When the etiquette class ended, nearly three hours had passed. Miss Etiquette had skipped the dance lessons that day, focusing entirely on Ranav's manners. He needed to catch up with Paramita quickly. Before leaving, she gave him four books: two on etiquette, Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior and Royal Etiquette the Right Way, and two on the history and geography of the Mayura Kingdom.
After sharing some evening snacks with Paramita, Ranav returned to his room. He felt the weight of his backlog pressing down on him. Changing into more comfortable clothes, he sat on his bed, adjusted his mental state, and sent his consciousness into the ring.
"Jessica, I missed today's meditation. Please keep an eye on the surroundings while I meditate," he said.
"Okay, I will," Jessica replied. Then, after a pause, she added, "If you're planning to create a Darkness star circle, remember the voidvine flower you consumed. You're more attuned to Darkness magic now, but you might also connect to the Void. Don't delve into it… your master warned you how dangerous it is."
"I was already planning to focus on Darkness magic. Thank you for reminding me. With everything going on, I almost forgot about the flower's effects."
Ranav sat cross-legged on the meditation platform. "Alright, I'm starting now. Let me know if you notice any changes in my state."
Closing his eyes, he began meditating. He focused on the center of his forehead, and soon, he found himself in his vast inner galaxy, filled with countless dull gray stars. Four types of these stars shone brightly in colors, representing his awakened elements.
The brightest of them were the white stars of his Light magic star circle, which had already reached Level 1. The other stars- purple, black, and silver, were dimmer, hinting at their available potential.
"I need to advance my Light magic star circle to Level 3 for full healing abilities, he thought. But that can wait. Right now, my priority is forming a Darkness star circle. If I can reach Level 1, I'll be able to perform basic healing spells essential for a beginner healer," he thought.
He considered his options. "I should try the purple and silver stars first. The purple stars have been with me from the beginning, but I've never managed to form a circle with them. The silver stars are new, and Jessica mentioned they're related to summoning magic. I'll research them later. For now, I'll focus on these two before turning to the black stars."
Ranav first attempted to connect the seven purple stars. Unlike before, they weren't as stubborn, likely due to his improved control. After much effort, he managed to form a circle, but the stars scattered the moment he released his hold, behaving like unruly children.
Sighing, he turned his attention to the silver stars. Using the lessons learned from the purple stars, he grabbed one after several tries. Then, focusing intensely, he captured a second and a third. Just as he was about to attempt a fourth, Jessica's voice interrupted him.
"Paramita is knocking on the door."
Reluctantly, Ranav released the stars and retracted his consciousness from the ring. "Coming," he called out.
Opening the door, he found Paramita standing there. "Mom asked me to call you for dinner," she said.
Surprised, Ranav asked, "It's already dinner time? I was meditating. You go ahead; I'll join you after freshening up."
"Alright," Paramita said, heading downstairs.
Ranav closed the door and went to wash his face. "Jessica, how long was I meditating?"
"Almost three hours," Jessica replied.
"I felt like I'd just started. Meditating inside the ring is so convenient. I think I can complete the summoning magic star circle tonight."
"You should focus on Darkness magic first. Summoning magic requires at least Level 1 to cast its first spell. To specialize as a healer, you need Darkness magic."
"Alright, I'll postpone summoning magic. But it's frustrating that I still can't form the purple star circle."
"Don't dwell on it. You'll succeed eventually. For now, concentrate on your current priorities. After dinner, read the books Miss Etiquette gave you. If you finish them tonight, she'll be pleased, and it's always good to stay in her good graces."
"You're right. I almost forgot about her." Ranav washed his face, changed his clothes, and headed to the dining room.
When he arrived, he found Aunt Vedika and Paramita already eating. The count was absent in dinner.
"Come, sit here," the countess said, gesturing to a seat beside her. "Your uncle has an event to attend, so he's dining there."
Ranav sat down, and a maid promptly brought his plate and utensils. As they ate, they discussed the day's etiquette lessons, and Ranav updated the countess on his progress.
After dinner, he excused himself, citing the need to read. Back in his room, he handed the books to Jessica, who scanned them into the library. Then, retreating into the ring, he began reading.
Hours later, he emerged from the ring, his body aching from sitting too long. Performing a Regenesis, he quickly recovered his energy. A glance at the clock showed it was already the 35th hour of the day. Determined to make progress, he returned to the ring to meditate.
This time, he focused on the black stars. Starting with one, he gradually brought a second and third under his control. Slowly, painstakingly, he captured all seven stars and arranged them into a circle. To his astonishment, the Darkness star circle formed on his first attempt!
Suddenly, an overwhelming darkness enveloped him. He stood before a vast abyss, a pitch-black sphere looming ahead. He could feel an unseen presence watching him from the void. Every hair on his body stood on end, and cold sweat drenched his back. The Void… he thought, remembering his master's warnings.
Before panic could take hold, the darkness lifted. He opened his eyes to find himself back in his room. Birds chirped outside the window, and sunlight streamed through the curtains.
"Jessica, what time is it?" he asked.
"Good morning! You meditated all night. It's already dawn. And congratulations… you've reached Tier 0 Darkness magic," Jessica said cheerfully.
"No wonder I feel so drained," Ranav said, performing another Regenesis to recover. After freshening up, he stepped outside, only to find Paramita waiting for him.
"Good morning! I knew you'd come out to practice, so I waited," she said with a smile.
"Why didn't you knock?" he asked, startled.
"I thought it'd be a nice surprise… and I was right!" she laughed heartily.
Suddenly, he looked Ranav up and down, "why are you giving a gloomy aura? Even when you are smiling?"