Estimated read time: 10 min
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Today was supposed to be the first class at the academy. However, the principal decided, without any reason, to close the academy for a week. In the morning, a postman, riding a magical broom, delivered a letter to everyone's home. The letter stated that the academy would remain closed for a week. Alex received one too.
Alex had been excited for today's class, as he could have learned a lot about magic. But now, he sat there feeling disappointed. Seeing his gloomy mood, Maria approached him.
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Maria: "Although I don't know much about Mana Energy, I can give you a general idea of how energy works."
Maria had never tried to teach Alex about magic. Even Alex had never wished to learn out of shyness. But seeing his interest and disappointment, Maria realized he was genuinely curious about magic.
Maria: "Those who can use energy must first feel it. Close your eyes and focus your entire being inward. You'll see a bright light arise in the darkness. That light is your Mana energy."
Alex: "But energy is already within the body, right?"
Maria: "Yes, that's true. But not all energy resides in the Mana Core. The bright light you see after closing your eyes mainly gathers within the Core. Only after storing this energy can one use spells."
Alex: "So, to use a spell, do you need to say it out loud? I've seen you and one of the teachers do it."
Maria: "Spells are complicated. Generally, casting a spell requires saying it aloud. That's the easiest rule. But the time required varies for each individual. That's why mages are at a disadvantage in battle. However, practice and skill can reduce this time."
Alex: "So, can magic be used without saying the spell?"
Maria: "Yes, but only high-level mages can do that. When one reaches a high level, they gain profound knowledge of Mana and spells, allowing them to cast any spell merely by thinking about it."
Alex learned a few more things from his mother. Seeing his renewed interest, Maria smiled and returned to her household chores.
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Alex's POV
I learned a few things from my mother. While they won't help as much as attending the academy, I gained a basic understanding of magic. Spells are somewhat like my skills. If I say the skill's name, it activates.
I stepped outside my room. Behind it is a small garden with several tall trees. I went to one of the trees. As I left, I noticed my mother busy with chores.
Following her advice, I closed my eyes, hoping to see the bright light. I sat there for a long time, but nothing appeared. Then, my ring spoke.
Ring: "Master, are you doing yoga?"
Alex: "No, I'm trying to see the bright light."
The ring chuckled. I couldn't see it, but the voice was somewhat annoying.
Alex: "What's so funny?"
Ring: "Your Mana Core isn't formed yet. You'll never see the bright light sitting like this."
Alex: "What? My Mana Core isn't formed? Then how have I been using energy?"
Ring: "Of course, it's because of your skill. Through Gluttony, you can absorb anything, and the energy from absorbed objects is stored in me. When you need energy, it comes from me."
Alex: "So, you're acting as my Core?"
Ring: "Yes. Since there was no magical energy in your world, your Core never formed naturally. So, I must act as your Core."
Alex: "Is there no way to form a Core now?"
Ring: "Those without a Core cannot use energy. Forming a Core isn't impossible, but it's beyond my knowledge. You'll need other items."
Alex: "Other items?"
Ring: "Most of my memories are sealed, but I remember my old master had a royal beast. It carries all of the master's knowledge. To form your Core, you must find it first."
Alex: "So, for now, I can use magic through you?"
Ring: "Yes. Although I'm limited compared to a real Core, for now, it's enough."
Alex: "Alright. We'll form a Core later then."
The ring fell silent. I realized I no longer needed to see the bright light. I could now use spells—but the problem was, I didn't know any. I'd never seen anyone else use a spell either. Besides, my attribute is Dark, so I couldn't use other spells. I tried for a long time but could think of nothing.
Ring: "Master, I suggest using your skill for now. I don't know much about spells either."
Though the ring's words were logical, I was annoyed. I felt I'd been given a useless attribute. But suddenly, the ring said:
Ring: "Congratulations, Master. Your Dark Attribute has unlocked. You can now use Dark Magic. A new title has unlocked: Consumer."
Hearing the title surprised me. Was I playing a video game? But I forgot to ask the ring why it was telling me this so late—I unlocked my attribute just yesterday.
Alex: "Title?"
Ring: "Yes. Through this title, you can absorb energy from anything you consume. You can even copy their skills."
Alex: "So, it's like my Gluttony skill."
Ring: "Somewhat. Gluttony absorbs objects and their targets, while the title only works on what you consume."
Alex: "Once per day?"
Ring: "Yes."
I was still unfamiliar with my skills or the ring's powers. I had used Gluttony only once in the Tower and had no other opportunity. I was trying to keep my identity hidden from Maria and Elmond. I didn't know how I became Alex, and if I did something strange, they might suspect I wasn't their son. Once at the academy, that worry might fade.
For now, my mother was inside. I didn't know any Dark spells, so I couldn't use skills yet. Gluttony or the title wouldn't help because there's nothing to consume besides vegetables. I did have three other skills: Medic, which heals without Pran energy. But I wasn't interested in it. What intrigued me were Dark Fire and Skeleton Army. Through Dark Fire, I could create black flames from my body—almost like Fire attribute magic.
Ring: "Master, you can use Dark Fire, but it has a five-minute cooldown after each use."
The ring shared its knowledge. Everything felt like a video game—skills, cooldowns. After everything that happened in the Tower, I had to accept these absurdities.
Ring: "Dark Fire."
I extended my right palm toward the sky. Black smoke appeared, and within seconds, a small black flame ignited.
Ring: "You can control this fire. But with your current Mana, you can't sustain it longer. You'll need Gluttony or the Consumer title for more energy."
I realized I could only maintain it for ten seconds with my limited energy. But I now had a basic understanding: to activate a skill, I needed to visualize it clearly in my mind, similar to casting a spell. When I thought of the black flames, it appeared in my hand. Saying the skill name wasn't enough.
Alex: "Ring, do spells work the same way as skills?"
Ring: "You're correct. For both, you must draw a clear image in your mind. If it's not clear, you need to say the spell name. If it is clear, you don't need to."
Though complicated, I now understood the secret behind spells. I needed to see a few spells first to visualize them properly.
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Elmond was going on a mission for the Hunter Organization, with Maria's permission, and took Alex along. Their destination was the forest behind Mefas Capital. It wasn't huge, but two large mountains made it appear massive. Various Demonic Beasts lived there, once ordinary animals, but exposure to demonic energy evolved them. The Hunter Organization sent hunters here to eliminate powerful beasts. The hunters could earn money by hunting them, keeping the beasts in check.
Elmond brought his son into the forest. Alex showed no fear, which relieved Elmond slightly. But Elmond didn't know that Alex, who had fought thousands of Skeleton Army soldiers with just a broken dagger, now feared nothing.
Elmond: "Alex, today I'll show you the power of an Aura user. First, I'll find a target, then bring you to a special spot in this forest."
Alex remained calm, though worried for Elmond, who carried no weapons or magical items. Soon, they encountered a Two-Headed Snake. Its power was considerable, requiring skilled hunters to defeat it. Yet, Elmond destroyed the snake with a single punch, pieces flying everywhere. Poison and blood spread around, and the impact left a crater, as if a meteor had struck.
Elmond: "Maria told me to stay controlled, but I've used only one percent of my power after lifting the limiter."
Elmond approached Alex, unsure if he would feel fear or awe. Alex never imagined seeing such a scene. Seeing his father's strength, he wondered—could he also wield Aura energy like this?
Elmond lifted Alex onto his shoulder and carried him to a special location—a massive waterfall with a smaller river flowing below. The view stunned Alex. Elmond dove into the water, capturing a rare fish, a delicacy only nobility could eat legally. Meanwhile, Alex lit a fire, roasting a six-foot gorilla.
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To Be Continued…
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