VERSATILE MAGE: RISE OF A LEGEND

Months had passed since Light's last visit to Old Man Ying's secluded cottage. As spring's gentle touch began to warm the world, Light once again found himself treading the familiar path through the mountains. This journey, now a sacred ritual, was a quest for wisdom and guidance from the revered old mage who had become a cornerstone of Light's life.

The air was crisp with the promise of renewal, and the mountains breathed with new life after winter's cold embrace. Light approached the cottage, a simple yet serene structure that seemed to exist in harmony with its surroundings. It was a place of tranquility and ancient knowledge, a sanctuary from the chaos of the modern magical world.

Old Man Ying greeted Light with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with the wisdom of ages. "Ah, Light! It's good to see you again, my boy," he said, his voice a soothing balm to Light's soul.

Light returned the smile, feeling a deep sense of reverence. "Good to see you too, Old Man Ying. I've come to visit you again."

They settled in the cozy interior of the cottage, the air fragrant with the scent of herbs and freshly brewed tea. Light took his usual seat across from Old Man Ying, ready to absorb the knowledge that the old mage had to offer.

"So, Light," Old Man Ying began, his voice filled with curiosity and warmth, "how goes your preparation for your awakening ceremony?"

Light straightened up, determination shining in his eyes. "It's just around the corner now. I've decided to awaken two years earlier than the standard age. I believe it will give me a better head start."

Old Man Ying's brows furrowed slightly with concern. "Awakening earlier can be risky, Light. It can strain your soul and mind."

"I understand the risks," Light replied firmly. "But my willpower is unbreakable, and I've taken high-level soul cleansing to prepare myself."

Old Man Ying studied Light for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Very well, if you are determined. May the blessings of the Goddess of Luck be with you."

Light felt a surge of gratitude for Old Man Ying's support. He knew the old mage cared deeply for him and wanted the best for his journey into the world of magic.

Old Man Ying leaned forward, his eyes searching Light's. "Tell me, have you delved deeper into the teachings of totem beasts as I instructed?"

Light nodded earnestly. "Yes, I have, Old Man Ying. I truly believe in your teachings, and I will seek out all the totem beasts if they are alive."

The old mage's face softened with pride. "Good, good. The totem beasts hold ancient wisdom and power that must not be forgotten."

Old Man Ying then shared more ancient teachings about the totem beasts and the responsibilities of the totem tribe. He spoke of his own journey and how he had dedicated his life to preserving the knowledge that others had forgotten or ignored.

"As my life nears its end, others cannot feel the signs as I do," Old Man Ying said softly, a hint of melancholy in his voice. "But now, Light, it is time for you to inherit the legacy and responsibilities of the totem tribe leader, if you agree."

Light was taken aback by the proposition. The weight of such a responsibility settled on his shoulders, but he felt a surge of determination within him. "I agree," he said without hesitation.

The old man's words left a profound impact on Light. He realized that his journey as a mage would not only be about mastering spells and gaining power but also about seeking the truth and understanding the deeper aspects of magic.

"Thank you, Old Man Ying," Light said sincerely. "I promise I'll remember what you've told me and do my best to seek the truth."

Old Man Ying smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of pride and hope. "I know you will, Light. You have a good heart and a keen mind. The path ahead may be challenging, but I believe you have the strength to walk it."

The old man's gaze grew distant as he reflected on the past. "When I was your age, Light, I too was filled with dreams and aspirations. The totem beasts chose me as their guardian, and I devoted my life to their teachings. It was not an easy path. Many doubted their existence, and I was often ridiculed for my beliefs."

Light listened intently, feeling the weight of Old Man Ying's words. "But despite the challenges, you persevered," he said, admiration evident in his voice.

"Yes," Old Man Ying nodded. "Because I knew the truth. The totem beasts are not mere legends; they are ancient protectors of our world, beings of immense power and wisdom. They guided humanity in times of need, but as we grew more arrogant, we forgot their teachings."

Light's eyes widened. "Why would people forget something so important?"

"Power," Old Man Ying said simply. "The Magic Association controls the magical society with their laws and resources. They distribute power and knowledge, but they also suppress anything that threatens their authority. The totem beasts represented a time when humans were not the supreme beings they believe themselves to be now."

Light felt a surge of anger at the thought. "That's not right. Knowledge should be shared, not hidden."

Old Man Ying smiled sadly. "Such is the way of the world, my boy. But you have the chance to change that. By seeking the truth, you can bring honor to the totem tribe and restore the balance."

Suddenly, Old Man Ying reached under his bamboo bed, his movements slow and deliberate. He retrieved a box hidden in a secret compartment and placed it gently on the table between them.

"What do you think is inside this box?" Old Man Ying asked, his eyes dancing with amusement.

Light pondered for a moment, his mind racing with possibilities. "It must be something related to totem beasts," he ventured.

Old Man Ying chuckled deeply. "You have otherworldly intelligence and maturity compared to others," he praised. With a flourish, he opened the box, revealing a pitch-black pendant with a metallic sheen. A faint, mysterious aura emanated from it, filling the room with an enigmatic presence.

The pendant looked ordinary at first glance, but upon closer inspection, Light noticed eight very small holes in its interior. It was unlike anything he had ever seen.

"This is a totem container, a lifetime vessel of totem beasts. It is 5,000 years old and holds many powers related to magic. It is more precious than any antique." Old Man Ying explained.

Light gazed at the pendant in awe, sensing its ancient power resonating within him. "Why are you giving this to me?" he asked, overwhelmed by the gesture.

"I am giving it to you because you are the only one who believes in me," Old Man Ying replied solemnly. "Keep it a secret, as it will aid you on your journey of magic cultivation and protect you in times of need."

Light's heart swelled with gratitude and determination. "Are you serious about this?"

Old Man Ying nodded firmly. "I am dead serious. You must find the totem beasts who sleep deeply and those who disguise themselves as demon creatures beyond the safe zones. This pendant is your key."

Light accepted the pendant and the box, understanding the gravity of Old Man Ying's words. The old mage's legacy was now entrusted to him, and he vowed to honor it with all his heart.

However, as Light held the pendant, he felt no special connection, no sudden rush of power or clarity that Old Man Ying had spoken of. It was as if it was just an ordinary piece of jewelry. He looked up, a question forming on his lips.

Old Man Ying, reading the confusion in Light's eyes, smiled gently. "You feel nothing now, and that is as it should be. This pendant is a lifetime vessel, Light. It will merge with your soul and be bound by it. No one else will ever be able to use it once it is bound to you."

Light's eyes widened in understanding. "So, when will it bind with my soul?"

A shadow passed over Old Man Ying's face, a hint of sorrow mingling with acceptance. "The soul binding will happen after I pass away. Only then will the pendant recognize you as its new owner."

The weight of those words settled heavily on Light. He realized that this moment marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. He was being entrusted with a legacy that spanned millennia, and it was now his responsibility to carry it forward.

Old Man Ying placed a frail hand on Light's shoulder, his grip surprisingly strong. "You are ready, Light. The journey ahead will be fraught with challenges, but I have faith in you. Remember, you are never truly alone. The spirits of the totem beasts will guide you, and my spirit will watch over you."

Light nodded, a lump forming in his throat. "I will honor your legacy, Old Man Ying. I promise."

The old mage smiled, his eyes shining with a mixture of pride and sadness. "That is all I can ask for, my boy. Now, go and fulfill your destiny."

Light left the cottage with a heavy heart, the pendant securely tucked away. As he walked down the mountain path, the weight of responsibility and the mysteries of the pendant filled him with both excitement and trepidation. The journey ahead was daunting, but he was determined to uncover the truths hidden within the world of magic.

---