Chapter 25: Elizabeth.
The morning came as usual.
The faint golden rays of dawn slipped gently through the curtains of Aiden's room, illuminating the dust motes that danced in the still air. The birds outside had already begun their soft chirping, and a light breeze brushed against the edges of the open window.
Aiden slowly opened his eyes. His body was heavy with drowsiness, the faint residue of yesterday's mana absorption still humming quietly through his veins.
He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, his hair messy and unkempt, sticking out in random directions. Letting out a small yawn, he swung his legs off the bed and stood up.
The wooden floor beneath his feet was cold, sending a brief shiver through his body that helped him wake up completely.
He stretched his arms above his head, exhaled deeply, then made his way to the bathroom. The house was quiet, with only the faint clinking of dishes coming from the kitchen.
He turned on the tap, splashed his face with cold water, and looked into the mirror. His black hair was a bit longer now, and his eyes — those deep, calm black eyes — reflected both youth and a trace of maturity beyond his years.
After washing up, he changed into a simple black tunic and grey trousers. Adjusting his collar slightly, he straightened himself and made his way toward the kitchen, expecting to find his mother preparing breakfast like usual and his father reading something at the table.
But as he approached, he heard an unfamiliar voice — soft yet confident, almost melodic in tone. The words were indistinct at first, but the laughter that followed was warm and light. He paused for a moment near the doorway, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
When he finally stepped into the kitchen, he saw another person.
Sitting beside his parents was a woman he had never seen before. She appeared to be in her early thirties, her posture refined and her movements graceful.
She had shoulder-length brown hair that glistened softly under the morning light and dark brown eyes that held both sharp intelligence and a gentle depth.
Her features were elegant and symmetrical, and though her frame was petite, there was something about her — a strange sense of beauty, and unspoken elegance — that made her presence stand out.
She wore a dark black dress that contrasted beautifully with her pale complexion, and as she turned slightly, Aiden noticed the faint shimmer of golden embroidery along her sleeves.
Sara and Jonathan looked up almost immediately when Aiden entered, and so did the woman. A soft smile spread across her face.
"So," the woman said with a teasing glint in her eyes, "this handsome young man is my nephew, huh?"
Aiden blinked, caught off guard. The unexpected compliment left him momentarily speechless. He shifted his gaze between his parents, unsure how to respond.
Sara noticed his hesitation and spoke, her tone affectionate yet urging. "Aiden, this is your aunt — my cousin, Elizabeth. Greet her properly."
Aiden straightened a little and nodded, his voice polite but slightly awkward. "Hello, Aunt Elizabeth."
Elizabeth's lips curved into a kind smile. "How are you, my little nephew?" she asked playfully. "Why don't you introduce yourself to your aunt properly?"
Aiden nodded again, his expression composed as he replied, "My name is Aiden Scytes, and I am thirteen years old. I am a tri-elemental — light, earth, and lightning mana cultivator."
Elizabeth's eyes widened slightly in curiosity, her expression brightening with interest as she said. "Although your parents told me that you are a tri-elemental mana cultivator," she said, leaning forward with an amused grin, "I still find it hard to believe. So, can you show me one of your lightning element spells?"
Aiden nodded respectfully. "Yes," as he said calmly, "I can show you after we have breakfast."
Elizabeth smiled approvingly. "Alright then, after breakfast."
They all sat together, the atmosphere warm and lively. The smell of fresh bread and herbs filled the kitchen. Sara moved gracefully as she poured tea, while Jonathan discussed a few things about mana crystals and trade routes with Elizabeth, who occasionally nodded with keen understanding.
Throughout breakfast, Elizabeth asked Aiden several questions — about his training, his favorite spells, his interests, and his thoughts on magic itself. It was clear she wasn't just making idle conversation; she was studying him and was trying to know him better— she was also gauging his understanding, his confidence, and the way he viewed mana.
Aiden, though initially awkward, began to relax as the meal went on. His answers became more natural, his words more fluent. Elizabeth listened attentively, occasionally nodding or smiling.
When breakfast was over, Jonathan stood up first, stretching slightly. "You two can use the garden," he said. "It's the perfect place for your first session."
Elizabeth nodded, her sharp brown eyes gleaming with anticipation as she said. "That will do perfectly."
The group made their way toward the garden. The morning sun was now brighter, casting golden hues across the grass and leaves. The air was cool, filled with the scent of dew and soil.
The wooden training dummies stood silently in their usual positions, scarred from countless spells Aiden had launched during the past few years.
Aiden walked to the center of the garden and turned toward one of the dummies. Elizabeth stood off to the side, her arms folded lightly, watching him with a calm yet discerning gaze.
"Just show me a single spell," she said, her tone composed but firm. "After that, I'll begin teaching you how to use light and earth mana. And if you can use them as well," she added with a faint smile, "then you truly will be a tri-elemental mana cultivator — one of the rarest geniuses in this world. In fact," she continued, her voice softening slightly, "there's only one such genius in our entire family other than you if you are a tri elemental mana cultivator."
Just as she finished her words, Sara — who had been standing quietly near Jonathan — suddenly interrupted, her tone sharp. "Elizabeth! What did I tell you about not talking about the family to him? Did you forget this early?"
Elizabeth froze, her confident demeanor faltering for just a second. She turned toward Sara, her expression apologetic. "I'm sorry," she said quietly, lowering her gaze for a brief moment.
The tension eased as Sara sighed softly, shaking her head.
Then Elizabeth turned back to Aiden, her composure quickly returning. She said "Begin."
Aiden nodded. He took a deep breath, focusing his mind. The familiar rhythm of mana coursed through his veins as he raised his right hand. Sparks of blue light flickered to life around his palm.
The mana condensed, humming with energy, forming a small orb of pure lightning that pulsed with vibrant power.
With a swift motion, he extended his arm and released the spell.
A blinding flash erupted, followed by a deafening crack. The lightning blast struck the wooden dummy directly — the explosion was sharp and precise, leaving behind nothing but scattered ashes and smoking splinters.
The grass around the impact site was slightly charred, and the scent of burning filled the air.
Elizabeth's eyes widened in astonishment. For a few seconds, she said nothing, only observing the faint crackles of lightning that still lingered in the air. Then, a slow, impressed smile spread across her face.
"You've fully mastered lightning mana at your age," she said, genuine admiration in her tone. "Incredible."
Aiden bowed his head slightly. "Thank you," he replied simply.
Elizabeth nodded approvingly, then straightened her posture. Her tone grew serious again as she said, "Alright then. Now I'll teach you how to use earth mana — so listen carefully."
Aiden nodded once more, his black eyes steady and focused. "Okay," he said.
Elizabeth smiled faintly, looking at him with a mix of affection and professional pride. "Earth mana," she began, "is the element of resilience, stability, and defense. It doesn't bend easily, and those who master it must have patience, persistence, and a calm heart. Unlike lightning, which is explosive and swift, earth requires stillness — a quiet strength that endures rather than bursts."
She crouched slightly, picking up a small pebble from the ground. Holding it up between her fingers, she continued, "To use earth mana, you must first feel the weight of the world beneath you. Every grain of soil, every rock, every mountain — they all share a single pulse. When you draw earth mana, you're connecting to that pulse. and you must have a strong will like an unbreakable wall"
She placed the pebble on her open palm and infused it with a faint brownish glow. The stone levitated slowly, hovering above her hand, surrounded by shimmering runes of faint golden light.
Aiden watched intently, captivated by the steadiness in her movements. The mana wasn't violent like lightning — it was firm, consistent, unwavering.
Elizabeth continued, "Now, your turn. Feel the ground beneath you — its pulse, its quiet energy. Draw it in, let it flow through your body, and release it."
Aiden closed his eyes. He inhaled deeply, his consciousness sinking downward. For a few moments, there was only silence. Then, faint ripples began to spread beneath his feet as small specks of brown light gathered around him. The earth trembled slightly, and a single rock rose from the ground, floating unsteadily in front of him.
His control wavered for a moment, but then he steadied his breathing, channeling the mana more smoothly. The rock floated more firmly now, encased in a faint brown aura.
Elizabeth's eyes softened with pride. "Good," she said quietly. "Very good. You have an affinity for the earth element, and your control over mana is exceptional for your age."
Aiden smiled faintly, still focusing on maintaining the spell.
As the rock slowly descended back onto the ground, Sara — watching from the side — exhaled softly, her expression showing a mix of relief and pride. Jonathan's lips curved slightly into a subtle smile.
Elizabeth looked at Aiden before saying, "Okay, now I will teach you how to use light mana. Remember, Light Mana is the purest of all Mana. It is used to purify all the corrupted things in this world, and you cannot use it without a pure and gentle heart, okay."
Aiden nodded seriously, feeling both Excited and invigorated as he replied firmly "Okay".
Author's Note:Aiden's new chapter of growth begins under Elizabeth's guidance. From the volatile fury of lightning to the calm endurance of earth, he now steps into the duality of strength and serenity. But beneath this peaceful surface, something ancient continues to stir — waiting for the day when the earth itself will awaken to the whispers calling from the abyss.