It was a gigantic loaf of bread, topped with countless delicious cupcakes covered in whipped cream.
Each cupcake was even bigger than the girl's head.
On that loaf of bread, a little girl joyfully rolled around.
She spread her arms wide, hugging a nearby cupcake. Then she opened her mouth wide, buried her face into the cake, and took a huge bite.
Happiness spread across her face.
"Hehe, so many sweets."
"Sweets, my foot."
Suddenly, she felt someone pinch her cheek.
The sweets vanished, replaced by the image of a wrinkled white cloth gradually appearing.
She slowly opened her eyes, waking up from the fairy-tale scene.
Regaining awareness, she realized she was lying sprawled across Tris, the one she had accepted as her master the day before.
Her arms were tightly wrapped around him.
The chest area of his shirt near her mouth was soaked with drool, revealing what the cake she had eaten truly was.
Blushing furiously, the girl quickly sprang up, panicking and apologizing.
…
The two began their morning in utter chaos. … Fortunately, her master, Tris, seemed completely unconcerned by her early-morning impropriety.
With the shirt Tris was wearing, he simply took it off and tossed it into a basin that suddenly appeared with a wave of his hand.
Then, water suddenly filled the basin out of nowhere.
Tris waved his hand again, and the water spun rapidly, swirling around the shirt inside. Moments later, all the water evaporated, leaving behind a perfectly dry shirt.
At first, Rin was captivated by her master's body when he removed his shirt.
It was a body with well-defined muscles, radiating masculinity and strength.
When he was clothed, it was hard for others to notice this.
But soon after, Rin quickly turned her gaze away and became fascinated by his magical laundry performance.
She had never imagined washing clothes could be done so quickly and effortlessly.
"So this is magic," she whispered in awe.
Rin had heard of the wonders of magic, but this was the first time she truly saw and experienced it.
"If you have talent for magic, I can teach you," Tris said as he put on the now-dry shirt. "Teach me magic? Really?"
Rin was stunned that her master was willing to teach her something so miraculous.
Tris: "Only if you have the talent for it. If not, I'll teach you how to use the spiritual energy that Warriors rely on."
Rin: "Spiritual energy?"
Tris: "Spiritual energy, also called mana, depending on the region. Some Warriors call it Ki or Chi.
Essentially, it refers to the special energy within every living being. In fact, this energy also exists in nature and can be drawn upon.
However, using the energy within one's own body is far easier and more convenient. Spiritual energy is necessary for Mages to use magic and for Warriors to perform their combat techniques.
Without guidance, it's very difficult for someone to imagine or understand how to harness this energy, like a person born blind trying to grasp the concept of color.
Any questions?"
Rin: "What exactly are magic and combat techniques, and how are they different?"
Tris: "The fundamental difference lies in how spiritual energy is used.
Magic is a special way of manipulating spiritual energy that only Mages can use. Its essence is transforming spiritual energy into other forms—for example, when I used it to create water earlier.
Combat techniques, on the other hand, use spiritual energy in its raw form without transforming it.
Magic requires talent, and those with talent are called Mages. Combat techniques can be mastered by anyone with proper guidance and disciplined training.
Of course, some techniques are so complex that even a lifetime of practice may not be enough. But in principle, anyone can learn them.
Those who train and use combat techniques in battle are called Warriors."
Rin: "So does that mean magic is better than combat techniques?"
Tris: "You could say magic is a more advanced use of spiritual energy, but I wouldn't say it's always better.
Depending on the situation, combat techniques can be more effective than magic.
The reason is that using spiritual energy in its raw state is faster, saving the time needed to transform it.
Even if the difference is tiny, in real combat, that tiny moment can decide victory or defeat, life or death."
After explaining the basics, Tris walked to a table and picked up a cup. He filled it with water and gestured for Rin to come closer.
Tris: "Come sit here, place both hands on this cup."
Confused, the girl obeyed, not understanding his intention. Thankfully, he explained right away.
Tris: "This is one way to determine if you have talent for magic. There are more detailed methods, but since we don't have them here, we'll use this simple one."
He paused, then continued:
"First, I'll help you feel the spiritual energy inside your body."
Tris placed his hand on the back of her neck. Immediately, Rin felt a strange warmth.
Tris: "Close your eyes, sense its presence. This energy flows throughout your body, like blood in your veins.
Because of your age and past malnutrition, your body is still weak, even though yesterday's potion helped somewhat. That means your spiritual energy is likely very small."
With his guidance, Rin quickly sensed the energy. It was faint, subtle, hard to describe—but she could feel it. It had always been there, unnoticed until now.
Tris: "Now, try to guide that energy into your palms. I'll assist you, but remember the feeling so you can do it yourself later."
Rin felt the energy flowing into her hands, just as he said.
Tris: "Finally, try to release that energy into the cup of water. Remember this sensation—this is how spiritual energy is transformed into magic."
He withdrew his hand, leaving Rin to attempt the final step on her own.
The outcome would reveal whether she had talent for magic.
Still with eyes closed, Rin furrowed her brow, concentrating hard to recreate the feeling in her hands.
She sensed the energy leaving her body, just as her master had demonstrated.
Tris: "Open your eyes."
She obeyed, looking at the cup of water—nothing seemed different.
She turned to her master, silently questioning.
Tris took her hand and let one of her fingers touch the water. At that moment, Rin realized the water was hot.
Tris: "Congratulations, you have talent for magic.
For now, we know you are well attuned to the Fire attribute. More details will require more complex tests."
Hearing the result, the girl's face lit up with joy.