Darian stretched his muscular arms and grinned. "Ready to learn how bruiser magic works?"
Kite nodded his head and steeled himself. He watched carefully as Darian channeled energy into his fists.
Darian stood firm, his feet planted on the ground like the roots of an ancient tree. "Bruiser magic is all about strength and resilience," he explained. "It's not just about making your punches stronger; it's about turning your whole body into a battering ram."
Kite watched in awe as a subtle glow began to envelop Darian's fists, the air around them shimmering with power.
"Focus on the core of your strength," Darian continued. "Visualize the energy flowing from your heart, through your muscles, and into your fists."
Kite closed his eyes, trying to mimic Darian's stance. He concentrated, envisioning his own energy coursing through him, empowering his limbs with every heartbeat.
"Now, release it in one powerful motion!" Darian exclaimed, thrusting his fist forward. The air seemed to crackle and boom with the force of his punch, even though it struck nothing but the breeze.
Kite opened his eyes and, with a deep breath, he mimicked Darian's movement. He threw his punch, feeling a rush of energy following the path he had visualized. There was a faint vibration in his arm, a sign that he was on the right track, but it lacked the power he had seen in Darian's demonstration.
Darian clapped him on the back, a wide smile on his face. "Not bad for a first try! You've got the basics down."
Kite nodded, determination set in his eyes. "I'll keep practicing. I want to be able to protect and contribute just like everyone else."
"That's the spirit," Darian said. "Bruisers often lead the charge into battle, but they also protect their allies." He put a hand on his hip. "Although, I get the sense that you aren't a bruiser."
Kite sighed and nodded as he stared at his fist. "Yeah."
Darian ruffled the kid's black and red hair. "It's alright. You'll find out which attribute is yours eventually."
Elder Mirrin nodded. "Now, none of us here are defenders, so you might need to go find one."
"Know where I might find one?" Kite asked, giving him a hopeful look. He wanted to exhaust all possibilities as soon as possible.
"I do! Elian's one," Liliana said, smiling.
"Really?"
She nodded. "Yup! His dad is too."
Kite smiled. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go see them."
Kite and Liliana set off towards Elian's house. The streets of Ald Town were getting busy. The sound of their footsteps was a gentle rhythm against the cobblestone path, accompanied by the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.
As they walked, Kite's mind was abuzz with thoughts of defenders and their abilities. "What's it like, being a defender?" he asked Liliana.
She glanced at him, her eyes reflecting the clear blue sky. "Defenders are amazing. They're like the unbreakable wall in any battle. Elian's dad once shielded the entire town during a storm."
Kite's eyes widened. "The whole town? That's incredible."
Liliana nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! And Elian's been practicing a lot. He's not as strong as his dad yet, but he's getting there."
They continued their leisurely walk, the houses of Ald Town passing by in a blur of colors and shapes. Eventually, they reached a house with a well-tended garden and the sound of clinking from the backyard.
"This is it," Liliana said, opening the gate.
They found Elian in the midst of training, his concentration evident as he summoned a shimmering barrier in front of him. The barrier flickered like a mirage, strong yet ethereal. Several rocks surrounded where he stood.
"Elian!" Liliana called out.
Elian turned, the barrier dissipating into the air. "Hey, Liliana, Kite! What brings you here?"
Kite stepped forward. "I'm learning about magic and trying to find my affinity. We heard you're a defender."
Elian's chest puffed with pride. "That's right! Want to see how it's done?"
Kite nodded.
The azure-eyed kid grinned and picked up a small stone. He threw it gently into the air before casting his spell. A translucent shield materialized, and the stone bounced off harmlessly.
"Defender magic is all about protection and endurance," Elian explained. "It's not just about strength; it's about the will to protect others."
Kite watched, fascinated. "Can I try?"
"Of course," Elian said, stepping aside. "Just focus on the desire to shield and let your energy respond to that intention."
Kite took a deep breath, focusing on the concept of protection, of being a steadfast guardian for others. He extended his hand, and to his surprise, a faint warmth began to form, hinting at a barrier that flickered into existence before fading away.
Elian clapped, impressed. "You've got potential, Kite! With practice, you could become a strong defender."
Kite smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. He might not have found his affinity yet, but he was one step closer to understanding the magic within him.
"Thanks, Elian. I'll keep working on it," Kite said, his heart filled with determination.
He grinned. "Say, you know how to use a sword, right?"
Kite nodded.
"Wanna spar with me?" Elian asked, his eyes glimmering.
Kite gave his friend a weak smile. "But I barely know how to use my magic."
He chuckled. "You don't need magic for a swordfight."
Elian's chuckle was reassuring, a reminder that not all battles were fought with magic.
"Come on, it'll be fun! And it'll be good practice," Elian insisted, swinging his arms behind his head.
"Yeah, do it," Liliana said, shaking Kite.
Kite's hesitation waned as he considered the offer. A spar would be a good way to hone his skills and reflexes, magic or no magic. "Alright, let's do it," he agreed, a spark of competitive spirit lighting in his eyes.
Elian led Kite to a clearing where the grass had been trampled down by countless feet, a makeshift arena for their friendly duel. He picked up a pair of wooden swords from a rack near the edge of the space. "We use these for practice. They won't hurt as much if you get hit."
Kite took the offered sword, weighing it in his hand. It was lighter than the weapons he remembered from his past life, but it felt balanced and sturdy. "I'm ready when you are," he said, taking a basic stance.
Elian nodded and raised his sword. "Remember, it's not about strength. It's about technique and timing."
They circled each other, the tension of the upcoming spar crackling between them like static. Then, with a nod from Elian, the bout began.
Kite moved cautiously, watching Elian's movements. The first exchange was swift, their wooden swords clacking as they met in a flurry of motion. Kite parried a strike that came a little too close for comfort, his heart racing with the thrill of the fight.
As they continued, Kite found his rhythm, his body remembering the training of his past life. He countered Elian's attacks with increasing confidence, and even managed to land a gentle tap on Elian's shoulder.
"Nice one!" Elian exclaimed, stepping back and saluting Kite with his sword. "You've a real natural."
Kite chuckled. He wasn't a natural. It took him a lot of training back in his old world to master his golden sword.
The sparred until the sun began its descent towards the horizon, painting the sky with the soft glow of the late afternoon. Breathing heavily, they lowered their swords, both grinning from the exhilaration of the match.
"That was great," Kite panted, feeling more alive than he had in a long time.
Elian nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "You're a natural. With or without magic, you're going to be a force to be reckoned with. Actually, fighting you felt as if I were facing against an adult."
Kite chuckled nervously. That was because he had grown up to be eighteen in his past life. And had been trained to be a soldier.
As they returned the practice swords to the rack, Kite felt a sense of gratitude. This world, Eldoria, had given him a second chance—a chance to live, to learn, and to grow. And as he walked back home with Liliana, he knew that each day would bring new challenges and new joys. Although, maybe some sorrows would spring up as well.
His eyes went to the sky.
"You okay, Kite?" Liliana asked, frowning. "Sad about not learning your attribute?"
Kite forced a smile and shook his head. "Nah. Like your dad and grandpa said, I'll eventually found out."
She grabbed his hand and giggled. "True. Well, let's go home! You need to take a bath while I help Mommy with dinner!"
He blushed as he realized he probably stunk.
As Kite and Liliana made their way back to the house, the sun began its descent, casting a warm, golden light over the town of Eldoria. The day's events had left Kite with much to ponder—the thrill of the spar, the flicker of green flame in his palm, and the promise of discovering his magical affinity.
Liliana's laughter pulled him from his thoughts, her hand still clasped in his. "You're going to be great, Kite. I just know it!"
Kite smiled genuinely this time, her optimism infectious. "Thanks, Liliana. I'm glad I have you and everyone else to help me."
They reached the house, and the aroma of cooking wafted out to greet them. Inside, the kitchen was a flurry of activity, with pots steaming and the clatter of utensils. Kite's stomach rumbled, reminding him that he had worked up quite an appetite.
"Go on, get cleaned up," Liliana urged, giving him a gentle push towards the washroom. "Dinner will be ready soon, and you don't want to miss it!"
Kite nodded and headed off to freshen up, the dirt and sweat of the day's training soon washed away. As he cleaned himself, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Eldoria was full of surprises, and he was eager to see what the next day would bring. Hopefully, he could learn more about his magic.