Chapter Text
Entering the corridor, the Rigan's curiosity led him to discover a concealed door.
With a quiet click, it opened, revealing a spiraling staircase.
Each step he took echoed softly as he descended into the depths of Sentinel's hidden enclave, sensing an aura of ancient knowledge.
"Woah, the secret library of Sentinel must be nearby," he murmured to himself, his eyes scanning the dimly lit surroundings with excitement.
Proceeding through the first section, he came upon an open door beckoning him further.
The space beyond revealed itself with a grandeur that hinted at its purpose.
Yet, his attention was drawn to two locked entryways.
Determined, he approached the one on the right, which led him to a chamber adorned with rows of benches and a towering statue.
"What's this?" he wondered aloud, curiosity piqued.
Climbing onto the statue's base, he stretched out his arms, reveling briefly in the unique view it offered.
Satisfied, he descended and turned his attention to the adjacent entryway.
Beyond lay a narrow, elongated hallway that seemed to stretch into infinity.
Undeterred, he pushed forward, his footsteps echoing faintly against the stone walls.
Opening another door, he stepped into a room bathed in the warm glow of firepits and adorned with towering windows.
Spotting a doorway at the far end, he hastened toward it, finding himself in a room that bore all the hallmarks of a library.
Rows upon rows of shelves lined with books stretched out before him, each tome seeming to hold untold secrets and ancient knowledge.
"This must be the secret library of Sentinel," he breathed in awe, his eyes alight with wonder.
His presence did not go unnoticed.
A man with blonde hair and dressed in a striking blue outfit approached him with a warm smile.
"Hmm, it seems you're interested in learning magic," the man observed, his voice carrying a hint of intrigue.
The Rigan nodded eagerly, a smile spreading across his face as the man offered him an emerald-colored tome.
"Well, fortunately for you, my friend, I have a spare tome that you can borrow," the man said, stepping back slightly.
"I'm going to teach you a few things that you might need for later on, young mage," he continued, his eyes twinkling with anticipation.
As he read the hand signals from the emerald tome in his hands, the Rigan's senses sharpened.
Suddenly, a warning echoed in his mind, and he swiftly executed the signs.
Heat surged from his palms, flames erupting and licking the air with an intense glow.
"Ignis!" he exclaimed, watching in awe as the fire spread across the carpet beneath them, consuming it in a rapid blaze.
Realizing the danger, he hurriedly performed a series of intricate hand signs.
Ice materialized from his fingertips, instantly quenching the flames and leaving behind a shimmering sheet of frost that cooled the air.
Rem, the owner of the library, arrived swiftly, his expression a mix of anger and concern.
"What in the name of Fallion are you doing?! I paid 7 thousand silver for that carpet!"
Before Rem could unleash more of his frustration, he noticed the Rigan's swift actions had prevented further damage.
Some part of the carpet remained salvageable.
"Well, you certainly have potential," Rem acknowledged begrudgingly, eyeing the Rigan with a mixture of annoyance and grudging respect.
Feeling a surge of adrenaline and pride, the Rigan held the tome close, its weight suddenly imbued with significance.
"You performed those hand signs faster than most Castellans I've seen, and they've been trained as mages from birth," the Fallion remarked, his curiosity piqued.
"Your mana control is quite remarkable."
Rem nodded in agreement, his initial irritation giving way to genuine interest.
"Indeed, your mana manipulation skills are quite extraordinary. Perhaps there's more to you than meets the eye."
The Fallion had an idea brewing in his mind as he beckoned the Rigan over.
Hastening towards him with sword in hand and the emerald tome clutched tightly, the Rigan pondered aloud.
"I'm torn between sticking with my sword or becoming a mage," he mused to himself.
"A fascinating dilemma indeed," the Fallion remarked thoughtfully.
"But you should know, you possess the innate ability to perform magic without relying on a tome."
Curiosity peaked, the Rigan fixed his gaze on the Fallion, eager to hear more.
"We have many mages here, though most have gravitated towards mastering necromancy, with a few exceptions," the Fallion continued.
"I can teach you some essential spells. Ignis and Gelidus are crucial, but there's also a lesser-known one that few choose: Sagitta Sol."
The Rigan's courage surged as he looked at the Fallion.
"Please, teach me everything you know!"
"So, you're willing to learn the Cursed Mana Shield, Gelidus, Ignis, and Sagitta Sol?" the Fallion confirmed.
"Yes!" the Rigan exclaimed enthusiastically, ready to embark on this new path of discovery and mastery.
