Meditating alone in his room Melryn could feel his mother's return from Lanthim's residence. Having left the estate with fearful speed the day before Litralia's mental state seemed to have recovered somewhat. After the battle against opponents, he had never thought he would have to fight his elder brother had gone missing. It had been yesterday that news of him being found reach Litralia.

"No news of brothers condition has reached me whatever happened the Grand Masters must be keeping a tight hold on any rumours spreading beyond the Forest." [Melryn]

Thinking to himself the silence of his meditation remained constant. After a long struggle with his mentor that had been sent by his brother. For the purpose of helping him better understand how to control the purified mana within himself. Melryn had reached a point in his training that it became possible to manipulate his mana in such a way. That he was now able to feed the cells in his body with mana. So to make him not need food, drink or sleep for an extended period of time.

Before when both himself and Aldain had gotten their male limiters removed they still required to take in the sustenance need to sustain them. Now the young man sitting cross-legged atop his bed continued to refine the purified mana inside his body. Working the powerful and sometimes cumbersome force that was mana through his current tendril channels by which mana flowed through the body was at the best of times difficult.

The most basic understanding of the world concerning these tendrils was simple. Throughout the body mostly at the joints were places that purified mana would be drawn to naturally. These tiny gathering places so small that they could only be seen by one trained to find them. It was from these locations call Gylsen that the tendrils like a road moved from one Gylsen to another. Starting at the base of the skull running down the neck separating out towards the shoulders. Continuing down both arms from the elbows to the wrists.

Returning up the arms to suddenly drop to the knees then the ankles. From there rise up to the base to the neck the fall again to the navel. By this order did mana move through the body to be purified being moved in this fashion natural mana moved through each Gylsen.

Over time the tendrils would become unable to remain inside the body due to the size they would achieve being continually in use. Due to first order beings having the mana they could use limited the formation of Neytriel was impossible. Dragons, on the other hand, would shed their tendril network at a young age creating a Neytriel.

Having experienced his tendril network tearing itself out from within his own body three times now. Melryn remembered the strange sensation of having his own body feeling a burning sensation from his entire being. Only to have his older brother place his hand upon his head and instead of having the Neytriel painfully cut its way out of his body.

Melryn felt it pass effortlessly from inside his body to outside with no pain or discomfort. Looking down he saw the tendrils had cut his clothing as they exited his body. Suprised as he saw his left arm he could see what looked like a deep incision into his arm. Looking to his brother Lanthim only smiled taking his hand away. Afraid of the pain that would follow Melryn braced himself, but he felt nothing looking to his arm again he saw no wound.

"It will be good for you and Aldain to learn this skill Melryn far better than having the Neytriel tear a way out itself." [Lanthim]

The memory of that time like many others was held dear to Melryn who always sought to please his older brother. However, he had developed mixed feelings towards Lanthim since his admission into the academy.

Before Lanthim's return, Melryn had enjoyed being seen as the favourite by many young women. He was powerful always well dressed and treated anyone who wanted to get to know him with respect. Then one afternoon while sparing with Aldain be all impressive and all Lanthim charged the both of them and the focus shifted the older brother, not the younger.

After the Renthial Attack four days ago Melryn felt he had wronged his brother after the bloody battle that had transpired. Having at one point contended with Lanthim on whether he could be able to use his own power as he pleased. The realization of what those who have power have to contend with in the real world was a crushing blow to his own ideas at that time.

All that aside Melryn could feel his meditation would come to an end. His younger brother Aldain was making his way from their mother's study at a leisurely pace.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

'Hmmm... A while earlier a letter arrived from the academy.'

Returning from his subconscious state let out a long breath as the door to his room opened. Aldain leaned up against the doorway holding a piece of parchment in his hand.

"An interesting situation has begun to develop in the academy brother." [Aldain]

Tossing the letter to Melryn, the younger brother continued.

"Yetolis Vaijra, your partner received word this morning that her original partner has become able to compete and has sent notice of your dismissal." [Aldain]

Grabbing at the letter as it levitated over to him Melryn looked relieved at what he had just heard. Looking at the contents, it was clear she felt no more interest in continuing on with him.

"Her lose my gain it is not like I wished to compete in the tournament in the first place." [Melryn]

"True you were not always the most motivated when it came to the tedious thing." [Aldain]

Looking at each other both brothers laughed at the hilarity of what was transpiring.

"You did not read the rest of the letter though there is another page." [Aldain]

The look in Melryn's eyes upon hearing that there was more made Aldain laugh even harder. If there was one thing that Melryn acquired from his older brother, it was is almost destructive desire to evade anything tedious.

Flipping the page over he began to read.

Melryn Frenost

Due to the present situation concerning your dismissal as the partner of Yetolis Vaijra. The academy has received a petition from another female student who would like for you to provide assistance as her provisional partner. Further information shall be provided upon your return to the academy two days hence.

Office of Tournament Affairs

Melina Delras

'Just can't catch a break can I?'

Defeat snatched from the jaws of victory, Melryn as if a cloud of gloom sat over his head just sat where he was. While his younger brother had finished laughing at his misfortune.

"Ah... That was good you actually thought you would be able to run away from the tournament." [Aldain]

Being unable to contain himself Aldain started laughing again. Staring at his annoying little brother Melryn felt no anger towards him at the moment. The truth was that the entire situation had become something comical so following the youngers example even he started to laugh a little as well.

After a few moments, both brothers took a few short breaths and ceased there outburst some maids nearby had come to see what was so funny just to see both of them howling.

"Well, little brother as you had business at the academy today, I will assume you know something concerning this matter." [Melryn]

Having still not left the doorway Aldain remained half in half out.

"I do not know if what information I have will interest you brother, all I know is the name of the lady in question nothing more." [Aldain]

Being content with this answer, Melryn nodded and waited for Aldain to give the name. Any other information was inconsequential at the moment.

"Her name is Illtris Yuikra." [Aldain]

In an instant, Melryn lept off his bed standing in front of his younger brother with a serious look on his face. Aldain, however, looked unmoved by the sudden action remaining as he was.

"You are certain of this?" [Melryn]

If there was one thing, Aldain had learned since his elder brother had returned.

"Never believe the face of any man Aldain, a face can hide many things while mana cannot, trust your feeling see all men and women alike for what they truly are. Then after you have found all you can move forward with that knowledge and devour your enemy's." [Lanthim]

'Melryn is interested perhaps too interested.'

"You know the lady brother?" [Aldain]

Stepping back a step the older brother thought about the youngers question. It had been only five days since he had first met Illtris Yuikra in Lenhym's eatery. It seemed that they were destined to meet again.

"While I was out walking, Highland Market, you know the one I usually go to, when I have a large group of girls with me. Anyway, I was there alone this time we just happen to meet." [Melryn]

"Ah, well let us hope you don't get unlucky and we all have to deal with some unwanted clan issues." [Aldain]

Things could get uncomfortable especially when dealing with daughters from Clans that ruled over entire continents of the world. In some places, entire empires from their peasanty to the nobility had a clan overseeing every action. While not sitting on the throne of those nations, just by asserting immense power they rule over all the world.