My physique was not the only thing that had grown over the past 2 years, my mana manipulation has also grown by leaps and bounds, which is only to be expected when I one is a toddler with loads of free time and no responsibilities.

In fact, mana manipulation is one of the most practiced skills that I have. I practice it before I sleep, while being carried around, while eating, and ever since I learned to go potty, while I take a dump.

Along with the improvement of my mana manipulation, was my usage of Molecular Magic.

Now I am able to start a fire within 5 seconds when I vibrate the mana on a piece of wood. As for stilling mana to make things colder, I am not able to freeze anything yet, but I am able to make a glass of water as cold as ice water.

As for the other things I found out about Molecular Magic when experimenting, is that I can use the vibration of mana to accumulate kinetic potential.

For example, I can vibrate the mana in the air and release the accumulated kinetic potential in a chosen direction for a gust of wind. Another thing I managed to do with the kinetic potential in the air is release it in waves, essentially making sound frequency.

With some practice, I managed to imitate wildlife sounds and even pull pranks on the house staff by calling them from behind corners where nobody was, I stopped this when there were talks of ghosts and calling priests to do an exorcism.

When I tested the release of accumulated kinetic potential on the ground, I found it to be a lot harder, most likely because it was solid matter. After a lot of trial and error, I managed to make a 5cm earth spike poke out from the ground, and after more experimenting I found it easier to shift the earth closer to the surface. It was especially entertaining when I rotated the earth beneath a trail of ants and turned them in a different direction, this confused the hell out of them about where they were going, it was a good laugh.

In this world’s magic, the conjuration of lightning started at the 1st circle spell called Spark, this spell throws a small jolt of lightning at the target, it might kill a bug or a small animal with heart issues, but it was nowhere near powerful enough to really harm anyone. It was mainly it was used to stun or momentarily incapacitate the target.

But with my Molecular Magic, I don't need no stinkin 1st circle spell. With my basic understanding of ions and a shit tone of trial and error, I managed to create an ark of electricity between my fingers. At first, I was not able to shoot it at anything, but after a lot more testing, I am now able to make it jump to my intended target, ease of striking the intended target depending on the target’s electrical conductivity.

The other thing I have been tinkering with my understanding of ions is magnetism. I have only started recently but I was able to figure out a way to attract small metallic bits in the training yard, as long as it was within around 10cm from my palm. More testing is needed.

***

Spring is coming to an end, and I am currently having lunch with my family. Charlotte is currently sitting in my old booster seat beside me, looking around while waving her hands around like babies do, I scoop a small teaspoon of mashed fruit and bring it to her mouth to let her nom on the spoon.

Usually one of the servants would be the one doing this, but every now and then I like feeding my baby sister.

Stolen story; please report.

While we were halfway through lunch, a young man who looked like he was in his early 20s came into the dining room, walked towards Dad with urgency, and presented him with a sealed letter.

This young man is Humphrey, he is our house’s butler. He was recommended by House Silverbrook’s butler, Winston. In fact, Humphrey is the grandnephew of Winston, and after hearing how strict Winston was I don’t think he would recommend Humphrey lightly, because if Humphrey screws up, it would also reflect badly on Winston and his family.

“Sorry to bother your meal, my lord, but an urgent letter has arrived for you.” the young man said.

“No worries Humphrey.” Dad replied as he took the letter, and when his eyes landed on the wax seal, Dad had a serious look come over his face. He then broke the seal and started reading.

With every time his eyeballs went from side to side, Dad’s face became grimmer.

After a while, Mum asked, “Dear, what's wrong?”

Dad looked up to see everyone and said, “The Valorhelm Dominion has started up the war again, I have been assigned to be the commander of Fort Eldric, whose commander was assassinated recently.”

Valorhelm Dominion… wait a minute, “Dad, is the Valorhelm Dominion the nation to the north? Are they the ones who sent assassins to kill the king, the ones that you fought off?” I asked.

Dad nodded, “Yes son, they are.” then he turned to Humphrey, “Pass a message to the knight commander, he along with the 1st and 2nd squad are to prepare to leave tomorrow morning. Vice-commander and the rest of the squads will be in charge of the security of the territory.” Humphrey bowed and left.

That day, my parents canceled all appointments to spend the rest of the day with me and my sister.

When bedtime came, I saw the look on my parents' faces and knew they were going to get busy tonight. I think I read somewhere that when faced with potentially life-threatening situations, the urge to procreate becomes greater.

Well, can't blame the old man. I may even get another sibling out of this.

The next day at breakfast, Dad comes dressed in his gambeson with the Ironcrest coat of arms and looking haggard but happy, while Mum looks radiant. After breakfast is done, the family walks Dad to the courtyard where his men on horseback are waiting.

He said his goodbye to the grandparents, gave Mum a goodbye kiss, and picked up Charlotte to kiss and hug her. Charlotte had no idea what was going on and just giggled at Dad’s beard tickling her face.

Finally, Dad knelt in front of me to look me in the eyes, “Luke, the time has come for me to go away for a while. Duty calls, and I must answer.”

I knew where this was going, but it was something I never experienced before. In my previous life, there was almost a certainty that I would always see my father again. Now in this world, after hearing Dad’s war stories, I am not so certain of Dad’s return.

This realization hits me right in the feels, and even though I am a grown ass man on the inside, I have grown to care deeply for my current family in these past 3 years. My eyes began to tear up and my voice cracked as I said, “Do you have to go?”

All this time, I have never cried for no reason or thrown a tantrum, which had my folks a bit worried but let it slide after nothing negative came of it. So seeing me cry now was kind of a big deal for my parents.

Dad brought me into a hug and said, “Yes son, I must. Me and my friends are going to protect the kingdom.”

Dad disengaged the hug and looked me in the eye again, “And just like I am going to protect the kingdom and its people, you will stay here to protect your mum and sister. You are a big boy now, and the man of the house while I am gone, so can you be brave and do that for me?”

Damn you Dad, how can I say no to that? I reply to him with a nod before he kisses me on the head and goes to mount his horse to lead his men. And we watch him as he disappears from sight.

God dammit… I’m not crying, you’re crying!