The news dropped like a bombshell. For a second everyone stood still, jaws slack and eyes widened. The youngest, Elric's younger brother Melid even dropped his fork.

The only ones who hadn't shown a surprised were Elric who thought of it as a joyful matter, and Elianor who was about to be betrothed.

Their father eyed his wife for a couple seconds, visibly displeased with how his wife delivered the 'happy' news. But she simply ignored him.

Lord Wakefield cleared his throat. "As your mother said tomorrow evening we'll host a ball and publicisze your engagement," he said, looking at his eldest daughter. Seeing her indifferent expression he continued. "He's a very handsome young man and very promising mage. He's a good lad who'll treat you good."

Elianor nodded curtly, then a couple seconds later she stood up. "I'll have to excuse myself."

As she left, Elond sprang up from his chair wanting to stop her, but his father stopped him. Not resisting duke Wakefields order, he sat back down.

The rest of their jointly breakfast was rather akward. The mood sour. Each and every person having their own thoughts about the sudden news.

Elric who had thought that this was a matter to be celebrated also understood that the sudden engagement was not as simple as he had thought.

His gears shifted in his minds as he came up with a theory. _Noble houses hold much power and by betrothing house Tudors heir and house Wakefields eldest _daughter they might aim for an alliance.

Though without more information and background about the two house's background he didn't further work out his theory.

When all had finished eating, they excused themselves one after another.

When Elric was about to leave, his father called out to him, looking at him with an unreadable gaze. "Elric, go to the training grounds, an instructor will be waiting for you. Prove your worth."

With that he dismissed Elric.

After his son had finally left the head of house Wakefield leaned back into his high back chair that was adorned with the Wakefield coat of arms and two swords on the back. Only the hilts and crossguards were visible from the front.

Slamming down his wooden mug on the table that was filled with fine red wine, he let out a sigh.

His wife looked at him but didn't say anything.

Feeling lost he looked at the ceiling, as though he was searching for something.

***

After having finished breakfast, he was led to the training grounds by his two maids, just as his father had instructed.

A few minutes later he arrived at a courtyard, that was made out of pure black stone. There were a few weapon stands holding all kinds of different weapons and shields. From dagger to greatsword, from kite shield to greatshield there was everything a warriors heart might desire.

Looking around he could see tables and chairs in the corner of the training grounds.

_Is this place also used as a patio? _

He asked inwardly, wondering if they weren't afraid that the furniture would break.

Another thing he noticed was that the Wakefields mansion, was in fact not a mansion but a castle made out of black stone. He was surprised, to say the least, he had clearly underestimated his families wealth and power.

From what he knew, a simple noble house would not be in possession of a castle.

"You're here," the instructor said, pulling Elric out of his thoughts. When Elric's turned to the instructor, he continued. "You should know why you are here. Once you pick a weapon we immediately begin. Don't wory they are all blunted."

The intructor, unsheathed a one-handed straight sword with a relatively short blade. He wore leather armor and chainmail beneath it. He had black hair, dark brown eyes, and sported a full beard.

He stood firm, holding his sword down to his side, his gaze fixated on Elric.

Elric walked over to the weaponstand. Ignoring the axes, hammers, and spears, he took a closer look at the swords.

The first one was a curved saber, he swung it around a few times but the weight distribution felt off. The hilt was way too heavy to swing it properly in battle.

To someone untrained this might not be obvious and once they'd realize it would already be too late.

He put the saber back and reached for another sword. A greatsword. He didn't intend on actually using it, he just wanted to confirm something. He picked it up with just one hand and easily swung it around.

This is way too light for a greatsword, what's the blade made of? Paper?

His told him to 'prove his worth' and Elric was sure that this was the first part of his assessment. Picking the right weapon.

Among the weapons some were deliberately badly balanced or forged. If he were to spar his instructor with this greatsword the blade would shatter on contact with his blade.

Elric turned his head to the instructor who was closely watching him, confirming his suspicion.

The process of trial and error continued for quite a while. It was not that almost all the weapons had some sort of deficiency and he was searching for a needle in a haystack. But rather that those weapons who were of good quality simply didn't match his fighting style.

Until he came across a certain sword. Its hilt was made out of black wood strapped with dark leather, the cross guard was simple, and the blade was close to a meter long.

Just like he had done with the others, he swung it around for a bit, then he hit it a few times. Lastly he gently swung it against the ground.

This sword will do!

"I chose this sw-"

Before Elric could finish his sentence, his instructor pushed his right leg on the ground and dashed towards him.

The instructor thrust his short sword as if it was a rapier.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Elric was just barely able to duck in time to dodge his instructor's attack. He quickly threw away the sword's sheath that he was holding in his left hand and then held his sword double-handed.

Pivoting on his left foot he aimed his sword at the instructors open side, using his momentum.

Not being able to position his sword to block Elricks swing, he dodged backwards, avoiding Elric's blade.

Despite not hitting his target, a smile crept on his face. Swinging a sword felt natural to him, just as breathing. The moment he picked up the sword it was like an extension of his body.

"Attacking me before I'm ready? That's not really fair, is it?" he asked, positioning himself to prepare for another attack.

"A bandit also won't wait until you're ready, he'll try to deceive you or attack you when you're not on guard."

Not waiting for Elric to talk the instructor dashed forward again, this time going for a horizontal sweep.

Having been prepared this time he was able to block his enemies blade, but because of their difference in pure strength he felt the impact despite the instructor only using one arm.

The sweep however was only a feint, taking a step forward the instructor struck forward with his left fist, directly hitting Elric's face.

Elric moaned out in pain as he tumbled backwards, holding one hand against his head. He thought their spar ended there, but the instructor didn't share his opinion.

He took another step forward and kicked him in the guts, sending him flying backwards until he hit an invisible wall.

_Ah so that's why they don't worry about the furniture… wait, this isn't the time for that! _

Before he was able to catch himself, the instructor reached into his pocket and pulled out a dagger that he immediately threw at Elric.

Elric instinctively threw himself to the left, dodging the incoming projectile.

Having learned that he shouldn't take this as a normal spar, he didn't wait to get back on his feet. Before he could react the instructor was already standing close, reaching out for another thrust.

With his right foot he pushed himself out of harms way. The instructor hit the invisible wall, tumbling backwards from the recoil.

Using this chance Elric kicked against the instructors leg, causing him to fall to his knees. Then, without hesitation, he went for a counterattack.

He raised his sword and swung it downwards with as much force as he could muster.

The instructor blocked Elric's blade, but had to press his other hand against his own blade as support, not being able to withstand the weight of Elric's strike with just one arm.

This was what Elric was aiming for, both of his arms were occupied and with the instructor on his knees he was at a advantageous position.

Using what he had just learned into practice he kicked the his enemy in his guts. The downwards swing was just a feint.

But his enemy didn't even flinch, as though he had just kicked against a wall.

The instructor quickly pushed away Elric's sword. The force behind Elric's strike had weakened since he had used one foot to kick his opponent, making it easy for the instructor to throw him out of balance.

With the flat of his sword the instructor swung his blade against Elric's chest, hitting him before he could catch himself.

Elric as he had so often during this duel, flew backwards and immediately got on his feet again. But this time his enemy wasn't charging towards him, he was sheathing his sword.

Then he turned to Elric.

"Excellent. Your technique is good, so is your stance, and adaptability. Taking into account that you've only trained by yourself until now, frighteningly so," he complimented Elric and threw a small green crystal at him that he had just detached from his left glove.

"Break it, it will heal you."

Elric did as he was told. A green light emitted from the broken gem, engulfing him as the pain from his head, guts, and chest slowly faded.

"Thanks," he said, letting out a sigh of relief. He was afraid that the instructor would jump at him again saying something like 'Didn't I tell you your enemies will try to deceive you?!'

"Well then, let us go over to the next part," he said casually, as though he hadn't just beaten Elric. "Do you know whether you are a Conjurer or Augmenter?"

He shook his head, but those words did strike some familiarity in him.

"What is the difference again?" Elric asked, scratching the back of his head as he let out a embarrassed chuckle.

The instructor raised a brow, but he didn't ask any questions. He had heard the rumors of the mute Elric Wakefield, who didn't talk and preferred to stay alone. From what he had heard the only thing he occasionally did was swing a sword.

So he wasn't all too surprised that Elric didn't know much about magic. It was impressive though that he had awakened at such an early age despite knowing so less.

"You do know what a mana core and mana is, right?"

Elric simply nodded in confirmation.

"Conjurers have more developed mana veins, making it easier for them to absorb and manipulate ambient mana. They're specialists in mid to long range magic. Augmenters on the other hand have more developed mana channels, they can reinforce and enhance their bodies with mana, Conjurers have to rely on barriers but once they've been penetrated their bodies don't differ much from non awakened," the instructor explained the basic information about Augmenters and Conjurers.

Elric pondered,_so that means that Conjurers while conjurers excel at long range combat, they're pretty much useless in close combat. For Augmenters it's reversed, they're good at close combat, but can't cast spells with high range.

"How do we find out which of the two I am," Elric asked curiously, hoping that he'd be an Augmenter.

It's not that he thought that Augmenters were generally stronger than Conjurers, but rather that he preferred close combat.

If he had to be honest, Conjurers probably had the upper hand in combat. They'd just have to keep their distance and fire spells from afar at Augmenters, while the latter wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight.

They'd jump around and try to avoid as many spells as possible, but sooner or later they'd be hit.

At least that's how Elric imagined a fight between an Augmenter and a Conjurer whose mana cores were on the same level.

"Do you remember what happened after you awakened?"

Elric shook his head, obviously not remembering that. He had been in this body for less than a day!

The instructor had a surprised expression on his face, most teens and children would immediately answers with a loud and resounding yes, as it was the moment that would forever change their life for the better. Most of the times, at least.

When Augmenters awakened and their mana core first formed, an outwards pushing force would emit from the person.

When Conjurers awakened they'd start floating in the air, if the objects around started to float it was a sign that they were especially talented.

"Gather mana in your palm and then shoot it forward, if it flies farther than five meters you're a Conjurer, if not you're an Augmenter."

The instructor stared at Elric expectantly, waiting for him to cast a basic spell, but Elric didn't do so. As he had so often he embarrassingly scratched the back of his head.

The instructor disbelievingly rested his head in the palm of his hand and slightly shook his head.

How can someone awakened not know simple mana manipulation, and by the look of his core he had already advanced a stage… The instructor thought, as he let out a sigh.

But then again, the boy standing in front of him wasn't a normal awakened boy, who wanted to flaunt and throw fireballs wherever he goes as soon as he formed his mana core.

"Just close your eyes and concentrate on your sternum." He only gave the boy a hint, rather than a complete explanation on how to manipulate mana. He wanted to see if he'd be able to figure it out on his own.

Elric closed his eyes as his focus shifted to his sternum, as the instructor had told him to. For a while he saw nothing but darkness, then, a few seconds later, a light appeared.

The light grew bigger, forming a round shape that was glowing a dark white light. It was his mana core. A moment later another layer formed around the core but it was significantly darker than the light emitting from his core.

When he had grasped some kind of feeling of his mana core, he felt something flowing throughout his entire body.

He couldn't see it like he could see his mana core, but he could feel it, make out its exact location. He tried to will it into his hand, but it didn't work.

Just like a muscle one couldn't flex mana had to be trained, before he could freely will it through his body.

He tried it again, but this time slower. Instead of trying to force all the mana in his body into his right palm, he focused on moving a bit of mana from his core, and it worked.

As the mana made its way to his palm, he thought what shape he should form it to.

No, I know exactly what I want it to be. He grinned.

A small very detailed arrow of fire formed between his middle and index finger.

The instructor nodded appraising, impressed by the fact that Elric was not only able to so quickly grasp the basics of mana manipulation but also form it into an intricate shape.

Before the instructor could speak, he shoot the arrow forward and with each meter it traveled farther he grew more disappointed.

It flew from one end of the invisible barrier where Elric was standing and crashed against the other end, dissipating but leaving the barrier as it was before.

The instructors face didn't hide his disappointment. Just like Elric himself, he had hoped that the young boy would turn out to be a Augmenter.

His talent with the sword was beyond anything he had ever seen, and that without ever having been taught. If lord Wakefield gave the young boy more attention and assigned him a teacher, he would…

But fate worked against him and made him a Conjurer.