Chapter 4: Tutor

  It took 3 years before I would hear about a tutor again.

  During those 3 years, I was subject to reading, writing, and mathematics tutoring.

  I tried my best to act like a prodigy who understood these topics quickly, without giving away the fact that I had already known them.

  Of course math was the easiest, as all that was needed was to learn the equivalent symbols that I had on Earth, but reading and writing were actually helpful most of the time as it was a new language.

  I spent my free time practicing magic.

  Even though I could use mana from the air in my spells, I still need to use a bit of my mana to “claim” it and use it in a spell.

  Because of that, there were times that I would practice to the point of mana exhaustion and end up passing out only to wake up and do it all over again. Who knows if that’s safe or not…

  By the time I turned 5, my parents alerted me to the fact that a magic tutor would be coming.

  Of course Tessa wanted it the entire time, but Cedric never abandoned his concern. Eventually though, he gave in. I guess my talents were too much to ignore.

  I had been studying magic without a tutor these 3 years and I was excited to put it to practice, so when we received a strong knock, I was beyond elated!

  I ran from the garden, through the house, and…

  I stopped. The door hadn’t even opened and I could sense it on the other side.

  My parents continued past me, closing in on the entrance.

  Tessa and Cedric had magic just like everyone else, sure, but behind that door was a true magician. The aura seeped through every wall.

  It only fueled me. I continued to the door.

  “Hi, I’m Hilvire Rolmand, the magic tutor you requested from the World Association of Magic. It’s nice to finally meet the Sols.” The kind words were said completely straight-faced.

  He must have been in his early 30s. His blonde hair, blue eyes, and fair skin matched his white mage’s robe with blue accents.

  My previous tutors were all from the village or the nearby city so Mr. Rolmand interested me. This was my first taste of the outside world.

  Is this why it took 3 years to get a tutor? Was he expensive? Was the journey long?

  “Nice to meet you Hilvire, I’m Cedric, Vespera’s father. As mentioned, you will stay with us in the spare room, so please make yourself at home.” He was still on edge.

  Maybe it took 3 years for Tessa to convince him it was a good idea, or maybe he wanted me to learn reading and writing first so I didn’t neglect my studies.

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  Mother was just as excited as I was. “And I’m Tessa. I would love for you to set down your bags and get started with your first lesson right away as Vespera is very keen of magic.”

  “Of course.” With that said, he followed her instructions and we were outside ready to start our first lesson, but not without my parents watching over us. It was clear they had one more thing to say.

  Cedric was reaching his limit. I could feel his mana core quickening. Whatever it was, Mother was sure everything would turn out all right.

  Sensing the moment, Mr. Rolman sat down on our front garden’s rock wall, and I stood between the two, unsure of what side to join.

  It was my mother who chose to speak up. “Hilvire, there’s something you must know about her before beginning your studies.”

  There’s something he must know? You mean he doesn’t know I can cast antimagic?

  Wait of course.

  If there really is something called the World Association of Magic, had they learned about a new caster of antimagic, wouldn’t they immediately request my enrollment to some school, or at the very least send their best tutor free of charge?

  It had taken us 3 years because my father paid out of his pocket, and was on the fence about getting a tutor in the first place.

  At least in this small village, there is no way to immediately contact someone. There isn’t even a courier to deliver letters.

  If Mr. Rolmand wanted to spill our secret, we would know, as he would at least have to go to to the city.

  Tessa must have convinced Cedric to pay for a tutor and reveal my secret for the chance that the tutor keeps it. Besides, how else was I going to advance in magic without ever revealing myself and having a proper teacher?

  “Vespera can cast antimagic.”

  …

  Mr. Rolmand’s expression didn’t change. His head didn’t move. His eyes darted to mine.

  “Go ahead.”

  Was this really the right move?

  I don’t know enough about this world to make a decision. It’s best to follow my parents on this one.

  I threw my left arm forward and kept my palm facing down as I had so many times before.

  I grabbed the mana from the air, held it, dispersed my mana among it, and released a single steady flow of water while constantly mixing more in. After a few seconds, I ended the demonstration and looked to my anxious father, then to my tutor.

  He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and pondered for a moment.

  That was the first time I saw him smile, only a slight smirk.

  “Say no more. You needn’t worry about me. I will keep your secret and make sure you become a strong magician.”

  The words relaxed my father as much as his core would allow, and mother became even more of her usually cheery self.

  “Thank you, we will forever be indebted to you. I’m sure you usually have a duty to fulfill.” Cedric took charge with his new confidence.

  “My duty is sworn to magic, not an association, Mr. Sol. Vespera will be in good hands.”

  Cedric’s core returned to normal and he smiled, guiding Tessa back in.

  “Dinner will be ready at sundown.” They began to walk inside. “Take it easy on her.”

  We were alone.

  “Do you like magic?” Cedric asked.

  Whenever I’m asked about my favorite topics, I can’t help but spit it all out.

  “I love magic! It’s fun and interesting and I love to feel the mana in our visitors and our garden and the air and magic is so useful!” I ran out of breath.

  His smile continued. “Very well.

  I was hoping your parents didn’t put you up to this.

  Don’t let anyone use you, Vespera.

  Live for yourself.”

  It was clear he spoke from experience.

  I took it to heart.

  “Yes sir.”

  And so my lessons with Mr. Rolmand began.