as everything else in the home.

  Near the fireplace, a single high-backed wooden chair with deep blue upholstery was positioned beside a small side table, where an ornate teacup sat atop a perfectly folded cloth napkin.

  Against the far wall, Elise’s bed was immaculately kept, with deep violet sheets and a quilt embroidered with intricate silver patterns. A wooden chest with glowing runic locks sat at its foot, hinting at mystical secrets kept safe within.

  Despite the overwhelming presence of the arcane, Elise’s home radiated a sense of warmth, wisdom, and tranquility, a place where knowledge and magic intertwined in perfect harmony.

  Luna wandered around the house, checking every corner with wide-eyed amazement. Elise smiled at her enthusiasm as she handed her a cup of water before settling back with her own tea. Holding the cup gently, she focused her mana, channeling a soft warmth into the liquid, reheating it effortlessly before taking a slow sip.

  Luna turned to Elise, her gaze sweeping over the countless books lining the shelves. "Wow, Elise! You have so many books!"

  Elise chuckled. "Would you like to read one? I’ll lend you a book—you can take it home after I teach you to control your mana."

  Luna beamed. "Really?! Thank you, Elise!"

  Elise set her cup down and stood up with a knowing smile. "Now then, shall we begin your training?"

  They stepped outside, and Elise began Luna’s training, guiding her through the fundamentals of magic.

  Elise’s voice was calm yet firm. "Listen closely, Luna. Energy flows within every living being. This energy is called Mana. All things—humans, creatures, plants, and trees—possess it."

  She gestured with her hand, as if tracing the unseen flow of energy in the air. "The amount of mana varies in all creatures. Some have very little, while others are blessed with an abundance of it."

  Elise then held out her palm, a soft glow forming at its center. "We can harness this energy, concentrate it in a specific area—like our hands—and use it to manipulate the elements around us, allowing us to cast spells."

  Elise continued, "Lighter spells can be cast quickly with just your bare hands. Once you become comfortable and gain control over your mana, even trickier spells can sometimes be performed with just your hands or even just through your fingertips.”

  She raised her hand, demonstrating how mana could flow effortlessly through her fingertips.

  "However, channeling your energy through a medium makes spellcasting much easier. A wand, for example, allows for greater precision by concentrating mana at its tip, making complex spells more manageable." While explaining, she took out a wand and twirled it gracefully between her fingers before demonstrating a few spells.

  "Unlike casting with bare hands, which often results in raw, bursts of energy, a wand allows for greater focus and accuracy." she added.

  Elise then lifted the staff in her right hand. "Advanced spells, on the other hand, require much more power and control. For these, a larger medium, like a staff - is often necessary. Unlike a wand, a staff can store and amplify mana, making it essential for casting high-level magic."

  To illustrate her point, she raised the staff and demonstrated a few advanced spells, effortlessly weaving arcs of energy through the air. Each spell pulsed with raw power, showcasing the staff’s ability to enhance and stabilize even the most complex spells.

  Luna's eyes widened, her jaw dropping in sheer amazement.

  "But for now, let’s start with the basics," Elise said. "First, try to concentrate your mana into your hands. You’ll know you’re doing it right when you begin to feel a slight warmth in your palms."

  Luna carefully followed along as Elise demonstrated the technique. She could feel the energy flowing into her hands, but suddenly, it surged—growing far larger and more unstable than she had intended. Panic set in, but before she could lose control, Elise calmly stepped in, raising her hands to steady the flow of mana around her.

  "Stay calm," Elise instructed gently. "Focus on channeling only a small amount of mana at first, then gradually build it up."

  Taking a deep breath, Luna followed Elise’s guidance. Slowly, the chaotic energy in her hands settled, becoming steady and controlled. Her eyes lit up with excitement, and a delighted giggle escaped her lips.

  "I did it! I can do it now!" she exclaimed, overjoyed by her success.

  Elise smiled. "Great job, Luna! Now, I want you to keep practicing. Do it over and over until it feels as natural as breathing."

  Luna practiced diligently, repeating the exercise until she had fully mastered the technique.

  Elise watched with a proud smile, impressed by how quickly Luna had grasped the lesson.

  "Listen, Luna," Elise said warmly. "You did an excellent job controlling your mana flow. However, maintaining it while sitting or standing still is one thing, but doing it while moving, walking, running, or even jumping is an entirely different challenge."

  She gently placed a hand on Luna’s shoulder. "Your next task is to practice controlling your mana while walking and running. I have no doubt you’ll pick this up quickly."

  Luna listened carefully and nodded with determination.

  Elise glanced up at the sky. "It’s getting late. I should take you home." She paused for a moment before adding, "Ah, before we go… the book I wanted to lend you."

  They stepped back inside the house, where Elise walked over to the bookshelves, her fingers gliding across the neatly arranged spines. After a brief scan, she pulled out a book and handed it to Luna.

  "Here it is. It covers basic spells, read it when you have time."

  Luna eagerly took the book, her excitement clear. "Thanks, Elise! I’ll make sure to read it at home!"

  Elise smiled. "Shall we go?"

  The two set off along the path leading north toward Karmine. As they walked, Luna excitedly experimented with her training—constantly running ahead, then circling back to Elise, all while focusing on channeling her mana through her hands.

  By evening, they arrived at Luna’s doorstep. She knocked briefly before pushing the door open.

  "Mother! I’m home!" Luna called out.

  Linda Greenwood looked up from her work, her expression softening. "Welcome back, child. It’s already evening, what took you so long?"

  Luna hesitated for a moment before replying, "I’d like you to meet someone." She stepped aside, gesturing toward Elise. "This is Elise. I met her earlier. She’s really nice, and we, umm… we played together." she quickly added, remembering to keep their secret. “Elise, this is Linda, my mother.”

  Elise gave a small, polite wave. "It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Linda paused for a brief moment before offering Elise a warm smile. "Luna, go to your room and get some rest," she said gently.

  "Okay!" Luna responded cheerfully. She then turned to Elise with a bright grin. "Let’s meet again soon, Elise. Bye!"

  Linda watched as Luna disappeared upstairs before stepping outside and quietly shutting the front door behind her. She turned to Elise, looked at her and said…

  "Hello, Sivil."