The rhythmic trotting of the horse's hooves against the dirt path reverberated through Arden's body, providing a grounding yet unsettling tempo to his spinning thoughts. In the saddle, he clung to Ava, his fingers digging into her waist, feeling every jolt and sway of the horse beneath them. He was acutely aware of his inexperience with this old-fashioned mode of travel. On top of everything, his [Mental Focus] skill, a mental barrier he had clung to for protection, began to waver, threatening to expose him to the full, overwhelming weight of his current situation.

Ava's voice broke through his rising panic, soothing yet concerned. "Hold on, Arden. You're doing fine."

"I'm not sure about that," he muttered, his grip on her waist tightening.

The forest around them seemed to close in, the branches reaching like the fingers of his past, ready to pull him into a mental abyss. Everything felt alien; the trees were too tall, too big, the forest too bright, and the closeness of the foliage seemed to invade his mind.

A cold shiver ran down his spine, and he found himself pressing closer to Ava, seeking reassurance in her warmth. The world around him felt wrong, too vibrant, too intense, a vivid dreamscape threatening to swallow him whole.

"Ava, I need to stop," he stammered, panic rising in his voice. "I need to...I can't..."

The horse slowed to a halt, Ava's hand on the reins guiding the beast with gentle firmness. She turned to face him, concern in her hazel eyes. "Arden? What's wrong?"

He dismounted, his legs wobbly, and stumbled a few steps before collapsing to the ground, his face buried in his hands. His [Mental Focus] slipped away.

He remembered Lila’s instruction not to divulge his past, but how could he explain this turmoil without revealing too much? The ache for his previous life was too real, too raw. The thoughts twisted into images of his now distant life, weekends spent with friends, mock sword-fighting in the park. The clang of steel, the thrill of the faux battle, the camaraderie—all of it now a painful reminder of what he'd left behind. He could see his wife's face, exasperated but loving, as she scolded him for spending too much on a new sword or too many hours fighting with his local Medieval Reenactment Group.

"Arden?" Ava's voice was soft, filled with empathy as she knelt beside him. "Talk to me."

He looked up, tears in his eyes. A storm of emotion whirled within him. Magic, swords, medieval worlds—they were once his escape, his passion, confined to the realm of dreams. And now it was real, as tangible as the dirt beneath him and the tears on his face. His wife, his friends—they were all gone, trapped in a world that felt increasingly distant. And here he was, learning magic, riding horses, living the dream that had become a bewildering reality.

His voice caught as he tried to articulate his feelings without revealing too much. "I... My [Mental Focus] slipped."

Ava's eyes widened, and she reached out, her hand warm and firm on his shoulder. "Have you been running it the whole time? Are you stupid? That's a waste of mana, not to mention the strain on your mind." Her tone was scolding but underlaid with concern.

He shrugged, still feeling the sting of embarrassment. "I didn't think spending 0.1 mana per hour would be that much, not with me generating 0.8 per hour."

Ava's face showed a mixture of astonishment and disbelief. "Wait, what? You generate 0.8 mana per hour?"

"Yeah," Arden said, his tone casual as if it were nothing extraordinary. He saw her incredulous look and reached into their shared bond. "See for yourself."

Ava's gaze turned inward, connecting to the information he shared. A gasp escaped her lips. "This is... This is unbelievable, Arden. Most people only generate one mana per day!"

Arden tilted his head, curiosity piqued. "Really? What's your rate?"

Ava hesitated for a moment before opening her status to him through their bond. Her voice trembled as she said, "It used to be 1.6 per day, but now... it's 0.6 per hour."

His eyes widened, unable to grasp the importance of what Ava just told him. "Is that... good? I mean, I know it's more, but what does it mean?"

Ava looked away, her mind racing. The bond? No, that didn't make sense. The way it backfired was strange, but it couldn't explain this. Her gaze sharpened as another thought struck her. The [Basic Mana Manipulation] skill.

"It must be the [Basic Mana Manipulation] skill," she began, her voice slow and measured as a realization started to form. "It's the only other thing that's changed. The skill feels... different, more present, somehow." She paused, closing her eyes and reaching inward to sense her mana. It was there, the familiar ebb and flow, but now it was surrounded by something wild, untamed, and vibrant. A sensation like a roaring river hidden behind a thin veil.

Her eyes snapped open, excitement and awe in her gaze. "Oh, I feel it now! The mana that you described, it's all around us. It's like a vivid force, chaotic but full of energy. It's as if I've tapped into something primal, something that's been there all along."

The two of them sat in silence for a while, absorbed in thought and the soft symphony of nature around them—the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Ava's revelation about the [Basic Mana Manipulation] skill had provided a distraction from Arden's emotional turmoil, drawing them both into a fascinating exploration of this new dimension to their abilities.

Ava's eyes glowed with wonder as she delicately manipulated the wild mana surrounding them, her hands moving in subtle, graceful patterns. Arden watched, captivated by this dance of energy that he could now perceive through their connection. Though he had not yet mastered this skill, their bond offered him a glimpse into her expertise.

Time passed unnoticed until Arden detected weariness in Ava. Fascinating as their discovery was, their journey was far from over.

"Ava," he said softly, placing a gentle hand on her arm. "I think we should get moving again."

She looked up, her eyes alight with the thrill of discovery but understanding in her nod. "You're right, Arden. We can explore this more when we have the time and safety to do so."

He rose, offering his hand to help her up, a gentle smile spreading across his face. The whirlwind of emotions from earlier had settled, replaced by a sense of calm and curiosity.

Ava took his hand, her grip firm and comforting. "Are you okay to continue?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

Arden nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "I am. And thank you, Ava. For everything."

They remounted the horse, and as they resumed their journey, Arden felt a shift in his perception. The forest seemed less alien, the trees no longer looming and threatening but part of a magical world he had started to accept and understand.

"Arden, you should keep our mana generation rates a secret," Ava said, her voice suddenly serious. "It could be dangerous for us if people understood how rich with mana we are."

He met her gaze, recognizing the gravity in her eyes, and nodded. "Understood. We'll keep it between us."

As night began to fall, Arden and Ava decided to make camp in a small clearing, surrounded by towering trees. The forest was alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, but Ava confidently led them to a spot that felt safe and secure.

Ava went about setting up the camp with practiced efficiency. Her movements were graceful and deliberate, each action performed with a mastery that left Arden both captivated and eager to learn. He helped as best he could, following her lead and absorbing her expertise.

Finally, Ava took a small metal rod from her pack. Intricately designed with runes and patterns etched into its surface, it caught Arden's eye immediately.

"What's that?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"It's a gift from my father," Ava explained, her voice softening with the mention of him. "He received it during his service to the kingdom. It's a device that keeps insects away when activated. I usually avoid using it, believing it wasteful to expend mana on such things, but now..." Her eyes glanced at Arden, shining with a newfound understanding of her capabilities. "Now, I think we can afford it."

With a practiced flourish, she activated the rod, and a gentle, invisible barrier spread around their camp. The incessant buzz of insects faded away, replaced by tranquil silence.

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Arden watched the rod's effects in awe, his mind awhirl with thoughts and questions about mana. Ava's use of the rod, her fresh approach to mana consumption, and their earlier conversation all swirled together in his mind, sparking new ideas and possibilities.

As they settled down for the night, Arden's gaze lingered on the small rod, its intricate mysteries mirroring the larger enigma of mana itself. Stimulated by their earlier discoveries, he found himself beginning to formulate a theory that intrigued him.

"Ava," he began, his voice thoughtful, "I've been considering how mana operates." He nearly added 'in this world' but restrained himself. "It reminds me of something called wave-particle duality."

Ava turned her head, her brow furrowing. "Wave-particle what?"

He chuckled, recognizing her confusion. "It's a concept that's... difficult to explain. However, it suggests that certain particles can behave as both solid matter and as waves. I think mana might function similarly."

She shook her head, trying to follow his reasoning. "I'm not sure I understand but go on."

"You see," Arden continued, "there's a principle that states energy can't be created or destroyed, only transformed. It leads me to an intriguing possibility."

Ava's eyes sparkled with curiosity, yet a hint of skepticism lingered. "I'm listening."

"Mana might not be just an ethereal force; it might also have substance. If it obeys this principle, then it could be converted into physical mass, just as mass can be converted into energy."

Her eyes widened, but she shook her head. "That's an extraordinary theory, Arden. Yes, you can create objects with mana.” She picked up a small rock, adding mass and reshaping it into a perfect sphere. “But mana can't be created. It's given to us as a life force, a gift."

He took the stone sphere from Ava and pulled the amulet from beneath his shirt, letting it catch the light. "I believe this amulet is a device that can harness and convert mana. It transforms it from mass to energy."

Ava reached out, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns on the amulet. "So, you're saying it could dissolve objects into pure mana?"

"Exactly," Arden nodded, his eyes serious. "It's a tool that operates on principles I'm only beginning to guess about. But if I can understand it, the possibilities could be endless."

Arden then held the stone sphere above the amulet, his face concentrating. A faint hum emanating from the Amulet. Slowly, the added mass that Ava had created started to dissolve, the stone returning to its original, unshaped form.

Ava watched, her eyes wide but her face showing skepticism. "You just reversed my spell, you didn't convert the stone into mana."

Arden looked at the stone, then back at Ava. "I think the amulet operates on principles of balance and harmony. I wasn't able to convert the entire stone, only the part that had been changed unnaturally. It seems to recognize and act upon alterations, not the natural state of objects."

He handed the stone back to Ava, who examined it closely. "So you're saying that the amulet can only reverse changes made by mana manipulation, not convert original mass to energy?"

"That seems to be the case," Arden agreed, a touch of disappointment in his voice. "There may be more to learn about its limitations and capabilities. But for now, it seems we've discovered one boundary."

Ava looked thoughtful but still seemed unconvinced about Arden's theory. "It's a fascinating discovery, Arden, but I still can't accept that mana can be created or converted in the way you describe."

Arden's soft smile transformed into a huge grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "That's fair, Ava. But I just mastered my [Basic Mana Manipulation]."

Ava's eyes widened, her jaw-dropping momentarily. A mixture of astonishment and a hint of jealousy flashed across her face. "You... you mastered it? Just like that?" she stammered, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Arden's smile broadened a gleam of pride in his eyes. "It seems so. Connecting with the amulet, observing your control, it all came together. But don't worry," he added, seeing her expression, "I still have a long way to go to match your expertise."

Ava shook her head, still trying to process what he had just told her. "Arden, this is... extraordinary. Your understanding and manipulation of mana are progressing at an incredible rate." She paused, looking at him thoughtfully. "But be careful. With great power comes great responsibility, and the path you're on is filled with unknowns."

Arden's smile faded slightly, and he nodded, his expression turning serious. "I know, Ava. I promise to tread carefully. We're in this together, and I value your guidance."

Ava's eyes softened, and she reached out to place a reassuring hand on his arm. "I know you do, Arden. And I trust you. I just..." Her voice trailed off, and her eyes suddenly widened as a realization dawned on her.

She cursed under her breath, a look of chagrin washing over her face. "Arden, I've made a mistake. I've forgotten to teach you any new skills - basic defense, offense, anything you might need on our journey. And the spell books, they're all left back in the basement," she admitted, visibly frustrated.

Arden's eyebrows shot up, but he quickly composed himself, recognizing Ava's concern. "Well," he started, offering her a reassuring smile, "you know, I do have all these skills listed in my skill tree."

Ava turned to him, her hazel eyes shining with worry in the dim light. She seemed uncomfortable with the suggestion, and Arden could almost see her mind working, considering the options. After a moment's hesitation, she nodded, her face taut with concern. "Alright," she said reluctantly. "Let's look at your options."

"Anything in particular?" Arden asked, scrolling through the seemingly endless list of skills in his system. "There are... quite a lot of choices."

Ava hesitated, her concern evident. "And how many skill slots do you have available?" she asked, her voice edged with anxiety. She was aware of his [Basic Mana Manipulation] and [Mental Focus] skills, and the [Small Blades Proficiency] gifted from the dagger, but her question suggested she was worried about how many he had left.

"I have four, five now that I mastered [Basic Mana Manipulation] " he answered, and her eyes widened in shock. She'd expected him to have one, maybe two, at most.

Ava's surprise quickly turned to determination as she took a deep breath, trying to rein in her emotions. "Alright," she said after a moment, her voice steady, "Let's focus on some essential skills. How about [Basic Fire Ball] and [Basic Shield]? They should provide you with both offensive and defensive capabilities. And they should be relatively easy to master," she added, her eyes searching his, seeking reassurance. "But you know, you should trust your instincts, Are there any skills that resonate with you? This is what my mother suggested to me, and how I became a healer.”

Arden took his time, scrolling through his skill tree and pondering Ava's advice. Her words about trusting his instincts and resonating with a skill had touched something deep within him. "You know, your advice about trusting my instincts and finding something that resonates with me reminds me of something from my past," he murmured, his eyes fixed on a particular skill.

Ava watched him, curiosity piqued. "Oh?"

He looked up at her, a thoughtful expression in his eyes. "Yes. Here, [Magic Missile]. Something about this skill speaks to me."

Ava considered this, her lips pursed. After a moment, she nodded, smiling warmly. "Then trust that connection, Arden. My mother gave me similar advice, and it led me to become a healer. Perhaps this is the path you are meant to take as well."

The fire crackled, casting a warm glow over the clearing as shadows danced on the trees. Arden and Ava's conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps crunching on leaves. They turned to find an older boy stepping into the light, the fire dancing across his determined features. Right after him, another boy emerged, both looking like typical farmhands except for the menacing presence of a sword and spear.

"Thalen, what are you doing here?" Ava asked, her voice trembling with astonishment.

Thalen sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. " We could ask the same, Ava. A young girl like yourself spending so much time in the woods alone—or even worse, with your mother. What is it that you're doing out here that can't be shown to ordinary folks, I wonder? "

"You very well know that we are collecting herbs for Mother," Ava retorted, anger flashing in her eyes.

Thalen took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. "You weren't talking about herbs just now, were you?" Thalen's voice was taunting. "No, I think you've been practicing magic with that mind sorcerer of your mother's. No one believes she would have taken up herbalism."

"You know Mother can't do magic!" Ava snapped, her voice rising with indignation.

Thalen shrugged, his expression mocking. "Now, enough talk, Ava. You need to come with us."

"What are you talking about?" Ava's voice wavered. "Come where?"

"Oh, you don’t know?" Thalen smirked. "Lord Chandler has finally come to his senses and is coming to take your mother back—or maybe even your father."

Ava was momentarily speechless. "I see that you have Elrik with you. So where is Soren?" she finally managed to ask.

"I'm right here," a third boy's voice emerged from behind their horse, softer and more pleading. As he stepped into view, it was clear he was a tad shorter and rounder than the two other boys and had a friendly face. "Please, Ava, come with us. We'll leave your friend here," Soren said, his eyes earnest.

Ava's anger boiled over, and she stood up, pointing at Thalen. "How have you convinced the boys to come along with you? Go home, and we'll forget this happened."

The tension in the clearing was palpable, the night pulsating with uncertainty and menace. Arden felt the weight of the situation settling on him, a cold resolve growing in his chest. He stood up and looked at Thalen, his voice firm. "You heard her, go home!"

Thalen's face twisted into a mixture of frustration and anger, his grip tightening around the hilt of his sword. "You," he spat, pointing the blade at Arden, "You should not be here. Stay out of it!"

Arden's heart pounded in his chest, but his eyes were keen, noticing the uncertainty in the other boys. "I am here, and I'm not leaving Ava alone with the likes of you."

Thalen's face flushed with rage, his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. "How dare you speak to me like that? You know nothing!"

The other boys, Elrik and Soren, shifted uncomfortably, glancing at each other and gripping the shafts of their spears. Their posture betrayed their uncertainty. Ava was on her feet now, her body poised and ready, her eyes wide with concern as she watched the scene unfold.

"I know enough," Arden shot back, his voice steady but his body tense. "You're threatening a friend, and I won't stand for it."

Thalen's laugh was harsh and cruel, his voice dripping with contempt. "Friend? Ha! You know nothing of friendship. You're meddling in matters that don't concern you."

Ava's voice broke through, soft but pleading. "Please, Thalen, go home."

Thalen's eyes snapped to Ava, his expression hardening. "Not without you." He turned back to Arden, his sword still aimed at him, his voice a cold sneer. "And you will not stand in my way."

The words hung in the air, a challenge and a threat, as the shadows danced and the fire crackled. The standoff had reached a tipping point, and all present knew that what happened next could change everything.

Ava's mouth opened to form a response, her face filled with desperation, but she was cut off by Thalen's harsh command. "Take him down!" he barked, his eyes blazing with fury.

The sudden order sent a jolt through the clearing. Elrik and Soren, caught off guard, hesitated for just a moment before starting to advance on Arden, spears at the ready.

Arden's old training from countless hours fighting with his local Medieval Reenactment Group kicked in. His eyes analyzed Thalen's stance, seeing the mistakes his sword master had drilled him to avoid. Thalen's grip was too tight, his elbow too extended, and his balance off-center; the errors of an untrained swordsman.

As Thalen lunged, Arden's instincts and the [Small Blades Proficiency] skill took over. He drew his dagger with fluid grace, parrying Thalen's blade and stepping in close. In one smooth motion, he twisted Thalen's sword from his grip. Seizing the opportunity, Arden delivered a powerful kick to Thalen's chest, sending him stumbling backward. Thalen's face registered shock just as Arden turned, deflecting Elrik's spear with the stolen blade, and directing it toward Soren.

The intention had been to force Soren to dodge, but to his surprise, Soren was frozen in place, his eyes wide with shock. Ava's magic had immobilized him, and the redirected spear, driven by Elrik's force, struck Soren directly in the abdomen.

A pained cry escaped Soren's lips, and the clearing erupted into chaos. Elrik shouted in horror, Thalen stumbled in disbelief, and Ava's voice rang out in desperation.

Arden's heart was pounding, his mind fatigued yet clear, guided by the lessons from his sword master and the heat of the moment. They were in a fight for their lives, and every second counted.

Ava's face was a mask of horror, her eyes wide as she looked at Soren, her friend, now lying wounded on the ground. Her hands were shaking, but she was already moving towards him, her mind racing through the spells she knew.

Arden's movements, fluid and decisive, reminded her of her father. She looked at him, equally astonished by his skill and thankful for his intervention.

"Stand down!" Arden's voice rang out, authoritative and commanding. "Put your weapons down, now!"

The shock of what had happened seemed to penetrate the boys' minds, and they hesitated only a moment before complying, their faces pale and stricken.

Ava was at Soren's side now, her hands seemed to glow with a soft light to Arden's heightened vision, as she began to heal Soren. But her face twisted with concern, and she looked up at Arden, her voice tight with panic. "It's not enough. It will take several hundred mana to save him."

Thalen and Elrik exchanged terrified glances, understanding the gravity of what that meant. The cost was astronomical.

Arden, however, didn't hesitate. "Ava, remember our bond," he said, tapping on his chest where the medallion was hidden.

Ava's eyes met his, understanding flashing in her gaze. She accessed the energy stored within the medallion without hesitation, her concentration was absolute. Her eyes widened momentarily as she discovered it contained 500 mana—over a year's savings for a typical person—but she kept that information to herself, focusing instead on channeling the energy into her healing.

Fortunately for Soren, the wound was from a clear, sharp point, and it wasn't as deep as it could have been. Healing wounds was something Ava could easily do, given enough mana and time. Her hands moved with practiced grace, the glow of her magic illuminating the clearing as she worked to save her friend.