The next morning dawned cool and quiet. Light filtered softly through the curtains as I sat cross-legged on my bed, my breathing steady.
All right, I thought. Let's see if I can sense it again.
I closed my eyes and tried to focus inward — toward that faint hum within my chest I'd felt before. The world around me seemed to still. Slowly, gently, I felt the subtle rhythm of my heartbeat, the faint tingle of warmth spreading through my veins.
This… must be mana, I thought, barely daring to move. It pulsed softly, faint as candlelight but alive. I tried to guide it, to make it flow outward — to gather more from the air around me, the way the magic tomes had described.
For a moment, I thought I felt something stir — a faint whisper, like the air itself was responding. But as I reached further, the sensation slipped away.
It was like trying to grasp mist with my fingers. The harder I tried, the more it scattered.
When the feeling vanished completely, I exhaled and opened my eyes. The sun had fully risen. I smiled faintly, though a part of me wished I'd managed more.
No need to rush, I reminded myself. Even mana needs time to listen.
I stood, stretched, and began my morning routine. By the time Melody entered, I was already brushing my teeth, the basin filled with water that shimmered faintly in the morning light.
She paused in the doorway, blinking in mild surprise. "You're up early again, young master."
I spat into the basin and smiled. "I slept well last night. I'm taking it slow today."
Her eyes softened. "Good. Let's keep it that way."
---
By late morning, Teacher Louis arrived, carrying a bundle of fresh scrolls. His expression brightened when he saw me sitting upright, alert.
"Well, Baker," he said, adjusting his spectacles. "You look considerably better. Shall we resume where we left off yesterday?"
"Yes, Teacher," I said with a grin. "I'm ready."
Lessons passed steadily — arithmetic, history, and even a bit of reading from the philosophy of mana. Though my mind still processed quickly, I took my time this time, listening carefully to every word, letting it settle instead of racing ahead.
When classes ended, Teacher Louis gathered his things and departed. I stretched, deciding to wander the halls for a bit before lunch.
That's when I heard voices coming from my mother's office — one of them low and steady, edged with confidence.
"...no serious threats, Lady Ventis," said the unfamiliar voice. "The Mandearoz herd was growing too close to the western fields, so I had my squad deal with them. We managed to secure a few high-tier cores and some fine meat as well. The kitchen will have enough for weeks."
Curious, I stepped closer.
The woman speaking was… striking. Shorter than most elves, but taller than a dwarf, with a stocky, well-muscled build that spoke of long years of training. Her chestnut hair was tied back in a practical braid, and her emerald eyes gleamed with quiet sharpness. She wore light armor, polished but practical, with a green sash marking her as the head of security.
When she noticed me standing at the doorway, she smiled faintly. "Ah, and this must be young Master Baker."
Mother turned, her expression softening. "Baker, this is Captain Selene Ironhart — our head of security."
I bowed politely. "It's nice to meet you, Captain."
Selene chuckled, resting a hand on her hip. "Polite one, aren't you? You've got your mother's manners. I've heard about your studies — and your recent little… exhaustion episode."
I blushed faintly. "You… heard about that?"
She smirked. "When you're in charge of security, you hear everything. Don't worry — no one's calling you reckless. Just enthusiastic."
Mother sighed. "Overly so."
Selene gave a good-natured laugh, then continued, "Anyway, the Mandearoz problem's handled. Nothing serious — though it's good practice for my guards. Those beasts are sturdy things. Stocky as a boulder, antlers like a forest of knives. The older ones can reach high tier-two, you know. Cores the size of apples."
"Mandearoz…" I murmured, intrigued. "So they have mana cores too?"
"Indeed they do," Selene said, her green eyes brightening. "Low to high-tier, depending on their age and the strength of their herd leader. Magical meat, too — the kitchens will be thrilled. It's rare to have enough for everyone."
Mother nodded approvingly. "Excellent work as always, Captain."
Selene shrugged. "Just doing my duty, my lady."
Then, turning back to me, she added warmly, "And as for you, young master — if you're planning on studying magic, do it properly. Mind, body, and spirit in balance. A weak foundation breaks even the strongest spell."
I smiled. "Yes, Captain."
"Good answer." She smirked again. "Maybe I'll show you a few things about real mana control when you're ready."
My heart leapt at that. "You would?"
"If your mother allows it." She winked at Ventis, who smiled knowingly.
"We'll see," Mother said. "When he's stronger."
Selene laughed. "Fair enough."
---
As I left the office, I couldn't help but grin to myself.
Failing to gather mana didn't feel like a setback anymore — it felt like the first step of a long road.
And now, there were more people along that road than I'd ever realized.