I spent three days inside that small library.
Researching, writing insane theories, even trying to create a new formula that could force my body to absorb mana—
all of it failed.
But I wasn't stupid.
I knew when to stop lying to myself.
"Heh… so this is my limit, huh?"
I whispered with a bitter smile.
I stepped out of my room and stared at the evening sky through the window—my eyes empty, unfocused.
Fuuuu… a soft breeze brushed against my face.
"Even after being accepted into the Academy… what's the point if I can't use magic at all?"
My chest tightened.
More than fear of failure…
I feared those condescending gazes nobles would cast upon my family.
And more than anything—
I feared disappointing Mother.
Days passed… and three months slipped by.
Tick… tock… tick… tock…
Time felt slow, as if mocking me who still couldn't form my core despite all effort.
During those three months, I lived my usual routine: waking early, helping Mother at home, then practicing until late at night.
Several times, I tried my own theories—creating an artificial space inside my body to hold mana, breaking through the invisible wall blocking its flow.
But the result never changed.
Nothing.
Crack… a tiny sound like glass breaking echoed.
"Ugh… failed again…"
Even so, I didn't give up.
I refused to give up.
Even if that doctor said my disease—Mana Rejection Syndrome—couldn't be cured, I didn't want to believe it fully.
Mother knew that.
And although sadness sometimes flashed in her eyes, she always smiled warmly at me—trying to give me strength.
Then today… something different happened.
Mother received an invitation from an old acquaintance, asking her to attend a small auction held by nobles in the city.
They said the auction would feature rare magical items useful for mages.
Since she couldn't go, she handed the invitation to me.
"Go, Alicia. Who knows? You might find something that could help you."
In the end, I reluctantly agreed and left using the Seraphine family carriage.
When I arrived at the venue—
The auction hall was luxurious, adorned with marble pillars and crystal lamps that glimmered softly.
Clack clack clack… the sound of noble shoes on stone echoed around me.
As per the rules, all participants were required to wear masks for anonymity.
I received a plain white mask with delicate carvings—cold against my skin.
"To protect participant privacy, please wear your mask before entering," a servant said politely.
I sat in the third row, center seat, according to the number written on my ticket.
The hall was filled with elegantly dressed nobles in fine robes and expensive perfume.
It felt… like another world.
Clang… clang… the metal gavel struck the table.
"With this, tonight's special auction officially begins!"
the host announced enthusiastically.
One by one, items were presented—magic staffs, unique magic stones, rare potions.
Yet none of them caught my eye.
Until—
The lights dimmed.
Servants brought in a metal chest encased in layers of crystal.
When the lid opened—
a wave of cold air burst out like dancing white mist.
Shhhhhh… the air itself froze.
"Next, a rare item from the Northern border: the Frostheart Crystal—also known as the Heart of a High-Rank Ice Monster."
"This item still contains remnants of the monster's energy. Even without protective magic, its aura alone can freeze the surrounding air."
The host's voice slowly faded from my awareness.
My eyes were glued to it—
a pale blue crystal shaped like a heart, beating slowly… almost alive.
Thump… thump… thump…
Each pulse spread a chilling sensation through my body.
And for a moment—
I felt something calling out to me.
I stared without blinking.
My heart pounded. My breath trembled.
I didn't know why…
but the crystal felt like it was greeting me.
"Is there anyone interested in this item?" the host asked the crowd.
Whispers spread.
Some questioned it, some doubted it, others mocked it.
I swallowed hard.
"I—I…"
My hands trembled, but I raised my bidding slate.
"Number 47! Five hundred silver coins!"
The room erupted in murmurs.
"What? Who is she? Five hundred for such an unstable item?"
"That child is insane…"
But I didn't care.
I even bid higher when several nobles joined in.
"Seven hundred!"
"One thousand!"
"One thousand two hundred!"
I gritted my teeth.
"One thousand five hundred gold coins!!"
CLANG!
Silence filled the hall.
No one bid after that.
"SOLD! To Number 47, for one thousand five hundred gold coins!"
The auction finally ended.
I could still feel the faint cold trembling in my fingertips, even after the crystal was sealed back inside its chest.
Clack… clack…
A servant guided me to the payment room, lit by soft candlelight.
A middle-aged man in a long black robe waited with the crystal chest.
"Number 47, please proceed with the payment," he said formally.
I opened the leather pouch at my waist, pouring out all my savings—
one thousand five hundred gold coins.
Cling… cling… cling…
Every coin falling onto the table felt like a piece of my soul disappearing.
Yet… strangely, I had no regrets.
"Thank you for your purchase, young lady."
I smiled weakly, though inside, I felt like a dead spirit after seeing my money vanish.
Night had fallen by the time I returned home.
The sky was dark, with a silver moon hanging above snow-dusted trees.
Whoosh… the northern wind swept by, carrying a biting chill.
Mother greeted me at the door with her usual warm smile.
"You're back, Alicia. Did the auction go well?"
I nodded, holding the crystal chest that glowed faintly blue.
"Mother… I may not leave the library for a few days."
"I want to study the item I bought."
Mother paused, then gently nodded.
"Alright. Just don't forget to eat and rest, okay?"
She smiled—gentle as always.
"Hehe… yes, Mother."