I stepped into a clearing, grateful that the Academy had been built on flat terrain. But the woods here were strange..

  The trees stood in rigid, unnatural intervals, as if planted artificially rather than grown naturally.

  I set my stack of books against the roots of a large shade tree, handling them with care, before shaking out my limbs to warm up.

  A quick mental check confirmed the time: early afternoon. I had maximized my route, taking exactly one hour and twelve minutes to map out the dormitory, the main lecture academy, the library, and finally, this new training spot.

  I calculated that I had roughly three to four hours of free time before my newly assigned caretaker noticed I was gone. Actually, it was better to keep it to two hours.

  just to play it safe.

  I started into a set of jumping jacks, then moved into a deep stretch to loosen my muscles.

  Right, time to work.

  I snatched up The Laws of Arcanum and skimmed the introduction. The text explained that magic is subdivided into two forms: internal Mana and Anima, otherwise known as the fuel of life.

  "Yeah, yeah," I muttered. I had already learned all of this in my father’s library. I impatiently flipped past the introductory pages.

  According to the text, the application of magic is divided into two categories: Physical Manifestation and Borrowed Application. Essentially, the first method involves creating elements using one's own reserves, while the second involves enforcing magic upon the surroundings.

  I paused at the next paragraph. It mentioned that the most efficient way to cast spells is to borrow mana from a fairy.

  Fairies exist in this world?

  The book described them as the most mysterious creatures in existence. One theory claimed they are the "essence of God" floating in the air, implying that incantations are actually prayers used to empower oneself with divine magic. However, another passage argued that fairies are spiritual manifestations of pure magic, and that it was ancient witches who developed the language to communicate with them.

  Regardless of which theory is true, the result is the same.

  If a fairy of a certain element favors you, you can use incantations to temporarily borrow its mana for your spells.

  I frantically scanned through the remaining pages, hunting for a single example of an incantation I could test. To my frustration, the text offered no practical spells, only folklore regarding the history of fairies and witches.

  Thoroughly disappointed, I closed the book and returned it to the pile.

  "Well, I probably should have included a book about incantations."

  I sighed.

  Since I had no standard way of measuring my mana, I had to rely entirely on gut feeling. I stretched my hand forward, locking my aim onto a tree standing directly in front of me.

  Theoretically, the most efficient application of magic would be to replicate the mechanics of a bullet or a grenade. However, considering I didn't have any physical shrapnel to create a high-speed blast, that idea was off the table. I guessed a simple flame would have to suffice.

  If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  I closed my eyes, cutting off the visual world to focus on the mental one.

  I visualized the Fire Triangle, imagining the oxygen molecules in the air vibrating, generating friction, and introducing a spark to the fuel source.

  Oxygen. Heat. Ignition.

  I focused on the chemical reaction, compressing it into a sphere, ready to propel it forward.

  I opened my eyes. A massive sphere of blue flame was radiating from my palm. Oddly, despite its intimidating size and color, I couldn't feel any heat coming from it at all.

  The only thing left to do was release the spell and witness its power.

  I braced myself to launch the fireball forward at the tree. However, just as I was about to fire, a hand suddenly seized my arm. The moment the grip tightened, the magic instantly dispersed into thin air.

  "Whoa there, kiddo. Haven't your parents taught you not to play with fire?"

  I followed the arm that was restraining me, looking up to see my caretaker, Michael. He was looking down at me with a completely nonchalant expression.

  Once he had my attention, he immediately released his grip on my arm.

  My body stiffened as I quickly stepped back. This man was dangerous..

  I could feel it in my gut, as I didn't even sense him approaching me. He was likely the strongest being I had encountered in this life, aside from the White Snake in the white void.

  "Now, now," he said with a casual smile. "I just finished escorting Kaelen to his room, and when I returned, I found you had already wandered off on your own."

  "I was just testing out-" I started.

  "Nuh-uh." He cut me off, wagging a finger. "No need for excuses. I'll just be taking these back."

  He snatched the three books from the grass, dusting them off as he turned his back to me. He took a few slow steps before halting abruptly. He turned his head, glancing back at me one last time.

  "Oh, and try not to conduct any more of your experiments," he stated calmly. "It would be a shame if the entire forest, and you along with it, were to blow up. You wouldn't want that, would you?"

  With that warning delivered, he finally walked away.

  Who the hell is that guy? Cold sweat dripped down my face as I quickly realized. How did I not sense he was near me? Was it magic?

  Just as I questioned myself, a sudden wave of fatigue washed over me. I stumbled, but thankfully, I managed to steady myself before I fell.

  I think I might have overdone it for such a simple spell. I should return to the dormitory for now.

  I made it back to the safety of my dormitory. My legs were heavy, but before I could collapse onto my bed, something caught my eye.

  A crisp, small envelope was lying innocently on my pillow.

  Who could this be from?

  Curiosity overpowering my fatigue, I snatched the letter up. I ripped the seal open and sat on the edge of the bed, pulling the paper out.

  My eyes widened instantly.

  I recognize this handwriting…

  My Dearest Seraphina,

  I know my silence has been difficult, but please trust that keeping my distance was necessary for your safety. I cannot burden you with the troubles that have occupied me these past few weeks. Just know that you are my daughter, and I will cherish you until my final breath.

  Things will be different now. You are no longer within the safety of the manor. As much as I wish to shield you, you must face this reality on your own. I must be honest with you. I have always been afraid of what this world might do to you. As you grew older, I watched you become sharp and distant, like a typical noble. Though I disliked that behavior, it secretly comforted me. I thought you were finally fit to survive in this world.

  But that one afternoon changed everything.

  I was returning to the manor when you were eight. I spotted a frail cat freezing in the snow. I brought him home, hiding him in the backyard to nurse him back to health. One morning, you discovered him. I expected you to be disgusted, but instead, you cared for that cat with such gentleness. That was the day I realized I was wrong. You were not like the others, and that terrified me. I knew then that you were too good for this world.

  People will betray you. They will hurt you. But I advise you, do not fight back with their methods. You are their equal, but you possess a capacity for mercy they lack. Believe that people can change. Forgive them, even when they do not deserve it, for they know not what they do.

  I sent you away a day early to ensure your safety. I only wish I could have done more. I am sorry if I seemed cold or distant during your childhood. I thought distance would make the parting easier. I was wrong. I never stopped loving you.

  Sincerely,

  Your Father, Duke Corvin D'Arden.