As Ruele walked away, Elio held Jayden close, a sigh escaping his lips. "I'm sorry, little man," he whispered, his voice thick with regret. "I promise I'll be better at this whole father thing."

Jayden tilted his head up, finally getting a good look at his father. Elio was a mountain of a man, towering over him with broad shoulders and piercing dark-blue eyes that seemed to hold untold stories. His muscles rippled beneath his clothing, hinting at years of dedicated training. A strange warmth bloomed in Jayden's chest, a mix of awe and something he couldn't quite define.

Elio chuckled, a low rumble that vibrated through his son. "Let's get a better look at you, shall we?" He scooped Jayden up, his grip surprisingly gentle despite his imposing stature. Glancing towards the other room, Elio muttered, "Just gotta make sure your mama isn't coming back any time soon."

A jolt ran through Jayden's body. It started as a cold prickle, then blossomed into a wave of pleasant tingling that spread from his fingertips to his toes. He felt a sense of calm wash over him, dispelling the nervous energy that had been building within him since his father's arrival. This... this was something entirely new, unlike anything he'd ever experienced.

Elio held Jayden aloft, his gaze intent. As seconds ticked by, the tingling sensation intensified. It wasn't painful, but a curious pressure that seemed to build within Jayden's chest, just below his heart. It was a feeling of wonder, awe, and a hint of excitement, a dawning realization of the power coursing through him. It was like being filled with an energy that was both invigorating and calming at the same time.

Questions swirled in Jayden's mind. What was happening to him? How was his father doing this? Most importantly, what did it all mean? Was Elio testing him?

Elio continued to hold Jayden tightly, his own brow furrowed in concentration. An intense gaze never left Jayden's eyes, as if silently urging him to embrace the power that was coursing through him. As the energy surged, a sense of calm and control settled over Jayden. The strange energy flowed smoothly now, converging towards its destination within him.

He had always been fascinated by the idea of magic and the supernatural, devoured countless stories filled with fantastical creatures wielding incredible abilities. But he never imagined it could be real. And now, here he was, experiencing it firsthand. A surge of excitement and curiosity washed over him, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of astonishment and wonder at the possibilities that lay before him.

As the sensation intensified, Jayden's thoughts became clearer, sharper. It was as if his mind was being opened up to a new level of understanding. He could sense the energy flowing through him, connecting him to something greater than himself. And as he focused on that feeling, a truth dawned on him – this world wasn't just the one he'd read about in his fantasy books. This was a world with mana, the very essence that fueled magic.

'We're getting close, I can feel it,' Jayden thought excitedly, his gaze locked on his father. The unfamiliar power coursed through his body, and the anticipation was practically tangible.

While Elio embraced Jayden, he carefully channeled his own mana into his son's body, eager to test his innate talents. The possibility that Jayden possessed the ability to activate his mana core at such a young age was unprecedented, a source of immense pride laced with a touch of anxiety.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Suddenly, a strange sensation washed over Elio. A cold sweat erupted across his brow. His body tensed, and a tremor ran through him. "What's happening?" he cried out inwardly, his heart pounding against his ribs.

A booming voice, deep and authoritative, echoed in his head, shattering the silence of the room. "ELIO PENTAGON! HAVE YOU MADE YOUR LAST WISH? PUT HIM DOWN THIS INSTANT!"

Elio flinched, his grip loosening on Jayden in surprise. He stammered, attempting to explain, "H-Honey, I swear I couldn't help it. I just wanted to-"

Behind him, Ruele stood with her silver hair billowing like a storm cloud. A white aura crackled around her, her clothes fluttering as if caught in a strong wind. Her eyes, usually warm and gentle, now blazed with a fierce protectiveness.

"Enough, Elio," her voice was firm and commanding, but there was a hint of concern that tugged at the corner of her lips as she stepped forward, her presence radiating an undeniable authority.

"You know the consequences of tampering with Jayden's mana core at such a young age. We can't afford to take any risks."

Elio hung his head, his shoulders slumping in defeat. Shame and frustration warred within him. He had been so close, so very close to awakening his son's potential. Now, thanks to his impulsiveness, he'd not only jeopardized Jayden's safety but also potentially damaged the fragile trust he was trying to build.

"He felt it, Ruele," Elio mumbled, a flicker of defiance sparking in his eyes. "He felt the mana surge. There's no denying it anymore."

Ruele sighed, the tension slowly draining from her posture. She knelt before Jayden, her gaze softening as she met his wide, curious eyes. "There will be time, Elio," she said gently. "Jayden is still very young. Activating a mana core at such a tender age can be incredibly dangerous. We need to be patient and let him develop at his own pace."

Jayden, however, wasn't interested in patience. He felt robbed, cheated out of a world of possibilities that had just begun to unfold before him. A frustrated frown creased his brow. 'Hell no, woman!' he screamed internally, his voice a silent roar echoing in the confines of his mind. 'Take the risks, take the risk this instant, you hear me?' He squeezed his eyes shut, focusing all his energy on replicating the feeling he'd experienced moments ago.

A flicker of surprise crossed Ruele's face as she sensed a faint tremor in the air, a subtle shift in the ambient mana. It was minuscule, barely a whisper compared to Elio's channeling, but it was there nonetheless. Jayden's tiny body resonated with a faint echo of power, a proven fact to his potential.

He knew, he felt it, just a couple of seconds for him to touch the mana inside him. 'Fuck, don't just stay there like a cute cat man, say something,' with a frustrated look, his gaze lay on Elio.

Ruele's lips curved into a small smile, a flicker of hope igniting in her eyes. "See, Elio?" she murmured, a hint of amusement dancing in her voice. "Perhaps your impatience isn't entirely unfounded."

Elio looked down at Jayden, a mixture of emotions swirling within him – awe, trepidation, and a surge of paternal pride that swelled in his chest. His son, barely out of infancy, already displayed a spark of something extraordinary.

Jayden, however, remained silent, his brow furrowed in concentration. He may not have understood the words being exchanged, but he could sense the shift in the atmosphere, the surprise in their voices. A small, triumphant smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He had done it. He had reached out and grasped that elusive power, even if for a fleeting moment.

The weight of Ruele's hand on his shoulder startled him. He looked up, meeting her gaze. Her eyes were no longer filled with concern, but with a newfound respect, a recognition of the potential that slumbered within him.

"There's much to learn, little one," Ruele said softly, her voice laced with warmth. "But for now, let's get you comfortable." She scooped him up in her arms, his tiny body fitting perfectly against her chest.

As Ruele cradled Jayden close, a warmth spread through him, a sense of belonging he hadn't known he craved. He snuggled closer, his eyes fluttering shut. Despite the frustration of having the power yanked away, a seed of hope bloomed within him. He knew, with a certainty that defied logic, that this was just the beginning. The world of mana, the world of magic, was within his reach. And he, Jayden, was determined to explore it.