Lucas slept like a log, his body utterly exhausted from the awakening ceremony. When he opened his eyes, the room was dim, and the soft glow of evening light filtered through the window. The first thing he noticed was his grandfather, Silas, sitting in a chair, an old book in hand, reading quietly.

Silas, sensing Lucas's gaze, looked up. "So, you've finally woken up," he said, his voice tinged with care. "How do you feel?"

Lucas's stomach growled loudly, answering the question for him. "Hungry," he admitted sheepishly.

Silas chuckled. "Well, that's a good sign."

Just then, the door creaked open, and Marona entered, carrying a steaming dish that filled the room with an exotic aroma. The sight of the food sent a wave of hunger crashing through Lucas's body, and it took everything in him not to leap at the plate like a starved beast. Marona placed the dish in front of him, and he wasted no time, digging in like a goblin at a feast.

As he devoured the food, the familiar beep of the A.I. Chip sounded in his mind:

[Magical properties detected in food. This will replenish your mana and assist in the recovery of vitality.]

Curious, Lucas asked internally, "How much mana will this food restore, and how much do I have right now?"

The A.I. Chip paused before responding:

[This meal will restore 0.05 mana per serving and aid in the recovery of 0.1 vitality points. Current Mana: 1.0 | Current Vitality: 0.35]

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Not bad," he thought, feeling the warmth spread through his body as the magical food did its work, replenishing his mana and slowly restoring his vitality.

While eating, the A.I. Chip beeped again, asking:

[Do you wish to scan your body?]

Lucas nodded internally, and the system beeped again, projecting a small 3D holographic display of his current stats:

[Lucas (Age: 7). Strength: 0.3 | Agility: 0.4 | Vitality: 0.35 | Mana: 1.0 | State: Post-Awakening]

The ideal human stats hovered nearby for comparison:

[Ideal Healthy Human. Strength: 1.0 | Agility: 1.0 | Vitality: 1.0 | Mana: N/A]

Considering he had just turned seven, Lucas realized his stats weren't bad at all, especially with his newly awakened mana.

"Can you scan Grandpa and Marona?" he asked internally.

The A.I. Chip hummed for a moment and then displayed:

[Silas. Strength: 1.2 | Agility: 1.3 | Vitality: 1.25 | Mana: 140.0 | State: Novice Apprentice]

[Marona. Strength: 2.1 | Agility: 2.5 | Vitality: 2.3 | Mana: ? | State: Intermediate Apprentice]

The A.I. Chip beeped again.

[Unable to determine exact mana for Marona. Protective layers blocking further probing.]

Lucas blinked, his spoon frozen mid-air, stunned by the results. His grandfather, at the age of 134, still had impressive stats—especially his staggering mana level of 140. But what shocked Lucas more was Marona. Her stats were double that of an ordinary human, and the A.I. Chip couldn't even measure her mana.

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"Something wrong, Lucas?" Silas asked, noticing his grandson's bewildered expression.

Lucas quickly shook his head and continued eating, though his mind was racing. He hurriedly finished his meal, wanting to ask a dozen questions, but before he could speak, Silas raised his hand to stop him.

"Marona," Silas said, turning to the woman. "I'd like to speak privately with my grandson for a bit. Could you give us some quiet time?"

Marona's face tightened for a moment, but she said nothing, nodding before leaving the room. Lucas watched her go, half expecting her to say something snappy, but she remained silent.

As soon as she was gone, Silas whispered a few words and cast a spell. Lucas could now see the runes and magical diagrams form around them—a Dome of Silence. It shimmered faintly, enclosing them in a bubble of privacy.

"What was that?" Lucas asked, fascinated by the spell.

"A silence spell," Silas replied. "No one outside can hear what we discuss."

Lucas tilted his head. "I was going to ask about magic... but why did you ask Marona to leave?"

Silas chuckled softly. "Because, Lucas, there are only two people you can trust with your abilities and your secrets: yourself and the dead. Since I'll be in the second category soon enough, your secret's safe with me."

Lucas was a bit taken aback. He had always thought Marona was a close friend of his grandfather's. Silas, noticing his confusion, leaned in and explained further.

"In the Magus World, trust can be bought with the right number of mana stones, and lives can be taken with just as little. Mark my words, Lucas—tell your secrets to the deaf, show your plans to the blind, and take advice for your life from the mute."

The weight of those words settled in Lucas's heart. He nodded slowly, absorbing the profound lesson. Silas continued, his tone more serious than ever.

"I want you to keep the knowledge of the world consciousness a secret. Hide your flame, and only let it burn when your life depends on it. Remember, flames that burn twice as bright burn half as long."

Lucas could feel the deep care and wisdom behind his grandfather's words. It was as if, for the first time, Silas was revealing the true cunning and ruthlessness that lay beneath his usually kind exterior. His gaze was sharp, calculating.

"I know you're no ordinary boy," Silas said quietly. "Last night's ceremony proved that much."

Lucas simply nodded, taking it all in. This was the longest and most serious conversation he had ever had with his grandfather.

Finally, Silas asked, "What affinities did you awaken?"

Lucas hesitated for a moment, then explained the chaotic forces he had felt: fire, water, lightning, air, earth, and most notably, darkness. The dark vortex had been the largest, its shadow overwhelming the others, while the chaotic energy had seemed fragile by comparison.

Silas's face paled slightly when Lucas mentioned the dark element.

"Lucas... listen carefully, my boy. Never tell anyone about the dark mana."

Lucas frowned. "Why? Is it that dangerous?"

Silas nodded gravely. "Dark mages carry a heavy stigma in the Magus World. The practices needed to cultivate dark mana... they're inhuman, cruel. Because of this, dark mages are hunted relentlessly. No matter how powerful the dark element may be, if other mages find out you possess it, they will kill you."

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Lucas swallowed hard, fear tightening in his chest. "I... I understand."

"And you have other elements too, which is good. But be warned—trying to cultivate too many elements will leave you a jack of all trades but master of none. Focus on one or two and excel in them."

Lucas nodded, still processing everything. "So, Grandpa... what elements do you have?"

Silas smiled faintly. "Water and earth. Common elements, but trying to cultivate both made it harder for me to progress. My arrogance held me back, which is why I'm still a novice apprentice."

Lucas realized just how difficult it was to become a Magus. It wasn't just power—it was strategy and discipline.

Silas continued, "If anyone asks, tell them you have fire and earth. Those are safer to reveal."

Lucas nodded seriously, understanding the gravity of his grandfather's advice.

With that, Silas dispelled the silence spell, and they both stepped out of the room. Marona was busy working on potions when she noticed them. She placed down the vials and smiled at Lucas.

"Well, I hope this old fox taught you well," she teased. "I was hoping to have a talk with you, but I see Silas beat me to it. We'll speak tomorrow."

Silas, turning serious again, spoke to Marona. "About last night... I trust you'll keep everything under wraps?"

Marona smiled and waved him off. "Of course, Silas. You don't need to ask."

The two shared a genuine smile before they parted ways. As Lucas followed his grandfather, his mind buzzed with everything he had learned. The Magus World was far more complex and dangerous than he had ever imagined, but he knew one thing for certain—he would rise to meet it.