Chapter 6 Mage Realms

Ethan's POVMonths passed, and I was now five years old. Like every other day, I was diligently performing exercises to strengthen my body, a routine I'd begun just a month ago. Initially, my mother had opposed the idea, worried about its impact on my young frame. However, for reasons unknown to me, she eventually relented, allowing me to train under my maternal grandfather's guidance. Grandfather, ever enthusiastic, often joined me in these sessions, teaching me breathing techniques that he insisted were vital.

"Little Ethan, come, let's go for a run," Grandfather called, his voice brimming with energy. Without hesitation, I followed him as we descended the mountainous terrain surrounding the Mistborn family castle. Nestled in the foothills of the Aurora Frost Mountains, the castle was surrounded by steep slopes and dense coniferous forests. The chill in the air, typical of Dark North City's proximity to the frigid mountain range, invigorated my young body as we made our way downward toward the valley below.

As we ran, a question lingered in my mind, and curiosity got the better of me. "Grandfather, why did Mama suddenly agree to let me train with you? She was so against it at first," I asked, my tone as light as the pace of my footsteps.

Grandfather chuckled, a warm sound that echoed through the crisp air. "Ah, Little Ethan, there's a reason for everything. A mage's magic power resides in a dimension near their heart, what we call the magic sea. When one begins their path as a mage, their mana veins are formed. It is a natural network that allows magic to flow through the body. The process of constructing these veins can be a little intense. If the body isn't prepared, it can struggle to adapt. Exercise strengthens not only the muscles but also the resilience needed to handle such strain. That's why your mother finally allowed it as she knew it would prepare you for your future."

His explanation satisfied my initial curiosity, as my plans for power had already started constructing especially since the day I obtained the scroll of Arctic Sovereign Immortal Body and I needed the knowledge of the mage path as it was universal and time tested, so I had no plans to forego it.

"Grandfather," I began hesitantly, "could you tell me more about mages? Their abilities? Their power progression?"

He stopped briefly, giving me a long, amused look, before sighing. "Your mother was right to say it's too early for you to dive into these matters," he began. But after a pause, perhaps swayed by my pleading eyes, he relented. "Very well. Listen closely, but don't let this distract you from simply being a child for now."

With that, he explained. "When a mage awakens their element, they are assigned an ascension technique by their family or faction. This technique guides their growth. The first stage is the Acolyte Mage Realm, where mana veins gradually develop. There are three stages in this realm, each marking a denser concentration of elemental energy. As the veins strengthen, a mage enters the Elemental Sea Realm, where an energy dimension forms near the heart. This is where magic potential truly blossoms, and your mother is currently at this stage, specializing in ice magic. Beyond that lies the Crystal Formation Realm, where both your grandmother and I reside."

He waved a hand, signalling the conversation's conclusion, but I wasn't ready to stop just yet. "Grandfather," I asked tentatively, "just one more question, please?"

He sighed, though I could tell he wasn't annoyed. "Go on, Little Ethan."

"Does a mage's lifespan increase as they grow more powerful?" I asked eagerly, my voice trembling with excitement.

Grandfather's expression shifted, a momentary flicker of surprise crossing his face. Then he nodded. "Yes. Acolyte mages live as long as ordinary humans. But an Elemental Sea expert's lifespan extends to around 200 years, and those in the Crystal Formation Realm can live up to 500 years."

I felt an electrifying rush of excitement. My mind raced with possibilities, ambitions forming like never before. But Grandfather's sharp gaze brought me back to the moment. "Why do you ask, Ethan?" he inquired, his tone probing.

Quickly, I adopted a sombre expression, crafting my response to seem fitting for a child. "I read about other races in the library like dragons, elves, demons and all of them had lifespans far longer than ours. I just didn't want to lose you, Mama, or anyone else I love so soon." I looked up at him with teary eyes, a technique perfected over the years.

His face softened immediately. "Ah, my dear boy," he murmured, patting my head as we resumed our trek toward the valley.

Grand Father's POV

As we ran, I couldn't help but marvel at my grandson. For someone so young, his questions carried a maturity far beyond his years. His curiosity, intelligence, and drive were striking, and though his inquiries surprised me, his innocent concern for family melted my heart.

I chuckled to myself, remembering my daughter at his age, playing with mud and showing no such awareness of the world. Ethan, I thought with pride, is truly a rare gem gifted, clever, and destined for greatness.

Ethan's POV

When we returned to the castle, I bid farewell to Grandpa, ensuring my expression remained neutral as I turned away. My heart, however, raced with anticipation. Once inside, I headed toward the secret snow peak nestled behind the inner walls of the castle. Shielded by the towering Aurora Frost Mountain Range, this secluded area was considered a natural fortress and thus left unguarded. Few ventured here, which made it the perfect place for my training.

Slipping into a grove of towering conifer trees, I found a flat, snow-laden clearing. The chill in the air bit at my skin, but I welcomed it. This was exactly the environment the Arctic Sovereign Immortal Body required: an icy domain saturated with the elemental power of frost. The energy of the mountain seemed to hum all around me, almost tangible.

I recalled the unique postures described in the technique, each one precise and unyielding. The scroll had warned that they would stretch the limits of the human body, but I was determined to push through. I bent into the first stance, my limbs aligned with the elemental flow of the icy aura around me. Almost immediately, I felt the energy surge into my body.

Pain struck like a swarm of icy needles, stabbing through my skin and sinking deep into my bones. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced. Each breath came ragged, mist escaping my lips as the cold pressed into me relentlessly. The influx of icy energy sent a dull ache radiating through my chest, as if my very bones were being frozen and refined.

Sweat began to bead on my forehead despite the frigid air. The droplets turned into tiny crystals of frost as they slid down my skin, a testament to the cold environment amplifying the technique's effects. My teeth clenched, and I focused on maintaining the stance, knowing that enduring the pain was part of the refinement process.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I released the posture and collapsed onto the snowy ground, gasping for air. My body throbbed with pain, but beneath the exhaustion, I sensed something else, an infinitesimal shift within me. A faint strength, icy and sharp, had taken root in my bones.

Deciding not to overexert myself on the first attempt, I wrapped my cloak tightly around me and trudged back to the castle. My body felt heavier than ever, and every step seemed to drain the last reserves of my energy.

To ease my fatigue, I made my way to the personal hot spring bathing space reserved for me in the castle. The idea of soaking in warm, soothing waters after the gruelling training was all that kept me going.

But as I entered the bathing chamber, I froze in my tracks, my exhaustion momentarily forgotten.