The council delegation team of five members, led by Rujik, arrived at Orimudi's chambers shortly after. Elder Rujik was a military general with a face covered in battle scars that formed bald patches on his scalp of red hair. The elder's presence was imposing, his sharp gaze taking in every detail of the room as if it held secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Orimudi greeted them with a composed smile, though his mind raced.
'A surprise visit from Rujik. What a mess this is'
Orimudi turned to glance at Niu, who sat cross-legged on a mat at the center of his training hall, the pendant Orimudi had given him tucked around his neck. The child's innocent curiosity was evident as he attempted to float several small magic stones using telekinesis.
"Orimudi," Rujik began, his tone formal yet tinged with curiosity. "The council appreciates your dedication to Niu's development, but we have heard remarkable accounts from the stationed officers. We thought it prudent to observe the child's progress ourselves."
"The child is practicing telekinesis at the moment, he is self-taught and is currently approaching a breakthrough. I have left him to continue under close supervision. I hope you do not think I would withhold anything from the council." Orimudi said faking humility.
"Of course not," Rujik replied smoothly. "We merely wish to ensure that everything is progressing as expected. And perhaps," he added, his tone calculated, "see a demonstration of Niu's abilities."
Orimudi looked at the child with a concerned expression, he felt like his hands were tied. Niu, overhearing the exchange, stood slowly, bowing deeply despite nearly toppling over. His small body nearly losing balance from the action.
"Elder Rujik," Niu projected telepathically, his small voice steady. "It would be my pleasure to showcase my progress and, hopefully, receive feedback."
Rujik raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Very well, proceed."
"My telekinesis abilities can be summarized as mere party tricks but I hope it may arise the same level of curiosity that it has in me." Niu shared while raising thin needles of iron each several inches in length before him.
The floating needles shifting into a precise alignment. Their pointed tips reflecting the room's faint light, gleaming like miniature stars.
"While playing with metals that have a strong affinity for magic stones," Niu began, "I noticed metallic dust aligns in distinct patterns around the stones. These patterns, I believe, are a visual representation of the stone's attractive force. Showing the concentration of the attractive power of the magic stone."
Rujik smiled at the child, "It is impressive to have discovered this by yourself but those are called magical waves. Elder Orimudi should have taught you this as part of his foundational magic classes."
"Hmmh," Niu felt a bit heartbroken. His face fell slightly but quickly recovered.
Niu lifted one foot forward and placed it on the air before him, he raised the other foot and remained levitated off the ground. With that, he stepped forward—and then upward. His small frame lifted gracefully into the air, his feet stepping as if on invisible stairs. He hovered a meter off the ground, his movements fluid and controlled.
"Magical waves are what I use to do this."
The room erupted in murmurs of astonishment. "Is he flying?" one delegate asked. "Is this wind elemental magic?"
"How are you doing that?" Rujik asked as he approached, closely inspecting him from different angles as if expecting to see an enchanted gadget or glowing runes.
"As I said, magical waves," Niu said, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Magical waves?" Rujik and his delegation team echoed in unison.
"Yes, the term is new to me, but feel free to consult foundational magic books for details on how they work," Niu quipped.
Orimudi chuckled unable to hold down his laughter. "Niu set them on the same page."
"Yes, Grandpa." Niu answered, he clearly had not appreciated Elder Rujik interrupting his explanation earlier, but he had to appreciate Orimudi's subtle pun.
"Do you know what a magic stone is?" Niu asked condescendingly.
"In definition but not how they occur naturally" Rujik answered ignoring the child's attitude.
"Good. What you are currently standing on is a giant magic stone. I am merely balancing on the magical waves it is emitting." Niu answered as he levitated across the hall.
Elder Rujik looked around him, but his eyes could not spot "the giant magic stone" the child spoke of. The entire delegation team began paying close attention to their surroundings, their senses failing to spot any subtilties.
"Is this a special platform?" Rujik asked, his enthusiasm dampened by confusion.
Niu could not hide his disappointment. He sent out a telepathic message to Elder Orimudi. "Why didn't you tell me he is an idiot?"
Orimudi burst out into laughter.
Niu spoke out loud. This time with his actual baby voice, uttering each word slowly "The entire planet is a magic stone".
"What?" Rujik said in confusion. "That is absurd, all metallic objects would be glued to the ground. Magic stones are rare artifacts, and we would have noticed if we were standing on one."
"Well then, if magic stones are as rare as you say. Follow this needle and you will find the largest deposit of magic stone on the planet." Niu said sarcastically while a thin needle of steel floated on a sheet of paper before him.
The steel needle slowly aligned itself and pointed to the north and south like a compass.
"All I seek in return is a small compensation for my contribution," Niu finally said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "witness for yourselves that this needle when left to rest will always point to the same directing."
Orimudi's laughter grew louder, the sound filling the hall. "He's serious, Rujik. We've mapped this theory extensively."
Orimudi had always wondered how birds would migrate during winter and navigate the sky without an understanding of the position of the stars. Niu's theory had answered his questions to some degree.
'What is so funny' Elder Rujik wondered. Niu's sarcastic comment had gone over his head.
"How much for the needle and chart?" Rujik began his bid.
Orimudi became teary with laughter. Niu had shared his discovery with him days prior and had convinced him that not only was their planet a magic stone but all life-bearing planets had to share this property.
Elder Orimudi watched as a piece of steel was traded for unlimited access to the council's library, he had forgotten what pure joy felt like.