Six years had passed since the day I defeated the giant centipede that had threatened my hometown. During all that time, I had trained relentlessly under the guidance of my father, Kiran, honing my mana-related abilities.
Now, at fifteen, I was proud of how far I’d come. Through disciplined practice, I’d mastered Mana Amplification to a degree that increased both its effectiveness and duration significantly. My mana reserves had grown, allowing me to wield this skill with greater flexibility.
Beyond this initial ability, I had also explored and developed other mana-based techniques. I could now cast basic elemental spells, such as fireballs and razor-sharp wind blades, earning myself the status of an amateur mage.
But my father believed I had reached the limits of what I could achieve on my own. To grow further, he said, I would need formal training at a specialized magic academy.
And so, on that early morning, as the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon, I stood at the door of our humble family home, ready to embark on a new chapter in my life.
My parents, Kiran and Eliana, stood before me, their eyes bright with emotion. Despite the sadness of seeing me leave, their expressions were warm and proud.
“My son,” my father began solemnly, “today, you stand on the threshold of an important milestone in your life. Over the past six years, your progress has exceeded all of our expectations.”
He placed a firm, reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Now, you’re ready to leave the safety of our home and join the Academy of Magic in the capital. There, you’ll continue your training under the kingdom’s finest mages.”
My mother stepped forward, wrapping me in a gentle embrace. “Be careful on your journey, my dear. Make sure to eat and rest well, and don’t forget to write to us often.”
Swallowing hard against the lump in my throat, I hugged them both tightly. “I’ll do my best—I won’t let you down,” I whispered, my voice unsteady.
Kiran handed me a pouch of gold coins and a bag of provisions. “This will cover your needs during the journey. Take care of yourself, Griffith.”
I nodded solemnly, fully aware of the gravity of the moment. After one last hug, I reluctantly stepped back and approached the horse waiting nearby, saddled and ready for the trip.
With one final look at my parents, I mounted, gripping the reins tightly. “I’ll come back—I promise!” I called out as I turned the horse around.
Under their watchful and teary-eyed gaze, I set off down the road leading to the capital, my heart pounding with both excitement and nervousness. After spending my entire life in our small village, I was finally about to see the wider world.
As I rode across the countryside, I pulled a magic book from my bag and carefully opened it to study the kingdom’s map.
[Interface:]
Kingdom Map Your Location: Golden River Village Destination: Kingdom’s Capital (2 days by horseback)
Taking a deep breath, I closed the book and tightened my grip on the reins. Over the next two days, I traveled winding roads, passing through lush forests and rolling green plains. My eagerness to reach the capital, a place brimming with opportunity, only grew stronger.
A few hours into the journey, I reached a fork in the road. Deciding to take a short break, I allowed my horse to graze while I reopened my magic book, poring over its maps and notes.
I soon realized the fastest route to the capital passed through a region known as the Shadow Forest. This area was infamous for being home to dangerous creatures.
I hesitated for a moment but eventually chose to take that path. After all, I was no longer defenseless—I was a mage who could use mana to my advantage. Whatever awaited me in the forest, I believed I could handle it.
Climbing back onto my horse, I urged it forward along the narrow, winding trail that disappeared into the dense woods. The atmosphere quickly turned heavy and oppressive as shadows lengthened all around me.
Gripping the hilt of my travel sword, I stayed on high alert, watching and listening for any sign of danger. Suddenly, a sharp cracking noise came from my left, making me jolt.
Whipping my head toward the sound, I scanned the underbrush, my heart racing. A pair of glowing eyes appeared in the gloom, followed by the slow emergence of a menacing figure.
[Interface:]
Enemy Detected: Shadow Wolf Level: 12 HP: 400/400 Attack: 45 Defense: 30
Grinding my teeth, I focused and activated my Mana Amplification skill.
[Interface:]
[Skill Activated: Mana Amplification
(Duration: 5 min, Mana Cost: 50)]
As the wolf lunged at me, baring its fangs, I unleashed a powerful gust of slicing wind from my hands. The attack sent the creature hurtling backward with a pained howl.
Not wasting a moment, I leaped from my horse and drew my sword. Enhanced by Mana Amplification, my movements felt sharp and seamless. My blade cut through the air with deadly precision.
The wolf didn’t stand a chance. Before it could recover, I struck the final blow, and it collapsed with a pained wheeze. Taking a moment to catch my breath, I surveyed the scene, relieved by my victory. My skills had saved me this time.
Climbing back into the saddle, I pressed on, even more vigilant now. Deeper into the forest, I encountered other threats—goblins, giant spiders, and more—but my Mana Amplification allowed me to fend them off with relative ease. I could feel my command of the skill improving with each battle.
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After what felt like an eternity, and as the sun began to sink in the sky, the first outlines of the capital’s buildings appeared on the horizon. A wave of relief and excitement washed over me.
Spurred by anticipation, I urged my horse to quicken its pace. I couldn’t wait to explore this sprawling city that would soon become my new home.
When I finally entered the capital’s gates, I was struck by the bustling energy that filled the streets. Merchants hawked their goods to passing customers, while laborers hurriedly carried crates and bundles. Guards patrolled with watchful eyes, maintaining order amidst the lively chaos.
I marveled at the grandeur of the towering buildings—homes to nobles and wealthy traders, no doubt. Everything about the city exuded wealth and power.
Making my way through the crowded marketplace, I eventually arrived at the entrance to the Mage Academy, my ultimate destination. A grand arch crowned with an ornate crest loomed above the massive iron gate.
Drawing a deep breath, I dismounted and handed my horse’s reins to a stable boy. Then, with purposeful strides, I approached the academy’s entrance, ready to face the challenges awaiting me.
This academy was my gateway to achieving greatness. Here, I would become a skilled mage, capable of surpassing my limits and forging my destiny.
As I approached the entrance to the Mage Academy, I was greeted by two armored guards standing watch in front of the grand gate. Arms crossed, they eyed me suspiciously as I stepped forward.
“Halt there, boy,” one of the guards barked in a deep voice. “State your identity.”
Straightening my posture, I tried to appear confident. “My name is Griffith, and I’m here to enroll in the Mage Academy.”
The two guards exchanged an amused glance before bursting into mocking laughter.
“Griffith? Really?” the second guard sneered. “And what exactly are you planning to do here, kid? Play wizard for fun?”
Caught off guard by their attitude, I felt frustration bubbling up inside me. “Listen, I’m an amateur mage, and I’m here to refine my skills. I have strong mana-handling abilities.”
Their laughter only grew louder, to the point where I feared they might choke. “An amateur mage? That’s rich!” the first guard guffawed. “You don’t even look like you could lift a piece of straw with your mana!”
Wounded by their ridicule, I clenched my fists, struggling to remain composed. “I assure you, I’m skilled! Just let me in, and you’ll see what I’m capable of!”
But the guards continued to stare at me with disdain, their booming laughter echoing across the courtyard. “Sorry, kid, but the Academy isn’t a playground for crybabies like you. You’d better head back home!”
Grinding my teeth, I bit back my anger. How dare they treat me like this? I was the same person who had defeated a giant centipede to protect my village! Never before had I been so thoroughly humiliated.
Still, I knew I couldn’t afford to lose my temper. I was on the cusp of entering this prestigious academy, and I had to make a good impression at all costs. Swallowing my wounded pride, I took a deep breath.
“Listen,” I said, trying to keep my tone calm, “I assure you I have real mana mastery. I defeated a fearsome creature in my hometown using my powers. Just let me speak with the director, and I’ll prove my worth to you.”
But the guards remained unfazed, looking at me with an air of scorn. “Oh, sure,” the first one said sarcastically. “And I’m the king of the elves. Get out of here before we have to throw you out, kid!”
Helpless against their arrogance, I finally backed away, my head hanging low. My hopes of glory and recognition had been crushed so abruptly. How was I supposed to prove my worth if no one even gave me a chance?
As I turned to leave, I could still hear the guards’ derisive laughter behind me. My fists tightened, and shame burned in my chest, mingling with my anger. One day, I swore, I’d show them what I was capable of. No one would ever belittle me like this again!
Blinking back the frustrated tears stinging my eyes, I made my way to the stable, where my horse was being tended by a stable hand. He gave me a sympathetic look, likely guessing the humiliation I’d just endured.
“Don’t let those idiots in armor get to you, kid,” he said with a shrug. “Everyone around here knows they’re jerks. You’ll figure out another way into the Academy.”
I nodded in gratitude, gripping my horse’s reins. Casting one last glance at the Academy’s towering structures, I made a silent vow not to give up. No matter what, I would find my way in—and become the most powerful mage.
Mounting my horse again, I turned it around and rode away from the Academy. For a long time, I traveled in silence, replaying the events in my mind.
How could I convince the Academy’s director to accept me when those guards had already dismissed me as useless? Despite my abilities, I hadn’t managed to earn their respect.
Suddenly, an idea struck me. If the guards wouldn’t take my word for it, maybe I could prove my worth through action. Yes, that was my best shot!
Pulling on the reins, I brought my horse to a stop and turned it around. With renewed determination, I rode back to the Academy gates, where the guards were still standing, their smug expressions unchanged.
“Well, look who’s back already,” one of them jeered. “Come to cry some more?”
I met their mocking gazes with confidence, a small smirk playing on my lips. “I’m not leaving. Let me show you what I can do, and you’ll see I deserve a place in the Academy.”
The guards exchanged a surprised look, then burst out laughing again. “You’re serious? You want to put on a show for us?” the second guard chuckled.
“Exactly,” I replied firmly. “If I impress you, you’ll agree to let me speak with the director. Deal?”
The two men glanced at each other, seeming to hesitate. Finally, one shrugged with a mocking grin.
“Alright, kid. Let’s see what you’ve got. But don’t expect us to go easy on you!”
Nodding, I felt a surge of satisfaction. At last, I would get the chance to prove myself. Taking a deep breath, I focused and activated my Mana Amplification ability.
[Interface]
[Skill Activated: Mana Amplification
(Duration: 5 min, Mana Cost: 50)]
Immediately, an aura of power enveloped me, and the guards’ expressions shifted to astonishment. Taking advantage of their surprise, I raised my hands, gathering a brilliant sphere of pure energy.
“Concentrated Mana Technique!” I shouted, hurling the projectile toward a distant target.
The impact was explosive, kicking up a thick cloud of dust. When it cleared, the guards gawked at the massive crater I had created.
“Impossible…” one of them murmured, his eyes wide.
Seizing the moment, I launched into a series of demonstrations, weaving elemental spells and mana-handling techniques with precision. Each display left the guards more and more dumbfounded, their admiration clear despite themselves.
When I finally finished, I stood before them with a triumphant smile. “So, do you still think I’m just a useless kid?”
The guards exchanged an uneasy look, clearly struggling to compose themselves. At last, one of them cleared his throat and addressed me with newfound respect.
“I… I have to admit, we underestimated you. Your mana control is… genuinely impressive. I think the director would be interested in meeting you.”
Relief washed over me as I nodded confidently. “I’m sure of it. Now, will you escort me inside?”
Without hesitation, the guards stepped aside, opening the gates for me. “Of course. Follow us. We’ll take you to the director.”
With a calm certainty, I entered the Academy grounds at last, knowing I had overcome my first hurdle. My mastery of mana had earned me this opportunity. Now, I just had to convince the director to give me a chance.
Soon, I would take my first steps on the path of magic—and prove to everyone just how much I was worth.