He gazed down, seeing his own reflection ripple in the water. The air was crisp, carrying an inexplicable sense of serenity.
"Is this… my inner world?" Ronan whispered.
The tranquillity, the boundless mana—everything felt surreal. It was unlike anything he had experienced. Yet, within this place, Ronan found an undeniable sense of belonging.
"Tomorrow… I'll go to the library," he murmured. "I have to learn more about this."
With a final glance at the majestic tree, Ronan closed his eyes and willed himself back to the real world. He awoke in his room, the moonlight spilling across his bed. A small smile played on his lips.
The golden light of dawn seeped through the curtains of Ronan's dormitory, gently waking him. As he stirred, a sense of calm washed over him. The memory of the previous day lingered in his mind—the awakening of his Inner World. With growing curiosity, Ronan crossed his legs on the bed, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. He focused, reaching inward until the familiar sensation pulled him into his Inner World.
The vast tree at the centre remained unchanged, its roots extending into the depths of the round platform. The endless sea still surrounded it, the waves swaying gently under the influence of a soft breeze. But something new caught Ronan's attention. The sky, once a starless night, now held a radiant sun, casting warmth over the tranquil sea.
"A day-and-night cycle?" Ronan murmured, his thoughts echoing in this world. "Does it reflect the real world, or something deeper?"
Curiosity stirred within him, but he knew he wouldn't find all the answers on his own. He resolved to research it further.
After freshening up, Ronan's excitement was evident as he swung open his door, nearly colliding with Kairos, who stood with his hand raised mid-knock.
"Good morning, Kairos!" Ronan greeted, his grin wide.
Kairos blinked, startled by his brother's unusually cheerful demeanour. "Good morning… You look excited. What's going on?"
Ronan's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "I'll tell you in the evening. There's something I need to check first."
Kairos raised a brow. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?"
"The library," Ronan said, already turning toward the hallway. "See you later!"
Kairos watched him dash away, shaking his head with amusement. "What's gotten into him?"
At the library, Ronan approached the front counter where the elderly librarian, with silver hair and small, round glasses, greeted him warmly.
"Good morning, Ronan. What brings you here today?"
"Good morning, sir," Ronan replied with a polite nod. "I'd like to find books on Corrupted Mana and the Inner World."
The librarian's brow furrowed slightly. "A fascinating combination. Follow me."
They weaved through towering bookshelves, the scent of aged parchment thick in the air. The librarian carefully selected three volumes—two dedicated to the study of the Inner World, and one on Corrupted Mana.
"These should be quite useful. Take your time," the librarian said, handing the books over.
"Thank you, sir," Ronan said with a bow before finding a secluded corner of the library.
Settling down, Ronan made a hand seal. With a soft puff of white smoke, two clones materialised beside him, each taking a book. Ronan himself opened the third, his eyes scanning the aged pages eagerly.
The concept of the Inner World unfolded before him like an intricate tapestry. It was a realm that manifested the essence of its owner's soul—ever-changing, reflecting the emotional and mental state of its creator. Some Inner Worlds held calm lakes or vibrant meadows, while others raged with storms or endless darkness.
"The Inner World is not merely a reflection," Ronan read aloud softly. "It can grow, evolve, and even be influenced by powerful emotions. With enough soul power, one can reshape their Inner World, though the cost is immense."
Another section intrigued him further: the connection between the Inner World and training. Within this realm, one could practice mana control, refine their elemental abilities, and strengthen their Soul Power. Skills that manifested in the real world are also reflected here—some as glowing symbols, others as markings upon the landscape.
But what puzzled Ronan most was the mention of the day-and-night cycle.
"There are rare instances where the Inner World adopts a natural cycle, resembling day and night." And that's it, nothing more.
Ronan's brows furrowed. "What the hell does that even mean?"
Determined to clarify his doubts, Ronan closed the book and approached the librarian once more.
"Sir, I found something about the day-and-night cycle in the Inner World. There is not much information on it."
The elderly man's eyes twinkled with understanding. "Ah, the day-and-night cycle is a very rare phenomenon in the Inner World, which is why there isn't much information about it."
After returning the books, Ronan ran to Mr. Alden's office. Mr. Alden listened intently as Ronan described his discovery.
Mr. Alden chuckled. "Good, good. An Inner World means you'll progress faster in your flame control and Soul Power. It's a sign of growth, Ronan."
Feeling encouraged, Ronan made his way to Ms. Amara's office next.
"Ma'am, I learned to mask my flame. Now it appears as a newborn flame to others," Ronan declared proudly.
Ms. Amara's eyes gleamed with approval. "Impressive. In just a few days, you've managed to grasp the fundamentals of flame masking. Continue practising until it becomes second nature. You're on the right path."
"Thank you, ma'am. One more thing… I awakened my Inner World."
Ms. Amara's eyes widened. "That's wonderful news! Wait here."
She retrieved two leather-bound books from a nearby shelf and handed them to Ronan.
"These will teach you how to enhance your mana control using your Inner World. Should you have any questions, come to me."
Ronan accepted them with a grateful bow. "Thank you, ma'am."
With renewed determination, he left for his dormitory.