That night, as the moon cast a silver glow over the farm, Akira sat outside near the edge of the forest, deep in thought. Ren’s explanation of mana had been enlightening, but Akira couldn’t stop thinking about how the Kaeto System worked.
The system wasn’t passive—it responded to action. Every skill he practiced, every battle he fought, it rewarded him with increased stats and proficiencies.
“What if…” Akira muttered to himself, “...I can use the system to strengthen my mana, too?”
An idea sparked in his mind, and he decided to test it. He collected some dry twigs and leaves from the forest floor, carefully building a small fire. Once the flames began to crackle, he sat down cross-legged beside it, letting the warmth wash over him.
As the fire flickered and danced, a notification appeared in his vision.
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Fire Resistance Increased: 5 → 7
Prolonged exposure to fire has enhanced your tolerance to heat.
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Akira smirked. “It works,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
He stayed by the fire, watching it intently. The longer he observed, the more he tried to feel the flames—not just their heat but their energy. The fire wasn’t chaotic. It moved with purpose, consuming the wood and releasing warmth and light.
The Kaeto System chimed again.
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Fire Affinity Knowledge Increased: 1 → 3
Your understanding of fire’s nature has improved.
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Emboldened, Akira stood and closed his eyes. Ren had said mana flowed like a river through the body, waiting to be directed. Akira focused inward, searching for that warmth Ren described. At first, he felt nothing, but then a faint spark ignited deep in his chest—a tingling sensation that grew stronger as he concentrated.
“That’s it,” he whispered, holding onto the feeling.
Drawing on the warmth of the fire before him, Akira imagined flames coursing through his mana channels. The sensation was both invigorating and terrifying, like holding a live ember in his hands. He extended his palms toward the fire and exhaled, envisioning the energy flowing out of him.
A small burst of flame shot from his hands, merging with the campfire.
He stumbled back, staring at his hands in shock. His breathing was heavy, but a wide grin spread across his face.
The Kaeto System chimed again, flooding him with notifications.
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Mana Proficiency Increased: 2 → 5
Your control over mana has improved.
Fire Magic Proficiency Unlocked: Level 1
Congratulations! You have learned the basics of Fire Magic. Continue practicing to strengthen this skill.
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“I… did it,” Akira muttered, his voice filled with awe.
The system had responded to his experiment, rewarding him for his efforts. His mana reserves felt lighter, as if he’d used up a small portion of his energy, but the satisfaction of success outweighed the fatigue.
He sat back down by the fire, staring at the flames with a new appreciation. Magic wasn’t just about strength—it was about understanding. If he could do this with fire, what else was possible?
“I’ll master this,” Akira vowed, clenching his fists. “I’ll make this power my own.”
The night stretched on, but Akira’s determination burned brighter than the flames before him. This world had thrown him into its chaos, but with the Kaeto System at his side, he was ready to rise above it.