Morning came, and since school was off, the three of them decided to practice at home.
Horobi arrived carrying a few books.
"I found something interesting,"
he said.
"I have this device that can detect a person's unknown, masterable element. I tried it on myself—it didn't work—but I have two devices ready. I'll make more later, though it'll take some time."
Mio's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Wow… Horobi, you're really smart!"
Liora smirked, impressed. But before anyone could say more, Horobi walked over and lightly tapped Mio on the head.
"Ouch! Why'd you do that?"
she complained, rubbing her head.
"I told you… call me Horobi, not Master,"
he said with a grin.
Liora giggled.
"Alright then… one for me too!"
Mio shot her a sharp glance. "Shut up, Liora."
Horobi handed the devices to both of them and explained how to use them. Mio grabbed hers and the device responded immediately.
Earth magic.
Mio's eyes lit up. "No way! My second magic is Earth type? That's rare! Now I have three elements: Dark, Wind, and Earth!"
She teased Liora, laughing. "Look at that! I beat you again!"
Liora's eyes narrowed playfully. "Okay, okay… now it's my turn. Watch closely."
Her device responded: Fire magic.
Mio's excitement faltered for a second. "Hey… wait, you got three too? How?"
Liora smirked. "You might beat me on paper, but in reality? Never." She laughed loudly.
Horobi watched both of them, thinking silently, These two are like monsters… I have no idea what I've gotten myself into.
"Alright," he said finally, "I'll practice Earth magic too. I already know Fire magic, so it's time for a new challenge."
Mio jumped in excitement. "Yay! I get to do it with you!"
Liora pouted. "Hey! Don't leave me out."
Horobi chuckled. "This magic is all about control. If you rush, it'll fail."
Mio thought like a child. Control… master it… okay… I can do this, Horobi…
He tried creating a small stone. A tiny pebble formed. Liora watched and laughed. "Nice start, Teacher."
Horobi smiled faintly. "This is my first time too. Let's try together." He explained Fire magic basics to her as well.
Hours passed with Earth magic practice. Mio managed to create stones consistently, while Liora learned to form small fireballs.
Later, Horobi's butler arrived. "Master, lunch is ready."
Mio, no longer a maid, stepped aside, letting someone else handle household chores.
During lunch, Liora teased Mio lightly, "Look! I can control Fire now, thanks to Horobi. Maybe I should use it on you…"
Mio laughed, "Thanks for the guidance, Horobi!" Before Horobi could respond, she leaned forward and kissed him. His first kiss… and it came from Mio.
Horobi froze, stunned, his mind racing. Liora gasped, shocked. "What? You… Mio!"
Jealousy flared in Liora, but she quickly hid it, glaring at Mio. "Why'd you do that?"
Mio just shrugged, not looking guilty in the slightest.
After a tense moment, they returned to practice. Liora's control improved, her fireballs grew bigger and stronger. Mio also improved steadily, though she couldn't handle large amounts of magic yet.
Months passed like this. At school, Mio and Horobi practiced Wind magic, while Liora focused on Water magic. At home, each practiced their personal elements. Horobi's training ground changed dramatically—mountains of stone from Earth magic, scorched marks from Fire. Standing together, they took a deep breath.
Horobi said, "We've only just started. Don't forget: mastery comes with patience and practice."
Mio smiled, awed. "I never imagined I could reach this level… Earth magic feels amazing."
Liora nodded. "I've got Fire magic too… thanks to you, Horobi."
Horobi placed a hand on each of their heads. "Don't thank me. You did this yourselves."
Then he added, "Tomorrow, we'll head back home. Raii-sensei will teach us new magic circles. We need to be ready."
Dinner came, and Abyss appeared immediately beside Horobi, as always.
Liora leaned in, whispering, "Did you learn anything more about Abyss?"
Horobi shook his head. "Not much… but a little. Dragons like Abyss aren't summoned like normal creatures. Summoner's mana alone isn't enough—they need to accept the summon. Otherwise, it fails. And according to old texts, Abyss is from an ancient species. Its evolved form can destroy entire cities in moments."
Mio's eyes widened. "Wait… this tiny Abyss is that strong?"
Horobi chuckled. "Yes… but he's loyal. Here, I'll show you some of his pieces."
Night fell, and as the others went to bed, Liora lingered by Horobi's room.
Horobi noticed. "Liora… what's wrong?"
She blushed. "Earlier, when Mio kissed you… I want my turn."
Horobi's face turned crimson. "Wait… you mean, you want to kiss me too?"
Liora nodded shyly. "Yes… but we'll do it in your room. My… repayment, I guess."
He froze, overwhelmed, but let her in. "Okay… but no kissing yet."
She smiled and crawled into bed beside him. Slowly, she leaned closer as he lay awake, heart racing. Sleep seemed impossible.
His face burned, but eventually, exhaustion took over, and they drifted off.
Poor Horobi… it was all new to him.