The incident with my mana core awakening had some… unforeseen consequences.

  Nothing life-threatening or anything, but I was barred out from the reading room for a whole two months just because…

  I can’t believe I am even saying this.

  A few good books have accidentally been ruined.

  Outrageous, simply not true.

  Here I am discovering the secrets and potential of my body, and I am chained down all because of a small slip up.

  Sigh… Mother will surely forgive me.

  Didn’t help that my fever skyrocketed.

  The whole commotion forced my family to scramble and find the doctor nearby Lullen.

  Mother bolted out the door, frantic with worry.

  It sucks to think that if speaking was an option, this whole fiasco would have ended much more peacefully.

  What my family hadn’t realized yet, or maybe too worried about my condition, was the fact that my core finally settled.

  There was a beautiful sensation that stirred beyond my eyes.

  When focusing and I mean really focusing— the faint hues of color moved all around the home.

  From the small glitter of water mana near the well, to the golden shimmer from the hearth’s flame, and finally, the rustling swirls of wind brushing the trees.

  It was faintly subtle— as if a third eye opened and the truth of this world was exposed.

  I guess…

  This is how many have felt when awakening.

  It was simply beautiful.

  Fifteen long months have passed, and during that time— I have been able to fully release mana at will and even absorb small traces of it.

  How many kids could awaken their core at the first stage in under two years?

  Likely not many if any at all, but still… it gives me some motivation.

  Oh…

  Did I mention I spoke for the first time a couple weeks back?

  Yep, sure did!

  Called my mother “mama.”

  You should have seen the look on her face, crying and all that.

  Father, on the other hand, sulked for what felt like an entire month.

  He would go on and mutter things like, “I was the one taking care of him when he was sick,” or “What about all those times I stayed at home and didn’t participate in dungeon runs?”

  …Let’s be real, he just had a guilty conscience than anything else.

  Mother was enjoying this and didn’t seem too bothered.

  Almost as if reveling in her delight of being the favorable parent.

  She’d often poke fun at him whenever he got so dramatic, saying things like, “Well… maybe he’ll say ‘papa’ if you stop tossing him in the air like a sack of potatoes.”

  His expression often soured, recalling the injury from one time.

  I grew immensely close with Mother— but I still loved father just the same— albeit his dull moments were an eyesore.

  The last several weeks have been spent building up of mana within my core— turning it into a kind of storage.

  The book talked about that each user can hold a certain amount of mana, but when awakening their core— it can exponentially increase.

  It was difficult to gauge just how much mana can be stored.

  An opportunity would surely come for me to test it further given the chance.

  Speaking of mana, I hadn’t actually performed magic yet.

  Building up mana is good practice in improving efficiency, but casting?

  That was another story.

  Timing mattered.

  Just the other day, my attempt at using the backyard for practice became meaningless, especially with Father always lurking around.

  Any time there was an opportunity to focus on myself, he’d scoop me up and toss my skyward,

  Just like how Mother says— ‘a bag of potatoes.’

  He… meant well.

  I can’t fault him for putting effort into and staying around more for his family.

  That wasn’t all, however.

  “Someone very important is coming by, so please be on your best behavior Ash.” Priscilla said, stroking my brown hair.

  Mother seemed stressed by the sudden visit.

  I did feel a sense of excitement getting to meet someone important.

  Father on the other hand… didn’t seem to be doing so well.

  His usual charming bravado melted into a nervous wreck— pacing back and forth.

  Perhaps this special someone was cruel and cunning.

  Either way, it was the perfect opportunity to slip out to the gardens after introductions were over.

  Mother had me get properly dressed in a fine white clean tunic— a pair of tailored navy dress pants, and a sturdy leather girdle.

  I’m not one for fashion, but I must say I looked rather dashing with mother’s quick thinking.

  After all, it would be rude to appear unkempt in front of a distinguished guest.

  By the sounds of clatter of horse hooves echoing loud enough to reach us inside— the honored guest arrived.

  All of us stepped outside just in time to see a horse carriage enter our front home.

  It could be mistaken for royalty by appearance alone.

  The horses were draped in golden cloth, their black manes sleek and polished, matching the regal flair of the entire setup.

  The carriage itself was a sight to behold.

  Lavishly gilded, white trim only served to accentuate the gold, making the carriage even more resplendent. Intricate carvings decorated its sides, each one looking hand-crafted and expensive. This was the type of display that screamed wealth.

  The driver was unremarkable, nothing about him stood out, at least for now.

  Finally— the special guest of honor, who for the better part of the last two minutes had emerged from the carriage to greet us.

  She moved with grace; her attire exuded an air of elegance.

  She wore an off-white, long-sleeved dress adorned with a delicate toile pattern. Her hair, cascade of soft blonde curls, was styled in a fashionably loose fishtail halo. Wisps framed her face perfectly, and her eyes— deep brown— held quite a similar resemblance to Mother’s.

  The similarities became more apparent the closer she approached us.

  “Hello, sis, it’s been a while,” said Priscilla as she embraced her sister.

  “Alicia… you look exactly the same.”

  “It’s been way too long Priscilla, my dear!” Alicia said, loosening her grip around her and pulling her focus to my father.

  “I was surprised to hear my sister gave birth to a child of your seed… but also, another one is on the way?” Shooting death glares at Andrion.

  It didn’t occur to me—

  or better yet, I pretended to ignore it—

  but looking at mom more clearly— she gained some unusual weight and fast.

  It caught me off guard, it was the revelation that she had a sister. A freaking twin, no less.

  As I kept learning how to utilize mana, it wasn’t difficult to get a sense of my family’s strength. But Alicia…

  I can’t gauge her at all.

  Realizing her attention was now focused on me—

  she glared down at me seeing the resemblance of my father.

  She must feel either disgusted or grotesque by my child appearance, because her expression twisted into something else.

  Maybe I looked too much like him…

  “Pwease to meet yuu.” I said, immediately regretting every life decision that led me to speak like that.

  It was an attempt to speak in a cute manner.

  Her eyes widened with a sudden gasp.

  “Oh my god!” Alicia exclaimed, pulling me up onto her chest.

  Her soft breast pressed against my face— suffocating me entirely.

  No complaints here.

  “You’re so cute, little Ash! I bet you’ll grow up to be a kinder, better looking man than your lousy father.”

  Her fragrance was a rare scent.

  It had the qualities of seduction— and if I didn’t know any better, she was planning all along to gain my favoritism with that and her delicate compliments.

  “Sis, please, you’ll hurt my child.” Mother said worriedly, her brows knitting together.

  Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

  Alicia finally set me down, giving me ample time to recollect my thoughts from all the spinning and squeezing.

  “Oh please, he needs to know how adorable his auntie is.” Alicia said with a wide grin, patting my back. “I’ll spoil him rotten from now on.”

  “Ash, can you play in the gardens while your mother and I talk to Aunt Alicia please?” Father chimed in.

  The conversation seemed rather important, but before going, I gave a small hug to my auntie and my parents, leaving them alone to discuss matters.

  Finally!

  A chance to test my magic.

  After arriving in the backyard, I took center stage and began concentrating mana into my palms. It wasn’t quite comparable to the full-body circulation that I practiced before— this time, thew focus was entirely on channeling it into my hands.

  The weather was enjoyable today.

  If I had to guess, it’s around Spring as the trees have begun to blossom.

  To start off, I began casting a water ball for starters.

  The sensation of blood began gathering in my right hand.

  My blood feels as if it’s being squeezed out, but even with all the effort to cast magic, nothing happened.

  Again.

  I repeated this motion several more times— exhausting my body to the fullest— enraged at the complications.

  What was I missing?

  Again.

  The weight of defeat hit suddenly.

  However long I’d been out here, it was long enough to feel like a complete moron.

  I thought I was special…?

  Hopeless thoughts crept in.

  Maybe making early progress in awakening was meaningless after all.

  Once more, I told myself.

  Mana surged through my veins and condensed into my palm—

  and finally, a water bullet size of a grown mans fist formed in the air before me.

  The water bullet shot out of my hand and hit the ground with a loud thud.

  The exuberance feeling, I had just experienced was nothing to write home about, but man— did it feel good.

  Water was my affinity, but I wanted to try casting fire next.

  Raising my right hand, I recalled the feeling of casting water magic and imagined it in my mind.

  Mana was not a concern, as there was plenty to spare.

  There was a glimmer of heat— faint but there— and I poured everything into making it real.

  Slowly, the flames began to take shape in my hand.

  It grew larger and hotter until there was no more room for it to possibly expand.

  Holy shit!

  A large ball of fire condensed on my right hand, roughly three times the size of the water ball.

  I launched it into the air and wiped the sweat from my brows, stunned.

  This really confirmed that fire was my second affinity— possibly even my greater affinity based on the results.

  This meant…

  I was a dual-elemantalist.

  The realization hit me hard.

  The textbooks didn’t discuss about having multiple affinities…

  So maybe…

  It was uncommon, impressive, even.

  Still, I couldn’t afford to get sidetracked by that alone.

  Onto the next test, wind magic.

  I closed my eyes and focused on the feeling of the air around me, brushing against my skin.

  There was gentleness to it— almost teasing— like the breeze was curious about me.

  Each breath I took created a perfect rhythm of the world swirling around me.

  I called to it, embracing it to move with me.

  Mana molecules swirled around my hand, heeding my demand.

  Slowly, they began to swirl and dance, picking up speed.

  The wind felt alive.

  It wrapped around my hand in twisting tendrils, gaining firce momentum until it became a solid coil of force.

  I released it.

  The tendrils cracked from my hand like a whip, swirling and snapping that echoed through the garden.

  …

  …

  …This was really good!

  Blood rushed throughout my body, but it wasn’t over yet.

  There was still one final element— earth.

  I think this might end up being the hardest one to approach.

  Earth magic required harmonious connection with the ground itself.

  The mana beneath me felt stable, flowing through the soil.

  I extended my hand, trying to draw it towards me.

  …It… resisted me?

  Over and over, I tried.

  Maybe a dozen—no, several dozen attempts passed.

  Each time resulting in nothing.

  It took me a moment to gather my thoughts, and while the feeling of not being compatible with earth magic was unfortunate,

  I accepted my shortcomings.

  It’s fine.

  Slapping my cheeks gently, it was a perfect time to realize that I’m now a triad-elementalist.

  Three elements seem like a big deal, but it was hard to tell.

  For now.

  I was able to sneak out the ‘Magic for Dummies’ book again— despite being reminded that the reading room was off limits for me.

  To explain how I came to possess my book…

  let’s just say the lock wasn’t designed with mana-channeled vibrations in mind.

  A little push here.

  A little shake there.

  A little pulse here.

  And you get a perfectly self-opened shelf.

  A high risk demands a high reward!

  Flipping through the pages, there was a part of a section that focuses on the species with more of a base for specific affinities.

  Reading down the section tells me that Dwarves have the highest affinity for earth magic.

  Practically woven into their blood and bones, for better or worse.

  Beggers can’t be choosers I suppose.

  Something else caught my attention.

  “As of this publication date, there are fewer than 1% of recorded users that possess the capabilities to qualify as a quad-elementalist. People with this incredible talent are exceedingly rare— records show only a dozen or so appear every generation”

  That comment made me stare.

  I read it again.

  And again.

  And once more,

  realizing the gravity of the truth—

  there are many others out there. People with similar talent.

  Perhaps even far stronger than my current self.

  Closing the book, my thought went full circle, still over contemplating on that damn page.

  It was meaningless to sulk.

  There was a lot of work that needed to be done.

  Yeah!

  I have a lot more work to do, and standing here pondering about my shortcomings won’t solve anything.

  I got up. Hand tingling with leftover mana.

  Just one more cast.

  Once more— my right hand was raised— for one final spell.

  The goal was for a much, much larger fireball.

  It formed instantly, intensely, and furiously.

  It grew far beyond what I expected.

  This time around, the goal was to finish in a fashionable way, albeit a bit flashy.

  However… the magic became precarious, losing control of maintaining it.

  No. No, no, no, no!

  The fireball was nearly threefold the size of my previous attempt.

  My body became drenched with sweat. My mana was also nearly exhausted.

  The sudden heaving for breath became intoxicating.

  As it continued, my hand with little mana protection started to become scorched from the heat.

  If this keeps continuing, I am not sure of the outcome.

  The whole garden would ignite, maybe even the entire estate.

  The look of disappointment on their faces.

  My parents…

  Mother.

  I had to fix this, no matter what the cost.

  Think!

  What can be done to deescalate the situation?

  Hurling the conflagration into the air might work… but what if it ricocheted back down?

  It could land directly at the state or a nearby home.

  The risk was not worth considering any longer.

  A thought occurred to me, a buried line in the books— but only in passing.

  Mana absorption.

  This was a term I fully did not understand completely, but the book had a few topics of the wild creatures of this world.

  Something about not having a core and being able to absorb the mana surrounding them due to the harsh conditions set.

  …

  ….

  …..

  Maybe this is doable.

  I clenched my scorched hand and directed its focus toward the fireball.

  The wild heat radiated violently, each flicker of flame feeding off the remnants of my mana reserves.

  Pull in the mana.

  Ignore the wild temporal flames.

  The flames coiled, like an invisible hand yanked at it.

  It wasn’t vanishing, it was compressing.

  Collapsed inward in a spiraling vortex of bright burning light, until there was nothing but smoke and some ash that remained.

  I collapsed to my knees with exhaustion taking over.

  The nightmare was over.

  Looking over at my hand that had been seared, the skin felt as if it was still sloughing off my flesh.

  I smiled,

  and then began to laugh.

  I’m done for today.

  — Alicia Lockwood —

  How long has it been since I’ve seen my beloved sister?

  I wish this were merely a simple occasion.

  This god damn lunacy of a monarchy with its uprooted corruption.

  It is never easy with the Astreas.

  A letter that exclaimed the upmost urgency, too much formality to simply be about a family gathering.

  These haughty Astrea bastards and the royal kingdom have their attention focused on little Ash.

  Rain began to pelt the rooftop in a type of rhythmic tap.

  I had to take a seat down, arms crossed, watching little droplets streak across the window.

  There was simply no way to avoid this.

  These vultures will possess him if even the slightest bit of talent.

  A life yet unlived.

  I leaned against the windows, fogging the glass with a quiet breath.

  It was time to pack up my bags and belongings.

  I knew there was no delaying this trip any longer.

  Onwards, I suppose.

  As I stepped out of my room, a rather nuisance man standing tall in the hallway, awaiting me. If I didn’t know any better, it would be regarding my little visit.

  “I suppose you have something to say, Marcus?” I muttered, gritting my teeth at the man’s unsavory appearance.

  The man didn’t take too kindly to my choice of words— however, he was in no position to bark.

  “Ah, excuse me Ms. Alicia,” Marcus said humbly with a gentle demeanor. “I simply wanted to see you off… properly.”

  A man with critical scrutiny on his desires.

  Everything was meticulously done by him with the desirable goal of benefiting and elevating his family’s name: Hestia.

  With no desire to continue this conversation that would lead to fallacy— it was best to avoid answering any questions Marcus might’ve had.

  “I do believe you were tasked with an assignment on your little trip.” Marcus spoke gently. Sauntering towards me. “My offer still stands.”

  His words sent a ragged shiver down my spine. The vile, disgusting manor of his proposition was buried deep into my chest— and it was no better than the task given to me by the queen.

  I turned away, refusing to engage in this type of lunacy any longer.

  Marcus wasn’t always like this matter-of-fact. There was once a kind side to his demeanor that truly cherished the lives of others. Now, it all seems like one big farce.

  “I have not forgotten your offer and will need time to think about it.” I said, shooting a deep glare at the man before peeling my eyes away.

  The rain continued to slam against the rooftop in relentless waves.

  The storm had rolled in quickly, dark clouds blotting out the once blue sky in a manner of minutes.

  Funnily enough, even nature itself seemed to protest my departure.

  No words were exchanged between us.

  If he kept insisting… I might have agreed to his terms.

  What felt like forever, was the estate’s entrance. The downpour had seeped through the canopy, drizzling onto the ornate carriage.

  It was simply ridiculous how over-the-top this embellishment shimmered under the grey light.

  Whatever, it wasn’t my money, but I stepped in, exhausted.

  The rain continued to hammer against the windows with violent rhythm. Looking back, the city began to fade behind the mist and waterlogged streets.

  It disappeared—

  as it had never existed.

  Weeks passed in a blur.

  My beloved sister’s home finally came into view— set within the open embrace of the rural land, untouched by the corruption of its kingdom.

  It was a great view to look at the humbled homes lined by the roads, some freshly built, others worn down over the coming years.

  From crops, to hillsides, and livestock, I found this place to be more suited for my taking.

  The carriage had finally rolled to a halt, and there they were— my sister and her family standing outside of their home.

  My heart skipped.

  She… hasn’t changed much, still beautiful and graceful as ever under the homely garb of rural life.

  While I wasn’t fond of her husband politely waving, my focus was on someone else.

  My nephew.

  His eyes lit up the moment he laid eyes on me, with a tiny toothy smile spreading across his adorable face as he waved towards me.

  Such a cute boy to be pulling on my strings.

  I have brought so many gifts for him that I want to spoil him this instance.

  My body ached from the tedious travel and periodic stops.

  Seeing them felt like I was drawing in full breath after being underwater.

  Welcome home, it all seemed to say.

  As my sister and her husband gathered around the kitchen table and set up for a little bit of tea, they knew this wasn’t just a simple visit occasion.

  They caught on quickly.

  Sister had a nervous look staring towards her husband who sat adjacent towards her. “Are you sure the Terryn royalty know about our little Ash?” Priscilla said with a more nervous demeanor, beginning to shake.

  “Yes,” I said, matter-of-factly. “They will come for the boy after I test his affinity.”

  “They can’t do this!” Andrion exclaimed, slamming his hand down on the table with a sharp crack. “There has to be someway to fool them to let him go, right!?”

  His face was a silent plea for help, but what could I do?

  “There… is still that offer from the Hestia family.” I said shakily, peeling my eyes downwards.

  “However— it’ll be a similar case where Ash is taken and used to improve the Hestia’s family’s standing.”

  I couldn’t tell what was more concerning: the fact the Terryn family was hell bent on having my nephew as a weapon, or the fact I can sense him using magic at this very moment.

  Subtle, but present— it was enough to raise an alarm.

  I didn’t hesitate, and flicked two fingers beneath the table, casting a soft barrier spell to suppress both sound and energy signatures from the nearby room.

  Ash didn’t need unwanted attention just yet, and knowing what he was doing confirmed my worst fears.

  I glanced back up to find the murmuring about contingencies and outside help— possibly their old guild connections.

  If only I had the strength… to overrule these foolish customs.

  “Let’s leave it for another day and enjoy ourselves.” I interjected, causing the two to lose track of their conversation and direct their attention towards me.

  “I want to spoil my little Ash right now.”

  “Yes, I bet he’s pining for some cookies right about now.” Priscilla said with a chuckle as she rose from her seat to prepare some treats.

  “I’ll go fetch my son.” Andrion added, looking delighted that the conversation had finally shifted.

  Without warning, the back door creaked open.

  A small, frail child excused himself from the gardens and into the home.

  I hadn’t sensed his approach. The barrier was to silence sound and mask mana but not track physical movement.

  His appearance… looked to be shaken, as if he was hiding something with one arm tucked behind his back.

  My eyes widened.

  “Ashur?” I said, rising halfway from my chair.

  The others turned.

  Priscilla gasped, while Andrion was already on his feet.

  His father barked, rushing towards little Ash.

  The sudden shouting made Ashur flinch, shrinking back a step.

  “I-it’s not… what it looks like,” he mumbled, eyes fixed on the floor.

  Priscilla knelt beside him, caressing Ashur’s brunette hair— gently gripping his right hand that he deliberately kept behind his back.

  With slow hesitation, she reached for it— pulling it forward.

  His tiny hand was red and swollen, marked with searing burns and faint cracks where the skin had blistered.

  All of us stared, but we couldn’t be angry towards him… just fearful of what’s to come.

  “Ash, you need to be more careful, honey.” Priscilla said softly, invoking a splurge amount of magic onto his palm to heal the wound.

  Andrion hobbled over to Ashur, patting his son on his back. “That’s my boy, taking a step forward, huh? He smiled, ensuring his expression was as genuine as concerned.

  I stood there tall, admiring the affection and care he was being given.

  This should have been a time when he’d be lectured and disciplined, but none of it mattered.

  Not right now.

  Only three days left to spend with little Ash.

  There has to be a way.