As I continued to grow older and started to comprehend the world a little better, the mysteries of this unfamiliar realm continued to pique my curiosity. It became evident that magic serves as the very essence of this realm, akin to how technology is back on Earth. Whenever I listened to conversations about magic, the term 'mana' always found its way into the discussions.

Mana, a concept I previously only read about in stories, is now a reality for me. This unique and powerful energy permeates the world, coursing through every aspect of nature. Unlike on Earth, the air here is dense with Mana, creating a distinct heaviness that I’ve learned to adapt to while breathing.

At four years old, I could hardly comprehend the complex nature of Mana. The concept of Mana seemed straightforward at first—that it flows through the world, and we harness it to weave spells or use it in other forms. However, in reality, it consists of profound layers and mysteries that eluded my grasp, and I found myself still struggling to fully comprehend its true essence.

In my relentless pursuit to unravel the mysteries surrounding Mana, this morning, my father, dressed in his dark tunic uniform with intricate golden embroidery along the edges and the badge proudly displaying his corporal rank, prepared to leave for work, and I couldn’t suppress my curiosity to finally ask the question that always lingered, "Dad, what is Mana?". With a warm smile, as he prepared to leave, he simply brushed off my question, assuring me that I would understand it better when I began using magic firsthand.

Since my father didn’t answer the question this morning, I turned to my mother, Elara, for answers. As she readied herself for work at her small bar nearby the house, I closely followed her, seeking her attention, and answers, and eager to understand more.

“Mom, please tell me,” I pleaded. "Dad did not answer my question this morning".

"What is it, honey?" she asked, taken aback by my unusual enthusiasm.

As I made my way to the bar, still following my mother from behind, hoping to get answers, I asked, “Mom, what is Mana? I’ve heard people talking about it whenever they use spells.”

Elara, who ran the local bar nearby her house, was occupied with tasks, but she understood my curiosity and felt obliged to answer. After serving the two customers who came as soon as the bar opened, she smiled at me and took a moment to gather her thoughts.

Being mindful of my young age, she gently explained to me in simple words, “Mana, my dear, is an energy that envelops this world. When you reach a certain age, you will be blessed with mana, and within your chest, a small nexus will form. You can harness this mana from the nexus to perform magic." She then paused and continued, "It's like a living nature, with its own beings and motives."

I listened intently, trying to comprehend this intriguing concept: “Beings? What do you mean, Mom?” I asked, puzzled by the sudden revelation.

“Well,” she continued, remembering the words her grandfather once spoke, “Mana is not merely an energy source, it’s sentient. Like living beings with their own personalities and traits. These Mana beings can communicate with mages, form unique bonds with them, and thus grant Mages special abilities."

My mind was wandering, attempting to visualize these Mana beings and their interactions. “So, they’re like friends to us?”.

Elara’s smile grew wider, appreciating my curiosity. “Correct, the bond between a Mage and a Mana being is akin to a profound friendship, even though we cannot see them.”

Now I was even more confused by the nature of Mana. Despite possessing the mind of a twenty-one-year-old, I couldn't fully grasp the concept. "But why don't we see them all the time, Mom?" I asked, intrigued by the idea. After all, neither my father nor anyone else had ever mentioned seeing these Mana beings, and if they were truly sentient, how could anyone know for sure?

Elara paused, her gaze distant, as she recalled something she had heard before and experienced herself. “During the Awakening ceremony, Mages can vividly sense the presence of these Mana beings. It’s a unique and personal experience for each Mage, but beyond that, not much is known. Some say there’s a Mana being overseeing them all, but that’s all I’ve heard,” she explained. "Perhaps, as you grow in your magical abilities and reach higher levels, you'll be able to feel their presence more clearly."

As Elara's words flowed, unraveling the intricate mysteries of mana, the inn's door swung open, ushering in a small group of customers. Their entrance diverted both Elara and Ethan's attention, and they shared a fleeting glance. Elara's lips curved into a gentle smile as she recognized the familiar faces of the village patrons.

"Just a moment, please," she addressed them, her tone warm and welcoming. These villagers knew her and Ethan well, and they nodded in understanding, settling in to chat amongst themselves while they waited. After attending to the customers, Elara's gaze shifted back to Ethan, a question hanging in the air, waiting to be answered.

Intrigued by the subject and eager in his voice, Ethan leaned in and inquired, well aware that his mother would likely be preoccupied attending to the new arrivals. "Mom," he began, "have you ever laid eyes on a Mana being?" Elara's smile was gentle, and she shook her head with a touch of fond nostalgia, her gaze carrying a glint of wonder. As she delved into her memory, she recounted, "I've encountered their presence only once, during my own awakening. It was an extraordinary experience, Ethan."

She struggled to find the right words to explain it all. “Mana remains a mysterious aspect of this world, even to us Mages. But don’t fret, my dear; you’ll come to understand it better as you grow older”, Elara said, her voice tender and reassuring. With a warm smile, she continued, “Now, I need to attend to some customers who have walked in and are waiting. You go ahead and explore the bar for a bit."

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Elara spoke as she left to attend to the customers who had arrived while we were talking, but did not interrupt in the middle. I nodded, still captivated by the world of Mana, as my mind buzzed with new questions. As Elara attended to the customers, I found myself captivated by the world of Mana. In the past, I had come across the opening chapter of 'Essential Elements: A Beginner's Guide to Magic,' which I read. Now, the words still lingered within me, especially after I gathered more details from my mother. 'Mana is everywhere,' I had read, 'and the densest place to find it is around high-altitude locations or jungles, which are often uninhabited.'

I remembered my mother cautioning me to avoid going into the jungle behind our house, as it was rumored to be home to an Orc village. She was always protective, and her concern for my safety was understandable. While I was restricted from venturing into certain areas, I was fortunate enough to be allowed to visit the beach and play with the friends I had made. My mother would emphasize staying close to the coast, reminding me of the potential dangers that lurked in the deep waters, like sea monsters.

I sighed, my hand absently gesturing as if trying to convey my frustration to the empty air. “In the beginning, when I found myself isekai’d to this fantasy world,” I murmured under my breath, lost in my own thoughts with a voice filled with disappointment, “I couldn’t help but entertain the thought of gaining some extraordinary system that gives me quests, shows levels in LitRPG style, or an overpowered cheat or SSS skill—anything remotely impressive.”

I clenched my fists, feeling the weight of unfulfilled expectations bearing down on me. Frustration etched across my face as I struggled to comprehend the profundity of my situation. “To my dismay, I discovered that I was far from being a magical prodigy. As of now, I struggle even to harness the simplest form of Mana, and I have learned that it will still take me quite a few years before I develop Arcane Nexus; it’s incredibly frustrating.”

I crossed my arms, my mind filled with questions and uncertainty. “I don’t even know the reason why I got isekai’d; what is the purpose? What role do I serve in this world? I didn’t even meet God before opening my eyes, like how they show in fiction”. My hand fidgeted with uncertainty as I pondered my existence.

I slumped my shoulders, absently gesturing in the air as if trying to shake off the disappointment. I muttered to myself, “If only I had known that I would get isekai’d in the first place,” I mumbled to myself, “I would have learned all the knowledge of advanced technology that modern Earth had to offer.“

With a grin on my face, I continued, “I would have shown off inventions like no one had ever seen before, making me the genius and prodigy of all time!”

I couldn't help but imagine a world where all the countries clamored to understand and acquire the groundbreaking technologies I had created. But instead, here I am, armed with nothing but some math and programming knowledge—hardly the magical arsenal I had envisioned. The reality of this world is vastly different from the grand fantasies I once held, and it left me feeling a bit disheartened.

As I mused on my situation, my mother, Elara observed me from a distance as she served the customers with cashew alcohol. Her head shook slightly, clearly wondering what was bothering me. She approached me with a quizzical look in her eyes. "Now, why are you sighing so much, Ethan?" she asked, her voice filled with motherly concern.

I looked up, surprised that she had noticed my sighs. I hesitated for a moment, then replied, "Nothing, Mom; I'm just thinking about what you told me earlier." I couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed by my constant sighing.

In the late afternoon, the last customers bid farewell, leaving Elara’s bar quiet and empty, so she decided to close early and return home with Ethan to prepare lunch. Meanwhile, I remained in my room, eagerly engrossed in the books my father had brought for me. The foreign language on the pages challenged my reading skills, but my determination to learn persisted. Despite the language barrier, my speaking skills improved over time, but reading still posed a challenge. Regardless, I didn't let it deter me from exploring the fascinating world of magic as I continued reading the magic tomes.

As the aroma of cooking wafted through the house, my mother's voice called out, "Ethan, come for lunch!"

"Coming, Mom," I replied with a sense of eagerness, unfolding the makeshift mattress I had been sitting on. Putting the book down on the nearby table, I couldn’t help but notice the aroma of the meal that wafted through the air, drawing me towards the dining area.

As I sat on the cold floor, I felt the smooth mud beneath me, which was coated with cow dung and acting as an insulator, which provided a natural comfort that brought relief during scorching summers and warmth in the winter season. Today, my mother prepared a delicious fish curry and roasted fish. The enticing aroma of the fish curry made with coconut and the perfectly roasted fish filled the air, instantly stimulating my taste buds. As I sat down for lunch, I couldn't help but appreciate my mother's culinary skills.

Living in the Serenwood village, close to the sea, meant that fish was the primary source of food. Over time, I developed a strong preference for seafood over meat, savoring the delightful flavors it offered.

The delightful aroma of the fish curry teased my senses as I sat down for lunch. My mother's culinary expertise never failed to amaze me. "Wow, this tastes good!" I exclaimed, unable to control my enthusiasm as I gulped down the delicious food.

My hunger drove me to eat with haste, my quick hands making sure not a single morsel escaped my plate. As I devoured the meal, my mother's voice echoed in the background, cautioning me to slow down to avoid choking on a fish bone. But my appetite was insatiable, and I finished every last bit of the delectable dish.

After a hearty meal, I returned to my room, feeling content and energized. I spread out the mattress on the floor, a makeshift seating arrangement that felt comfortable to me. “Essential Elements: A Beginner's Guide to Magic", a book by Sorceress Selene Nightshade, awaited my eager hands.

As I delicately traced the faded patterns on the worn leather cover of "Essential Elements: A Beginner's Guide to Magic," I sensed the echoes of countless hands that had turned their pages before mine. The book was revered in the magic academy and reserved for those who had successfully undergone the awakening ceremony and were now attuned to the flow of mana. Countless hours of relentless begging had finally persuaded my father to bring me this precious tome from his office, as it was widely believed that those without awakened mana wouldn't comprehend its secrets and those who are not trained in handling mana could pose a threat.

With the anticipation of learning, I carefully opened the book, treating its delicate pages with importance. The aroma of old parchment and ink filled the air as I began immersing myself in the arcane world that awaited me.