The arcane map lay unfolded, a cryptic guide to the tapestry of mana within. As Helene's words wove a narrative around its complexities, Arthur's mind, a repository of her teachings, absorbed the wisdom with a fervent hunger.

"Understanding these circuits," Helene continued, her tone a serene cadence, "is the cornerstone of channeling mana through your being. However, mastery is found not in quantity but in the precision of chosen paths."

Arthur's gaze fixated on the myriad lines etched on the map, each a silent call to a distinct power waiting to be harnessed. Questions swirled within him, seeking elucidation on the connection between these pathways and his nascent powers.

"Which circuits should I focus on?" Arthur inquired, his voice tinged with eagerness and a hint of uncertainty.

Helene, with a motherly reassurance, gestured toward a cluster of pathways, shimmering faintly on the map. "These," she revealed, "are foundational pathways, conduits to the core aspects of elemental manipulation. They'll serve as your starting point."

Pointing to a set of lines that emerged from the heart's core, she added, "And these are the fundamental lifelines—the basic pathways that link your essence to every part of your being. You must select at least one to commence your practice."

Arthur's focus shifted, now discerning these singular lines stretching to each extremity. Their simplicity contrasted with the intricate elemental pathways, yet they carried an undeniable significance.

"Each of these," Helene elucidated, "is a fundamental bridge, a connection from your core to your entire being. While they might seem basic, their importance in harnessing mana and guiding its flow is paramount."

Helene's words bore a weight of ancestral knowledge, offering Arthur a glimpse into a realm he had yet to fully explore. The intricate elemental pathways, alongside these fundamental lifelines, became an invitation to unravel secrets buried within, to navigate a labyrinth of power concealed within his own being.

"Remember, Arthur," Helene's voice, a gentle echo in the quiet space, "while the map provides guidance, your intuition will guide you further. Feel the resonance, the pull towards certain circuits—it's your inherent connection to mana guiding you."

Arthur nodded, a fervor for understanding burgeoning within him. The revelation of these circuits painted a path toward unlocking his dormant potential, a journey that would demand patience, insight, and an unwavering connection with the core of his being.

With the map laid bare and the foundational pathways, both elemental and fundamental, imprinted upon his consciousness, Arthur began to see the tapestry of his magical journey unravel before him. The map, a guide to his nascent abilities, was now etched not just on the parchment but imprinted within his soul.

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

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Days slipped into nights, and Arthur found himself entrenched in the labyrinthine complexities of mana circuits. While his determination remained unwavering, a faint cloud of frustration lingered. He wasn't naturally inclined to the swift absorption of knowledge; each circuit felt like a puzzle piece resisting placement. Yet, he persisted, the relentless pursuit of understanding etched into his determined gaze.

At the dinner table that evening, amidst the gentle clinks of cutlery, Marc's voice, tinged with concern, cut through the familial tranquillity.

"The frequency of monsters, E and D level, is surging around the city."

A solemn air settled over the room as Marc outlined the rising threat.

"We're safe for now, still under C level, but if those creatures escalate, our defenses will crumble."

Helene, ever the strategic thinker, interjected,

"Could we seek aid from the adventurers' guild? They've dealt with these threats before."

Marc's countenance darkened momentarily.

"The guild has already cleared the deeper forest, but the lack of C level adventurers remains a pressing issue."

Silence weighed upon the room, each contemplating the impending threat and the city's vulnerability.

Finally, Helene, her voice tinged with reluctance, broached a suggestion.

"What if we train the city guards ourselves?"

Marc's hesitation lingered, his glance shifting toward Arthur, a silent plea for understanding. Arthur, perceptive to the unspoken tension, met his father's gaze, gently nodding to signal his comprehension.

"Training the guards could bolster our defenses," Marc acknowledged, his words echoing the internal conflict. "But it will demand significant time and dedication. That would mean less time with our family."

Helene, reaching across the table, offered her unwavering support, her hand finding Marc's.

"We're in this together. Your duty to the city is undeniable, and we'll stand by you through it all."

A gentle caress of her hand reassured Marc, the unspoken bond between husband and wife speaking volumes. Arthur, observing this intimate exchange, sensed his father's unspoken sentiment. With a subtle glance, Marc signaled to Helene that discussing such weighty matters in front of their child was not his preference.

As the familial unity embraced the room, Arthur, attuned to his parents' silent conversation, extended a tender caress to his mother's hand, a gesture of solidarity and understanding in the face of imminent challenges.

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Arthur sat in his room, the grimoire opens before him, absorbing the cryptic knowledge sprawled across its pages. His parents' concern at dinner echoed in his mind, stirring a resolve that hadn't been present before.

Marc's words lingered,

"We need to strengthen the city's defenses." It wasn't just a plea for help; it was a call to action.

"I can't be a burden," Arthur muttered to himself, a spark of determination gleaming in his eyes.

Helene's unwavering faith in their family's unity, her suggestion to strengthen the guard, ignited a fierce determination within him. With a resolute nod, Arthur dove into his studies, his fingers tracing the intricate diagrams within the grimoire.

"Focus on the elemental pathways," his mother's words resounded in his mind.

"Each holds a key to channelling your magic."

Night after night, Arthur delved deeper, committing the circuits and pathways to memory. He'd master these, he vowed silently, not to surpass his parents but to stand beside them.

In the quiet hours, the only sounds were the rustling pages and the whispered incantations as Arthur practiced, his determination reflected in each meticulous stroke of the quill.

As the days melded into weeks, the resolve in Arthur's heart only grew stronger.

"I won't just be a bystander," he affirmed, an unwavering determination in his voice.