"The trick is to keep exploring and not bail out, even when we find out that something is not what we thought."

Pema Chodron

Nathair quickly flipped through the books. The first glance was just to have SENA record the information. After that was finished, he started to read each book thoroughly.

SENA, using the information gained, redo the mana circulation technique.

Yes, Nathair. Improved version complete.

An image flashed in his mind. The use of mana stones was the biggest addition. The stones were used to replenish mana. They were different from gems that could store but not transfer mana.

Gems and stones could be used in a circuit to power a spell, but it wouldn’t work with mana stones alone.

It also became clear why the duke bought back the used mana gems. With mana stones, he could recharge them. It was a good business if one could get their hands on mana stones.

Taking a low-level stone in each hand, he sat cross-legged on the bed before he started meditating.

The feeling of warmth moved from the stone into his body. He moved it through the mana core. He kept following the pattern until an alarm went. He could do it for ten minutes before he needed to rest for three hours.

None of the books that Sophia gave him mentioned a method similar to this. He would have to keep what he was doing a secret from her if he could.

He didn’t sleep for the entire night, but he was too excited to fall asleep now. There was a book with basic spells in it. He memorized all of them. There were fifteen spells that the book called essential to know.

These were the spells that he needed to know. If he was able to cast them, he had the skill level to attend magic school.

SENA, can you optimize the spells?

No, Nathair. Not enough information on spell models and structures available. Collect 10000 spells.

Nathair gave a dry laugh. Where was he supposed to get that many spells? He kept ending up with long-term projects.

The history book made it clear why his parents didn’t worry about him going to school. What mattered more than status was resources and talent.

Commoners going into school would not have mastered those fifteen essential spells. They would need to learn them. They would also need to work to pay for the resources needed to learn. Only the entrance fee and tuition were waived for the first year.

Magic schools did not care about status. Mages did not care about nobility. If a person was skilled enough, the likelihood of them returning to their family and home was small.

His mother was powerful in the small country that they originated from, but she did not have the skill necessary to be more than the daughter of a Marques. If Sohpia had been skilled, he would not have been restrained by her family.

If that was the case, it was even less likely that his parents would have met.

If either of his parents had the necessary skill level, they would have been recommended to an academy. At that point, the family they came from would have a rise in status. They would also not be restrained by their name.

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Magic schools were the lowest on the food chain. After completing the courses there, the school would recommend students to go to magic academies.

No system was free from corruption, so a few of those spots would be put away for people even if they did not meet the criteria.

This was often a one-way trip. Students often died or had no desire to return to the continent or country they came from.

The book only gave a brief overview of the process. To get more information, he would have to pass whatever selection process existed.

The schools would know how to use the teleportation sigils. If that was true, then the schools were likely to be on a different continent.

His mind spun with possibilities.

The last book was on the basics of potion-making. It did not outline the benefits of consuming different foods. People might not have known the effects, or the effects were so small that they didn’t notice.

He would still have to try different fruits to see if they affected him.

When the rooster crowed, he dragged himself out of bed. Argus and Sophia gave him an amused smile when they saw the bags under his eyes.

“I can watch the children today,” Sophia said.

Nathair instantly perked up. He didn’t mind watching them, and he wasn’t so tired that he couldn’t, but without his sibling, he could explore the forest.

“Really?” He asked, unable to hide his excitement.

Argus laughed, patting him on the back. “Did you understand what you read?”

“Yes,” he said, grabbing the chicken feed. “I finished reading all the books.”

“Already?” Sophia and Argus exchanged a look that he didn’t see.

“Yes.” He wouldn’t admit that he already memorized them as well. Even without the help of SENA, he still had an amazing memory. “I still need to work on the spells, but I read them.”

“That was fast. Tonight I will ask you a few questions. If you pass, I will give you another set of books.” She didn’t want to, but it would be wrong to withhold the information because of her own fears.

“Later.” He called over his shoulder before running out.

Quickly finishing his chores, he made a beeline for the forest. He didn’t forget to meditate after the three-hour time period was up.

SENA, keep track of the energy levels in the forest. Guide me in the direction where it gets stronger.

Yes, Nathair.

He took the long route to the forest. He avoided being seen by too many people. It would be best if no one knew what he was up to.

He stood by the stump. Taking measure steps, he entered.

SENA, alert me if any large animals come within 5 feet.

Yes, Nathair.

The forest was too quiet. Despite the danger he heard this place contained, nothing came close to him. He nibbled on the plants he passed, following the path that SENA pointed out.

The deeper he went, the higher the level of energy that was being reported.

He would see things from afar, but nothing made a move to attack him. What exactly was the energy that was leaking? Why did it seem to form a path that was guiding him?

A chill passed down his spine.

There was the sensation of someone watching him. The deeper he went, the stronger that sensation was.

He was already in a portion of the forest that didn’t allow much light in. The roots of the trees grew over one another as they completed to survive. It was already two hours since he started walking.

It was at the point where he had to crawl to get over or under fallen trees and roots. There wasn’t a lot of grass or vegetation on the ground. Just towering trees.

This area didn’t look like anyone had ventured her.

He had stopped seeing animals, but he didn’t know at what point that happened.

The forest he was walking in, and the one that surrounded Cur did not seem to be the same.

SENA, did you notice any anomalies?

No, Nathair.

This gave him the same impression as the illusion that covered his house. Unless you ventured in, you would never know what the area looked like.

SENA had no way to notice if he entered an illusion or not.

SENA, do a scan. Locate any life forms in the vicinity, excluding trees and insects.

Yes, Nathair. No life forms for ten kilometers. That is the farthest distance that the system can search.

He contemplated turning back. Since there was nothing around, he decided to continue forward.

He was still following the path that SENA was indicating. Another hour passed before he came to the entrance of a cave.

If this had taken any longer, he would have to turn back. As it was, he would be getting home past his curfew if he didn’t level soon.

SENA, scan the cave.

Yes, Nathair. No life forms detected. Unable to estimate the size of the structure. Interference with systems functioning.

That was the first time since coming to this world that one of SENA’s core functions did not work.

Taking a breath, he completed his meditation. He would take his time to investigate.