A Mind in Agony

As I examined the potion bottle, its elven script in the label revealed a plethora of inscriptions—a testament to the language commonly employed in all matters related to magic.

As I contemplated the remaining journey homeward, an unexpected voice called out to me, disrupting the anticipated tranquillity.

"Ryan?"

I turned my gaze towards the source of the call, discovering that it originated from a carriage adorned with our family's insignia. Reacting swiftly, I employed a spell I had crafted in the past.

"Astral Veil."

This intricate third-circle spell, born of my ingenuity, had the power to conceal my true level of magical prowess. It had even deceived my father on previous occasions.

However, this time, the speaker happened to be none other than Victor Wishmyth, the second eldest son of our house.

"Ah, second brother," I acknowledged, acquiescing to his wish as I stepped into the carriage.

"What brings you here?" he inquired; his tone laced with curiosity.

"I had errands to attend to, but the coach driver refused my request for transportation, so I ventured alone," I explained.

"I see," he replied, and silence befell the carriage. Moments later, he broke the quietude, offering his thoughts.

"It is fortunate that you have relinquished your pursuit of the succession race. However, your decision to delve into swordsmanship remains perplexing. Given your exceptional aptitude for academics, you could have carved a path within the ministry, thus safeguarding our family name from potential disgrace."

I chose not to respond verbally, opting instead to convey my understanding through a meaningful gaze. Soon, our journey culminated as we arrived at the Wishmyth mansion. I bid farewell to Victor and retreated to the solitude of my room.

"They truly despise swordsmanship, don't they?" Galadriel inquired.

"Hmm," I simply nodded in agreement.

"They are simply too lazy to wield a sword. Well, let them witness the beauty and power of swords, now that all the preparations have been made," Galadriel spoke with determination.

"Of course," I grinned, sharing her sentiment.

The next morning, I rose early and made my way directly to the barracks where the knights were stationed. I knocked on Cassius' door, and he opened it, still rubbing his sleepy eyes.

"I suppose I am here a bit early," I remarked.

Upon seeing me, Cassius grew anxious. "Y-Young master?"

I waited outside his room as he quickly freshened up, and then I entered his quarters.

Swiftly, I handed him the mana recovery potion.

"I am going to lose consciousness in a few moments. When that happens, you must administer this potion to me. Do you understand?" I emphasized, seeking his unwavering comprehension.

"Young master?" Cassius stuttered, taken aback.

"Cassius, this is of utmost importance. Do you understand?" I locked eyes with him, my determination shining through. Reluctantly, Cassius could only nod in agreement.

It's not that I placed absolute trust in him, but I sought his assistance due to his identity as a knight. Even if he were to attempt to disclose this information to others in my family, they would ridicule him without even giving him a chance to explain.

Furthermore, he could not afford to let me perish here due to the mana backlash, as it would lead to the entire purge of his family under the kingdom's laws for killing a noble descendant.

I settled onto the couch, informing Galadriel that she could proceed with her task. Cassius stood nearby, nervously positioned near the door, not too far from where I sat.

Having already invoked the Astral Veil spell, I concealed my identity as a third circle mage from Cassius's eyes.

Without delay, Galadriel initiated the process of absorbing mana from my mana circles. As the mana steadily diminished, the rotation of my mana circles began to slow.

Beads of perspiration formed on my forehead; evidence of the strain caused by the significant mana drain.

"In the aftermath of this process, I may be temporarily unable to communicate with you. Dedicate yourself diligently to practice, following the guidance outlined in the memories or manual I am transferring to you," Galadriel's voice resonated within my mind.

I simply nodded in acknowledgment, unable to utter a word as the depletion of mana left me physically and mentally taxed. Breathing became increasingly difficult, and my entire body convulsed while numbness pervaded my being.

Gradually, the mana circles ceased their rotation altogether, and a dark veil descended upon my vision as consciousness eluded me.

**********************

Upon regaining consciousness, I found Cassius seated nearby, his face etched with tension and an empty bottle of mana recovery potion in his hands.

The depletion of mana had caused the Astral Veil spell to dissipate, but I detected no discernible fluctuations in Cassius's mana, he hasn't checked my mana circles' condition, assuring me that he remained oblivious to my mana circles. I intended to keep it that way.

As I attempted to rise, my entire body throbbed with discomfort. "Water," I called out to Cassius, who promptly went to fetch some. The ache in my body served as a stark reminder of the toll the mana depletion had exacted upon me.

"Has it succeeded?" I inquired, directing my words to Galadriel. In response, there was only silence. Recalling her earlier statement, I resigned myself to the absence of a reply.

Delving into the depths of my consciousness, I sensed a weighty presence. Giving it a subtle prod, a torrent of images and words surged into my memory.

The onslaught was overwhelming, causing me to emit a sharp cry of anguish. The intensity of the pain was unbearable, as if my very mind was being rent asunder. The influx of the instructions grew more relentless, escalating the agony to an unbearable level.

With gritted teeth, I braced myself against the torment, yet the strain overwhelmed my mental fortitude. Once more, a shroud of darkness descended upon my vision, and consciousness eluded me.