Breathing, focus... Serenity

Kvolt, now a boy of three years old, was sitting on the cold stone by the serene lake, his attention fully focused on the task at hand.

Breathing deeply, Kvolt closed his eyes, trying to block out all external stimuli. His small hand hovered over the water, his tender fingers yearning to come into contact with that substance.

Exhaling, attracting... Absorbing

He could feel the mana flowing through his Manantic Vessels, an electric current pulsing under his skin. Concentrating, he tried to guide this flow of energy to the palm of his hand, imagining it accumulating, ready to be released.

A growing tingling sensation spread through his arm, until Kvolt could almost touch the feeling with his fingers. He frowned and his mind struggled to control and shape that force.

The mana circulated inside him, the internal magic currents following a flow that had been practiced by Kvolt. This seemed to be the best method in his training. Controlling the flow took time, but it seemed that his internal environment responded well to the training.

The AI's voice soon echoed in his mind. "I am monitoring the flow of mana in your circuit. The method we are using, where you keep the mana circulating in a single direction through the Manantic Vessels, is proving to be effective."

"According to my analyses, this continuous unidirectional circulation is causing micro-lesions in the vessel walls and in the cells responsible for mana transport, the Erythrocytes. Although initially these damages are minimal, they trigger a repair and strengthening response in these structures."

Kvolt nodded.

The AI continued. "It is a process similar to what happens to muscles during physical exercise. The micro-lesions induce a process of cellular remodeling, leading to the overall strengthening of the mana circulatory system. Your Manantic Vessels are becoming more elastic and resistant, capable of withstanding more intense mana flows. And the Erythrocytes and other cells are developing more robust membranes to cope with the stress of continuous mana transport and production."

Kvolt smiled, satisfied with the progress. "So, this unidirectional circulation seems to be one of the keys to increasing my mana pool."

"Exactly," Aurora confirmed. "It is an effective method to strengthen your magical abilities in a gradual and safe manner. However, I have some theories about other circulation patterns that may offer additional benefits, although they may also present risks if not executed correctly."

Kvolt felt his curiosity increase. "What kinds of patterns are you considering?"

"Well, one possibility is focused circulation, where you would direct the flow of mana to specific areas of the body, such as the arms or legs. This could increase localized resistance in those regions, enhancing spells or abilities related to them, and even the speed at which your mana reaches different points in your body."

Kvolt nodded, visualizing the mana flowing more strongly through his right arm.

"Another option would be circulation in complex patterns, such as spirals or vortices," Aurora continued. "These patterns could create zones of high mana concentration in certain areas, amplifying the power of general magic. However, they would require much more refined control of the flow."

"And there is still the possibility of multidirectional circulations, where mana would flow in different directions in distinct parts of the body simultaneously. But it would also present significant risks of overload or energy imbalance if not executed with extreme precision."

Beep-Beep

"Mana control training completed," Aurora's voice sounded in his mind. "You did well, Kvolt! You managed to increase the time from 10 to 30 minutes. Your cells are adapting to the mana current, and the Manantic Vessels are developing greater resistance and capacity."

"Aurora," he began. "I've been thinking. If mana permeates everything around us, then it must be possible to absorb it directly from the environment, right? As if our bodies were sponges, sucking up the magic from the air and earth."

The AI hummed in consideration. "Your theory has merit, Kvolt. Some of the cells that deal with the transport and production of magic seem to be absorbing mana from the environment, which suggests that conscious absorption is possible. But it is possible that it would require significant control and a deep understanding of the process."

Kvolt smiled as his small fingers traced abstract symbols in the sand while his brain raced.

"It makes sense. If we could consciously control the opening and closing of the pores of these cells, regulating the flow of mana into our systems, we could potentially recharge our reserves without needing external sources, or even natural regeneration, since consciously I may be able to accelerate the process."

"Precisely," agreed Aurora. "And with practice and refinement, this process could become almost instinctive, a second nature to the skilled mage."

Inspired by this exchange, Kvolt stood up, walking to the edge of the water. He stretched out his hand, feeling the cold and fluid mana of the lake calling to him.

With a gentle gesture, he closed his eyes and began to manipulate the water. Liquid ropes rose from the surface, intertwining in the air in patterns. Shimmering drops hovered suspended, capturing the light of the two stars and splitting it into tiny rainbows.

Kvolt opened his eyes, staring into the blue depths of Lake Lazuli. Small bioluminescent fish danced beneath the surface.

He nodded, his young face marked by an expression of concentration. Kvolt realized that he had absorbed some of the mana from the environment, but his hyperactive mind soon had another idea.

"But what if I wanted to create water out of nothing? Would it be possible? Aneiti seemed to have created that flame out of nothing that time..."

He tried to visualize water materializing in his hand, trying to conjure the element from pure magical power. But no matter how much he tried; no water appeared.

"Why is it so difficult?" he sighed. "It's been months since I started this whole process, but it still feels like a constant struggle."

Aurora replied in a calm and analytical tone: "According to my data, your progress has been remarkable, considering the lack of external references. Without other magic users to compare, it's difficult to determine the ideal rate of development. But our method has proven effective in strengthening your magical system."

Kvolt shook his head, dissatisfied. "Still, my current ability is very limited. Some fire control, slight control over the elements... Maybe my inept blood is restricting me."

"The little we know about the Inepts is that they cannot use magic, despite having it running in their lives. From my analyses, your mana pool has increased more than threefold since the beginning of the process. It's likely our circulation method has made you a gifted one, given the initial difficulty of projecting magic externally."

"I understand that, but I need to find other mages. Someone who can guide me, show me the true potential of magic. But here, isolated in this house... How can I learn?"

He sighed thoughtfully.

"My parents don't seem to have knowledge of writing. I've never seen papers at home, and the only magic user we know is Aneiti, who rarely uses magic openly. Maybe if we could find some books..."

Aurora interrupted his thoughts. "Kvolt, running away is not a viable option at the moment. Your body is still too fragile to face the unknown threats of this world."

Kvolt sighed, kicking a pebble into the lake. It bounced on the surface a few times before sinking with a soft plop. Deep down, he knew that Aurora was right. He was not ready to face the world alone yet, as much as his adult mind yearned for independence.

Kvolt sighed again, more deeply, and then out of nowhere, he had a flash of insight. Maybe... Maybe fire was the answer... since he controlled it, he seemed to feel a connection to that element. He might not be able to create water, but what about fire?

Inspired, he tried to visualize a spark emerging from nothing, a tiny explosion of heat and light sprouting from the tip of his finger. Kvolt could almost feel the heat, almost see the golden glow behind his closed eyelids.

Minutes passed, and then hours. The sister stars traced their lazy arc across the sky, casting ever-lengthening shadows over the rippling surface of the lake. But Kvolt barely noticed the passage of time, so immersed was he in his quest.

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Drops of sweat began to form on his forehead, a testament to his mental effort. His muscles grew tense, his hands trembling slightly with the force of his concentration.

And then, when the sister stars in the sky began to dip below the treeline, painting the sky with rich shades of orange and red, it happened.

A sudden burning sensation emanated from Kvolt's hands, so intense that he almost recoiled by instinct. His eyes snapped open, and he stared, amazed, at the sight before him.

Floating just above his open palm was a flame - small, flickering, but undeniably real. Its edges danced and rippled, casting shadows on his skin.

Triumph swept through his body, almost making him dizzy with its intensity. He had done it.

The flame grew, fueled by his intention, until it was the size of an apple.

He moved his hand slowly, watching the flame follow his movements. He could feel his connection to it, as if it were an extension of his own being.

With a thought, he made the flame change shape, transforming into a sphere, then a pyramid, then a multi-pointed star. Each transformation was easier than the last, as if the flame was eager to obey his commands.

Finally, with a sigh of satisfaction, Kvolt closed his hand, extinguishing the flame. His mind raced with the implications of this discovery. "So magic has several distinct functions. It can manipulate existing elements, as I did with water. But it can also create things, like fire?"

"A solid theory," agreed Aurora. "Manipulation seems to be easier, working with what already exists. But creation... that requires a different level of power and control. And perhaps, as you said, a special affinity with the invoked element."

Kvolt looked at his hands, imagining the possibilities. "I wonder what the limits of magical creation are. If I can create fire, could I create other elements? Or even more complex things?"

Suddenly, a distant sound caught his attention. It was Henry's voice calling his name. Kvolt felt a shiver of apprehension. He had left the house without warning again, lost in his training. Now, he would have to face the consequences.

What if Henry discovered his secret? Kvolt swallowed hard. His family didn't seem to get along very well with magic. In a world where this energy was viewed with suspicion by some, he would have to be extremely careful.

With one last look at Lake Lazuli, Kvolt turned and began to walk towards his father's voice, mentally preparing himself for the inevitable confrontation.

Henry approached Kvolt with a serious face, his gaze meeting the boy's apprehensive eyes.

Kvolt felt his heart race, a knot forming in his throat. Had he gone too far this time? Had his rebelliousness finally exhausted his parents' patience?

Henry raised his hand and Kvolt instinctively closed his eyes, his body tense, anticipating the impact. Despite never having suffered physical punishment until now, he feared that his constant escapes might have more severe consequences.

But the blow never came. Instead, Kvolt felt the gentle touch of Henry's hand in his wavy hair, an affectionate tousle that made him open his eyes in surprise. His father was crouching before him, a soft smile on his face marked by ultraviolet rays and hard work.

"You know, Kvolt," Henry began, his voice in an appeasing tone, "I've always dreamed of having a son. Your mother and I tried for a long time, until little Nessa came into our lives."

He paused, his brown eyes fixed on Kvolt's with a force that made him squirm uncomfortably. It was as if Henry was trying to see through him.

"You and Nessa are everything to us. I understand your desire to explore the world, son. Since you were a baby, you were always too smart for your age," Henry sighed, running his hand through his disheveled hair. "But this world is dangerous, Kvolt. There are threats that you are not ready to face yet. You don't have the strength and experience to defend yourself yet."

Kvolt felt frustration growing inside him. It was always the same thing - he was too young, too small, too fragile.

"But I want to learn, Henry! I want to know the world beyond our home. It's so boring here sometimes. I wish I could wield a sword like you, become strong and skilled."

Henry felt a tightness in his chest upon hearing Kvolt call him by name, a painful reminder of the emotional distance that seemed to exist between them. He observed the boy in front of him, with his intense red eyes and upright posture, so different from the other children in the village.

Since Kvolt's birth, Henry had noticed something peculiar about his son. He didn't cry, even as a baby, and seemed to observe the world around him with a disconcerting will.

As Kvolt grew, his intelligence and independence became increasingly obvious. He learned with impressive speed, often surpassing even the older children in the village.

But that same intelligence seemed to come at a price. Kvolt was always distant, as if there was an invisible barrier between him and the rest of the family. He rarely sought comfort in his or Lisai's arms, preferring to face his problems alone. And now, hearing his own name from his son's mouth, Henry felt as if that barrier had solidified even more.

He thought of all the times he had to be absent, leaving Lisai to take care of the children while he fulfilled his duties as a guard in the village of Eloria, a small settlement nestled in the heart of the Viridian forest.

Henry approached Kvolt with a serious face, his gaze meeting Kvolt's eyes more deeply.

"Kvolt," Henry began, his voice firm but controlled, "we need to talk about how you've been addressing me lately."

Kvolt looked at him, confused. "What do you mean, Henry?"

Henry felt as if he had been punched in the stomach upon hearing his name on his son's lips. He took a deep breath, trying to keep calm.

"That's what I'm talking about, son. You've been calling me Henry, not dad. This... this isn't right."

Kvolt shrugged, his gaze drifting towards the lake. "It's your name, isn't it?" Kvolt stared at the ripples in the water, briefly remembering his real father from his past life.

Henry closed his eyes for a moment, fighting against the growing frustration. When he opened them again, there was sadness in his gaze.

"Kvolt, look at me," he said, his voice softer now. Reluctantly, the boy obeyed. "I am your father. Not just Henry, but your father. Do you understand the difference?"

For a brief moment, Henry saw something pass through Kvolt's eyes - a spark of emotion, perhaps even regret. But as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, replaced by the familiar coldness.

"I understand what you're saying, I'll think about it," Kvolt replied, seeming remorseful. "But I don't see why it's so important."

Henry felt anger rise, along with a deep sadness. His first instinct was to raise his hand, ready to teach his stubborn son a lesson. But then, painful memories flooded his mind - memories of other children, lost before they could grow.

His hand fell to his side, all anger draining away, leaving only a profound weariness.

"Kvolt," said Henry, his voice soft but firm. "I know I haven't been as present as I should have been. My duties have kept me away, and I've missed many important moments. But that's going to change now. I've secured a position in the garrison here in Virtin, which means I'll be able to spend more time with you, your sister, and your mother."

He placed a hand on Kvolt's shoulder, feeling the tension in the boy's lean muscles, and smiled. "Let's start today, son. Let's spend some time together, just you and me. And who knows, maybe I can even show you some sword tricks. What do you say? I can make a practice sword for you."

Inspired by the reluctant prospect of learning from Henry, Kvolt followed him to the back of the house that same late afternoon. There was a small workshop there, where the boy watched as the man selected a piece of wood and began to carve it, shaping what would be a practice sword.

"First you have to choose good wood," Henry explained, focusing on the work. "It can't be too soft or it will break easily. But it can't be too hard either, or it will be too heavy for you."

Kvolt nodded.

"Based on the wood grain patterns and the apparent density, I estimate that the sword will have a durability 45% lower than the ideal for training," the AI silently commented to Kvolt. "And the grip seems unbalanced, which will impair control."

Kvolt observed for a few more moments, then spoke hesitantly: "Henry, I think if you use that piece over there," he pointed to another log in the corner, "it will be better. And if you make the handle a little bit longer..."

Henry stopped and looked at his son, surprised. "Since when do you understand sword making, son?"

Kvolt shrugged. "I... I just assumed it would be better."

Henry seemed to consider that, then set down the wood he was working on and went to examine the one Kvolt had indicated. "Hmm... you're actually right. This one here is indeed better. Good eye!"

In the days that followed, Kvolt and Henry shared many similar moments in the workshop. Henry, excited by the genuine interest, dedicated himself to teaching every detail of crafting the wooden sword. Finally, after several afternoons working together, the weapon was ready.

Henry handed it to Kvolt with an exaggerated flourish. "Here it is, son. Your first real sword... Or almost."

Kvolt held the weapon with reverence, feeling the weight of the solid wood in his small hands. It was a little big for him, but not enough to be awkward. Experimentally, he swung it through the air, imitating the warriors from the games he had played.

"No, no, not like that," Henry laughed, gently correcting his posture. "You have to plant your feet firmly, see." He demonstrated a basic stance, legs apart and knees slightly bent. "This way you stay steady and balanced."

"Now comes the best part!" Henry said excitedly, standing up and holding the sword. "I'm going to teach you the basic movements. Pay attention to my posture."

"Feet parallel with shoulders, knees slightly flexed, hips aligned," Aurora described in Kvolt's mind as she scanned Henry's position. "Firm but relaxed grip, ulna and radius at the correct angle to absorb impact..."

As Henry demonstrated a basic strike, Aurora dissected the mechanics of the movement, calculating torque, speed, points of impact. Kvolt drank in every detail, memorizing, absorbing.

Then it was his turn to try. He imitated his father's posture, subtly adjusting based on Aurora's data. He took a deep breath and struck at the air , feeling the wooden blade slice through the emptiness with a satisfying whistle.

He felt his muscles adjust to the new position. It was strange, but oddly comfortable. As if his body was waking up after a long sleep.

"The position of the right foot is 1.25 degrees off the ideal," she observed. "Tilting the pelvis 0.8 degrees more forward will improve balance by 12%."

So Kvolt gradually corrected.

"Impressive!" Aurora commented. "For a first attempt, your movement had 78% accuracy compared to an ideal beginner swordsman. With some angle and pivot corrections, we can easily surpass 90%."

Kvolt smiled to himself, then turned to his father. Henry's eyes shone with pride and amazement. "Incredible, son! You have a natural talent for this!"

During a break in his training, while Kvolt caught his breath, Aurora's voice arose in his mind.

"Kvolt, I have an interesting update about your mana core. My sensors have detected a gradual change in the coloration of your plexus over the past few weeks."

Kvolt frowned, intrigued. "A color change? What does that mean?"

"Specifically, your core, which previously exhibited a predominantly gray hue, is now displaying a distinct bluish tint," Aurora elaborated. "Based on the patterns of change and the correlation with the increase in your mana reserves, my hypothesis is that the color of the core is directly linked to your level of magical development."

Kvolt nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "So, as my magical power grows, the color of my core also changes?"

"My data suggests that gray represents a dormant state. The emergence of blue indicates that your mana has not only increased in quantity but is also becoming more active and malleable."

"And you think it will change even more as I continue training?"

"It's a distinct possibility," Aurora responded. "I will continue to closely monitor the color spectrum of your core as your development progresses. If my theory is correct, we can expect to see a gradual progression to more intense hues as your magical abilities expand and strengthen."

"How long do you think it will take to reach the next change?" he asked eagerly.

"Difficult to predict with precision," Aurora admitted.