Breakfast had finally ended. The clinking of dishes and the soft hum of morning activity gradually faded as Rika moved around the house, preparing herself for work. Mizuki remained seated nearby, her calm presence contrasting sharply with Renji's exhaustion. He slumped onto the sofa, his shoulders heavy, and his eyes dull as though all energy had been drained overtime.
"Mizuki… I'm tired of this," he muttered, rubbing his face with both hands. "Give me a book about basic magic."
Mizuki's calm gaze fell on him. "We don't have the money to buy one, nor can we borrow one from a library," she replied evenly.
Renji's shoulders sagged further. Silence settled over the room, stretching uncomfortably, until Rika suddenly spoke up.
"Hey," she said, turning to face him, "I might have some books that could help you."
Renji's head snapped up, his eyes wide with anticipation, a spark of hope lighting his tired expression. "Yes! Yes! Show me those books!!"
Rika let out a soft laugh and tapped her cheek thoughtfully. "I haven't touched them in years. It might take me some time to find them, and I'm already late for work. I'll look for them once my shift is over."
Renji's excitement deflated as quickly as it had appeared. His face fell, dull once again, and he opened his mouth to protest—but Mizuki intervened.
"It's alright," she said gently. "Your duty is more important. I'll teach him some basic mana-controlling techniques for now."
Rika gave a small nod of agreement and left the house, the door closing softly behind her.
Renji immediately turned to Mizuki, frustration and curiosity mixing in his expression. "Wait… why did you sign me up as an adventurer in the first place?" He paused, glancing at her with furrowed brows. "I mean… I can't complete quests if I join the academy, right?"
"You'll have plenty of time for both," Mizuki replied evenly.
Renji blinked, utterly confused.
"If you get admitted," Mizuki continued, "you'll enter the first grade of the middle division. Your classes will start at ten in the morning and end at three in the afternoon."
Renji's mouth opened slightly. "Oh… right. I almost forgot I was in a completely different world."
Mizuki stood and gave him a firm look. "Enough talking. Let's begin your basic training."
Renji's eyes lit up immediately. The dullness in his face vanished, replaced by a gleaming spark of excitement. He leapt from the sofa, practically bouncing as he ran toward the door. "Let's goooo! I can't wait!"
Mizuki watched him, a faint smile on her lips. She whispered inside her mind, Seems he's too eager about learning magic… just like a video game character.
Outside, the morning air was crisp, carrying a faint floral scent from Rika's garden. Renji took a deep breath, relishing the fresh air, while Mizuki turned to him.
"First," she said, her voice steady and authoritative, "you need to understand some basic knowledge about mana."
Renji raised a hand, halting her mid-step. "Wait—what exactly is mana? Is it… like fuel for magic?"
Mizuki folded her arms and gave a small nod. "Mana is the energy flowing through your body. When you cast a spell, that energy leaves your body and forms itself according to your intentions and the nature of the spell."
Renji listened intently, silent for the first time that morning. His usual playful demeanor was replaced by focus, his mind absorbing every word.
"Unlike other species," Mizuki continued, "Humanlords generate mana directly from their hearts. The energy travels through blood vessels and veins, reaching every part of the body. Other species have a mana stone inside them that produces and stores magical energy."
Renji tilted his head, trying to understand. "Am I… a Humanlord?"
"Yes," Mizuki said simply.
"And… what exactly is a Humanlord?" he asked again.
"You'll learn more about them at the academy," Mizuki explained. "For now, know this: any species that resembles humans—humans, elves, plantees, vampires, barbarians, and beast humans—are categorized as Humanlords."
Renji went silent, processing the new information. The weight of it settled in his chest, a mixture of awe and responsibility.
"Anyway," Mizuki added, breaking the silence, "controlling mana is not as difficult as it seems."
"Aham," Renji mumbled, unsure if his voice carried enough confidence.
"Listen carefully," Mizuki instructed. "Focus on the mana flowing inside you. Feel it. Then try to gather it in your hands."
Renji scratched the back of his head. "And then?"
"Just do as I said," Mizuki replied, her tone patient but firm.
Renji closed his eyes and concentrated, trying to sense the invisible flow coursing through his body. Minutes passed. Nothing. Hours seemed to stretch endlessly.
"I feel… nothing," he muttered, frustration creeping in.
"Keep focusing," Mizuki advised. "Sit on the rooftop. It will help."
Before he could protest, Mizuki lifted him with her magic and gently placed him on the roof. The wind ruffled his hair, carrying the faint scent of morning flowers and dust from the nearby streets.
"Dang!" he exclaimed, wobbling slightly.
"Awww, Mizuki! Can't you put me down more gently?"
Mizuki appeared behind him in an instant, placing a hand lightly on his shoulder. "Start focusing on your mana flow."
Renji jumped back, startled. "You almost killed me!"
"I'm going back inside you now," Mizuki said calmly.
"Why?" he asked, confusion etched on his face.
"I'm a dead human's consciousness fused with your mana," she explained. "If I remain outside your body, it drains your energy."
With that, she disappeared back into his form.
Renji settled onto the rooftop and tried again, shutting out the world. Time crawled forward. Minutes became hours, but he stayed seated, his posture straight, his breathing measured.
After nearly two and a half hours, something finally shifted.
A warm current ran through his veins, spreading a gentle heat through his chest and limbs. A faint blue glow began to envelop him, flickering softly in the morning light. Renji's eyes widened in wonder as he felt the energy radiating outward.
He raised his right hand and shouted, "Heayah!"
Nothing happened at first. The blue aura began to dim slightly.
Confused, he whispered, "Mizuki… what just happened?"
Her voice echoed calmly from within his mind: "Step one complete."
Renji blinked, awe and anticipation flooding him. The journey had only begun, but for the first time, he could feel the power within himself. And that feeling—so fragile, yet so alive—was enough to make him eager for the challenges that lay ahead.