“There are, but they are rare. Empaths and seers are just as rare. You see, unlike specialties that are taught, abilities are natural. Unless you were born with an ability, it cannot be taught or reproduced,” Leo explains.
“You’re saying I was born an empath?” Victor asks.
Leo nods. “That’s correct. Remember at the restaurant? You saw the auras around you. Only empaths can see auras. Those who claim to see auras are merely projecting their own personal feelings onto that person. But empaths can see a person’s true aura. That’s why they are the best lie detectors.”
Victor scratches his chin as he wonders, “Wouldn’t telepaths be lie detectors too? Can’t they read minds?”
Leo shakes his head and explains, “Although it’s true that telepaths can read minds, some people of magic train themselves to trick telepaths with their thoughts. You can learn how to trick a telepath, but it’s more difficult to deceive an empath. Your aura never lies, no matter how much you try.”
“Can someone be empathic and telepathic, or have all three?” Victor inquires.
“I’ve heard it’s possible, butextremelyrare. I haven’t met anyone with two or all three abilities,” Leo responds.
“Does Madame Jeanette have an ability?” Victor asks. “I have a feeling she does.”
“She’s a seer. And she’s the only seer I know. I thought I mentioned that to you.”
“You probably did, but I forgot. Have you known anyone who tried to learn an ability?” Victor wonders.
Leo ponders Victor’s inquiry. “I don’t know anyone who has tried. But I have heard of the outcome of those who did. Some have tried making spells, but because it’s all mental abilities, they went insane. We’re talking chained up and placed underground for everyone’s protection.”
“ShouldIbe worried about going insane?” Victor worries.
“Nah, those born with an ability live a normal life,” Leo reassures. “But some do go a little mad initially because no one is around to teach them.”
“I don’t know anyone who is an empath. Should I be worried?” Victor asks.
Leo lets out a light snicker through his teeth. “You’ll be fine. You’re the third empath I know. Well,nowknow. There is nothing to worry about.”
Victor still feels uncertain but changes the topic to help distract his mind. “Tell me about these ‘Specialties’ I’m about to learn.”
Leo shifts in his seat to get a better look at Victor. “There are three levels of specialties:Basic,Medium, andHeavy.”
“Now, I hope you’re paying attention,” Leo suggests, watching Victor’s confused expression. “Every person of magic has one, two, or sometimes all four Basic specialties. These specialties areAir,Earth,Water, andFire. You can learn all four, but the more you learn, the harder it is to control each of them if you don’t continue your studies and practice a lot. Like, a lot. It’s easy to create a fire tornado using Fire and Air, but lose control of it, and suddenly you’re on the evening news.”
“Did that actually happen?” Victor inquires.
“Yes. Thankfully, it was contained before any real damage happened.”
“So, no Fire Tornadoes. Got it,” Victor notes to himself.
“Medium specialties areLight,Shadow, andMetal. It’s not common for someone to practice more than one, but it’s more common for someone who practices one Medium and one or all Basic. For example, you can practice Air, Water, and Metal. However, practicing with Air, Water, Metal, and Light is very difficult. Medium specialties take up a lot of energy.
“Heavy Specialties are the most dangerous if not practiced properly. These areTarot,Stellar, andNecromancy. Those who participate in Dark or Death Magic tend to abuse Tarot and Necromancy the most. Here’s the part I hope you are paying attention to.”
Victor holds up his hand as he comprehends what he was told. “Let me make sure I understand: Everyone who practices magic has at least one or more Basic. But it’s rare if they practice more than one Medium or Heavy,” Victor reiterates.
Leo nods in agreement. “Correct. The more specialties you practice, the more energy you use, which can become exhausting. However, for empaths like yourself and others with an ability, something about their ability allows them to excel inall specialties. We have yet to determine how this is possible since empaths are rare. It’s a reason why some fear empaths. Some say it’s because empaths can absorb the energy of others, giving them an endless supply.”
Victor sits back and tries to decipher what Leo has told him. “So, you’re telling me, I can be a powerful warlock?”
“That’s why Akisha fears you. And that’s why she worries that people like Magenta will try to convince you to join them and practice Dark Magic,” Leo replies.
“Is there any difference between Dark Magic and Death Magic?” Victor inquires.
“They are one and the same. It’s more of a generational thing. Younger people will say dark magic, but elders and superiors will say death magic. I think it’s mostly because the older generation saw death more.”
Victor looks out the window as they turn down a dark road. “I take it that I need to learn basic specialties before I practice the others.”
