"Come on. Grind it properly," Granny scolded, her voice sharp.
I stared at the mortar, herbs crunching under the pestle, and wondered if I could possibly die of boredom before noon. This was much more tedious than I had anticipated.
It had been a week since the whole… well, since the whole "being-blown-away-by-the-axe" ordeal. Since then, my days had been a whirlwind of activity. Mornings were dedicated to studying, language, writing, and of course, alchemy lessons with Granny. In the afternoons, I would accompany Granny on her strolls through town. It was a small and charming place, with a church, a school, taverns, and even an adventurers' guild. I once caught a glimpse of my mother there, but the moment our eyes met, she vanished like a blur. When Granny was busy, Grandpa would take me with him to the fields. I was surprised by the sheer scale of the fields, vast expanses of green stretching as far as the eye could see. There were cotton fields, and Grandpa, to my surprise, explained that they also cultivated legumes like peas and beans alongside them. "They are nitrogen-fixing plants," he had explained, "that improve soil fertility and attract beneficial insects that prey on cotton pests." At least, that's what Granny had told him.
There were tomato fields, pepper fields, and even fields of a strange, spiky plant that Grandpa called "firethorn," claiming its berries were excellent for warding off chills. Truthfully, for a barony, the land seemed too vast, too abundant.
"You need to focus," Granny's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "Is it just me, or have you gotten worse at this?"
I groaned internally. Her words, though intended to be constructive, stabbed right through my fragile heart.
I looked at Granny, who was watching me with a critical eye. "I… I'm trying," I mumbled, feeling a blush creep up my neck.
Granny sighed. "Take the ground powder," she instructed, "and sprinkle it slowly, evenly, into the solution."
I followed her instructions, carefully adding the powdered herbs to the bubbling liquid. As I did so, I watched with fascination as the solution began to change color, shifting from a pale yellow to a vibrant shade of emerald green.
Granny explained the process, her voice calm and soothing. "This solution," she said, "is designed to soothe minor burns and cuts. The addition of nightshade root gives it a slight analgesic effect."
"Fascinating," I murmured, genuinely intrigued.
"Let's end today's session," Granny announced, a smile gracing her lips.
I enthusiastically jumped off the stool, stretching my arms. "Are we going out today?" I asked, hoping for a change of scenery.
Granny shook her head sadly. "I need to check on the horses in the ranch today," she explained. "You can come if you want, or you can go with Silas and try your hand at archery in the range."
"Actually, I'll wait for Grandpa," I said, the thought of tending to horses not particularly appealing, and I have much better things planned.
Granny nodded with a smile. "Just don't get involved in any mischief with your grandfather and mother," she warned.
I gave her a child's innocent smile and agreed. "I promise."
Granny left the room, her footsteps fading down the hallway. I waited a few moments, then dashed towards the library. I had to admit, I was more interested in exploring the library than spending the afternoon with Grandpa.
I reached the library and, with a bit of effort, managed to pull a large, leather-bound book from the highest shelf. When I asked about magic, Granny had said I couldn't learn magic right now because I hadn't "awakened" yet, or something to that effect, and that she would start teaching me when the time was right.
But that didn't mean I couldn't start learning on my own.
I opened the book, titled "Ways to Master Magic," a sense of excitement tingling through me.
"Mana. Mana is the source of all the magic in this world. Mages are naturally able to sense it, their souls attuned to its ebb and flow. The ability to control mana is genetic; half of your future as a mage is decided depending on the family you are born into. But one's true talent as a mage can only be measured after the soul has awakened, which can happen from a young age to late teens. When a person's soul first awakens, an overflow of mana from the soul occurs, surrounding the awakened."
Soul has awakened? Is this the awakening Granny was talking about?
"Every individual possesses a unique energy conduit known as the Soul's Crucible. This ethereal vessel, hidden deep within the soul, serves as the repository and amplifier of mana."
Soul. The concept was both familiar and alien. In my old world, the existence of the soul was a matter of philosophical debate, a concept explored by theologians and philosophers for centuries. But here, in this world, the soul was an accepted entity, a vessel for magic.
But wait, my soul… it's not even from this world. Can I even awaken? Can I even access this… this 'Soul's Crucible'? In the first place, what does the soul have to do with genetics anyway? Let's see...
*Flip
"The soul is the body, and the body is the soul. The soul is the truth of who we are, and the body is its manifestation. There is no soul without the body, nor body without the soul, they are one breath in different forms..."
Skipping the exaggerated correlation and philosophical concepts between soul and body, I flipped through the pages.
*Flip
Mana Utilization
"Mana can be utilized in various ways. It depends from mage to mage how mana is utilized. Some mages use it to enhance their physical abilities, increasing their strength, speed, and agility. Others use it to emit it long-range in the form of spells. Some mages use it to strengthen their weapons and tools, imbuing them with magical properties. For example, Blacksmiths often utilize this method to forge weapons of exceptional strength and durability, while Alchemists use mana to accelerate chemical processes, creating potent potions and elixirs..."
The scene of the doctor healing me, and the three mages whom Mother had sent flying, vividly flashed through my mind. But alchemists using magic? I hadn't seen Granny do it till now. Maybe I should ask her about this later.
*Flip
"The common ways to utilize magic are twofold:
Drawing mana from the Soul's Crucible: Mages can directly draw upon their internal reservoir of mana, channeling it through their will to cast spells, enhance their abilities, or empower their tools.
Manipulating ambient mana: Mages can also draw upon the ambient mana that permeates the world around them, manipulating the flow of energy to achieve their desired effects. This can involve influencing the surroundings, affecting the weather, or even the fundamental laws of the world."
*Flip
Elements
"To be able to use magic effectively, one must possess an aptitude for certain elements. In this world, there are five basic elements: Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, and Thunder.
Beyond these fundamental elements, there are six advanced elements: Force, Time, Flower, Shadow, Light, and Moon. These rarer elements are often associated with greater power and more complex magics.
Unlike Mana, which is intrinsically linked to the soul, the affinity for these elements is etched into one's body. This explains why some families are renowned for their mastery of certain elements, while others possess no inherent magical talent."
I see. That's where the notion that "Genes decide half your future as a mage" comes from.
Suddenly everything went dark as something pressed against my eyes. At the same time, I felt something soft rubbing against the back of my head.
"Now guess who it is?" the voice whispered, low and melodic. A tingling sensation ran down my spine.
It wasn't hard to tell who it was. Her presence, even without seeing her, was unmistakable. She had returned much earlier than expected.
I took a deep breath. "Um… Ma?" I ventured.
Valka pulled back, a disappointed sound escaping her lips. "You could tell?"
Of course, I could tell. Did she take me for an idiot?
I turned in my chair sideways, meeting her gaze.
Valka's eyes immediately fell on the book I had been reading. "What are you reading?" she asked, leaning in closer, her breasts brushing against my head. I felt a sudden surge of heat, and my breath hitched.
This woman needs some class.
"Can you even understand this stuff?" She raised an eyebrow as she looked at me.
I hesitated, unsure how she would react. "I… I can understand a little bit," I stammered, trying to sound casual.
Valka looked at me with a skeptical glint in her eyes. "Could it be…" she trailed off, a mischievous glint appearing in her gaze.
I gulped, a knot of apprehension tightening in my stomach. "What?"
"You are a genius," she declared, a foolish grin spreading across her face. "Aw, as expected of my son." She gently ruffled my hair.
I sighed internally. What was I expecting?
"Ma, what are you doing here? You ran away after beating up Silas in the name of training," I couldn't help but sound a bit accusatory.
Valka bristled. "Could you not put it in such a way that makes me sound like a barbarian?" she retorted, her tone defensive.
"So, what are you doing here?" I asked, still a little wary.
A mischievous smile crossed Valka's face. "I'm here to fetch you," she announced.
I raised an eyebrow, skepticism clouding my features. "Where are we going?"
Valka's smile widened. "It's a surprise," she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
My gut told me this "surprise" was likely to be anything but pleasant. "I don't think so," I said, turning back to the table. "Granny asked me to stay out of trouble, and I intend to."
Out of nowhere, she wrapped her arms around me, shaking me left and right in the chair. "Sieg! Don't you trust your Ma anymore? I'm going to cry!" she exclaimed dramatically. Her voice dripping with mock despair.
"Fine, fine. I'm coming," I muttered, already bracing myself for whatever surprise she had planned.
Valka grinned, her eyes shining like a child's. She grabbed my face and tilted it backwards, her breath warm against my skin. "Now that's my Sieg," she murmured, leaning in and kissing me on the forehead.
My cheeks burned. Embarrassed, I quickly removed her hands from my face and jumped off the chair.
"Just don't hit me with an axe again," I said, trying to lighten the mood.
Valka placed her hands on her hips, a playful frown creasing her brow. "Is it just me, or have you become more sarcastic than before?" she teased.
I shrugged my shoulders. "Anyways, we should go. If Granny catches you here, this time it won't end with just ear pulling."
Valka's smile faded slightly. "You're right about that," she said, her tone serious for a moment.
She took my hand, her grip surprisingly strong, and led me out of the house. We passed through the main gate, where the guards saluted us respectfully. As we walked through the town, people greeted us warmly, their faces brightening at the sight of Valka. We stopped at the town square, where a large statue stood in the center.
It was a magnificent statue of a gruff-looking man wielding a massive, twin-headed axe.
"Grandpa," I murmured, recognizing the likeness.
"Nah," Valka chuckled. "That's your great-grandfather."
Great-grandfather…
My eyes drifted to the inscription carved below:
"Ravald Fors, Hero of the Orcish War, the Greatest Warrior of the West."
A small grin tugged at my lips. Wow… he sounds so cool.
As I was staring at the statue with awe, Mother's voice came, "Ah. He is finally here." Her eyes were up in the sky as she said that.
I followed her line of sight. Something was flying? With unbelievable speed, a blue blur descended from the sky, landing gracefully in front of us.
"That…" I gasped, staring at the figure that had materialized before us.
It was a man, tall and imposing, built like a bear. He had a deep tan, a shock of dark blue hair that framed his rugged features, and wore a dark blue armor adorned with intricate silver detailing. A broadsword was sheathed on his back. He was quite handsome, in a rugged, outdoorsy kind of way.
"Did you two wait long?" he asked, his voice booming with laughter, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Zayn," Mother said, her face breaking into a wide smile as she walked towards him.
Zayn… Zayn… Ah, right! He was a veteran adventurer, an "old friend" from my mother's adventuring days. He is supposed to be my sword instructor. He comes to the barony every year for a month to teach me.
Zayn looked at us, his eyes twinkling. "How have you both been?" he asked, his voice warm and friendly.
"Same uneventful life as always in the countryside," Mother replied with a playful sigh.
Zayn chuckled, the sound deep and resonant. Valka leaned forward slightly. "So," she began, her voice laced with a playful challenge, "how is 'work' going?" The emphasis on the word 'work' was unmistakable, a silent understanding passing between them, a shared history that I was only beginning to glimpse.
Zayn's smile faltered slightly. "You know how it is," he replied, his gaze lingering on Mother for a moment longer than necessary. "Always something new to deal with."
I couldn't help but feel the shift in the atmosphere, a tension that crackled between them like static electricity. Something unspoken yet deeply felt, a connection woven from glances that lingered just a second too long.
"Sieg," Zayn said, his voice softening as he knelt in front of me. His eyes, the color of a stormy sea, held a warmth that surprised me. "How have you been, young man?" He gently ruffled my hair, his touch surprisingly gentle.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. "I-I am good," I mumbled, feeling a sudden surge of shyness.
"Ooh, are you not giving some good reactions?" Zayn teased, his eyes focused on me.
Valka laughed behind him. "He has been like that for the last few days," she admitted. "So, would you like to come home and rest?" she asked Zayn, a hint of invitation in her voice.
"I was thinking about something else..." he mused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "But perhaps it's time to get started on the real work." He looked at me with a knowing look.
"Can I start his training?" The question was directed at Valka.
"Wait. What?" I sputtered, my eyes widening in disbelief. "Right now?"
"Ah, sure, take him," Valka said, patting me on the back and gently pushing me forward.
"No, wait—" I began to protest, but it was too late. Zayn had already scooped me up, easily hoisting me onto his shoulder.
"See you at dinner," Zayn called back to Valka, his voice booming with laughter.
"Just bring him back in one piece," Valka replied, a hint of a warning in her tone.
And then we were off, launched into the sky with a force that stole my breath. The earth vanished beneath us, swallowed by the dizzying ascent as the wind roared in my ears. My heart pounded against my ribs, caught between terror and awe. I was flying. Actually flying. I clung to Zayn, his armor cold and unyielding beneath my fingertips, a stark contrast to the heat of the moment. My heart pounded, a frantic rhythm of fear and exhilaration, each beat whispering the same stunned thought, flying was nothing like I had imagined. This was something else entirely.
My eyes, barely open against the wind assault, strained to make sense of the world rushing past. We were moving at an incredible speed, soaring over the vast expanse of fields that surrounded the barony, heading towards the dense forests that bordered it to the north.
"We will be going down," Zayn's voice reached me, barely audible above the wind. "Hang on tight."
We began to descend, the ground rushing towards us with alarming speed. Then, with a surprisingly gentle touch, Zayn landed us in a small clearing within the heart of the forest.
Zayn slowly lowered me to the ground. "Here."
I looked around, taking in the scene. It was a dense forest, the air thick with the scent of damp earth. An eerie silence hung over the clearing, broken only by the occasional howling of some creature.
"Don't worry," Zayn said, as if noticing my apprehension. "No monsters or magical beasts will come here. Not today, at least."
I looked up at him, still a little shaken. "What will we be doing here?"
"Isn't it obvious?" he said, reaching for his waist. There was a small pouch with a red gem, and to my astonishment, he withdrew two wooden swords from it.
"What the…" I sputtered, completely dumbfounded. How could he possibly have pulled those swords from that small pouch? How could something so large possibly fit inside that tiny pouch?
"Hmm? You were saying something?"
"What is that? How does that work?" Desperation and curiosity leaked from my voice.
"This," Zayn said, gesturing towards the pouch, "is a magic pouch. It's made using space magic, allowing it to hold an immense amount of things within its seemingly small confines. Every pouch has its own limits, of course. The best thing is that the items in the bag do not age."
"That's amazing," I breathed, still marveling at the sight. "Magic is truly amazing."
"It costs quite a fortune," Zayn remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You have to be at least a great adventurer like me to be able to even afford it."
"Wow," I breathed, genuinely impressed.
With a smile, Zayn held out one of the smaller swords, its wooden hilt smooth and polished.
I observed the sword, turning it over in my hands. A thought occurred to me. Why am I even learning from Zayn?
"Did you not like the sword?"
I looked up at Zayn.
"No, it's just, why am I learning from you? I understand Ma, Grandpa, they're not exactly known for their swordsmanship. And Granny… well, Granny's not exactly a warrior." I paused, then added, "Could I not have learned from Silas? He is the knight captain, after all."
Zayn looked at me with a smile, his eyes seeming to assess me. "...That's true. Silas might be a good teacher, but I'm also supposed to be your teacher when it comes to Mana manipulation."
"Mana!" I jumped up, my eyes widening. "Then teach me how to manipulate mana!"
"Can't do," he said bluntly.
"Why? Is it because I haven't awakened yet? Then teach me how to awaken it!" I pressed, eager to learn.
"That's why we are here," Zayn said, taking a step back and assuming a fighting stance. "The most basic way to awaken your mana is through meditation, naturally with age, through intense physical exertion, through experiencing extreme stress, or even a near-death experience."
"So, how is any of this related to sword training?" I asked, confused.
A predatory glint entered Zayn's eyes, a smirk slowly spreading across his face.
In the blink of an eye, he was right in front of me, his sword a blur of motion as it slashed towards me. I barely had time to raise my own wooden sword in defense, but it was too late. The world spun violently, stars exploding in front of my eyes. I felt a sharp pain lancing through my arm, followed by an agonizing thud as I hit the ground. Groaning in pain, I tried to sit up, but something heavy pressed down on my chest, pinning me to the ground.
I slowly opened my eyes to see the point of Zayn's sword hovering inches from my face. "I am going to beat you to awaken," he said, his voice a low growl.
"Granny… help!" I whimpered, fear gripping my heart as the wooden sword descended again.