Magic is a simple term used to describe the art of manipulating and using mana. Its origin and development were unknown to the current generation. The majority says it existed from the very beginning, like how the first fire was ignited, and how the first seed was sown, it is the same for the first magic to be cast.

But unlike fire or food, the practice of magic was largely concentrated only on certain groups of people. You either need to be born into a mage family or get extremely lucky to be born as a mage from ordinary parents.

“No, repeat it. You need to focus on both the needle at the same time and sent it in a different direction”, Hughes yelled at the boy, who was standing half naked in the middle of a massive training ground.

Five days have passed since their expedition. No news from Emily or Harry was received after that event.

But that could wait since today was the last training session they will be having together. Even though Academy only started two days from now, Risha demanded the entire tomorrow to spend with this child.

Shian was summoning two black needles between his fingers and tried to shoot them toward two bullseyes placed at the ground's end. But both needles went right between the aims.

“Aiming only at the center will not help the needles to diverge towards the target. Aim at both of them, separately.” The commander was in his casual clothes, leaning on a chair as he advised his disciple.

Shain tried once again, but this time both of the needles hit the same target.

Even though he could use a vast amount of mana, controlling it was a different skill. Most mages used mana from their surroundings to manipulate and create other forces. Mana, to its core, was just pure energy. What made it valuable was how manipulative it was, compared to other energy forms.

But for Shain, it was different. He did not use the mana from his surrounding but created it from his own body. This alone, violates many fundamental theories that were used to frame the foundation of the modern magical system. Thus, his mana manipulation largely deviated from other mages, and did his learning style too.

At first, Hughes thought that he was a poor learner, but later, he realized how different Shain was. That may be the reason why he isolated himself from other mages, and even from other people.

“That’s it for today. Put back your shirt and meet me in the kitchen.” As always, normal teaching methods failed him.

Shain did as his master told, and left the ground.

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***

Shain was standing alone on his balcony, looking at the lone moon of the night sky. The whitish marvel always stood at the same spot, from dawn until dusk approached. The moon of this world was always seen in a full circle and was always locked in the same place. It never sets, even during the day. The sun made it hard to see it, but it was always there, whether it was visible or not.

A knock came on his door,

“Shain, meet me at the study,” Hughes said. He could hear his steps leaving but did not hear when he arrived at his door. Maybe he was too occupied with the night sky to notice. A sloppy observation from him, unlike a soldier.

He changed his outfit to a formal black shirt and started walking towards the study.

Hughes was wearing a steel-rimmed spectacle, reviewing some documents from the desk.

“Sit”, he asked. Shain took the wooden seat and sat facing the Commander.

“According to some reliable sources, the Academy will face a large-scale terror attack in the future.

“The source of the attack is still unknown. The possibility highly leans toward the other three nations, so put your eyes on all foreign students who are entering the academy along with you.

“Only a limited number of individuals, including the headmistress herself know about this mission. You will only receive orders directly from Headmistress Maya and no one else.

“More information will be provided once you enter the Academy.” He concluded the details.

“This will be the last official meeting we will have before your mission starts. Feel free to ask any questions.” He said while he kept doing his work. Shain didn’t ask any.

“Then, these are some points you should follow while you live inside the academy”, he started pointing out each,

“One, never use more than seventy percent of your mana capacity. Exceptions are, while working on the mission and away from public eyes, or when a life is in danger.”

“Second, for the first two months, only use ten percent of your output, and as each three-month passes, you can gradually increase it by ten percent until you reach the seventy percent limit.”

“Third and last, never disclose the details of this mission to any outsider,” he said, stressing out the last point.

Shain affirmed every point and received a white paper containing all Hughes said in written form.

“With that, the official meeting ends. Now, let’s start our unofficial one.” He giggled as he took away his spectacles and closed all the files.

“I know you don’t want to go back to that place. In a way, Risha thinks this will help to overcome your past. So do I, Shain.” His eyes shortened.

“If you ever want to abort this mission, you can always inform the Headmistress. We can proceed with this mission using other means.”

“Yes, sir” he replied. Hughes silently stared at him for some seconds.

It was funny how people can change, irrespective of their age, he thought.

“Risha will arrive at ten to pick you up. You better not be late, or I would be the one to hear from her.”

“Now go, sleep”, he said. Shain left the room.

Hughes continued his paperwork, inside his silent room. And after tomorrow, he will be the only person to live in this huge mansion.