I took a deep breath and extended my hand. I focused on my aura, imagining it as that flowing river she described, then attempted to ’tint’ it with cold essence I’d felt during Seren’s naming.
I tried again, imagining it as clearly as I could. Failed again. Again, again, and again.
"You’re trying too hard," Lady Nisha observed. "Don’t force the coldness into your aura, let it seep naturally. Just like how frost forms on a window."
I nodded, this time imagining frost slowly spreading through my aura.
"Your breath is too intense. Relax a bit more. Feel it, don’t create it."
I listened to her instructions and continued trying.
But around my 25th failed attempt, I started to realize this was much harder than it sounded. The concept seemed simple enough, but actually executing it was proving frustrating.
"Let’s take it a bit easier, then," she said, noticing my growing frustration. "Try water instead of ice. It’s a more basic state and might be easier to do."
I shifted my focus, thinking of flowing water instead of frozen crystals. I imagine my aura becoming fluid, adaptable, and gentler rather than sharp and cold.
On the 47th attempt, I felt something, a barely perceptible change in the energy around my fingertips. By the 60th try, there was definitely something there, though I couldn’t quite grasp it.
Around the 89th attempt, finally, a small droplet of water materialized above my palm before immediately falling to the void floor below.
The sensation was distinct. Like my aura fundamentally changed its nature.
Was that really a success?
"You’re making progress. Keep it up."
But even as she praised me, I couldn’t help but be frustrated again.
Am I really that talentless?
I thought, staring at where the droplet had vanished. Nearly a hundred attempts just to produce a single drop of water.
Sure, I managed it at the end, but at what cost? How much time passed? Two hours? Three? Or more?
"It takes time to learn this," Lady Nisha said, seemingly reading my thoughts. "Most people need weeks of practice to produce even that much."
I nodded, though I suspected she was just trying to cheer me up.
Still, since I understood the sensation, I felt like I could replicate it.
"The hardest part is that first successful transformation," she continued. "Your body and mind had ’witnessed’ the process. You’ve done it once, so it will become easier each time. Now you know the pattern. Practice and repetition will make it smoother."
I tried again, focusing on recreating that same sensation and shift.
...Imagine. Cool, free water...
...Don’t be forceful.
This time, it only took 20 more attempts before another droplet formed, and by the 10th repetition after that, I was managing it under 15 tries.
"See? Your aura is adapting. Soon it’ll become as natural as breathing."
I nodded, motivation surging through me anew.
"You should keep practicing, and I will teach you the next step once you fully master this."
"Is it about controlling the transformed aura?" I asked. Because there’s no way it would end with just creating water drops. And she probably wanted me to get more familiar with the process instead of rushing.
"That’s right, you have a sharp mind after all." She chuckled. "But it’ll be even more difficult than this. But I promise, once you master it, you’ll be able to do this."
With a flick of her wrist, she created a droplet of fire and then turned it into a perfect fire arrow, then into a dagger, spear, and so on. Then, in the same motion, she returned it to its droplet form.
"The next step isn’t just changing your aura’s nature," she explained. "It’s about commanding it. Resonating. Making it to respond to your will as your own limbs."
She tapped my forehead lightly. "Right now, you are still thinking too much. Water doesn’t think about being water—it just is. The affinity is the same. The moment you stop forcing it..."
The droplet in my palm suddenly levitated, forming a perfect sphere without any visible input from me.
"...is when it truly becomes yours."
I stared at the orb, realization dawning.
"Keep practicing," Lady Nisha said, stepping back. "When you can do it ten times in a row without fail, then we’ll move on."
"I want to stay here and continue, but I still have things to take care of outside. I have to go back."
Lady Nisha nodded. "I know. But you can continue after that, right?"
"Well, if you allow me to." I smiled.
"Of course, I’m gonna stay a few more days. And like you asked, time flows differently in here than outside. So you will have enough time to master it before I leave."
Then she flicked her fingers again. My vision went dark, and the next moment, I found myself back in the library, in the same spot I was standing before she took us to her domain.
"I will ask the maids to-"
"There’s no need. I’m gonna watch over your training tonight." She cut me off. "Unless you want to spend the night sleeping."
My smile widened. "There’s no way I would refuse that offer."
"Alright, I will summon you myself then." She muttered before disappearing again.
I instantly used the Pulse of the Unseen to check the surroundings. I even activated the Exorcist’s Gaze. But I didn’t see or sense anything unusual.
...Did she really leave?
The question bothered me a little, but I decided to forget about it for now.
According to the library’s clock, only about 30 minutes had passed in reality. Lady Nisha’s domain operated on a warped timescale, just like the master’s, but hers was a bit faster.
Even so, it would be helpful for me to do the affinity training.
...Let’s meet up with Cassandra first.
She had walked out with the ’guests’ by herself. Although I wasn’t worried about her safety, I still wanted to check up on her.
My senses sent an alert.
It seems like I don’t have to search for her.
I thought as I picked up a familiar presence approaching the library.
Wait a second... I squinted, expanding my senses.
...There are two more? Completely unfamiliar presences?