“Now Bryson, please tell me how people are able to use magic?” Primrose asked.

“Magic comes in the form of mana, mana is the energy source and is what is required to cast things like spells. People manipulate mana to do so.” Bryson said.

“And where does this mana come from?”

“Anything, really, from animals in inanimate object, they all contain some mana. Though the amount of mana varies from thing to thing of course. It’s the things with more magic than normal that are considered magical.” Bryson said as he leaned back on an oak tree, “You sure we couldn’t do this indoors?” Bryson asked.

“You need fresh air, now answer the question please.” Primrose replied.

Bryson gave small roll of the eyes as he tried to make himself feel more comfortable sitting on the grass. It had been two months since meeting Primrose and a few things had happened since then.

He had turned eight and had become more adept at magic. Over the course of the last eight weeks Primrose would often drag him out to the forest garden to hone his skills in magic. Bryson often complained that he wasn’t a druid and being inside learning would actually be more efficient to him to no avail. Still, Bryson had to admit that Primrose was teaching him a lot.

“Alright.” Bryson said continuing on, “Most of the time people who cast spells and use magic are using the mana within themselves to do so. But it is possible to manipulate the mana that is naturally around them. Albeit far more difficult.”

“Very good Bryson.” Primrose nodded approvingly, “Now explain to me how people use magic in combat.”

Bryson made a face, “I know you taught me this, but is that information relevant at all?”

“Of course, Bryson you are going to The Academy, a place known for its combat magic among many other things.” Primrose lectured.

“That’s in like seven years? Why do I need to know about this now?” Bryson asked.

“Bryson.” Primrose said with pleading eyes, “Please trust me, you’ll need to know this.”

Bryson gave a sigh be fore relenting, “Alright, there are those who rely solely on magic in combat, because of their high proficiency. Those who are born with high mana reserves are considered sorcerers. They tend to be very good at using magic instinctually.”

“What is the major issue with sorcerers?” Primrose asked.

“Well, sorcerers use their own mana, and mana while not life energy is tied to it. So if they use too much mana, they can die from it.” Bryson said.

“Good what about those who aren’t born with a high mana concentration?”

“Well as long as they have magical aptitude, they can still learn it. They just manipulate the mana around them more often. Developing mana is like a working out a muscle, it will grow. Though more often than not it won’t grow as much as someone born with lots of mana would.” Bryson continued to explain, as he did so he saw Primrose nodding with approval.

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“What about those who are good at manipulating mana around them?” She asked.

“Wizards, druids and the like are able to manipulate mana around them, whether its using some sort arcane conduct or just grabbing from mana around them. They can be as capable as natural born sorcerers.” Bryson said.

“Do they not suffer from mana depletion?” She asked.

“Yes, they do, they still have to channel the mana through themselves, and that means they have to tap into their own mana supply to do so and that will slowly burn through their mana supply as well.” Bryson responded.

“Is that all when it comes magic?”

“No, some people rely on things such as deities in order to use magic.”

“Why and how is that?”

“They either worship them or make deals with them and gain powers that way. These people tend to have little to no magic aptitude at all.” Bryson said before having a troubled look on his face, “But I don’t get it.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve read how wizards are able to manipulate mana around them easily, but barely anything about sorcerer’s doing the same.” Bryson elaborated.

“That’s simple, the high concentration of mana within sorcerer’s clashes against the natural mana around them. Meaning that it is extremely hard for them to use the mana around them.” Primrose explained.

“But I can.” Bryson stated.

Primrose nodded at Bryson, “Yes, you are a bit of a special case.”

“Because of my powers?”

“Because of your powers.” She nodded, “It allows you to manipulate the mana around you far more easily. In fact, beings such as I can’t even do that.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I have to rely on my innate mana, I struggle to use mana around me naturally.” She nodded.

“Huh.” Bryson said in wonder.

“Alright, that’s it for today, you can head back now.” Primrose said.

Nodding Bryson got up from the ground and dusted himself off, heading back towards the manor. Halfway there he ran into Lila Frost who had returned with a cloche.

“Here you go.” She said as she lifted the cloche up and unveiled a small sandwich and a glass of lemonade.

As Bryson munched on the sandwich Lila asked him, “So how was the lessons?”

Bryson gave a shrug as he continued to eat.

“Oh, also Gareth called for you.” She recalled.

“For what?” He asked after swallowing a mouthful of sandwich and washed it down with a gulp of ice-cold lemonade.

“No idea. He said he’s waiting in his office.” She said with a shrug.

“Hmm.” He grunted as he wolfed down the rest of his sandwich and finished his glass as he walked back to the manor.

Entering the manor, he headed up the stairs and into Gareth’s office. Poking out his head into his room he saw his brother busy writing on his desk. Gareth looked up and saw Bryson enter the room.

“Ah, you're here Bryson, good.” Gareth greeted.

“Hello Gareth, why have you called me here?” Bryson giving a nod of his head towards Gareth.

“I’m glad that you have asked. As you know a year from now, I will officially be traveling the globe to help father with his dealings.” Gareth answered. Bryson nodded in response.

“Well due to this, father had given me more responsibilities and unfortunately I find myself in a conundrum.” Gareth said.

“Oh?” Bryson said with interest.

“I am travelling to another city and be away for a few weeks. However, I also need to check out one of the farming towns nearby soon.” Gareth explained.

“A farm town? Wait, wasn’t father saying how they had to begin sowing the farms soon?” Bryson asked.

“Yes, and they all are. Except for one.” Gareth said. Getting up from his seat he walked towards Bryson, “I am handing over the responsibility of dealing with this town to you.” He said placing his hand onto Bryson’s shoulder.

“You sure you aren’t just pushing away the responsibility?” Bryson joked.

“Come now Bryson, it’s called delegating. It’s an important tool to have as a Coldwater.” Gareth said with a grin, “Don’t worry I talked to father, he thinks it’s a good chance for you to get some experience.” He assured.

“Alright, but what about Viola and Gilles?” Bryson asked.

“Viola had been given a different job and Gilles…” Gareth trailed of and gave Bryson a look.

“Okay, fair point.” Bryson admitted.

“Don’t worry Bryson.” Gareth said patting on his shoulder, “It will be fun and useful. Anyways, I have to head off.” Bryson then watched his brother head out the door, but before he closed the door behind him he turned back to Bryson, “Get the job done.”

As the door clicked shut Bryson slumped his shoulders and heaved out a sad sigh, “Great.” He said aloud. “More work.”