Gently, Lily wiped her brother's forehead with a damp cloth. His youthful, innocent face hid the burden of illness that he carried.

"Don't worry, little brother. Your sister is a healer now. Soon, I'll be strong enough to heal you," she whispered close to his ear, her voice barely a breath.

Even within the safety of their home, with doors shut and windows sealed, Lily was cautious. The Awakening dream had left a lasting impact, revealing the harshness of her role in a world without healers. Being the sole bearer of such a gift would be far from simple. The pressing question now was how she could ascend the ranks of the class without drawing unwanted attention.

The path she envisioned was difficult but necessary. She needed to leave, to seek anonymity in a larger city where they were strangers. The journey would not be cheap, and her savings weren’t enough. The only solution she thought of, selling their childhood home, the last piece of their parents, loomed in her mind. They wouldn’t get much, but it might just be enough to begin a new life.

Time was not a luxury she could afford to waste, but she knew better than to rush headlong into half-baked plans. The first step towards becoming a tier 1 in any class was universally known – acquiring a mana absorption skill scroll. This initial step was critical.

Skill and spell scrolls were notoriously expensive, an extravagance beyond the reach of many. Thankfully, the mana absorption skill was an exception, affordable though still a significant expense, equaling a month's earnings. Under normal circumstances, she would never deplete their savings for such a purchase, not with Draven's life hanging on the balance of potion expenses. But with the decision to sell their home, the investment seemed justifiable, the necessary first step on her journey to becoming a healer.

She planned to make the purchase that very night, a risky move, but one driven by urgency and hope. There was a scribe she knew of, not the most reputable but affordable. He frequented the tavern and, under the veil of his usual inebriation, might be more amenable to a transaction that wouldn't strain her limited resources. It wasn't about haggling for an unreasonably low price, but rather ensuring he wouldn't recall or question her motives. Tonight, she would set the first stone on her path to healing, not just for herself, but for her brother and perhaps, in time, for others in need.

The day continued like any other, yet the subtle glances of sympathy from the patrons indicated they knew of her recent Awakening. Lily wasn't bothered by their concern; in fact, she felt a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving a community that genuinely cared. Many among them bore the scars of old injuries or persistent ailments, and with her still dormant abilities, rested a chance to aid them. Unfortunately, she couldn’t take the risk of exposing her class.

With grace and a smile, Lily attended to the patrons, her performance never betraying her inner turmoil. She went about her duties – serving, cleaning tables, and maintaining her cheerful façade. Fortune smiled on her that day; the scribe she sought, Mr. Lovan, walked into the tavern just before the sun dipped below the horizon. Lily bided her time, serving him several mugs of ale before broaching the subject.

"Here's your drink, Mr. Lovan," she said, placing a fresh mug before him with a smile.

Leaning in, she spoke in a hushed tone, "I've been thinking of leaving town soon, Mr. Lovan. But let's keep that between us."

The scribe’s senses were already dulled by alcohol, so he responded with a slurred compliment that drew chuckles from nearby customers. Lily didn't mind the light teasing; it was still within the bounds of respect.

"I'm considering taking some goods with me, hoping to turn a profit to cover my travel expenses. I hear things like scrolls and artifacts fetch a higher price in Silverlight City," she continued, casually wiping down the next table.

The scribe, attempting to sound sagacious despite his inebriation, pointed out the higher living costs in Silverlight City.

Lily nodded, "That makes sense. But I need to go there, to find treatment for my brother... I was thinking, perhaps I could buy a scroll from you to resell there. My budget is tight, but I believe I can stretch it to afford a mana absorption scroll. What do you think?" She finished tidying the table, her eyes meeting his with hope.

"Hmm, you might actually turn a decent profit with it. It's basic work, not something buyers scrutinize for the scribe's name. You're not trying to swindle me because I've had a few drinks, are you?" Mr. Lovan asked with a teasing glint in his eye, his words carrying the underlying message that he wasn't too inebriated to make a poor deal.

"Oh, you've caught on to my plan, Mr. Lovan," Lily replied playfully, entering into the spirit of the banter. "How much would it be for a friend?"

Initially, he held up three fingers, but upon seeing Lily's crestfallen expression, he relented and lowered one.

Lily's smile returned, a genuine expression of gratitude. Moments later, she approached and placed two silver coins on the table. Mr. Lovan fiddled with the coins, his laughter breaking the silence before he pulled out a small, tightly bound scroll from his bag. Lily quickly snatched the scroll, concealing it beneath her tray. She moved away with ease, attending to another table without drawing any attention to the discreet exchange.

Later that night, back at home, Lily sat by the fire after ensuring her brother was cared. She carefully unrolled the scroll. Inside, golden ink formed arcane symbols that shimmered and pulsed with energy. The only legible part to her was the skill's name, 'Mana Absorption,' written in an enchanting, flowing script.

Though she had heard of the scrolls, she had never witnessed their use. Touching the scroll, she focused her will on it. The symbols flared, bathing the room in a brighter light, and a sudden burst of knowledge filled her mind. It was an odd sensation, akin to recalling a memory but distinctly different. Knowing the steps was one thing; executing them was another. She might need several attempts to get it right.

Lily closed her eyes, attempting to tune into the ambient mana. The scroll's imparted knowledge stated that anyone who had awakened possessed a sense of mana. Concentrating, she gradually became aware of the life mana around her. The next step was to draw it towards her, like pulling an invisible rope. The concept of pulling something by sheer thought was bizarre, but she persisted, guided by the newborn understanding from the scroll.

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With painstaking slowness, the life mana began its journey towards Lily's navel. Minutes stretched out as she focused intently, feeling the ambient mana finally graze her skin. The effort left her drained, forcing her to pause. However, undeterred by fatigue, Lily resumed her efforts after a substantial break. It was a laborious process, but eventually, the mana reached her navel. Now, she faced a new challenge. Mages channeled mana to their brain, warriors to their heart, but healers, enchanters, and scribes were tasked with directing it to both.

Dividing the energy into dual streams seemed an insurmountable task. Despite the challenge, Lily persisted, drawing the mana with unwavering determination. The effort was immense, and at some point during her countless attempts, exhaustion overtook her, and she drifted into sleep. Thankfully, she had the foresight to move to her bed after her initial trials with the scroll.

Waking up the next morning, Lily was a mix of grumpiness and irritation. Not only had she failed to master the skill, but her sleep had been shortened and unsatisfying. Nevertheless, life's demands waited for no one. Her day unfolded in its usual rhythm: cooking, cleaning, caring for Draven, working, and then back to the magic training.

After what felt like hours, she finally managed to split the life mana into two distinct strands. The process was similar to coordinating different movements with each hand simultaneously. Once she gained some control over the division, her progress accelerated. Soon, the life mana flowed smoothly through her nape, branching towards her brain and heart.

A subtle shift occurred within her, like a puzzle piece snapping into place. The world around her transformed; she could now perceive life mana in its vibrant green essence. It was everywhere – within herself, in Draven, though in a significantly lesser amount, in the grass outside, the trees, and even the smallest of insects. A small portion of the mana drifted through the air, but most of it resided within living beings. She watched, fascinated, as a fly died and its energy dissipated.

Sleep evaded her that night, her mind still intoxicated with the ability to observe life mana. The next morning, chastising herself for her lack of discipline, she went about her usual tasks. Yet, there was a subtle difference – she performed her duties almost mechanically, her attention captivated by the life mana pulsating in everyone around her.

Lily observed with a growing sense of melancholy how the life mana subsided in those who were unwell or frail. Their energy seemed diminished, less vibrant. In contrast, the mana within healthy children glowed a more robust green, while in the elderly, it took on a paler hue. At first, this vision was intriguing, but the novelty quickly gave way to a sobering occurrence. One of the tavern's regulars caught her eye; his life mana flickered weakly, like a candle in its final moments. The resigned way he drank suggested he was aware of his condition.

Others, oblivious to their fading vitality, continued with their lives, their mana as pale as a decaying leaf. Lily wrestled with the knowledge of their unseen struggles, questioning her role in it. Could she only stand by as an observer, watching the vibrant green of life fade away, even in her own brother?

Rejecting this passive fate, Lily decided to act. She requested an afternoon break from Carol, explaining that Margaret was unable to visit Draven that day. With permission granted, she quickly made her way through the town streets, heading towards a wealthier district. Passing the town square, she noted beggars and street performers scraping by, a path she might have trodden if not for the kindness of neighbors.

Her destination was a well-kept two-story building, its front adorned with a sign depicting a green crystal. Such a symbol would have once implied a healer's workshop, but now it marked the premises of a mendicar's shop. A young girl, perhaps fifteen, dressed in neat attire with her hair smartly tied in a bun, answered the door. Clearly an apprentice, Lily thought.

"How can I help you?" the girl inquired almost emotionless.

"May I speak with your Master?" Lily asked in a respectful tone.

The apprentice hesitated, her eyes scanning Lily, likely assessing her ability to afford their services or her worthiness of the Master's time. After a moment's deliberation, she asked Lily to wait and disappeared inside. Minutes later, she reemerged, accompanied by an elderly man clad in a pristine white robe, leaning on a walking stick.

"Girl, I remember you," Master Orion began not bothering to hide his irritation. "I've already told you, there's nothing I can do for your brother." His dismissive tone was cut short by Lily's interjection.

"Master Orion, I apologize for the intrusion," Lily said, her voice imbued with a respectful urgency. She bowed deeply and continued. "I'm not here about my brother this time. I've had my Awakening and I wish to study the healing arts. Please, I beg you to consider me as your student."

Lily led with her Awakening, knowing that any master would be reluctant to invest time in unawakened individuals, given the unpredictable nature of what abilities they could awaken.

Master Orion, as any other person in the Empire, didn't for a moment consider that she might have Awakened as a healer – such occurrences were a thing of the past. In his eyes, she was likely another hopeful with minimal mana capacity aspiring to be a mendicar.

Mendicars were the lesser counterparts to the healers of old, lacking the ability to sense, absorb, or manipulate life mana. They could mend bones and treat minor wounds relying heavily on potions and mundane techniques. Despite these limitations, their role was respected and mendicars were valued in any community.

However, not just anyone could be trained as a mendicar. The craft required a sharp eye for diagnosing injuries and illnesses and a vast knowledge of treatments, harnessed from years of rigorous study and practice.

"You?" Orion's voice dripped with skepticism as he appraised her simple attire.

Mendicars were known to demand substantial fees for apprenticeships, profiting from training the next generation. This was especially true for someone of his age, whose ability to treat patients had waned with time. Moreover, many who pursued this path failed to qualify as a mendicar, making it a gamble that only the more wealthy families dared to take.

Lily's humble appearance clearly did not fit the profile of those rich aspirants. Her request, in Orion's eyes, must have seemed almost audacious.

"Yes, Master," Lily began, trying to muster resolve. "I'm aware that I don't meet the standards of an apprentice, but my desire is to learn just enough to care for my brother. I can't offer coins as compensation for your time, but I'm willing to work hard in other ways. I can handle cleaning, cooking, and running errands in exchange for this opportunity."

Master Orion's expression soured slightly at the mention of her financial constraints. Seizing the moment, Lily quickly added, "You wouldn't need to instruct me directly, Master Orion. I simply ask to observe and, during my spare moments, to read the books that aren't in use by your students."

"Is that so?" Orion pondered the offer, mulling over the practicalities. The prospect of gaining a servant without the usual costs was appealing. Servants weren't exorbitant expenses, but saving a few silvers each month was still attractive.

"Yes, just to learn enough for my brother's care," Lily reaffirmed.

"Well, I must admit, your dedication is commendable," Orion responded, feigning a semblance of kindness and generosity. "I usually don't make such exceptions, but I can't turn away someone so earnest. You may start tomorrow. Be here at seven," he declared, then turned and retreated into the depths of the store.

Lily bowed deeply, expressing her gratitude as Orion disappeared. The apprentice, who had been observing the exchange, gave Lily a once-over before turning away with a barely concealed sneer.

Unfazed by the dismissive attitudes, Lily's resolve remained unchanged. Her goal was clear: access to the mendicar's knowledge and resources. She harbored no illusions about finding comprehensive teachings on life mana or acquiring sophisticated spells, but it was a starting point. Under the guise of a mendicar, she could discreetly practice and refine her healing abilities. While the path was littered with risks and challenges, at least, she had a chance.