Morning arrived with the warmth of sunlight streaming through the windows of the estate.
Leon stirred awake, his infant body still adjusting to the early hours. Despite the exhaustion from the previous day's training, his mind was clear, his goal unwavering.
Mana tempering.
It was an advanced method, usually reserved for warriors and mages who had already developed stable mana circuits. But Leon had no intention of waiting for his body to "naturally" reach that stage. He needed to push forward, even if it meant taking risks.
Lying in his crib, he took a deep breath, letting his tiny lungs fill with air before exhaling slowly.
Step one: Gather fire mana.
He willed the surrounding fire mana to converge, feeling the warmth slowly wrap around him like an invisible flame. This part was easy—his affinity was high enough that fire naturally gravitated toward him.
Step two: Guide it into my body.
This was the tricky part. Unlike normal mana circulation, tempering required introducing elemental mana into the flesh and bones, strengthening them over time. Too much, and it could cause damage. Too little, and the process would be ineffective.
Slowly, carefully, Leon began drawing the fire mana inward.
A sharp sting shot through his body.
He clenched his tiny fists. Too rough…
Adjusting his approach, he softened his control, allowing the mana to seep in gradually instead of forcing it. The warmth settled into his muscles, his bones, his very core. It burned—not painfully, but in a way that made him aware of the transformation happening within.
This… this is working.
The process was slow, but he could feel the changes. His body, though weak, was beginning to adapt. The fire wasn't harming him; it was refining him.
He continued this for several minutes until a wave of exhaustion hit. His breathing grew shallow, his body trembling from the strain.
Enough for now.
Mana tempering wasn't something that could be rushed. His body needed time to absorb the changes before he could attempt it again.
Just as he was about to rest, a familiar presence entered the room.
Seraphina.
His mother walked in with graceful steps, her expression softening as she saw him awake. "Good morning, my little ember," she murmured, lifting him from the crib.
Leon felt warmth—not from fire mana, but from her embrace. It was different from his training, different from the burning heat of his grandfather's lessons. This warmth was gentle, protective.
She held him close, rocking him slightly. "You've been working hard, haven't you?"
Leon blinked up at her, surprised by her words. Could she tell?
Seraphina chuckled. "Your mana… it feels stronger. Brighter." She placed a kiss on his forehead. "Your grandfather was right. You truly are gifted."
Leon relaxed into her hold. He hadn't expected anyone to notice the subtle shift in his mana so soon. But his mother was an experienced mage—of course, she would sense the change.
"You don't have to push yourself too hard," she whispered. "You'll have plenty of time to grow."
Leon understood her concern, but time wasn't a luxury he intended to waste. He had already resolved to walk this path, to master his power as quickly as possible.
His golden eyes gleamed with determination.
This was just the first step.
And he would take many more.