It was a cool spring morning in the small village of Lisenberg. The village was so small that only forty or so different family’s calls it home. The town sits at the foot the red rock mountains, which got its name because they are full of iron ore which makes the ground a dark rusty red color. These red rocks can only be seen when there is a break in the thick forest that covers the mountains. It gives the mountains a red undertone that makes it very beautiful.
The sun was barely above the mountain peak but a cold breeze blew in from the north. Some distance away from the main village stood a small four room house. Upon closer inspection one could see a young boy around ten years of age and an older gentlemen standing outside the house. The youth was holding a big rock in both hands squatting up and down.
“197, 198, 199, 200.” The young boy said while he cradled the stone in his arms. Letting the rock drop onto the grass between his feet the young boy fell to the ground panting in exhaustion.
“Stop lazing around, get up and do ten laps around the property! When you are finished head inside to eat,” yelled the other gentlemen. “But you better hurry up or your breakfast is going to get cold.” He finished as he turned around to head inside the front door.
Why me? I thought as I started to run the ten laps around the property. Of all the boys in the whole village none of them have parents that make them wake up before the sun evens rises to go and do exercise. They all get to sleep in a nice warm bed. Just thinking about warm beds makes me want to cry. I love a warm beds especially when it is cold outside, and even more so when I can wrap myself in many blankets. It is the best feeling to have a cold face, but a warm body as you falls asleep. Now, don’t get me wrong, I truly love my dad, but why is he making me do this? He has never woken me up to do exercise in the mornings. Normally, he is very kind and nice but today he was stern and commanding. I wonder what is making him act like this.
After running around the property ten times I was huffing and puffing. It is not like I am fat and totally lazy. I have always been on the skinny side no matter how much I ate, but I will confess that I could be in better shape but who couldn’t be? Sitting down I tried to slow the heaving of my chest. When I could finally stop gasping for breath I stand up and go inside.
Sitting at the table were three people a man, a woman and a little girl. The man was tall; he stood at six foot four. You could see the nicely toned muscles underneath his loosely fitted shirt. His face was good looking, it would have been better if not marred by a white scar that ran down his right cheek. He would try to hide it with his long brown hair but you could still see it when he moved his head just right. Even without the scar, his face would pale in comparison to the lovely lady sitting next to him. Her face was smooth as silk. Her light blue eyes seemed to sparkle in the morning light but the most beautiful feature of her face would have to be her smile. Her smile was like a divine angle's smile. It would put your heart at ease and fill you with eternal happiness. She was tall for a woman at about around six feet. Sitting on her lap was a little girl of around two years old. With just a glace anyone could tell that this girl would grow up to be as beautiful as her mother.
“Hurry up, or your breakfast will be cold.” Said the beautiful woman as she gestured to the plate full of eggs and bread. Sitting down I began to eagerly eat my breakfast.
“Ajax when I get home from working in the forage, we are going to continue your training.” said the older gentlemen. Getting up he walked over to the beautiful woman and gave her on a kiss on the cheek. “See you when I get back.” He told her. Seeing this, the little girl raised her hand and looked the older gentlemen in the eyes. “Okay I will give you a goodbye kiss too.” He said picking up the little girl from the woman's lap he gave her a big kiss on the cheek. “Love you, see you when I get back.” He finished putting the little girl back onto the woman’s lap he left the house.
“Ajax you better hurry down to the chief’s house, you have school today.” The woman said as she was putting away the plates from breakfast. Getting up I started to go towards the door but before I was even ten feet from the door I felt a little body grabbing my leg.
“Don't leave me!” Screamed the little girl. There was a waterfall of tears streaming down her face as she desperately clung to my leg. Bending down to the little girl’s height, I gave her a hug.
“I promise I will be back before you know it.” I told her.
“You promish?” She said looking up at me with big wet yes.
“I Promise.” I replied as I picked up the little girl and gave her to the beautiful woman who walked over when she heard the crying.
“It always surprises me how much she loves you Ajax.” She told me.
“I know. This happens every time I go to leave the house.” I lamented. Turning around once more, I start my journey to the chief’s house.
“Ajax! Tell your mother that we just got a new shipment of those three horned deer. I know it’s her favorite meat.” Called out a voice.
“Okay, I will! Make sure that you save some for her.” I replied without even slowing my step. Oh! I almost forgot. Turning around, I added “Thank you, have a nice day miss!”.
That was a close one. My mother always said to be nice to the people that are nice to you. If my mother found out that I wasn't courteous, I don't think I could withstand the disappointment in her eyes. I always feel so bad when I see them like that.
Thinking about what I was going to be learning, I pick up my pace.
“Huff...huff....huff. Slow down Ajax. We are not going to be late.” Turning around I hear the voice of my best friend Amman.
We have been friends for as long as I can remember. His father and my father are good friends. His father owns one of the mines in these mountains, while my father is his largest buyer. During their business transactions they have become quite close, which is how I met Amman.
“So, are you ready for the lessons with the chief?” Amman asked with his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath.
“Sorry about that.” I replied sheepishly. “I am just so excited! I have been waiting so many years for this day to come. We will finally be able to learn a breathing method.”
Thinking about what we were going to learn, my feet once again pick up their pace. Only to be stopped by a hand on my shoulder from Amman.
“Slow down.” He told me and I struggled to do so.
Once we finally made it to the chieftain’s house, I noticed that we were the last ones to arrive. Of all the kids in the village there were five of us who were ten years old this year. Three boys and two girls. The other boy's name is Reynolds, and we don't get along. Just last week Amman and I were playing near the river and Reynolds and his crew showed up. They stated that we had to leave because the river was their area. Amman has never been the kind of person who would let others bully him, so he crossed his arms and told them that we were here first and this river is for everyone, and that he had no right to kick us out.
“If you will not leave, then I will make you leave.” Reynolds told us as his crew quickly tried to surround us. Before they could finish the encirclement, I took Amman’s hand and ran back towards the village. Reynolds and his crew quickly chased after us, but they couldn’t keep up with us. After realizing that Reynolds stopped chasing us.
“That's right! You better run! Next time you should just bow and do what I say.” He yelled at our retreating backs. We completely ignored what Reynolds said and we kept on running all the way back towards the village.
Pulling back from that memory, I refocused on the present. The last two people in the class are the Sarisin Sisters. They are identical twins. The only way to tell them apart is Sara, the older twin, always has her hair in a braid. While Julie, the younger one, always has her hair down. I was actually quite surprised to see them here, they don't normally leave their house. From what my mother has told me, Julie was born weak and often gets sick so Sara normally stays home all the time to play with her.
Finding some room on the floor, Amman and me started to talk about all the great adventures we were going to do when we become great mages or warriors. Not long into our chat, Reynolds got up from where he was sitting and walked over.
“Do you guys really think you can become a mage or a warrior? Don't make me laugh. With your parents there is no hope for you guys to become a great warrior or mage. The only one here that will become a great warrior or mage is me.” Reynolds sneered.
“Just because our parents are not mages like yours, doesn't mean that we can’t become a mage or warrior.” Amman angrily retorted. Seeing Amman's angry face, Reynolds smiled and without a comment he left to talk to the girls.
“Arg! I hate that guy. He makes me want to punch someone” Amman said was he watched Reynolds walk away.
“I agree. I hate him too.” Ajax replied.
“Everyone quite down and find some room on the floor.” A voice called over the noise of us talking with an air of someone that is used to giving orders.
Without even thinking, I stopped talking to Amman and turned to see the chief. The first thing I notice is that he is short. His shoulders are hunched over and it makes him look even shorter. The next thing I notice is that his eyes are covered by his white hair. His hair seemed to flow down from his head like a waterfall and was only parted by his slightly large nose.
“I know that you are all excited about leaning the breathing method, but I will save that for the end so you better pay attention to what I am going to say or I will not teach you anything.” He told us.
Hearing the seriousness of his voice I made a mental note to pay attention.
“A long, long, time ago, even before this world was born. There were two beings of great power.” The chief started to tell us. “Where they came from or how they came to be, no one knows. Their names, if they had any, have been lost to the passage of time. These two beings were all alone in an endless expanse of darkness. After searching for countless years, the beings realized that there was nothing else but them in the darkness. Deciding that if there was nothing out there why not make something themselves? By putting together their powers they decided to make a place that they could call home. This is what we now call the heavens. After making their home they still felt lonely, so they each made another being in their own image. One was the god Lugh. He was given the power over light. The other being was the goddess Moot. She was given the power over darkness.”
The chief paused briefly before continuing. “After many years Lugh and Moot fell in love and had kids of their own. Wanting a place for their kids to call their own, Lugh and Moot pleaded with their creators to make a place like the heavens for their kids. Finally relenting to their pleading, the two beings decided to make this world.”
“They first created the earth and gave it to Lugh and Moot's first child who was named Faust. They next created the seas that covered large sections of the earth. The second child, the goddess Lena, was given control over the seas. The beings next made the air which we now breath and gave dominion over it to the third child who is the god Hest. Finally, for the last child, they gave the power to control fire to the goddess Dianna.”
He continued, “After many years Lugh and Moot decided to make their own creations. Lugh created humans while Moot created many different kinds of beasts. After many years the humans were slowly being pushed towards extinction. Seeing his creations lose to Moot's creation's, Lugh got furious and decided to take matters into his own hands. He went down to the world and started to slaughter all the beasts. Seeing her creations dying by the hand of her husband, Moot started her own slaughter. Soon the rivers and oceans were full with the blood of the dead, the air was tainted by the smell of decaying bodies. The earth was soaked with the blood of the slain, making it unable to support life.” The chief continued solemnly.
“Before Lugh could completely exterminate the beasts Moot stood forth to oppose him. Their battle threatened to destroy the whole planet. Seeing their home being destroyed by their parents, Faust, Lena, Hest, and Dianna tried to stop the fighting, but it was too late. The hatred was already sown into their hearts. During the fighting Dianna was hit by a stray shot from her father Lugh, and was on the brink of death.”
“Seeing the fighting down below the two beings stared to feel sadness at the foolishness of their creations. They left the heavens and descended onto the battle field. They first appeared to Dianna. Seeing that she was on the brink of death the two beings sadness continued to grow. Healing Dianna until she was back to full heath, they decided that it was time to stop this fighting. Unleashing their power, all creations stopped fighting and felt an indescribable amount of power and fell to the ground in fear.”
“'Lugh and Moot, the two beings proclaimed to all, your fighting is not only bringing destruction to this planet, but you even could have killed your own daughter if we did not save her. For this we decree that no immortals are to directly interfere with this mortal realm. If any such person’s tries, they will be destroyed with nothing of them left. We will also grant a gift to all the inhabitants of this world so that they too may have the ability to defend themselves. We will grant them the ability to transcend their mortal world and become an immortal like the rest of you. Lugh and Moot, the two of you were our pride and joy it brings us much sadness to see the two of you act like this. After this speech the two beings disappeared and were never heard from again. Even with all this Lugh and Moot would still not put away their hatred and still continue to fight to this day.”
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Once the chief finished his story the classroom was dead silent, not a single sound could be heard. Everyone's eyes were glued to the Chieftain’s face awaiting for him to continue. Looking at the faces of the kids eagerly awaiting for him to continue a rare smile crept on his face not that anyone could see it hidden behind his large beard and mustache.
“The gift that the two beings gave all the inhabitants of this world was the ability to harness the powers of the gods which we call mana. For us humans our bodies cannot handle this power and if we tried to gather the god's power the person's body would explode. This problem was not as bad for the beasts as they were created by Moot and could withstand the power of the god's and began the journey of cultivation. With the rise of powerful beasts, humanity one again was on the brink of extinction. But before all the humans were wiped off the face of the planet, a breathing method was developed that allowed humans to strengthen their bodies before harnessing the powers of the gods.”
“With humans now able to use the powers of the gods, they were able to avoid extinction but that was not enough. We wanted a place that we could call our own so we kept on refining the breathing method creating better and better versions. Finally after many years we have been able to push the beasts away and make our own kingdoms.
“The breathing method I am about to how you is the very same one that was discovered that day all those years ago. Since the discovery of new and different breathing methods we have created a ranking system which ranks them from fist being the worst to five being the best. With each rank broken down into four smaller categories called low, medium, high, and peak. The stronger the breathing method, the faster one can strengthen the body and start their cultivation of their mana core. The breathing method that I will be teaching you is of the first rank, low category. It has been make public to the whole kingdom. If you want a better breathing method, then you will need to find it on your own or join a clan or an academy. To join a clan or academy you will need to show that you have talent in strengthening your body. When you are twelve years old all children are allowed to go and have their cultivation tested and if you do well enough then you could be invited to join a clan or a school.”
Hearing this I could not stop my mind from imagining what it would be like to join a clan or a school. If I was able to go to a good school my family could increase their statues and maybe if I am talented enough, our family could become nobles.
“Okay class, I want everyone to pay close attention. I am going to teach you the breathing technique.” The chief said, pulling my attention away from my daydream. I once again gave my full attention to the chief. Reaching into his robes he pulls out an old looking scroll.
“This is aptly called the one cycle breathing method.” He said opening up the scroll and we looked at a diagram of the human body. “As you should all know, the human body contains two different sets of veins. The first set of veins are the ones that all your blood flows through. The second set of veins are your mana veins, and these are the veins you will move the mana through. On this scroll is the path you will have to move the mana though. You must make sure that you have this memorized because if you don't move it exactly as stated you could break your veins and no longer be able to cultivate.”
For the next hour the chief had us memorize the pathway that we should move the mana. Only when the whole class memorized it did the chief move on.
“There are six different types of mana, Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Light, and Darkness. Earth, Water, Fire, and Air are considered the lower type of mana, while Light and Darkness are considered the higher type of mana. People who use light or darkness tend to be more powerful than people who use other elements. When one circulates the mana through their veins during the breathing technique a small portion of the element or elements that you have an affinity for will be absorbed into your body, strengthening it. As a side effect of absorbing the mana you will take some of the characteristics of the element you absorb. For example, a person who has a fire affinity will have more explosive strength while a person who has an Earth affinity will have a stronger skin and bones. These differences will hardly be noticeable until one forms their magic core.” He paused for a second before continuing.
“Now on to sensing mana. Mana is all around us but we can't see it or feel it. You can only notice it when you spread out your consciousness to your surroundings. Okay class, I am now going to teach you how to that. To spread out one consciousness it is easiest to remove all distractions.” He paused before continuing. “I want everyone to close your eyes. You should see nothing but darkness.”
I close my eyes and everything turns black.
“Feel the ground that you are sitting on slowly start to disappear. You are now floating in the empty darkness. The fragrances in the air are getting fainter and fainter. You are all alone, just you, and the never ending darkness. The taste of your saliva is slowly disappearing, till you can't taste anything. Slowly empty your mind. Don't think of anything, just feel the never ending darkness. My voice is slowly getting quieter and quieter it is no louder than a whisper carried softly by the wind. You should feel something else with you in the darkness, there should be little specks floating slowly in the air going where ever they please.” He explained, walking us through the exercise. “Once you feel it in the air, just wait for further instructions. Make sure you don't do anything, just observe. Say out loud when you can feel it and we will continue when everyone can feel the mana.”
Floating in my own world of eternal darkness, I slowly empty my mind of all thoughts and just feel the darkness that surrounds me, trying sense the mana in the air.
“I feel it.” Reynolds quietly said just shortly after the chief finished talking.
That jerk was the first to find it! I bet with this he will become even more intolerable. Focus. . . I must empty my mind and feel the mana I told myself.
“I feel it.” This time it was Amman who spoke. Followed closely by the Sarisin sisters. Now it was just me who has yet to feel the mana. I keep on concentrating on the eternal blackness that was all encompassing. Time seemed to stretch on forever in the darkness, but no matter how long I waited I could not sense anything. Why can I not sense mana? Am I doing something wrong? These thoughts kept on flashing across my mind. The longer time went on, the more frequent and longer lasting these thoughts lasted. Maybe I should just lie and say that I can feel it so I don't look like a bigger looser. I will just do this latter at home.
“I feel it.” I lied in a quiet voice.
“Good. Now that everyone can feel the mana you should feel lots of very small particles floating in the air. I want everyone to take in a small breath and try to get only one speck of mana. If you get more, immediately exhale and start again. If you try to continue past this point with more than one speck then your veins will explode and you will never be able to cultivate again and in extreme cases you may even die.” He told us with a serious voice. “Once you can control the speck in your lungs, move it according to the paths you memorized from the breathing technique. Once you have completed the cycle, move the mana back into your lungs and exhale. As a reminder, when the mana is going through your veins, a very small portion on it will be absorbed into your body strengthening it. I will give you thirty minutes to practice what I have taught you. If you have any questions, just raise your hand and I will try my best to answer it.”
Closing my eye's once again everything goes black I rid myself of my senses and empty my mind. Sitting there I feel nothing in the air. How am I supposed to feel the mana? What does it feel like? Why can't I feel the mana? Does this mean I won't be able to cultivate? Will I be trash that will amount to nothing? What will my parents think when they learn that their son is a worthless human being? Will they no longer love me? No, I need to stop my thoughts from spiraling out of control. I need to clear my mind and put all my effort into sensing the mana all around me.
“Everyone finish the cycle you are on, then pay attention. I have a few things left to say then you can go home.”
Opening my eyes I held back my tears, I could still not sense the mana. Is something really wrong with me? Will I really never amount to anything and be trash my whole life? What will my parents think of me when they learn I can't feel mana will I be disowned and die alone on the side of the road? I could no longer hold back my tears, a single tear rolled down my face. Before it could fall to the ground, I wiped the tear away and got my emotions under control. Looking up I notice the chief looking at me with a sad look. Once our eyes meet I could tell that he saw me cry, seeing this I quickly looked away ashamed.
“There are nine different levels of body strengthening before you can be called a mage or warrior. The first three levels strengthen your skin, the next three strengthens your bones, and the last three strengthen your muscles and veins. Once you have done this you can finally form your mana core then you can finally start actually using mana. You all have started your journey on becoming great. You can all go home now, class is over.”
I quickly got up from the ground and left not even waiting for my friend Amman. Before I could even make it to the door, the tears I have been trying to hold back broke forth like a dam breaking spilling all over my face and unto the ground. I ran as fast as I could while avoiding everyone so that no one could see the tears streaming down my face. I made my way home on instinct.
“Big brother you’re home!” I voice said causing me to stumble backwards, back out the front door that I just opened. Looking down I see my sister's black hair lodged into my stomach. I quickly wipe my tear stained face so she will not notice it. Bending down I picked her up and placed her on my shoulders.
“Ajax come to the kitchen. I made lunch.” My mother calls from the other room.
Walking to the kitchen I put my sister down on one of the chairs and sit in the seat next to her and begin eating.
“So how did it go?” Mother inquired as we were eating at the table.
Looking away from my mother so that she won't see my reddened eye's I quietly mumbled, “It was okay.”
“What's wrong?” My mother asked as she heard my reply.
“Nothing” I said still not looking at her.
“Ajax, it would make your mother happy if you look at me when talking. So please, look at me, I am always willing to listen to any problems you have and I will try to make them better.” She replied.
Looking into my mother's eyes, I could only see concern and love in them. The tears once again started to flow freely from my eyes. Seeing my reaction, my mother quickly pulled me into a hug. Feeling her warm embrace I could no longer think of anything else I just quietly cried in her loving embrace. After what felt like forever, I was finally able to get my emotions under control. Seeing me calm down she looked into my eyes and said with a tone of concern “Tell me what happened.”
Holding back the tears that once again tried to escape, I told her all that happened today, my fears of not being able to sense manna and my fears that she would no longer love me. After telling her everything I looked into her eye's trying to see if she still loved me.
“Ajax don't let it bother you that you could not sense the mana, maybe you just need more time than others to sense mana. Even if you cannot sense mana I am your mother and I am sure your father would agree. We will always love you, you are our special son even if everyone else leaves you, and we will always be there for you. Remember you are my son and I love you.”
Hearing my mother encouraging words, I once again hugged her and left the house, but before I left I told her “I am going out to practice how to sense mana. I will be back later today so don't worry, your son won't let you down. I will become a great mage in the future.”
Once outside, I quickly ran to my favorite place. It is about two miles away from our house on top of a small hill at the foot of the mountains. The hill is covered in a soft grass with a lone tree that stands all alone amidst the grass. It is my favorite place to relax. Whenever I am having a bad day I would just lay in the shade of the tree and relax in the soft grass. But today this place will be where I start my practice of sensing mana. Sitting down in the shade, I can feel the soft breeze slowly brushing across my face. Feeling this wonderful sensation, my body that was over loaded with all that happened today, finally relaxed and I fell into a blissful sleep.