"Come back tomorrow morning," Tor said. "They are not the type to wait around." He got off his seat and walked towards his door with her flower in hand. "Wanna tag along?"

Aeryth shook her head. "It's fine. I have other places to be. I hope you have a good day, Mr. Tor."

"Not calling me uncle anymore." Tor raised his brow.

Aeryth shook her head. "I had a feeling that would get on arrogant man's nerve."

"Oh, it did. I heard his knuckle crack," Tor laughed, "Offer still stands. They may have something to your liking. Mage stuff is expensive and lacking in this district."

"Even if they do have something, I doubt I'll be able to afford it," Aeryth shrugged. While the stuff about magic beckoned her to rethink her decision, empty pockets kept her mind still.

"Nothing I can do about that. See ya later."

Aeryth nodded, picking up the sword from the counter.

Does he know about the lance? He doesn't seem to behave in any way to show he does. Who knows? Aeryth turned and began walking toward the exit. Should I tell him? How will he react? Maybe, Adventure House already informed him. Or, he just does not care.

Just as she opened the door, she was greeted by a familiar face. "Heyo!" said the pyromancer with a grin. How did she even get here?

"Good morning, Sera," Aeryth said and took a half step back. "This is still too early for the store to open."

"I went to church first thing in the morning. Herbert said you were here, so I raced down," Sera shrugged. "You done?"

"I mostly certainly am, for now, at least."

"For now?" Sera raised a brow, "Ah, I get it. Come with me."

"Where are we going?" Aeryth asked. "I need to go to the quarters..."

"Now that you're awakened, you'll need to learn mana, right? Since you treated me to ice creams, I've decided, rather generously, to spare some of my time to teach you inns and outs." Sera puffed her modest chest in her face pridefully.

"Please don't. I will think of something myself. Please don't waste your time on me," Aeryth replied. As she tried to step to the side. "I've already wasted an enormous amount of your time."

"Oh, c'mon, what will it take for you to say, 'Oh, Sera, you're so kind and nice. Thank you!' and hug me for once?" Sera shook her head, sighing dramatically. "I am done with all my pending jobs, so it's just a time pass. Let's go!"

"Thank you again, but-" She noticed both of those from the gringer company were watching them. She didn't like their pompous attitude. "Can I help you?" Aeryth asked.

Mikhail shook his head.

Aeryth turned her focus to Sera, who was staring intently at her.

"Woah, awakening did a number on your attitude," She looked up, "Hey Ella, why did you wisk away my wet kitten Aeryth."

Aeryth shook her head. "Are you joining a drama troupe or something?"

"Maybe, if you join with me."

Aeryth sighed. At this point, she had no hope of getting away from Sera. At least, she was learning something from her.

"Welcome to Sera Magic classes," Sera. There was no classroom here, only Aeryth herself, sitting on a grassy plain. Sera stood in front of her.

They were not outside the city, but the city had numerous of these, in between the walls of the district, protected by a barrier to keep away the corrupted air.

Perhaps Sera wanted her to say something because she waited patiently for a while, then gave in. "What will you take to humor me a little?"

"I am trying my best."

"Try harder. Anyways, you know the function of attributes?"

"I have no formal teaching on it, but the name of the attributes elude to their function somewhat." She had been trained in sword and archery. Newly blessed children were provided with three months of training. Teaching them before blessing was a waste of time, as no one could be assured that they would be blessed, and no one cared about it enough to learn. But after the blessing, the excitement was the ripe period to teach, and children learned willingly.

"Then, I'll go over the formal uses. Not that I really remember the definitions. First is, of course, Perception. It allows you to perceive the aspects of the world that you are otherwise blind to, such as mana, natural life, elemental things, etcetera, etcetera. The foundational cornerstone of any mage's or blessed person's life." Sera stopped.

Aeryth mulled over Sera's words. She didn't see much in the explanation. "Is that all?"

"Of course not. Today, we are here to learn about controlling mana. I am not a scholar to teach you all the theoretical aspects of perceptions, or any aspect for that matter. Each point of perception gives you half a meter of range and a meter of dulled range. That's all the bonus lesson you're gonna get from me."

"I see."

"Second is Will. It's the domination aspect of magic. Do not mistake it with the will of a living being. There's no way to quantify that. This will is for the magic. For understanding purposes, we can assume it to be permanence for now. Many times, we cast a spell that has a duration or after-effect. How long will my fire last once I stop feeding mana? How long will a frozen flower last once I stop? All of it is dependent on the Will or permanence."

"Then, why is it called Will?"

"Because it's you imposing your will to alter the natural world. That's what my master said to me. I have come up with another one. If you cast a freezing spell on a warrior person, and they break free, it would be purely based on their will and power against your will attribute. So clash of will, if you will." Sera chuckled.

Aeryth was less than satisfied with the explanation. It made sense to her. But it didn't explain enough. Was the strength of a spell dependent on will? Or just the lasting effect? Even if she had no power behind the spell, as long as her will was high, would the person frozen be able to break it? Most importantly, if someone's will was high enough, could they freeze someone for years?

"Oh, and will is the power of your spell, so permanence and power, these two are sub-attributed within the will, but we never see it on the interface. I've heard that attributes break apart in many different sub-attributes at higher levels to account for the niche and tailored mage path you want to walk since the requirements for the high-level spell are quite different from our peasant spells."

"I understand."

So, will is not itself an attribute, but a blanket statement for different attributes we cannot keep track of at our level. She let out a sigh. "That's complicated..."

"Don't think hard about it. As you use the spells, you will learn it by heart. I don't remember shit from my time with books."

Aeryth nodded.

"Intelligence and wisdom. These two are even vaguer. Intellgence is the mana pool and mental stamina, another blanket attribute. Mana pool grows, as does intelligence. And for the stamina, it's about how long can you keep up a chained spell, and, but not barred too, your capacity to cast multiple spells in succession. However, if your stamina grows, your intelligence attribute will go up, but not the mana pool. I let you know that so that when you see a discrepancy in your stats, you don't panic."

So, my intelligence stats are not a clear indication of my mental stamina. "System shows my mana pool, but it does not show my mental stamina. How will I keep track of it?"

"Well, it's simple really. You cast spells in your free time, different types of spells, and learn how many spells are your limit. Got it?"

"So, the system does not tell me about it?"

Sera knitted her brow. "Well, mana can be quantified, but not your mental stamina. Just like you will, it is affected by many things. For example, if you're very depressed and unable to focus on the spell, your mental stamina dips; the mana will remain the same. So far, I best understand that if something is very volatile in nature, system does not keep track of it.

"I understand," Aeryth nodded.

"Finally, wisdom is efficiency and control."

"Control is control over a spell, lest it goes boom in your face, and efficiency is cost control. If a spell says it costs 40 mana, then it costs more than that. Probably fifty or sixty, depending on how fast you're trying to cast, and how tilted your mind is. Wisdom comes into play here. The higher your value, the easier it is to cast a spell, faster, without wasting mana—the least important thing for you right now." Sera paused. "At the low level, don't sweat about the efficiency. It's going to be shit.

Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

Sera created four fireballs that hovered above her palm. "Like controlling four fireballs is only possible due to my high wisdom, because four fireballs are, according to the system, a complex spell instead of four different ones. If you ask me, it should be two balls. Would make more sense."

"Why two?" Aeryth asked.

Sera grinned. Aeryth tilted her head in confusion. Sera sighed, shoulder slumping. "It's nothing. Forget about it."

"I am curious,"

"Back to the topic. Generally, spells don't have restrictions on the attribute. It'll let you try any spell even with one point in every attribute. Occasionally, they won't work unless you meet the bare minimum threshold of an attribute. Wisdom is that requirement in almost every case, except in case of a sensory type spell."

"I see."

Wisdom is control, so it must be the attribute that I need to control mana.

"That's the basic. I blew through all of it in a minute. If it had been Gu Yuan, you'd have seen anywhere between an hour or four," Sera smiled, plopping on the grass. "It's so soft."

Aeryth didn't say she would've preferred taking a longer lesson.

"How are we going to control mana, you ask?" Sera pulled out a fist-sized ball from her bag and handed it to Aeryth.

"Close your eyes, and let your mana sense tell you what this is."

Aeryth nodded.

She closed her eyes. Inside the ball, there were hundreds of lanes, hollow in an illusory sense. The lanes had tight turns and jazzed parts, like a scribble of a child. In the center of the ball, there was another orb—a dead rune inside of it. Aeryth looked at Sera. "This is?"

"If I say, you need to channel your mana through it and awaken the rune, without touching any inner walls, how does that sound?" Sera smiled wickedly.

Aeryth felt the inside of the ball, and couldn't help but feel the cold dread settling in. "Is that even possible... that's a stupid question. You also learned this way?"

"Of course, I did."

Aeryth nodded. Still her heart dread of the failure. "I will do it faster than you." She smiled at Sera.

"Close your eyes, forgo all your senses, and, then, focus on your heart. The heart is the source of mana. Pull a wisp of mana from it and guide it into the ball. As for how to control it, imagine you have a stick, and you're using it to guide a floating ball against the river currents at the precipice of the waterfall. But that stick is your mind. It'll take some effort, but that's part of the fun." Sera stopped, placing the glass ball in her hand, "I did it in three days. Let's see how long will you take."

Aeryth nodded. She closed her eyes. Just three days...

By the time the sun was down, they made their way back to the city, and Aeryth decided now was a good time as any to register with Realm Travelling Commission. Then, she could visit the quarters. She would stay in the quarters because Sera insisted that was the safest option.

"I will tag along," Sera offered.

"I should be fine alone, I think." There was the only thing that she needed from the realm traveling commission—The Strider.

Striders followed the path of Cicero, the guide. They had the ability to tell her what she needed next to increase her assimilation process.

I also need to start learning about Death Knights. Now that I can gain the power to avenge my village.

"Not that I have anything better to do," Sera said.

Aeryth nodded. They walked down the path. The city was back to its formal state, except for one lane. As if that tragedy never took place. She looked at the tired people. Did they not have the backbone to question what had happened? They lacked the power to do so, Aeryth understood that much. Yet, their avarice was not less than the noble who sent knights to cut their way to get the lance.

Don't think!

She had noticed something unique about this place. Very few people rode any creature. The carriage was a different matter, but riding a horse or bird was very uncommon. Except for Cinder the other day and Light, she had not seen anyone.

"I never see any ride in the city. Is that a custom?" Aeryth asked.

"Nu-uh, it's less of a custom and more like, how would should I put it, a status? Folk like us are not allowed to ride a horse inside the city. Taking a carriage is a different matter, but a long time past, those who rode were knights, but now even they are not allowed except for special circumstances. Only noble families can ride an animal's back. Or me, if I feel rather adventurous."

"That sounds stupid, but please don't start another altercation."

"That's the benefit of being born in a family with power. You are allowed to have stupid and rather dumb contrivances. Anyways, don't you go riding a horse in the town, the law says you'll be fined ten thousand jades and four years of prison." Sera shuddered.

Did she go to prison for that? Wait, why did we not go to the prison?

"What about our adventure a few days ago," Aeryth asked.

"Lady Sia wrote a pardon due to special circumstances. Otherwise, we'd be in a dungeon."

"That's a relief?" Aeryth tilted her head. As a Dog walked up to her. Stopped at her foot.

"Hmm?" Sera reached down and patted its head. "Animals seem to like you."

"He might be more interested in you," Aeryth said, though she didn't think that to be the case. The dog clearly seemed interested in her.

"I think, it's related to your super special affinity."

"That we should not talk about in the middle of the street," Aeryth said, eyes glancing around her. Would she even be able to notice someone if they were here? I need a sensing skill capable of more than this two-feet sphere around me.

"Right, right. Let's go. What's your thought on getting a summon?"

"I do not need one," Summons were sentient and, more time than not, very intelligent and capable of forming a bond with their masters. Aeryth had no interest in such a relationship. She'd rather hire animals as Light did to travel.

"Huh? Well, I want a dragon. They are extinct, though. Still, a flying summon will be very helpful for my wallet."

"Are they expensive?" Aeryth asked.

"We are here," Sera said, pointing at a three-story height building with guards everywhere. Their watchful eyes landed on her. "Yeah, they are expensive. While I can afford one, encountering a summon and making a bond, raising one from the egg is better than buying one. Trust factor and obdience, yada, yada. I plan to get one before the winter still."

Aeryth nodded. "I am sure you'll find something suitable to your needs."

She used her mana detection to try and feel how different the city felt. It was hard right now like she would turn her head back when she consciously tried to feel anything behind her. It would require some practice and time to reach the optimal level. Though, she could feel the texture of the street beneath her feet if she tried hard enough.

The building had a dome-like shape. The guards watched them as they scaled the few stairs up and stopped at the glass door.

"Sera, Yo!" The guard saluted, smiling.

"Oh, you're guard now?" Sera raised a brow, clearly impressed.

"Seems like it," He replied. "Lady Hearth kicked you out or something?"

"Nope," Sera pointed at Aeryth, "Meet ma new student. I am here to help her get registered without a hitch."

"Without a hitch?" He quirked a smile. "I am not sure you're the one to say that," He turned to Aeryth, "If you really need a teacher, I suggest getting as far away from her as possible. She's a dumb pyromancer."

"She teaches rather... good, despite her deceiving appearance," Aeryth replied.

"Hey! Are you insulting me?!"

The guard chuckled. "Talk to ya later," he opened the door.

Sera glared at him, "I'll equal my score soon."

"Good luck."

They walked in.

"He's my childhood friend."

"You both seem close," Aeryth whispered, lost in her thoughts, trying to stop them from venturing into the times that were lost to the darkness.

"Close? Nah, we know each other. You're more friend than him."

Aeryth didn't say anything. She knew Sera was here either because Light had instructed her or the lady of hearth. At this point, she was sure Sera only pretended to not know who she was to make her feel comfortable. There was no other reason for Sera to be here, trying to find humor in a socially inept, dull, ungrateful, short-tempered human.

They walked over to the counter.

"What can I do for you?" The receptionist asked.

"I want to register," Aeryth said.

"Please fill up the form and talk to the person at counter no 3," He pointed at the counter.

Aeryth nodded.

She picked up one and made her way to the standing counter, where a few others were filling up the form. Sera gave her the pen.

Most of the things in it were mundane if a little personal. Still, she didn't mind. Going out of the city without any entry pass was hard.

"Sage Woods?" Sera whispered, leaning closer.

Aeryth nodded. She looked up at Sera.

"That's the place..." Sera's eyes widened. "You're the sole survivor..." her voice lowered. "I am so dumb, I should've noticed it." She whispered, growing angrier at herself. "I am so sorry if I said anything..."

"There's nothing for you to feel sorry about," Aeryth said, studying Sera's expression. Her thoughts were in disarray. Was Sera lying? She didn't seem like the person to pretend about something so grievous. Then, she didn't know. If so, why was she so interested in her? Worried about her. Trying to help her. Burning entire lanes without wanting anything in return?

"You didn't know..." Aeryth whispered. Her last straw was to find the truth. Sera wouldn't lie, Aeryth knew her that much.

"Sorry if I said something insensitive before. I know it's so obvious in hindsight, but I really didn't expect that person to be you," Sera paused, "I mean, for surviving something so dangerous, I expected someone twenty feet tall hulking orge-like person who could snap people in half. Not... you."

Aeryth couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah, that would make more sense."

"Still, you should write Lesterforge here. It'd be hard to explain how you're from a place that has fallen. I'll tell them you're children of Hearth. They won't question you further."

Aeryth shook off her thoughts. "I'll simply tell them I came here before the incident. Even if it does not exist anymore, I was born and raised there, and I would rather have it written on my traveling License."

"Right. If that's what you wanna do." Sera backed off.

There was nothing else controversial. Except for the last part, which either asked for a proof of identity, or a guarantor. Aeryth's pen stopped there. She had neither.

"Ah, right. I'll get Gu Yuan. He can be your guarantor."

"Why would he?" Aeryth asked.

"You've met him, right?"

"I have. Still, if I commit any fallacy outside the walls, Gu Yuan will have to answer if I am not found. Why would he take such a risk?"

"He will. Don't worry. Most people don't commit a fallacy, and you're cautious even by his standard. He will not object. I would've done it, but my credibility isn't as high as his. All the burning and destruction is getting on my image negatively."

Aeryth shook her head. She didn't understand. "I don't want him to be in trouble because of me."

Sera seemed conflicted. "I don't understand."

Aeryth didn't either. But, if she accepted his help, she would owe him. She already owed too many people, too many things. Not anymore.

"I... is there no other way?" Aeryth asked.

"I can vouch for you, but that may take some time for you to be accepted."

"Is there a way to get a proof of Identity?" Aeryth asked.

"I'll have to look into it."

"That's what we'll do," Aeryth said with finality in her tone. "Thank you for coming along with me. But I'd rather not be the scythe on your or Gu Yuan's head."

"Are you planning to do something?" Sera asked, in a serious tone.

She didn't. But she knew how thin her anger was. If she snapped at the wrong time, which she would, given how short her fuse ran. I will not get angry anymore, right? Still, I refuse to take the risk.

"I don't know..." Aeryth replied frankly. This was the only correct answer.

Sera nodded. "Fine, that's what we'll do."

There was no reason to inform the receptionist, so they left.

"I know a place for dinner. My treat." Sera said.

Aeryth hesitated.

"Oh, c'mon. I'm just repaying for the ice creams."

"It was just a cheap ice cream..." Aeryth whispered.

"You said something?" Sera asked, far more louder.

"Nothing..."