In Brask Hollow, Isaac lived a quiet life. Just like any other kid, he looked normal. However, his parents knew otherwise. Their child had far more mana than they could measure, and he sometimes displayed intelligence beyond his age
Of course, understanding the danger he could attract, they taught him how to suppress his passive mana pulses, and how to act like a normal child among his peers.
Gradually, Isaac fit into his peers and the day of the awakening came. All kids at the age of seven were brought to the Chapel in the village.
The chapel elders began the test, measuring the amount of mana each child had, and their future potential. Most kids were lackluster, with only a few possessing good or average results.
When it was finally Isaac's turn, he was quite nervous. He stepped forward, and lightly tapped the pearl.
A faint pulse resonated within the object as if it was reacting to his mana. When the light rose up to a level that was acceptable, Isaac cut off the mana supply.
"Average."
One of the elders said, making him sigh in relief. He returned to the crowd, spectating as other children took their tests.
Unknown to him, a beggar with a hunched back had his eyes locked on him from the beginning till now. Under those dirty bangs, his green eyes were sharp.
'That child… isn't simple at all. He has excess mana, almost immeasurable.'
A crooked smile appeared on his lips, and he prepared to approach the child after the appraisals were completed.
The tests ended quickly, and the children were dispersed to their respective houses. When Isaac returned home, he found out they had a visitor.
"Ah? A begg-"
He stopped himself from being rude, then greeted his parents. The two welcomed him with hugs, glad that their son had managed to remain undercover.
Isaac's father turned to the visitor. "Now speak, what do you want fromus?"
The beggar grinned. "Your son has a massive amount of mana in him. Although I can see that you've trained him to suppress it, it wouldn't be enough as he grows."
Isaac's parents grew wary. "And what are you trying to say?"
"Hehehehe." The beggar laughed. "You don't have to worry. I merely want to tutor your son in magic."
His words surprised them, and even Isaac was shocked.
"Teach me… magic?"
The man nodded. "Of course you can decide to go learn at the village academy, but I doubt that'd be beneficial to you."
Isaac's parents looked at each other, thoughts running in their head. They understood that allowing Isaac to enroll into the village academy was dangerous, and he could easily get exposed.
If those from the noble families heard of him, they'd surely want to have him or kill him.
In this world of cruelty, it was always better to eliminate something uncontrollable before it could become dangerous.
"So… do you agree?"
The beggar asked with a relaxed smile, as if he could already tell their answer.
While his parents still hesitated, Isaac spoke. "Fine! But it has to be free! We're not going to pay you!"
The beggar was surprised, and he laughed. "Haha! Kid, you're interesting. Fine, I won't collect payment, but…"
He leaned forward. "… I'd be needing something for my belly everyday. Don't forget that."
The boy's parents looked at each other, giving reassuring smiles.
"Alright. We agree too. Please take care of our son."
Isaac's father said solemnly, hoping they didn't regret their decision.
...…
Years passed by, and the world continued to move on. The neverending war that had spanned from three hundred years ago continued, already a norm to the denizens of the world.
Brask Hollow village was far from the war front, so things were relatively peaceful over there.
Isaac lived under the beggar's intense training, almost regretting his decision to accept. The man was always strict and brutal, often laughing at the boy's plight after their trainings.
'At some point, I believed he was a sadist.'
Lying on the ground, Isaac panted heavily, his body covered in sweat. He was wearing a singlet which revealed his toned arms.
Around him, several boulders stood cracked, some crushed already.
"Huhuhuhuhuhu." The beggar chuckled weirdly. "You did well today. How about you train some more?"
Isaac glared at him, but knew he couldn't refuse. Smiling, the beggar snapped his fingers and summoned a large boulder.
Isaac winced at the sight, but still forced himself up.
"Use your mana and punch a clean hole into it."
As soon as he was given the command, Isaac moved. He drew his arm back, then coated it in his blue-colored mana. At first it was chaotic, but he instantly compressed it until it became like a dense, blue second skin.
"Ha!"
He threw out a punch, his speed abrupt. The moment his fist connected with the boulder, that part was pulverized. It caved in, allowing his entire arm to punch through the boulder.
Bang!
The sound wasn't too loud, and the boulder barely shook. When he removed his hand, the beggar came to inspect the hole he had created.
"Hmm… pretty neat. But you made a small crack at the top."
Isaac scowled, knowing his mentor would always find something to say.
"I'll correct it next time." He replied perfunctorily.
The beggar snorted, "Whatever you say. I'm glad that you've learnt how to utilize your mana neatly. At this rate, you wouldn't end up destroying a mountain casually."
"So can I finally learn spells?" Isaac asked, eyes shining with curiosity.
"Spells? Not today. I'll consider it tomorrow."
Although the beggar's answer wasn't concrete, Isaac sti felt some hope. In this world where only those with power could rule, he was determined not to be as helpless as he was in his past life.
"Arrgghhh!" The beggar grunted as he stretched his waist. "I think that's enough for today. How about we go home? I'm feeling quite hungry, boy."
Isaac rolled his eyes. "As always, food is the only thing you care about."
The beggar laughed, pulling the boy's arm and running down the hill. Night was approaching, and it was dangerous to stay out late.