Maria lifted Nujah into her arms and placed him gently on the boat before sitting beside him. At once, dozens of workers formed from golden light appeared—her illusionary shades, steering the vessel. One of them noticed Nujah, hurried over, and even gave him a coat and food while holding him close.
"Boss Maria, why is this baby here?" the shade asked.
Maria took Nujah back from his arms. "He's my little brother. Just mind your work."
As Nujah ate the crater-shaped food the shade had given, he asked curiously:
"Maria, who are they?"
"They're just shadows within my illusion," Maria explained with a smile. "Not real."
"What? Not real? How! And this tasty crater I'm eating—"
"Look carefully," Maria interrupted.
When Nujah looked at his hands again, there was nothing there. His eyes widened in shock.
Maria chuckled. "They are simply figures I create with my mind, shaped through my sha—my soul energy. That's why they seem so real and speak like living people."
Nujah grinned. "Have I ever told you you're my favorite sister, Maria?"
"Thank you for the sweet words, little brother," Maria replied warmly. "But don't decide too quickly. Each of your siblings shines in their own way. Meet them all first. They're all wonderful—just like me. Anyway, let's stop chatting. Shall we start practicing?"
"Are you sure, in this baby body?" Nujah asked hesitantly.
"For magic, you don't need a strong body," Maria said. "What matters is your inner spirit and the focus of your mind. You can already speak, and your body doesn't tire or need rest. That's enough for the basics."
Though doubtful, Nujah realized early training would help him grow stronger and agreed. "Alright… what should I do?"
Maria set him down in front of her. "Watch me. I'll show you a first-level illusion spell."
She closed her eyes, pressing her hands together in a meditative pose. "To gain full control, I calm my mind. I think of the things that bring me joy… then focus on the light. For example—see this carpet, woven of pure light, slowly lifting from beneath my feet."
Nujah stared in awe as it unfolded exactly as she described. Maria opened her eyes and smiled. "When you're more advanced, you'll be able to create these freely." She floated gracefully on the carpet, then descended.
"Now it's your turn, Nujah."
Nujah copied her movements perfectly—almost too perfectly. His illusionary carpet was flawless, save for faint black fragments hidden within the light. Maria noticed but said nothing.
As he rose higher into the air, Nujah laughed with excitement:
"I did it! I'M FLYING, SISTER MARIA! HAHAHA!"
"Calm yourself, Nujah! Don't lose control!" Maria warned.
But the carpet shook violently, swayed side to side, and then exploded midair. Nujah plummeted toward the ocean—until Maria snapped her fingers. The waters and shore transformed into a cushion of wool-like softness.
She rushed to his side, worried. "Are you hurt?"
But Nujah stood tall, completely unharmed, a grin on his face.
"Sister Maria, are you alright? I'm sorry—I lost control. But it was so much fun! Thank you. I hope we can do more together."
Maria's eyes welled up with tears. She picked him up, holding him tightly.
Nujah panicked. "Please don't cry, sister! I promise I'll do better next time. Don't cry!"
Maria shook her head with a trembling smile. "I'm not crying out of sadness, little cat… but out of happiness."
Moments later, she steadied herself. Then a telepathic message struck her mind:
"Understood. Bring him."
"Who is it?" Nujah asked.
Maria answered softly: "Our mother wants me to take you back to the palace. One of the Firstborn Spirits has come to meet you."