Since that incident with the monster, life in the village of Draconia had returned to its relative normalcy. News of Aria’s feat had spread quickly, and although most of the village children still called me “ghost” because of my white hair and golden eyes, there was a new respect in their gaze—perhaps because they now knew I had a sister who could summon lightning.
Days passed, and with them, my study routine continued. Aria and my mother, Lysa, had explained that when I turned five, I would need to take an elemental compatibility test in front of the village elders. This test would determine the element I was born with and my mana level, which would be crucial for admission to the magic school in the nearby city of the dark elves.
One afternoon, after my usual lessons with my older sister, I was in my room, engrossed in a book from the ancestral library of our home. My goal was clear: to finish reading every book. I had found one particularly interesting—a detailed bestiary of the monsters that inhabited Profundia. I recalled my mother’s words about these beings’ existence and how some people hunted them to survive.
It was a quiet morning in Draconia. The underground air was tinged with a slight humidity, and the echo of water droplets falling from stalactites mixed with the sounds of children playing in the distance. I was in the backyard of our house, waiting for Aria to arrive for a new magic training session.
She arrived punctually, as always, with her usual serious, determined look. In her hands, she held a grimoire and a magic staff. She looked at me and gave a faint smile.
"Today you’ll learn something crucial, Kaion," she said, handing me the staff. "As a mage, you’re a ranged attacker. You must learn to manage your mana well, because if you exhaust it, you're done for. It’s not just about casting offensive spells; you also need defensive spells and to master the chants for channeling them correctly."
I nodded, taking the staff with both hands, feeling the weight of the responsibility that came with it.
"We'll start with something simple," Aria said, extending her hand to conjure a small sphere of energy. "This is a basic mana sphere. I want you to try creating one and keeping it stable."
I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and focused on the mana flow within me. I visualized the energy moving from my core and channeling through the staff. Gradually, a small sphere of energy began to form at the tip, though it flickered unsteadily.
"Good, but you need to focus more. Stability is key," Aria said, moving closer and placing her hand over mine. "Feel the mana flowing—don’t force it. Let it flow naturally."
Following her guidance, I slowly stabilized the sphere. I held it there, floating, until Aria nodded approvingly.
"Now, let's talk about defensive spells," she said, stepping back and conjuring a translucent shield in front of her. "A good mage knows when to attack and when to defend. This shield can protect you from both physical and magical attacks, but it constantly consumes mana, so use it wisely."
I tried replicating the shield, and after several failed attempts, I managed to create one that, while weak, was functional.
“Well done. Remember, in real combat, you'll need to think quickly and manage your mana efficiently.” She put her grimoire away and sat on a nearby rock. “I also want you to learn some chants. They’re essential for channeling more complex spells.”
I watched closely as she opened the grimoire and began reciting a chant in an ancient language. The energy around her vibrated with power, and soon a luminous barrier appeared around her.
"Chants are words of power that help us focus and amplify our spells. But it’s not enough just to recite them—you need to picture the spell in your mind, visualize its shape and effect. Imagination is key in magic, Kaion. Without a clear image, the spell might fail or be less effective."
I nodded, understanding the importance of her advice. I closed my eyes and tried to visualize a protective shield around me as I recited the chant she had taught me. I felt the energy flow, and though my shield wasn’t as strong as Aria’s, it managed to form.
"That’s it; keep practicing. You’ll improve over time. Now, there’s something else you need to know about mages and their power levels."
Aria stood up and approached me, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Mages possess power levels called circles. Each mana circle represents a level of mastery and control over mana. At five years old, you'll receive your first circle through a ritual performed by a more powerful mage. This initiation regulates the amount of mana you produce and enhances your ability to channel spells. The more circles you have, the more powerful you’ll be."
I looked at her with wide-eyed awe and curiosity.
"So, how do you get a mana circle?"
“The mana circle is drawn on the child’s back by the mage, and it must be of high quality for optimal effects. During the ritual, a more experienced mage transfers some of their own mana to the child, forming the first circle. With time and practice, you can gain more circles, improving your control and magical power.”
Training with my sister had been intense but fascinating. Learning to control mana and cast spells opened up a new perspective on the world I lived in. As we rested after a long practice session, a question surfaced in my mind.
“Aria, how many mana circles do you have?” I asked curiously, watching her as she settled on a nearby rock.
Aria looked at me, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of pride in her eyes before she replied.
“I have five mana circles, Kaion,” she said, holding up five fingers. “Each circle represents a level of mastery and control over mana that I’ve achieved over the years.”
Five circles. I was awestruck. I knew Aria was powerful, but hearing about her achievements made me admire her even more.
“How long did it take you to gain them?” I asked, trying to understand the process better.
Aria smiled, recalling her own journey.
“I received my first circle at five years old, just as you will soon. Each additional circle took years of training, study, and practice. It’s not an easy path, but with dedication and effort, anyone can advance in their mana mastery.”
I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and determination. I knew the path would be challenging, but I was willing to press on.
“What additional abilities do the circles grant you?” I wanted to learn more, seizing the opportunity.
“Each circle lets you handle more mana and cast more complex spells,” Aria explained. “It also improves your ability to maintain spells longer and grants access to advanced techniques. For example, my fifth circle allows me to use powerful offensive and defensive spells simultaneously.”
The admiration in my eyes grew as I absorbed all this new information. I wanted to be as strong as Aria, maybe even stronger, to protect those I cared for and to better understand this world full of magic and mysteries.
“But remember, Kaion,” Aria said, her tone turning serious. “Power isn’t everything. You need to learn to use it wisely. Discipline and control are as important as strength. Even your ingenuity can save you, like when you distracted that monster to save that child. Never forget that.”
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I nodded, understanding the importance of her words. Power without control could be dangerous—something I didn’t want to experience.
“Thank you, Big Sister. I’ll do my best to learn and improve every day.”
She smiled, satisfied with my response.
“I know, Little Brother. I trust you. Now, let’s get back to training. We still have a lot to do before the exam.”
With renewed determination, I stood up and took my position, ready to continue the journey toward mana mastery, guided by my sister’s wisdom and experience.
The days that followed were a mix of intense study and magic training. Aria, my primary instructor, taught me the basics of mana control. We spent hours in the backyard practicing the manipulation of small energy spheres. Though I couldn’t yet perform advanced magic, I learned to feel and channel the mana within me, which was both fascinating and exhausting.
One afternoon, as we rested after a particularly intense session, Lysa sat with us and decided to give me a lesson on the politics of the continent of Profundia.
“Kaion, it’s crucial you understand the world you live in—not just its magic,” she began. “Profundia is a vast underground continent divided into various kingdoms and city-states. While we coexist with other races, like the dark elves and vampires, each group has its own agenda and policies.
“Our race, the Ancients, has a special connection to the mana that flows in our blood. This gives us abilities other races envy and fear. This connection has allowed us to maintain our autonomy, even though we are few. The dark elves, with whom we have a tenuous alliance, are masters of dark magic and have a social structure based on power and intrigue. Vampires, on the other hand, are more solitary and tend to stay on the sidelines, though their influence is undeniable.”
The economy on the continent of Profundia is as complex as the relationships between the races that inhabit it. Our currency, the ‘Lumen,’ forms the foundation of our economy. Over the years, I’ve learned much about how our society functions, including its economic aspects.
The Lumen is made from a special metal that can hold traces of mana, making it valuable not only for its rarity but also for its utility in spellcasting. There are different denominations of Lumen, and to better understand its value compared to a more familiar currency, like the U.S. dollar, here’s a comparative chart:
Value in Lumens (L) Equivalent in Dollars (USD) Description 1L $1 Basic value, similar to a dollar 5L $5 Five Lumens 10L $10 Ten Lumens 20L $20 Twenty Lumens 50L $50 Fifty Lumens 100L $100 One Hundred Lumens
The Lumen is not only an economic unit of value but also a representation of our connection to mana. Each coin, containing traces of mana, serves as a constant reminder of our legacy and our bond with magic. Traders, artisans, and mages frequently verify the authenticity of Lumens using simple spells to detect the presence of mana.
Understanding the value of the Lumen has been essential for me, as managing resources wisely is an important part of training to become a respected mage. The economy of Profundia is not just a matter of material wealth; it’s intrinsically tied to our survival and our ability to maintain balance in this complex underground world.
One day, as I was reviewing an ancient book on the history of Profundia, Aria entered my room. The magical light of the lamp cast a glow in her green eyes, giving them a special radiance.
'Kaion, have you familiarized yourself with Profundia’s economy?' she asked as she sat beside me.
'Yes, I’ve been studying the Lumens and their value,' I replied, showing her the comparison chart I had made.
Aria nodded, looking at the chart approvingly.
'It’s important to understand this, not only for daily life but also because, as a mage, you’ll need to manage resources for your studies and experiments. Mana is our most precious resource, and its presence in the Lumens makes them even more valuable.'
'I know,' I said, reflecting on the connection between our economy and our magic. 'I realize that every aspect of our lives is tied to our ability to control and use mana.'
Aria smiled, proud of my understanding.
'Exactly. Never forget that power and knowledge go hand in hand. The more you understand about the world around you, the better prepared you’ll be to face it.'
With those words, I returned to my studies, determined to learn everything I could about Profundia and its intricate relationship with magic and economy.
After that conversation, my mind was filled with thoughts about how best to use my time and resources. I knew that mastering magic was crucial for my survival and success. I decided to speak with Aria about my progress and needs.
'Aria, I need to learn an offensive spell,' I said with determination as we practiced in the backyard. 'I’ve mastered mana channeling and the shield, but that’s not enough to defend myself.'
Aria observed me in silence for a moment, her green eyes assessing me.
'You’re right. A mage must be prepared to defend and attack,' she finally responded. 'I’ll teach you Mana Shot. It’s a simple yet effective spell.'
I followed her to a clear area in the yard, where she stopped and began to explain.
'The Mana Shot is a basic but essential technique. To cast it, you need to channel your mana and concentrate it into a sphere,' she said, raising her hand to show a small, bright blue ball of energy. 'The damage you can inflict depends on how much energy you channel.'
I focused, following her instructions, feeling the mana flow through me.
'Remember, Kaion, to cast a spell, you must use a chant and envision the result. Imagination is key in magic,' she continued. 'Picture the mana sphere in your mind and chant the words of power.'
I closed my eyes and began visualizing the sphere, reciting the chant that Aria had taught me. I felt the energy accumulating in my hand, and when I opened my eyes, a sphere of mana floated before me.
'Well done,' she said, with a mixture of pride and sternness in her voice. 'Now, aim it at that target.'
I aimed and launched the sphere, watching as it disintegrated a rock in a burst of light upon impact.
'Impressive, Kaion,' Aria said. 'But remember, you must manage your mana carefully. If you spend it all on a single attack, you’ll be defenseless.'
I nodded, understanding the importance of her advice—though little did I know that this simple spell would change my life forever.
The artificial sun that lit Profundia was beginning to set, marking the end of a day of intense training. Aria and I had spent hours perfecting the Mana Shot and other basic spells. My mind was filled with energy and excitement, but also with a growing curiosity about the event that would take place the next day: the Welcome Festival.
The festival was an annual tradition to welcome students from the Academy of Dark Arts in the city of the dark elves. These young mages, warriors, and healers joined teams of various races, learning to work together to survive in our dangerous underground world. Aria had told me about her teammates, and I was eager to meet them.
That night, I had trouble sleeping, my mind buzzing with anticipation for what was to come.
The next day, the village of Draconia was decorated with lights and banners. The villagers had prepared a grand celebration, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement. I walked toward the central plaza with Aria, where many residents and visitors had already gathered.
As we moved forward, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. This festival was not only an opportunity to meet Aria’s teammates but also to reconnect with some of the people I had recently met.
We reached the plaza, and I spotted a group of young people from various races. Among them, I recognized the bear-type therianthrope child whom I had saved during the monster attack. He was surrounded by his clan, and his face lit up when he saw me.
“Kaion!” he exclaimed, running over and giving me a strong hug. “Thank you for saving me. My name is…GAAARRHIAAAASHHHAA.”
“Uh…what?” I replied, smiling. “Sorry, I didn’t understand.”
I watched curiously as his mother approached, a soft laugh accompanying her arrival.
“Forgive him; he thinks you understand the animal language. I am this joyful cub’s mother,” she said with a friendly smile. “In your language, the closest pronunciation for his name is ‘Po Dong.’ We are very grateful for saving our ‘chubby boy,’” she expressed, laughing a little as she hugged her plump son.
The Stone Claw Clan nodded with respect and gratitude toward me as they listened attentively to her words.
As we spoke and Po Dong hugged me tightly, nearly squeezing the life out of me, I noticed Nara approaching, and I quickly freed myself from the child who had transformed into a huge Black Bear, waving goodbye with his paw. Nara was accompanied by a young man with a bone mask similar to hers. His gaze was serious, but there was a hint of recognition in his eyes.
“Kaion, this is my older brother, Ragna,” Nara said, introducing us. “Ragna, this is the one I told you about.”
Ragna nodded, extending his hand in a formal greeting.
“It’s a pleasure to meet Aria Graves’ brother,” he said in a deep, measured voice. “Thank you for looking after my sister.”
“The pleasure is mine,” I replied, shaking his hand as he gave a firm grip. “It’s an honor to meet the warriors of the Bone Mask Clan,” I said, feeling a bit nervous as I maintained eye contact with him through his mask.
Music began to play, and the festivities got underway. There were traditional dances, magic displays, and skill competitions. My sister and her team gave an impressive performance, combining their talents in a spectacle of lights and magic, while my mother conversed with the clan leaders living in the village.
As I watched, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of admiration and longing. I wanted to be like them, to master my magic and be able to protect those I loved.