Exhausted from the day's exploration, I headed back home. Dinner was a lively like always, with everyone asking about my today's dungeon exploration.

"It went well," I said between bites. "There were a few adventurers inside already. I think the first floor will be cleared soon."

After dinner, I retreated to my room, the day's exhaustion washed away by a refreshing shower. As I lay on my bed, my thoughts drifted to the city's retired adventurers. Curiosity piqued, I grabbed my laptop and began searching for information.

"There are almost twelve adventurers... wait, eleven now since Zack died," I murmured. The number was depressingly low.

The article I found was old. Even if I added myself, making it twelve, with Mack and Riley out, we were down to ten. And if I excluded Grandpa and the Guild Master, it left us with only eight.

"We're really going to have to rely on Count Albert's troops," I sighed.

I considered my own capabilities. I could barely keep up with the others, and my magical skills were sorely lacking.

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*Sigh...*

"Maybe it's time to upgrade my magical skills," I thought. "I need to find a way to enhance my mana capacity first."

Grandfather had once told me that mana capacity increases with use. The more I pushed my limits, the more I could store. But I only had two days... no, one day, since it was already midnight. I needed a different approach.

"A mana storage, like a battery," I mused.

If I could use mana stones as batteries to draw power when needed, like those mana guns, and channel my own mana through them, it would amplify my abilities. It might be expensive, but it was worth considering.

With a plan forming in my mind, I decided to ask Father about the mana stones in the morning. For now, I needed to sleep or risk being late for class.

The next morning, I quickly dressed for school and headed to the dining hall for breakfast. Dad was already there, eating with Grandpa.

"You're up early. Don't you have time before school?" Dad asked, surprised.

I sat down and started eating. "Father, can I get a few mana stones?" I asked.

"Why do you need them?" he replied, curiosity evident in his tone.

"I'm testing a theory," I said.

Father and Grandpa exchanged a look but eventually nodded in agreement.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do. I can't promise many, but I can get a few," he said.

"Thank you, Father," I replied, feeling a surge of hope.

As I left for school, I knew I'd have the mana stones by tonight. Tomorrow, I'd test my theory and plan how to use them. Today, I'd focus on increasing my natural mana aptitude. The raid was imminent, and I needed to be ready.