The morning sunlight filtered into the high-ceilinged classroom of the Mana Bureau Academy, casting warm beams across polished stone floors. Students murmured nervously, shifting in their seats as they took in the room. Floating orbs shimmered faintly above their desks, each ready to record and display elemental exercises.
Alex adjusted his tunic, feeling the smooth leather against his arms, and glanced at Kael and Riven seated beside him. All around them, other freshmen—nobles, exceptional commoners, and even the Crown Prince Edric Hensville—fidgeted in anticipation.
A gentle chime echoed through the hall, and the doors opened. Every head turned as a tall figure entered, radiating quiet authority. The students fell into silence.
"Good morning, freshmen," the professor said, voice steady and commanding. "I am Professor Tishan Varena of the Dukedom of Havana. I possess Fire Mana Affinity. Today, you begin your journey of learning to control and manifest your own mana. Some of you wield Fire, some Air, some Water, some Earth, and others the more elusive Dark or Light Mana. Regardless of your type, the fundamentals of control, focus, and intent apply to all."
Alex leaned forward slightly, eyes tracking the subtle shimmer of energy around the professor's hands.
"Before we begin," Tishan continued, "ensure your posture is upright, shoulders relaxed, palms facing forward. Focus your mana—whatever your element—through your body to your hands. Feel its presence, its weight, its resonance. Once you are ready, attempt to project it outward, forming a small, controlled manifestation appropriate to your affinity: a flame, a swirl of air, a ripple of water, a solid earth construct, or a shadow of dark mana. Maintain stability, control, and conscious intent."
He walked slowly down the aisle, inspecting students. "Do not overextend. Do not compare yourself to others. Observe your growth. Those with weaker control, concentrate harder. Those with greater affinity, practice restraint. Every action has consequence; uncontrolled mana will harm yourself and those around you."
Alex focused, fire mana coiling along his fingertips, while Kael's hands glowed with spiraling air currents. Riven's shadowed energy wavered delicately above his palms. The Crown Prince's mana formed a controlled light sphere, steady but alert.
"Good, Alex," Tishan said, nodding briefly. "Keep it steady. Do not let emotion overpower technique."
Whispers rippled across the room as students observed one another's progress. Alex noted the subtle hierarchy forming—not just in social rank, but in mana control, discipline, and presence.
Tishan moved to the center of the room, eyes scanning every student. "Now, you will attempt small maneuvers appropriate to your affinity. Ignite, form, shape, or control your mana for five steady breaths. Observe your classmates, but focus on your own mastery. This is the foundation of all future training at the Mana Bureau Academy."
The room fell silent except for the soft hum of energy and the measured breathing of students. Alex felt the weight of his mana, steadying it, shaping it with intent. This was no longer theory—this was real, tactile, immersive training.