The discovery of my ability to absorb mana was a turning poin in my new life as Caleb Rivers. As I reached out to my father, the weight of my expulsion from the Nightfall family lingered heavily on my shoulders.
"Father," I began, my voice tinged with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. "I've discovered something... something extraordinary."
"What is it, Caleb?" His tone held a fatherly concern, eager yet cautious.
"I can absorb mana," I confessed, hoping for his understanding despite my expulsion.
Silence lingered for a moment before his voice resonated through the phone, filled with both pride and sorrow. "Caleb, my boy, that's remarkable! But I fear I cannot reverse your expulsion."
"I understand, Father," I replied, masking my disappointment. "But I want to return. I want to prove myself."
"You have my support, Caleb," his voice softened, brimming with determination. "I'll provide you with 100 dark crystals every month. It's a start—a path for you to become stronger and pave your way back."
Relief washed over me. "Thank you, Father. I won't disappoint you."
With his promise of support, I felt a renewed sense of purpose, a determination to harness this newfound power and, one day, return to the Nightfall family stronger than ever. It was a pledge of unwavering support, a lifeline in my journey to reclaim my place among my kin.
As I delved into absorbing mana for the first time, a tingling sense of anticipation enveloped me. The room's atmosphere shifted, growing darker as the energy surged from the crystal. The sensation was overwhelming—a surge of power coursing through my body. Then, an abrupt moment of unconsciousness seized me.
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Upon awakening, I checked my status, finding a minute increase from 2 to 2.01. Astonishingly, the value of the dark crystal had soared, now worth more than $1000. The Nightfall family, being the predominant miners in the dark dungeons, allowed my father to procure these crystals at a mere $100 each, an advantage that proved invaluable.
In the days that followed, I pushed my limits further. Initially, I could only absorb two crystals a day, but as I persevered, that number increased—three, then four, and finally stabilizing at five crystals per day. However, this endeavor demanded a tremendous amount of energy, pushing me to the brink each time I absorbed the dark crystals. The exertion was palpable, a reminder of the formidable energy required to harness and assimilate their power.
The label "Death Face Caleb" stuck to me like an unwanted shadow, stemming from the perpetual tiredness etched on my face. But what others didn't grasp was the real reason behind my weary appearance—I spent most of my energy absorbing mana from the potent dark crystals.
"Fatty," I called out, seeking solace in the company of someone who understood the sting of ridicule.
"Yeah?" His voice carried a trace of weariness, a familiar burden shared between us.
"They're at it again," I sighed, acknowledging the relentless teasing that seemed to follow us like an unwelcome shadow.
"Fools have nothing better to do," Fatty scoffed, offering a wry smile.
Brainless Muscle, a student renowned for his physical strength but lacking in intellect, often faced similar mockery. As we bonded over shared experiences, a camaraderie was forged amidst the adversity.
"You should just ignore 'em, Caleb," Brainless Muscle chimed in, his tone earnest despite the simplicity of his words.
"Easy for you to say, Muscle," I replied, managing a weak smile. "They've got plenty to say about you too."
"That's true," he admitted with a shrug, seemingly unfazed by the taunts. "But they're just words. We've got each other's backs, right?"
we silently acquiesced.