Late into the night, I sat cross-legged on the floor of my room, surrounded by shadows and silence. Moonlight slipped through the drapes, casting a faint silver glow across my skin, damp with sweat. Frustration gnawed at me, a raw reminder of my defeat. I’d thought I was strong, had spent years pushing myself, training with everything I had. But facing Leah had shown me just how far I still had to go.

Losing to her had felt like a slap, a wake-up call I didn’t want to acknowledge. I knew I was talented, but without an extra affinity, without something beyond my body talent, was it enough? Leah had used water magic so effortlessly, shifting the fight to her advantage without breaking a sweat. And if she was that strong, what did that mean for everyone else I’d meet at Ravenspire? My confidence felt fragile, like a mask cracking under pressure.

My brother had been ranked first every year he attended Ravenspire. People called him a prodigy, a legend in the making. I’d always felt his shadow looming over me, but until now, I hadn’t realized how heavy it was to live up to his name.

I exhaled slowly, trying to clear my mind as I settled deeper into meditation. My breath steadied, each inhale drawing in the ambient mana around me. Body talent was strange, allowing me to absorb only pure, unaligned mana. I couldn’t wield fire, water, or air like others could. Instead, I had to draw strength from this raw energy, letting it settle within me.

With each breath, I felt the mana trickle into my core, a steady warmth gathering just below my heart. It spread out, sinking into my muscles, strengthening my bones, weaving through every fiber of my body. But it was slow and careful; there was no quick burst of power or sudden surge to propel me forward. Body talent required patience and discipline, and sometimes it felt like I was working twice as hard just to stand on even ground.

My father had often seemed indifferent, his focus always on my brother, who had both body and external talent. I tried to convince myself it didn’t matter, that I didn’t need his attention the way my brother had. But in moments like this, when doubt crept in, I wondered if I was lying to myself. Could I ever be as strong with only this one talent?

My thoughts drifted back to my fight with Leah, to the way she’d switched from her sword to water spells without hesitation. I could hold my own with a blade, but as soon as she used her water affinity, I had to go on the defensive. It was as though I was moving underwater, struggling to keep up. Each movement felt slower, each swing heavier.

I clenched my fists, feeling frustration simmer in my chest. I could still feel her water binding me, the humiliation of losing lingering like a bruise. I’d thought all my hours of training, all the sweat and pain, would mean something. But now, I wasn’t so sure.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on the mana flow. The energy slipped through me, subtle and elusive, like a stream through sand. Gathering mana was a delicate process, requiring a clear mind and unwavering focus. But that was easier said than done. Meditation had never come naturally to me; clearing my mind and letting the mana in was a constant struggle.

Still, I pushed on, counting each breath, trying to center myself. Slowly, I felt the mana begin to settle, sinking into my core. It was faint, a small warmth building up, but it was steady and solid. The energy strengthened me, subtly weaving into my muscles, reinforcing my bones. Body talent didn’t grant flashy powers or dramatic abilities. It was quiet, internal strength that demanded patience and discipline.

I reminded myself that I didn’t need another talent to become strong. If I could master this, push my body beyond its limits, I’d find a way to make up for what I lacked. But doubt lingered, whispering at the edges of my mind, reminding me that I was still only tier one while others advanced faster, reaching tier two before entering Ravenspire.

Inhaling deeply, I let the mana flow through me, focusing on each tiny strand, each flicker of energy winding through my veins. With every breath, I tried to shed the frustration, the doubt, the fear of never measuring up. I couldn’t let that hold me back. My path wouldn’t be the same as my brother’s, but maybe, just maybe, it could still lead somewhere just as powerful.

The night vanished without warning. Before I knew it, the first pale rays of sunlight streamed through my window, casting soft beams across my room. The light broke my meditation, pulling me back to reality. I exhaled, releasing the last remnants of focus.

Stretching, I stood up slowly, feeling the strain in my muscles after hours spent drawing in mana. My body was drenched in sweat, my core tingling from the effort. The ache ran deep, a lingering reminder of my frustration, but also proof of the work I’d put in. Despite the exhaustion, there was satisfaction in knowing I’d endured it.

With a sigh, I raised an arm and winced at the smell of stale sweat. Meditation might strengthen the body, but it didn’t help with hygiene. Grabbing a fresh shirt, I headed to the washroom, peeling off my sweat-soaked clothes along the way.

Under the cold wash, the exhaustion washed away, and I felt myself waking up fully, my muscles relaxing with each splash of water. The weight of last night’s frustrations started to ease, leaving a sense of purpose. I could still feel the tension from meditation, but the clarity it gave me was worth the struggle.

Once dressed, I headed downstairs. Jerald, always attentive, was waiting in the hall. He gave me his usual nod of greeting.

“Good morning, young master,” he said, a faint smile tugging at his mouth as his gaze lingered on the damp hair falling over my shoulders. “Late night?”

“Something like that,” I replied, smiling back. Jerald always seemed to know more than he let on.

In the dining room, the table was set with fresh fruits, warm bread, eggs, and roasted meats. My father and mother weren’t there, and the silence felt more pronounced without them. Despite the absence, I took a seat and filled my plate, savoring the rich flavors. Every bite brought strength back to my tired body, each mouthful grounding me after a long night.

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As I ate, I reflected on the hours spent drawing in mana, my brother’s legacy, and the fight with Leah. The doubts lingered, but as the food settled, so did my resolve. I knew I had a long way to go, but there was still room to grow, strength to uncover.

The sun was bright today, its light streaming through the trees, casting patterns across the forest floor. I welcomed the warmth, feeling the energy of the day as I walked under the towering branches. My sword hung at my side, a broadsword with my family’s crest engraved on the pommel. My father had given it to me when I turned twelve, and even now, I could remember that day clearly. The pride in his eyes, the weight of the blade in my hands. Those memories brought a small smile to my face.

Around me, the forest was alive. Birds flitted between branches, their songs echoing in a lively chorus. Squirrels darted up trunks, and somewhere deeper, leaves rustled as larger animals moved unseen. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves, filling the air with the scent of pine and moss.

Today, I was heading out to revisit something I’d discovered about a week ago during one of my runs. A hidden grove that felt almost… otherworldly. The air there had been thick with mana, and it intrigued me. Today felt like the perfect day to explore it further.

The grove was about an hour’s walk, maybe more, but I had time. I tightened my grip on the sword’s hilt, feeling the smooth leather beneath my fingers. The weight was comforting, a reminder of my dedication. As I walked, I let my senses open, taking in the vibrant life around me, each sound sharpening my awareness, connecting me to the world.

Alone in the forest, I felt like I could be myself. There was calmness in the solitude, a freedom that let my thoughts flow without restraint.

After a peaceful walk through the trees, I arrived at the clearing. A river cut through the center, its current churning over rocks, giving it an almost dangerous energy.

Stepping down into the grove, I let my surroundings wash over me. The air here felt different, dense and electric. Mana gathered thickly, as if the grove itself was alive.

The mana was intoxicating. Just breathing here filled me with energy, like the essence of the forest seeping into my body. I didn’t need to meditate; every breath drew in more mana, rich and potent.

I continued toward the river, where the air grew denser. My senses sharpened as I reached the riverbank, where a shadowed opening caught my eye. A cave, partially hidden by moss and vines, nestled beside the river. The mana pulsed from within, filling the entrance with a faint glow.

Excitement surged through me as I realized I might have found something rare. I drew my sword in one smooth motion, aware that for something this potent to exist, there could also be danger.

Steeling myself, I stepped inside, letting my eyes adjust. The cave wasn’t completely dark. Bioluminescent moss clung to the walls, casting a faint, eerie blue light that reflected off the damp stone. Droplets of water dripped from the ceiling, landing cool on my face and arms, a refreshing change after the warmth of the sun outside.

As I ventured deeper, the mana grew stronger, pressing down on me, thick and almost stifling. My heart pounded with both anticipation and the sheer density of energy around me. Each step echoed softly, the silence amplifying the tension. Driven by the pull of mana ahead, I followed the winding path deeper into the cave.

Turning a final corner, I stopped, breath catching. Before me, in a small alcove bathed in a strange, crimson glow, was a single, radiant flower—a blood lily. Its petals bloomed in deep, vibrant shades of red, casting a soft light that filled the cave. The mana around it seemed alive, pulsing in rhythm with the flower, as if drawn to it like a magnet.

I knew instantly what I was looking at. Blood lilies only grew in places where something immensely powerful had fallen, where blood had seeped into the earth, feeding the plant with energy. This flower alone could be my key to reaching tier two—a treasure beyond anything I’d ever hoped to find.

Swallowing, I stepped forward, my gaze fixed on the flower. With a steady hand, I reached out and carefully grasped its stalk, feeling a subtle warmth emanate from it. Gently, I pulled the flower from the earth, its soft petals resting in my hand, glowing faintly.

As I turned to leave the cave, my heart pounded with excitement. Holding this blood lily was like holding a promise of power, a chance to reach the next tier. If I brought this to Hector, the old alchemist in town, he could brew an elixir that might help me advance. The thought of finally reaching tier two filled me with a sense of purpose, a glimpse of the strength I’d been chasing.

Lost in thought, I barely noticed my surroundings as I replayed Hector’s words. “A blood lily,” he’d once said with a glint of excitement, “holds condensed mana. Brew it right, and it could push even a lowly tier one up a level. But they’re legends around here. You’d have better luck finding gold in the river.”

I chuckled, imagining the look on his face when I showed him this rare find. Maybe if my luck was this good, I should check the river for gold. Turning my head, I glanced at the rushing water beside me.

That’s when something shifted. The forest fell into an unnatural silence, as if every creature had suddenly taken cover. A shiver crawled up my spine. My instincts screamed at me to turn around, to prepare.

A wet splatter landed on my head, cold and unmistakable. Heart pounding, I looked up, feeling dread settle deep in my stomach.

Towering above me was a bear—a colossal, hulking figure, far larger than any bear I’d ever seen. But this wasn’t just any bear; its fur glistened with a strange shimmer, and its eyes glowed with an unnatural light that cut through the shadows. It was a mana beast, and its presence filled the air with a suffocating pressure. The mana around us seemed to coil, rooting me in place.

I stood frozen, my heart hammering as I stared up at the creature. The bear’s massive head lowered, its nostrils flaring as it sniffed the air, catching my scent. Its eyes, sharp and intelligent, locked onto mine, and I knew it sensed the mana radiating from the blood lily in my hand.

The creature’s muscles rippled under its thick fur, each movement sending tremors through the ground as it edged closer. My hand tightened around my sword, but deep down, I knew that my blade was little more than a twig against this creature. It loomed over me, twice my height, its claws gleaming dangerously in the faint light. One swipe, and I’d be done.

My mind raced, training flashing through my thoughts, but I knew the truth: nothing could have prepared me for this. The mana beast radiated pure, untamed power, its body a vessel of condensed energy beyond anything I’d faced. And here I was, a mere tier one, barely able to steady my breathing, let alone wield enough strength to face it.

The bear growled, a low rumble that vibrated through my bones, sending a jolt of terror down my spine. I felt the weight of the blood lily in my hand, but now it felt like a beacon, drawing the beast closer.

Before I could react, the ground shifted beneath me. The air grew thick, the beast lunged towards me, I barely had time to raise my sword, bracing myself as the massive creature charged. Its roar filled the clearing, a deep rumbling sound, that seemed to shake the very earth beneath my feet.

Its claws arched forward each one as long as a dagger and promising nothing but death.