One year later.

A lone candle cast soft shadows over the small room. Adrian was resting in a narrow, wooden bed, the mattress just firm enough beneath him. His small fingers grazed the edge of the rough-woven blanket as Sister Selena tucked it securely around him, its fibers slightly coarse against his skin but comfortingly familiar.

She smoothed the blanket up to his chin, pausing to flatten each wrinkle with a gentle, careful touch. Then she leaned in close, so close he could see the faint lines on her face and smell the faint scent of lavender clinging to her robes.

“Sleep tight, little one,” she whispered, giving Adrian a brief kiss on his forehead.

“Goodnight,” he murmured back.

Sister Selena’s smile widened, filling the room with a warmth brighter than any candle. Her eyes softened, reflecting a pride that made Adrian feel even warmer. “Goodnight, Adrian,” she replied, as she turned and slipped out of the room, leaving him cocooned in the glow of her kindness.

She rose to her full height, her movements slow and deliberate so as not to make too much noise. Her eyes lingered on him for a moment longer, as if making sure he was truly settled.

Adrian watched as she made her way to the door, He waited until the sound of Sister Selena’s footsteps faded completely, leaving behind a stillness that felt almost tangible. The boy stayed motionless for a moment longer, listening to the faint rustle of leaves outside and the soft creak of the wooden frame beneath him.

That was, until he felt that the time was right. Now I should be safe.

He pushed the blanket aside, taking care not to make a sound. His small feet met the cool stone floor, sending a brief shiver up his spine. He steadied himself, feeling the sturdy ground beneath him, and stood up.

Adrian paced slowly around the room as he moved from wall to wall. His muscles were far from the strong, confident strides he once commanded. But his mind urged him forward. Come on, just a bit more.

For the past year, Adrian had tried, in secret, to harness the mana he was certain lay dormant within him. I should be able to awaken my core by now, he thought.

In his previous life, his mana core had emerged much later, during the early years of his apprenticeship. But this time felt different; he could sense a latent potential, like an itch just beneath the skin. If I can do it earlier this time, I might be able to regain my strength faster.

He paused in the center of the room, his breath steady but his heart pulsing with anticipation. First things first: channeling. He recalled the basics of magic that had once been second nature to him. Magic involved three core principles:

1. Channeling: Involves drawing energy from within the mana core. It's the very first thing one must be able to do in order to use magic.

2. Sensing: Expanding awareness beyond the body, detecting the presence and flow of magical energies in the environment. Sensing is important, even a third-rate mage should be able to sense at least nearby magical presences.

3. Emitting: Releasing gathered energy into a controlled spell, shaping it to suit one’s intent. The final act, where intent becomes reality.

But none of this mattered without the first step: channeling energy from the mana core. Adrian lowered himself to the floor, carefully folding his legs and settling his small frame into a seated position. He pressed his palms flat against his knees, tiny fingers splayed, as he shut his eyes tightly.

Every part of him grew still, as though even the air he breathed had stilled. He took a slow, measured breath, feeling the slight rise and fall of his chest, a soft rhythm that grounded him. Focus, he reminded himself, mentally pushing the thought deeper.

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In the silence, there was nothing but the quietness of his own heartbeat. Yet, beneath that stillness, a whisper of sensation stirred. A shiver ran up his spine, and he zeroed in on it. There it is. Just need to pull it closer.

The sensation blossomed, warming him from within, a gentle pulse spreading through his limbs in time with his heartbeat. With every pulse, the energy within him grew more pronounced, stronger, almost as if answering his call. He honed his focus even further, trying to guide the energy outward. It responded, almost with recognition, flaring unexpectedly bright.

The surge was sudden, a bolt of pure, intense energy that radiated from deep within, filling his senses with an electrifying awareness. Yes! he thought, excitement swelling in him. The mana core is there within me. The sensation intensified, the energy unfurling into something larger and grander than he could have anticipated.

In his mind’s eye, he could finally see it: the core of his mana, vivid and brilliant, glowing with an almost blinding blue. The edges of the core glistened like liquid sapphire, radiant and mesmerizing. Adrian’s breath caught in awe. It’s… extraordinary. Brighter than any core I’ve known, something from tales and legends.

His tiny hands clenched, digging into his knees as the core’s energy surged through him, pushing his young body to its limits. The mana pulsed wildly, as if testing his strength, threatening to escape his control. He steadied himself, pulling from the well of discipline he had relied upon countless times in his previous life. Stay focused. Steady.

With a slow exhale, Adrian felt the energy start to settle, its force softening into a rhythmic pulse that harmonized with his heartbeat. The vivid blue glow continued to pulse from within, strong yet manageable. Not only did I awaken it earlier, he realized, but this core is more potent than I could have ever imagined.

More importantly, his core being colored blue meant that he had an affinity for Evocation. It’s good to know that some things haven’t changed.

But it wasn’t enough to just sense his affinity. Before, I was the best in the world when it came to fire magic, I wonder if I can do it again?

His fingers twitched slightly, an instinctive response to the thought of wielding the element that had once been second nature. Adrian sat upright, feeling the cool stone beneath him, and turned his attention inward again, this time focusing not just on channeling but on shaping the mana.

He felt the blue energy within him respond, a surge of warmth rising from his core and gathering in his chest. His heart quickened, excitement mingling with concentration. He imagined the familiar sensation of heat flowing through his veins, the controlled intensity of fire ready to burst forth.

The goal was just to create a small flame, not wanting to risk more than he could handle in this frail body. So good so far… wait, what?

Adrian’s eyes remained fixed on the faint, flickering blue flame hovering above his palm. It was barely more than a wisp of fire, yet it glowed with an intensity that stole his breath. His heart raced as he processed what he was seeing. Blue flames… if I were anyone else I should feel surprised. But somehow, this feels right.

In his previous life, blue flames were incredibly reserved for the few who were believed to be divinely touched, blessed by higher powers. It wasn’t just a powerful variant of fire; it was considered sacred. Maybe the nuns really were onto something, calling me blessed.

But with the realization came a flood of questions. Why would I be granted such a blessing in this life? I was never particularly religious before, quite the opposite actually. There was no clear answer, only the faint possibility that perhaps his rebirth held more meaning than he had assumed.

The blue flame flickered slightly, reminding Adrian that he was still channeling mana. He exhaled again, slowly withdrawing the energy and allowing the flame to die out. It faded into nothingness, leaving the room dark once again.

His thoughts drifted back to the nuns’ words, the prayers they had chanted over him, the rituals they had performed with such dedication. Perhaps they knew something I didn’t. They had believed him to be special from the moment of his rebirth, and now, faced with undeniable evidence, Adrian found himself reconsidering their beliefs.

He closed his eyes to think. First came the visions, then the blue flames… I can't help but think that these two things aren't coincidences. Now that I think of it, that king in azure robes I saw before, could he have been me?