VERSATILE MAGE: RISE OF A LEGEND

After Light's successful awakening, the atmosphere around the Apex Spire Tower was electric with excitement. Light and his family descended the grand stairs of the tower, leaving behind the awe-inspiring structure that had witnessed a monumental moment in Light's life. The ancient and mystical aura of the tower seemed to hum in resonance with Light's newfound power. The cool morning breeze swept through the city as they made their way to their awaiting vehicles, the towering spire of the Apex fading into the skyline behind them.

Their destination was the luxurious Royal Mirage Hotel, a place of elegance and comfort, reserved only for the elite. The journey was filled with a sense of quiet reflection; each family member was lost in their thoughts, processing the significance of the day's events. The grand lobby of the hotel welcomed them with warmth and a subtle fragrance of jasmine. As they entered, the staff greeted them with respect, aware of the honor bestowed upon the young heir who had just awakened one of the rarest elements known to magic.

Once inside, everyone dispersed to their respective cabins to rest. The weight of the day's events had been significant, and they all needed time to recharge. However, Light's mind was far from rest. As he entered his cabin, a knock at the door drew his attention. Hera and Hestia stepped inside, their presence bringing a comforting warmth to the room.

"Mother, Aunt Hestia," Light greeted them with a wide smile, motioning them to the sofa. "Please, sit."

Hera smiled lovingly at her son, her eyes filled with pride. She took a seat beside him and ruffled his hair affectionately. "You've grown so much, my dear. Today marks the beginning of your journey as a true mage."

Light nodded, his eyes shining with determination. "I've been waiting for this day for a whole year. Now, it feels like everything is finally beginning."

Hera's expression turned serious. "Now that you've awakened the Space element, there are things you need to know about cultivating your magic. The journey ahead will be challenging, but you must be prepared."

Light leaned forward, his eagerness evident. "I'm ready, Mother. I want to start my journey right away."

Hera nodded approvingly. "Magic cultivation consists of three very simple steps: Meditation, Control, and Activation. Each step is crucial to mastering your magic."

Light listened intently as Hera began to explain the process in detail. "Meditation is the first step. It requires you to use your fullest attention to concentrate. When you close your eyes, your mind will naturally wander, but you must learn to empty your mind and enter an undisturbed state. In this empty space, your Spiritual World, the star cluster of your awakened element will emerge."

Light imagined the silver star cluster of his Space element, the seven stars orbiting energetically within it. The vision filled him with a sense of awe and purpose.

"Meditation can only be done for five hours a day," Hera continued. "Any longer, and your spiritual power will be exhausted. But this step is just the beginning."

"The second step is Control," Hera explained. "Once you see the star cluster in your meditation, you must use your thoughts to control the stars. It's a difficult process, requiring intense concentration. You must stop the stars and place them into a designated spot to form a Star Path. This will allow the magic power to be conducted through the Star Path into your body, turning it into genuine magic when you activate it."

Hestia added, "You can only practice Control for one hour a day. Any longer, and the strain on your mind will be too much to bear. It takes incredible focus and determination to control all seven stars and form the Star Path."

Light absorbed every word, understanding the immense challenge that lay ahead. "Thank you, Mother, Aunt Hestia. I appreciate all the knowledge you've shared, even though I already knew some of it."

Hestia smiled gently. "You can start cultivating from tomorrow. For now, rest and enjoy yourself. Cultivating is a tiring and often boring journey, but the benefits are immense. Don't let the challenges wear you out or destroy your determination."

Hera nodded in agreement. "As time passes and you face difficult situations, you'll realize that your own strength is what truly matters. Your journey will be long and arduous, but you must keep going until you reach the peak of your potential."

Light's resolve only deepened with their words. "I understand. I'll give it everything I have."

He then asked, "Would it be alright if I start cultivating on the plane during our journey back to Persia?"

Hestia nodded approvingly. "If you're so determined, then by all means, do it."

With their guidance, Hera and Hestia left Light alone to contemplate his path. As they departed, Light thought to himself, "It seems awakening triple elements not only gives me triple the power, but also triple the time to meditate and practice control compared to others. This is an incredible advantage, but it also means I'll have to work much harder than anyone else."

He smiled to himself, filled with excitement and determination. "It's good that I've spent my entire life gaining knowledge about the magic world, demon creatures, magic formations, and everything else. I might not have much time for those things anymore, but now I can focus entirely on cultivation."

After some rest, the family gathered once more at noon to board their private plane, heading back to Persia. As the plane soared through the skies, Light began his cultivation, the Little Loach pendant around his neck vibrating with energy. His sisters, too, were absorbed in their own cultivation, each of them focused on their personal growth. The journey was one of silent determination, everyone engrossed in their own thoughts and practices.

By the time they reached Persia and Anahita's grand palace, the sun was beginning to set. The entire palace was adorned with decorations, a celebration in honor of Light's successful awakening and his birthday. Light was touched by the gesture, understanding the love and pride that Anahita felt for him.

That night, after a refreshing bath and dressed in new clothes, the family gathered for the grand celebration. Anahita had spared no expense in organizing the event, and the palace was filled with laughter, music, and a feast fit for royalty. The guests, all of whom held Light in high regard, congratulated him on his achievement and wished him a happy birthday.

As the party went on, Light couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for his family and the support they had given him. Yet, despite the joy of the celebration, his mind wandered back to his future journey. Later that night, after the festivities had ended and the guests had departed, Light's sisters joined him in a quiet moment of reflection.

"What are you thinking about so seriously, little brother?" Athena asked, noticing the contemplative look on Light's face.

Light sighed, his eyes distant. "I'm thinking about the journey ahead, the challenges I'll face, and how to prepare for them."

Su Xuanhua placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't rush things, Light. Focus on the present and take things one step at a time."

The sisters discussed his innate talent, marveling at his triple-element awakening. Light acknowledged the advantages, particularly the extended time he had for cultivation, but also the increased strain it would place on him.

Athena pointed out, "There are also cons. You'll need more resources than your peers. If you can't increase your cultivation and lack the necessary resources, you'll be no different from a normal mage. In short, your innate talent burns money and resources."

Light nodded, understanding the challenge. "But all of you had powerful innate talents too."

Athena's innate talent was the ability to mind three things at once, allowing her to cast three different spells simultaneously. It was an outstanding talent. She will be unbeatable if her casting speed is good enough. It's a rare gift.

Su Xuanhua's talent, Mutated Stars, made her spells a tier higher than normal. In other words, if Su Xuanhua's current cultivation was at the third basic Level, her lightning strike would be level four instead! This means that her spells are naturally more destructive and powerful.

Su Hongxiu's innate talent was her triple star connecting speed. It allowed her to draw Star Patterns for the her Element thrice as fast as ordinary Magician. It's incredibly useful in battle, where every second counts.

Each of them possessed a talent that not only set them apart but also required immense dedication and hard work to master.

As they spoke, Ares and Anahita joined them, taking seats on the remaining empty chairs.

"Talking about innate talents, are we?" Ares grinned. "How can you leave me out? My innate talent is Triple Element Awakening. I awakened three elements at my first awakening, and I awaken one element with each subsequent awakening. This makes me incredibly versatile and powerful."

Light asked curiously, "How do you manage such a talent?"

Ares explained, "It requires a lot of hard work, but the rewards are worth it. The Parthenon Temple's resources played a big role in my cultivation. Cultivating three elements simultaneously isn't easy; if you focus too much on one, the others will be left behind. It's essential to balance your efforts and take advantage of any sacred cultivation grounds or treasures available to you."

Light absorbed his brother's words, the weight of responsibility settling even heavier on his shoulders. "So, external help is essential… especially cultivation treasures or sacred cultivation grounds."

Ares nodded. "Exactly. It's these Heavenly treasures and rich resources that allow a magician to exploit their talent and take a step higher."

Light pondered this, his thoughts drifting to the sacred cultivation grounds in Bo City. "Our Bo City has such a sacred cultivation ground… the Underground Holy Spring (UHS). It could be useful."

Ares raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Then you need to get into that ground and cultivate. It'll be crucial for your growth."

Light sighed, his mind already calculating the challenges. "It's… complicated."

Ares agreed. "You should definitely use it if you can, but focus on your Stardust first. Your journey has just begun."

Light suddenly remembered another sacred cultivation ground he could use for free, an idea forming in his mind.

However, before he could dwell too deeply on it, Anahita interrupted the serious conversation with a bright smile.

"Enough of this heavy talk! Light, it's time for your birthday and awakening presents!"

Before he could finish his sentence, Anahita stepped forward, holding out a small, intricately designed box. "Well, I have something for you already."

Light's eyes widened in surprise as he took the box from her. He carefully opened it to reveal a tiny, azure-colored stone set within a precious casing. A white chain passed through it, allowing it to be worn as a pendant. It shimmered faintly in the light, exuding a calming aura.

"This is a Spirit Grade Stardust Magic Tool. It's a cultivation tool designed to nurture the soul and enhance your cultivation. It will relieve the fatigue you experience after meditation, allowing you to continue practicing for longer periods. In other words, it's like a cooler, decreasing the cooldown of your meditation."Anahita explained.

Light stared at the pendant in awe. He had heard of Stardust Magic Tools before, but this was the first time he had ever seen one of such quality.

Anahita continued, "Common grade Stardust Magic Tools can increase cultivation speed by roughly 20% everyday. A Spirit Grade tool can increase cultivation speed by roughly 40%. It's a significant boost, especially at the stage you're in now."

"Thank you so much, Sister!" Light exclaimed, hugging her tightly. This is an incredible gift."

Anahita smiled warmly. "It's just an awakening gift. As for your birthday present, you can ask for it whenever you're ready."

Light nodded, still marveling at the gift. Anahita's generosity touched him deeply, and he knew this tool would be invaluable in his cultivation journey.

Hestia then stepped forward, handing Light a beautifully crafted magic tool. It was a necklace with a small crystal sphere hanging from it, a spirit-grade magic tool for training the mind and enhancing control over spiritual power. Its surface etched with intricate runes that shimmered faintly.

"This is a Focus Magic Tool," Hestia explained. "It will help you concentrate during your meditation and control practice. It's a powerful tool that will guide your thoughts and enhance your focus. Use it wisely."

Light accepted the tool with gratitude. "Thank you, Aunt Hestia. I'll make sure to use it during my cultivation."

Ares then handed Light a thick, ancient-looking book bound in dark leather. The title read "Advanced Practical Magic: Space Element and Magic Formations."

"This book contains advanced techniques and practical knowledge on the Space element, as well as insights into the most complex magic formations. It's not an easy read, but it's essential for anyone serious about mastering the Space element. Study it well," Ares said, his tone serious.

Light's eyes lit up with excitement as he accepted the book. "Thank you, Brother. This will be invaluable to my training."

His sisters also gifted him various useful items including protective charms. Light's heart swelled with gratitude for his family's love and support.

Finally, Hera approached Light with a small, crystalline vial containing a swirling, ethereal substance that shimmered with an otherworldly glow.

"These are Soul Essences," Hera said, her voice soft yet filled with significance. "These are Warrior and Minion level soul essense."

Light's eyes widened in awe. "Mother, this is incredible… I don't know how to thank you."

Hera smiled gently, placing the vial into his hands. "You don't need to thank me, my son. You have a long and arduous journey ahead of you, and this will be of great help. Use it wisely, and it will be your ally in moments of need."

Light accepted the Soul Essence with deep reverence, feeling a sense of warmth and power radiate from the vial as he held it close.

With the presents exchanged and the conversation winding down, the family retired for the night.

His mind drifted to the challenges he would face and the power he would need to overcome them all. But with the Space element at his disposal and his triple-element awakening, Light knew that he was destined for greatness.