The work on the plantations continued over the following days. Every morning, we accompanied the servants in organizing the planting beds, checking the irrigation, and removing the stones that still made part of the cultivation difficult. Little by little, that routine became part of our daily lives.
Even so, I could not neglect my training.
The war against the Demon King was getting closer and closer.
Every day without improving would be a wasted day.
As soon as we finished the work that morning, I decided to climb one of the mountains near the estate.
Liriel noticed my intentions.
"Are you going to train?"
"Yes."
She smiled.
"I also intend to take advantage of the mana in this place."
Scarlett immediately stood up.
"Then I'm coming too."
Rai'kanna also agreed.
"Me too."
A few seconds later, Elara, Lyannis, Vespera, and Liriel's assistant decided to accompany us as well.
We followed a narrow trail that led to an elevated region. As we climbed, the vegetation became lower and the wind grew stronger.
When we finally reached the summit, the view was impressive.
It was possible to see a large part of the lands that had been given to me.
The mansion looked small from up there.
The newly organized plantations appeared like strips of dark soil among the vegetation.
I took a deep breath.
The concentration of mana in that place was much greater than in the areas near the house.
I closed my eyes for a few seconds.
I could feel the natural energy flowing throughout the mountain.
It was intense.
Stable.
Very different from the mana present in the Human Kingdom.
Liriel noticed it as well.
"This place really is perfect for training."
I nodded.
"I can feel the mana much more easily."
She walked toward an area covered only by rocks.
"Try meditating first."
I agreed.
I sat down on a rock.
I crossed my legs.
I closed my eyes again.
Little by little, I stopped hearing the wind.
My breathing became slower.
I began to focus all my attention on the mana that filled the environment.
It seemed to respond naturally.
It was as if the entire mountain were breathing along with me.
The more I concentrated my mind, the more easily I could perceive small flows of energy passing through the soil, the trees, and even the air.
It was completely different from what I was used to feeling in other places.
After a few minutes, I slowly opened my eyes.
I felt my body much lighter.
Liriel was watching everything.
"Did you notice?"
"Yes."
"The mana here is extremely pure."
She nodded.
"That is why so many dragons have a great affinity for magic."
I stood up.
"Let's test it."
I moved several meters away.
I extended one of my hands.
I began gathering mana in my palm.
A small luminous sphere appeared.
Normally, that process required a certain amount of concentration.
Here, it happened almost naturally.
The energy responded much faster.
I slowly increased the amount of mana.
The sphere grew.
It remained completely stable.
I smiled.
"Interesting."
Liriel seemed satisfied.
"Your control has improved."
Scarlett approached while holding her sword.
"While you train magic, I'll practice my attacks."
She began performing a sequence of movements.
Every attack was precise.
The sound of the sword cutting through the air echoed across the mountain.
Rai'kanna also decided to train.
Using her spear, she began repeating various attacking and defensive movements.
Elara and Lyannis practiced offensive magic from a distance.
Vespera trained her speed and movement between the rocks.
Liriel's assistant watched everything attentively while taking notes.
At one point, she commented.
"I never imagined that everyone trained in such different ways."
Liriel smiled.
"Each person has their own path."
I continued concentrating mana.
I decided to increase the difficulty a little.
I began controlling two flows of energy at the same time.
At first, there was a slight instability.
I took a deep breath.
I corrected the flow of the mana.
Shortly afterward, the two spheres remained completely balanced.
I felt that my control was truly improving.
Liriel approached.
"Now try moving both at the same time."
I followed her instructions.
The spheres began slowly rotating around me.
They required a great deal of concentration.
Even so, I managed to keep them stable for several minutes.
When I finally dispelled the magic, I felt only slightly tired.
Much less than I normally would have.
I looked at Liriel.
"The difference really is significant."
"I imagined it would be."
She looked toward the horizon.
"This kingdom has been rich in mana since ancient times."
We spent most of the afternoon training.
At times, Liriel corrected small details in the way I manipulated the energy.
At other times, she simply watched.
Scarlett and Rai'kanna even fought each other for a while.
It was only friendly training.
Even so, both demonstrated considerable skill.
Elara and Lyannis also decided to practice together.
Vespera alternated between physical exercises and small body-enhancement spells.
Even Liriel's assistant tried to manipulate mana.
She managed to create only a small light over the palm of her hand.
Even so, she celebrated as if she had accomplished something great.
Everyone ended up laughing.
The atmosphere was light.
For the first time in many days, I managed to forget for a while about the weight of the approaching war.
When the sun began to descend behind the mountains, I decided to end the training.
I looked over the entire region from the top of the mountain once again.
The lands seemed peaceful.
The wind blew gently.
I closed my eyes once more.
I could feel the mana flowing much more clearly than when I had arrived there that morning.
It was a different feeling.
My control had improved.
My perception had as well.
Perhaps it was only a small improvement.
But any progress could make a difference in the future.
Liriel approached.
"Are you satisfied with the result?"
I smiled.
"More than I expected."
She smiled as well.
"Then we will continue training here."
I nodded.
"As long as we are in the Dragon Kingdom, I want to take advantage of every opportunity."
We slowly descended the mountain.
In the distance, the lights of the mansion were already beginning to appear.
As I walked back, I felt that this place was not only strengthening our plantations.
With each passing day, it was also strengthening all of us for the challenges that inevitably awaited us.