The manor was alive with quiet activity as the week drew on. Ventis bustled through the halls, overseeing preparations for the long journey north. Carriages were being polished, supplies inventoried, and magical wards checked and reinforced. "Everything must be ready," she reminded Baker as he passed by, a warm but firm hand resting briefly on his shoulder. "We leave in just a few days."
Baker nodded, determination written across his face. "I'll be ready, Mother. I'll make sure I can keep up… and protect everyone if I need to."
Each morning, he began his routine as usual — lessons with Teacher Louis, brief breakfast, then training with Captain Selene and Aunt Clarisse. But now, the focus was more deliberate. He was slowly mastering the integration of his healing magic and body reinforcement, practicing the flow of mana through his muscles, bones, and joints while actively healing minor fatigue and bruises.
He had even given the technique a name in his mind: Enduring Body Magic. It wasn't just body reinforcement or healing — it was both, synchronized so that he could sustain effort longer, recover mid-combat, and push his stamina to the edge safely.
Selene watched him closely during drills. "Better control today," she noted, adjusting his stance as he parried a thrust. "You're holding the reinforcement longer, but your mana flow isn't spiking — that's progress."
Aunt Clarisse smiled, standing beside Melody, who was observing in awe. "Your control is improving," she said, gently nodding. "But remember, even with enduring body magic, you must still rest and eat. Fatigue is cumulative, no matter how clever your spells are."
Baker paused for a moment, chewing a piece of his Mandearoz jerky, seasoned with his fatigue-recovery herbs. "I know, Aunt Clarisse… but I want to make sure I'm ready before we leave."
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Each evening, after practice, he returned to the kitchen to work with Harven. The chef had been helping him refine mana-infused cooking techniques, combining restorative ingredients with subtle energy flows. Baker experimented with soups, stews, and even baked goods designed to aid recovery. Harven grunted in approval. "You're turning meals into magic, young master. Keep at it, and no road will tire you out."
By midweek, the preparations were nearly complete. Ventis checked lists, clarified plans with Clarisse, and coordinated with Selene. Baker listened attentively, noting the routes, potential hazards, and the timing of stops along the way.
And throughout it all, he trained. The rhythm of morning, lessons, magic practice, sparring with Selene, cooking with Harven, and reviewing journey plans became second nature. Slowly, he could feel the difference in his body. Bruises and fatigue healed faster, reflexes sharpened, and his endurance improved. Every meal, every spell, every repetition reinforced his goal: be ready for whatever the journey might throw at him.
One evening, as he sat quietly polishing his practice spear, he whispered to himself, "Enduring Body Magic… I'll master you. I'll be strong enough to protect everyone… and still be able to help, heal, and nourish them along the way."
Outside, the manor's gardens glimmered under the twilight, and the faint pulse of mana from his blessings resonated in his chest. The journey north was approaching, and Baker felt a surge of both excitement and responsibility.
By the end of this week, we leave… and I'll be ready. He felt full of confidence.