Bab 40: Fenix and My Magic Training (1)
In exchange for the reduced time to study etiquette, I requested my parents to let me study magic right away!
So, I begin to learn more about magic and Hartmann's arts from my parents. Yes, I'm still diligently forging my transformation skills!
For the beginning, my mom told me to learn about the magic circles—symbolism for each element, before I can learn about the chants.
"There are 12 magic circles that you need to know. They will come in handy and there are only twelve available, so you should learn them, Lyra, before we go on to learn the harder part."
Each magic circle correspondences to each element.
They are like images that have different characteristics, so they are not that hard to remember. The finer detail is quite hard but Mom said it's enough as long as I remember the bigger picture for now.
In order not to forget them, especially my elements' magic circles, I usually try to imagine the images each time I learn more about the magic.
You tend to forget things that you don't use that often, after all.
Before long, the image of [Ice] magic circle appears in my mind when I read the part about [Ice] magic. It's like a habit now.
Associating words with the images might make it easier for me to remember~
After that, she also let me study the ancient language used for magic chants—[Spraec]. It is quite hard but thanks to my toddler brain, I feel like I managed to learn it faster!
Spraec is the ancient language used in magic chants.
Chant magic takes longer time to cast than chantless magic. It might be inefficient at times. And in case you forgot the Spraec chant? Goodbye~!
However, it is harder to do chantless magic, as it would cost more mana and requires vivid imagination of the desired effects plus—let's not forget—yes, the magic circle.
Not many people can perform chantless magic.
Spraec language contains an amazing power that lets us produce a magic without having to construct a mental image of the magic circles and the desired effects. Is this what you call the power of words?
Therefore, for the basic magic studies, we should start with learning Spraec.
Besides, I don't know if I will ever be able to perform chantless magic, so this ancient language really helps us to easily perform magic.
"For the practical training, let's start with strengthening your mana sensing and mana control skills," Mom said, when I was still remembering the basic of Spraec language.
"Eh? Just like the one we did during Hartmann's secret art practice?"
"Yes, but in this case, try to close your eyes and strongly feel the mana—then try focusing them to your hands—let say, the right hand, or more specifically to your index finger."
"Okay!"
After I am getting used to manipulating my mana, Mom finally lets me chant magic spells.
"But before that, wear this pendant, Lyra."
"?"
Mom put a simple necklace with a beautiful round and transparent stone pendant to my neck.
"This is...?"
"It's a safety measure. It's now common for 4 year-old children to head start and practice magic, although their mana pool and magic is still developing. In order to prevent unwanted things to happen, we designed this magic safety control."
Oh, it's like how we are using blunt-edged swords and safety gears for beginner's practice!
"How does this work?"
"This stone here will detect if excessive amount of mana is being produced. If it detects that, then the magical stone will activate and absorb a portion of the mana and then let the mana out—to return your mana to the nature."
"Awesome...!"
Mom smiles at me.
"Normally, for first timers, they can only control and utilize a small amount of mana, so you need practice to fully be able to manipulate most of them. Some unfortunate cases happen, though, when their power is out of control, so be careful. Always stay focused. Practice your mana controlling more."
"O-okay, I will note that!"
"Now, let's begin with the basic Ice magic..."
***
Occasionally, I also dropped by the Royal Magic Court to learn about magic from Meredea and the other magicians and to look at various magic tools.
The thing about my [Dark] magic has always been dismissed, as if everyone's already forgotten about that, to my relief.
It seems that my other affinities are as strong as [Dark] or a bit weaker than it, and so far I have no difficulty in my magic training~ How lucky!
During my visit to the Royal Magic Treasure Room, I managed to meet Fenix, Mom's Phoenix Familiar.
Her body is clad in the bright, beautiful blazing red. Her wings are big and beautiful, as well.
Her long tail can even be used to slam the enemies, if she chooses to. It can also be spread out to show off its beauty, like a peacock's.
Balls of flames are present near her body. However, it doesn't burn anything. Seems like she's controlling the flames to make sure they would only burn whatever she wants to.
Her golden eyes and blue irises reflect the sceneries she's seeing, and her gaze looks so calm and wise.
"Fenix, you may have seen Lyra several times already but it's her first time meeting you," Mom said, as she approaches Fenix and gently caresses her feather.
"Hee? Now that you mention it. Hi there, little lass. I'm Fenix, the embodiment of the Sun."
Hmmm?
Instead of speaking, it feels more like she's sending a telepathy to me.
"Hi, Fenix. I'm Lyra, nice to meet you," I reflexively bowed down to her.
"Fufu, as Cass said, you're one little child full of manner. Well done!"
I straightened my posture and stared at the golden branch specifically made for her.
It suits her so well.
After staring at the branch, I moved my eyes and stared at her, again.
"Uhm, can I ask something?"
"Sure thing."
"Is it true that you're born from the ashes of your predecessor?"
"Haha, like mother like daughter! It's also the first thing Cass asked me after forming a contract."
I shifted my eyes at Mom, she only scratched her hair and smiled.
"As far as I know, yes."
"So, is your predecessor your parent, or are you the exact same entity as your predecessor, meaning you are born from your past self?"
"…such a complicated question for a four-year-old. I guess it's more right to say that I am born from my [past self], rather than my predecessor being my parent."
"…If you are truly reborn from your past self, do you have memories or knowledge of your past life, then?"
"Yes. But it was not until I reached 100 years old that I could recall everything."
"…how long is your life expectancy?"
"Around 400-500 years per life time."
"How many lives have you had?"
"…Perhaps five…?"
"Wow, our calendar only has 900ish years, but you've lived longer than that!"
"Your calendar doesn't start from the beginning of life in Sphaela—the world, dear."
"So, that means you've witnessed the events before our calendar was established?!"
"Hmm, yeah, but I mostly chose to spend my life away from the noisiness of your lives."
"Heee… So, how many masters have you been with?"
"I don't really feel comfortable speaking about my previous masters in front of my current master. But rest assured, you can count them with just your hands."
"Woww!!"
It's my first time speaking with such a creature! I can't hide my excitement and curiosity.
Mom only laughed when she listened to our conversation.
"She is really your daughter, Cass. She asked what you asked me, too."
"Well, Fenix, I think most people would question those things!" Mom said, in her defense.
"Is that so? Perhaps you might as well document my answers, so no phoenix shall spend their time repeating our common knowledge to you humans or other races."
"Of course, I will, don't worry, we already have myths written about you phoenixes, so all we need to do is to confirm which one is the real deal from your statements."
"Very well!"
I actually have come up with another question, but I'm afraid it might be a sensitive question for Fenix, hmmm...
But you only live once so I better ask away rather than regretting it later--
Did I just say [you only live once]? I'm sure I've lived twice with this, but sure... generally speaking, people only live once. Yup. Reinst lived once, and now I'm living another life as Lyra.
Time to ask Fenix, hopefully she won't get upset!
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
LynneSuzuran
LynneSuzuran We are back again with Lyra~
As always, I'm very grateful for everyone for reading my story!