The next morning, the weather was quiet, the sky slightly overcast, but classes at the academy began on time.
Celetia was sitting in class, staring blankly out the window. Despite the professor's dry lecture on magical element transmutations, her mind was focused on her upcoming appointment with Nava. She was taking notes automatically, but her mind was elsewhere.
After class, she quickly gathered her materials and left the hall as if in a race. She crossed the main courtyard with steady steps, heading toward the eastern side of the academy, where ancient stone columns and some tall trees were scattered.
When she arrived, Nava was already standing there, leaning against a stone wall, his eyes closed, as if listening to the pulse of the earth.
Celetia:
I was on time, even a little early.
Nava slowly opened his eyes and looked at her without commenting.
Nava:
Good. Observation will begin.
He pointed to a small stone on the ground.
Nafa:
Look at it. I don't want you to observe its shape, but its energy. Everything in this world has a particular frequency... even inanimate objects.
Celetia:
But... how can I feel its frequency?
Nafa:
Slow your breathing. Close your eyes, and focus on the space around you. Don't look for the sound, just let it reach you.
She did as he said and knelt before the stone, closing her eyes. At first, she felt nothing but the cool breeze, but after a minute or two, she began to feel a faint thread of warmth emanating from the earth... like a faint pulse, almost inaudible.
She opened her eyes suddenly.
Celetia:
I felt something... I can't describe it precisely, but it felt like... slow breathing.
Nafa nodded.
Nafa:
You're on the right track.
He took a step forward, then raised his right hand, releasing a small spark of violet light above the stone.
Nava:
This is Sheden. It doesn't begin as a force, but as an echo. We don't impose our will on the energy, we harmonize with it.
Celetia (with a sigh of admiration):
I never imagined magic could be so... quiet, so profound.
Nava:
Don't be fooled by appearances. When you use it in combat, you're no longer the artist, but the one responsible for the pieces.
He was silent for a moment, then said:
Nava:
Now, try it. Don't imitate what you saw, but listen to the energy around you and let it guide you.
She slowly reached out into the void, just as he did, but couldn't produce anything. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes again, and then felt the air, the earth, and the stone in front of her. A moment later, a small spark appeared, faint but real.
Celetia (in surprise):
I... did it!
Neva (quietly):
Just the beginning.
She smiled a genuine, satisfied smile.
Celeletia:
You know what? I didn't expect my day to be this great. Thank you.
Neva:
No need to thank me. If you're really willing to learn, I'll continue training you.
She turned abruptly and asked him:
Celeletia:
By the way... why are you helping me?
He looked at her for a moment, then said in a low voice:
Neva:
Maybe because I'm starting to appreciate someone who isn't afraid to ask a straight question.
He paused for a moment, then said:
Neva:
And the other thing... it's okay to be friends with someone here.
Celeletia (with a faint smile):
So... do I consider this an official declaration of friendship?
Neva:
You can do that if you want.
She laughed lightly, then picked up her things and left.
Celetia:
So, until tomorrow, my favorite friend Nava.
Nava (quietly):
See you tomorrow, Celetia.
And so, a new chapter began in Nava's life inside the academy, not as a mysterious recluse, but as a friend...
And with each passing day, Celetia drew closer to that strange world, where magic wasn't just power... but understanding, discovery, and perhaps, a gateway to greater change than she'd ever imagined.