Metamorphosis: The Story of a Butterfly

Caelum floated at the edge of the pool, his body immersed in the cool water as he concentrated deeply on the sensations he had been learning to harness. He had absorbed the water, felt its flow, understood its pressure, and reflected on its deeper properties. Each step brought him closer to unlocking water magic, and he could sense the magic almost within reach.

I’m so close, he thought, feeling the gentle pull of the water around him, almost like it was ready to yield its power to him. His mind buzzed with anticipation, the steps he’d been following now instinctive. Any second now, I’ll get it...

But as the minutes dragged on, nothing happened. He remained immersed in the water, yet the expected surge of energy never came. The familiar feeling of a new skill awakening inside him didn’t manifest.

What’s going wrong? He crawled out of the water, dripping and frustrated, his small body feeling heavier now that he wasn’t buoyed by the water. He had done everything right, hadn’t he?

He stared into the pool, perplexed. I felt like I was on the verge of gaining water magic, but it’s not working. Why isn’t it working?

Sitting at the water’s edge, his mind spun with thoughts and questions. He had already gained fire, wind, and earth magic. But was that it? Were there only four types of elemental magic? Maybe I’m missing something. Could there be more types of magic that I just haven’t discovered yet?

His thoughts flickered to the Apex of Knowledge skill again. It had provided answers before—detailed, precise information that helped him when he was lost. Why not ask it about the magic system in this world? he thought, feeling a renewed sense of curiosity.

He focused inward, activating the Apex of Knowledge, and asked a question that had begun to gnaw at him:

How many types of magic exist in this world?

The response was almost immediate, and as the knowledge flooded his mind, it wasn’t just an answer—it was a revelation.

Magical Classifications in the World of Astralis:

There are eight primary types of magic that exist in this world, each corresponding to fundamental forces and energies that govern nature and reality.

Fire Magic: The manipulation of heat and flames, often associated with destruction, purification, and rebirth.

Water Magic: The control of water in all its forms, dealing with flow, pressure, and the life-giving properties of liquid.

Earth Magic: The power over minerals, stones, and the ground itself, focused on stability, strength, and endurance.

Wind Magic: The control of air currents, speed, and the intangible forces that move the world.

Light Magic: The control of illumination and radiance, tied to both healing and offensive capabilities through the manipulation of pure energy.

Shadow Magic: The manipulation of darkness, obscuring sight, creating illusions, or invoking fear and deception.

Void Magic: The harnessing of nothingness and space, manipulating gravity, and bending reality through the emptiness between matter.

Spirit Magic: The manipulation of life force, used to communicate with spirits, enhance vitality, and create energy-based constructs.

Each type of magic requires different methods of mastery, and while most beings can only specialize in a few types, some—through special skills or resonances—can acquire multiple magics. However, learning certain types of magic may be more difficult depending on one’s affinity or physical form.

Caelum’s eyes widened as he processed the information. Eight types of magic? He had thought fire, wind, earth, and water were the primary elements, but the existence of light, shadow, void, and spirit magic blew his assumptions wide open.

Light and shadow... void and spirit? His curiosity flared, excitement rising inside him. There was so much more to this world’s magic system than he had ever imagined. He had barely scratched the surface. And if he could master water, what was stopping him from gaining light or void magic next? The possibilities were endless.

He shifted excitedly in his spot, already thinking ahead. If I can learn water, maybe I can learn spirit after that. Or void... His mind buzzed with the new potential paths ahead of him. The mere thought of unlocking those types of magic filled him with renewed determination.

A soft rustling beside him caught his attention. Aurelia had crawled closer, her antennae twitching with curiosity as she watched him.

You seem excited, she noted, her tone light and inquisitive. What did you learn?

Caelum turned toward her, his excitement spilling into the telepathic link. There are eight types of magic! Not just fire, wind, earth, and water—there’s light, shadow, void, and spirit magic too. I thought I was close to getting water magic, but there’s so much more to this world’s magic system.

Aurelia’s eyes widened in surprise. Eight types? That’s... incredible. She paused for a moment, thinking, before adding, Do you think... I could learn magic too?

Caelum considered her question for a moment, his gaze flickering over her form. It hadn’t occurred to him before, but Aurelia had the potential to gain magic as well. You probably could, he answered. But it might be harder for you. I have the Apex of Knowledge skill, which helps me understand how magic works. It gives me the instructions I need. Without that, learning might be more difficult for you.

She nodded, her expression thoughtful. Still, I want to try. I don’t want to rely on just my physical abilities. If I could learn magic, it might help us both survive better.

Caelum felt a surge of admiration for her determination. Then we’ll figure it out together, he said with a nod. If you want to learn magic, I’ll help you however I can.

Aurelia’s antennae twitched in gratitude. Thanks, Caelum. I’ll need it.

As they sat there, contemplating the vast array of magic that now lay before them, Caelum couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation.