Chapter 66 - Elementary Magician, Gesse Nukadia
The afternoon sun shone brightly over the Iron Legion's courtyard. Surrounded by curious onlookers and warriors, Ghislaine and Eris stood before him, ready to cast their first spell. The wind blew softly as the attentive eyes of the spectators fixed upon them.
Ghislaine was already a well-known figure within the Legion, recognized not only for her strength as a Sword King but also for having saved Rygar at the Joylore Mansion. She had many admirers, though Rygar wasn't particularly fond of them.
Eris took a deep breath, concentrating. Her face was serious, her eyebrows furrowed in determined effort. She chanted:
"May the protection of the great fire be where you seek it. I invoke the bold heat of a torch here and now. Fireball!"
A small sphere of flickering flames appeared in the air before her. The shimmering fire reflected in the red-eyed girl's gaze, and she broke into a victorious smile. The silence lasted only a second before Rygar smiled and confidently declared:
"Congratulations, Eris! Now you can consider yourself a fire elemental mage!"
The girl's chest swelled with pride, and she cast a look of pure satisfaction at the spectators. Some murmured in surprise, while others simply smiled at her excitement.
Now it was Ghislaine's turn. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes for a moment, and then repeated the incantation with a firm and resolute voice. Just like Eris, a sphere of fire appeared before her, floating for a few moments before dissipating.
This time, the audience reacted immediately. Applause and cheers echoed throughout the courtyard, celebrating the formidable warrior's achievement.
Rygar, however, cast a piercing look at the men who were clapping and whistling. His gaze was like a blade cutting through their excitement, and the noise quickly died down. The spectators discreetly coughed and averted their eyes, regaining their composure. Then Rygar drew two wands from his cloak, holding them firmly.
"I heard from Peikak that it is customary to present students with their first wands when they cast their first elemental spell," he said, his voice echoing clearly throughout the courtyard. "It isn't a tradition I used to follow, but I've decided to adopt it this time. Congratulations to both of you."