ETERNAL INSECT SYSTEM

007 - INTENSIVE MAGIC TRAINING

That voice was none other than the Eternal Insect System, now activated within Arte. It was the grand legacy of the God Artemis to his true-born son.

The Mysterious Voice in question was the very figure who had approached Arte. The Voice told Hilda and Gunnar that it was time for Arte to know the truth, as destiny awaited.

Arte shouldn’t be forced to stay here, believing he is the child of Gunnar and Hilda. This belief would bind him and make him too pampered given the harshness of this magical world.

“If it's indeed the time, we must take action!” Hilda and Gunnar exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. These foster parents had decided to prepare Arte.

However, before revealing the truth to Arte, they waited for the right moment, at least until he was ready to accept his true identity.

"You're right. Before that day comes, let's make the most of our time, imparting to him all the knowledge of our world! We'll also pass on our Magic and Combat Skills to him," Gunnar decided.

"I understand, let's do it! I'm sure smart and genius Arte can grasp all our teachings. I will ensure he becomes the strongest wizard and the best knight on this continent!" Hilda said, energized.

The two, known as the continent's strongest Wizard and Valkyrie, immediately set a rigorous training regimen for Arte leading up to the predetermined day.

"With this, we can mold young Arte into one of the best on this continent. Even kingdoms and empires would think twice before crossing him," Hilda affirmed.

"We should also incorporate the secret we've been protecting, the one that has had us pursued by kingdom and empire wizards. We'll place this grand secret within Arte," Gunnar enthusiastically added.

Eavesdropping outside, Arte remained pensive without uttering a word. The Mysterious Voice's words in his dreams were becoming reality.

He was not the biological child of the parents who raised him. Arte also realized that the Mysterious Voice had conveyed the same understanding to his foster parents.

On the bright side, Arte realized he had nothing to worry about. Even if his foster parents weren’t his biological ones, their love for him remained unchanged.

“I can't let down Father Gunnar and Mother Hilda. Whatever happens, they're still my parents. Nothing has changed!” Arte mentally reassured himself, exuding a maturity beyond his years.

Having almost shed tears earlier, he now wore a broad smile and headed to his room.

Recognizing that there was no need for sorrow, Arte was well-prepared for the destiny that awaited him.

Furthermore, he had overheard about the rigorous training his parents had planned for him. He needed to be ready. He would embrace his fate.

***

The next morning, after the training schedule was established, Arte was set on a tough ten-year training program that would diverge him from normal childhood play.

He was to be molded into a formidable figure. Hilda and Gunnar had thoroughly planned everything, confident of no future mishaps.

Being a supreme Wizard and direct descendant of the Highest Valkyrie, they believed they could guide Arte to greatness, ensuring no failures.

“My dear Arte, from now on, Mother and Father will rigorously train you. All for your future betterment. Are you ready for this?” Hilda asked firmly.

“I am ready, Mother! I won’t disappoint you or Father. I'm confident I can handle everything!” young Arte answered with an adorable face.

"Very well, let's begin with Father’s training! Follow me, Arte!" Gunnar said, showcasing his prowess. He flew using magic circles to a nearby hill.

Arte, watching from behind, smiled and ran after him without a hint of complaint.

Gunnar, a master of his magical craft, initiated Arte's training immediately upon arrival.

He began with understanding elements, magic circles, and all things related to magic from dawn till midday.

“Keep at it, Arte! You must grasp the formation of each spell, starting with memorizing, understanding, and combining words from that book into a magic chant and materializing it directly!”

“Each word or phrase has a specific resonance related to a particular magical power. When a wizard pronounces a spell correctly, the magical energy is summoned and focused to its specific intent.”

Gunnar was stern in his guidance. He was a perfectionist in magical incantations.

A few moments later, Arte managed to memorize several magic spells. He briefly tried one out, successfully conjuring a ball of fire in his hand.

"Father, I did it! I have–"

"Don't get too excited, you are still far from meeting my expectations!" Gunnar cast a wind spell, extinguishing the fireball in Arte's hand. He then continued.

"Your magic will be wasted if you don't use a magic circle around it. All of this is to bind and minimize the magic mana you use, remember that!" Gunnar asserted, staring intently down at Arte.

"Listen closely, Arte! The magic circle is a crucial aspect of spell casting. This circle is a magical boundary created to separate the physical world from the magical one."

"The circle's purpose is to protect the mana within you and amplify the magical energy used in all magic skills. The process of forming a magic circle starts by stating the intention behind the circle."

"Then, using a magical tool or your own hands, the magician creates a perfect circular line around them. This circle is adorned with magical symbols that have special meanings derived from your incantations!"

"Now, do you understand all the mistakes you made earlier?" Gunnar pressed, not giving Arte much time to think.

Arte paused for a moment, then raised his hand. In a short time, he managed to create a massive magic circle and shouted.

"Fire Magic: Giant Fireball!" Arte exclaimed, his innocent face unchanged. However, he managed to conjure a fireball as big as a modest village house.

"Damn, my son is truly extraordinary! Even the smartest person on this continent couldn't possibly do this. This fireball is insane!" Gunnar thought to himself, astounded as he stared at the colossal fireball.