THE BEGINNING OF GREAT ARS

Two long years have passed. Yes, two years in which I couldn't accomplish my grand goal: to read those blessed books and practice magic. Let me catch you up. It all started that night after dinner. We were about to go to sleep when Harold, yes, my dear and energetic brother, decided that jumping on the beds was the best idea. Of course, in his "adventure," he ended up revealing one of my most cherished secrets: the book I had hidden behind the cushion! My mother, with the intuition of a hawk, saw it, and well... her reaction was a mix of surprise and anger.

First, because it was clear that her little son, barely a year old, was too intelligent for his age. I mean, what baby in their right mind hides books under a cushion? Exactly, none. Except me, of course. But the worst came after. Do you remember when I almost passed to the other world for the second time? Yes, those four books that fell on me when I was trying to bring them down... Well, my mother didn't forget, and that's why she decided that I couldn't continue with my "studies." She grabbed those books, cast a sealing magic that I didn't even understand at the time, and locked them away in the closet next to where we put the dirty laundry. She told me I wouldn't see them until I turned three. Three long years! You have no idea how stressful those two years were. By the heavens, what desperation!

If only you knew what life is like as a baby... it's a total boredom! My days were an endless routine: wake up, drink milk from mom, sleep, wake up again for lunch, watch how my dad trained with my brother, and then, sleep again! Oh, and let's not forget the glorious moments of pooping. Then more sleep. And so, day after day. What a boring life! I expected something different, exciting, magical in every sense. But of course, all because I didn't think things through before acting. But this time will be different because, as you may know, I turned three a week ago.

Now I am free! I can walk perfectly, I can talk. How about that? I'm a full-grown man now. Heh. By the way... a year ago, I had a dream. A sad dream. My mom from my past life appeared. She told me to stop trying to remember her, to stop tormenting myself over what happened, and to continue with my new life. She said she was at peace, in the afterlife. It was strange. Are dreams always this weird? I don't know. But what I do know is that, with mana at my fingertips, I have no choice but to leave the past behind and look forward. The future is mine.

You know, there's something that keeps bothering me about this reincarnation. In the novels I used to read, the protagonists always kept all their memories intact, but in my case... I'm losing them. It's frustrating. Also, I've noticed that in those stories, the reincarnated ones never understood the language of the new world or knew how to read its writings. But me... I understood everything from the start. It's weird! I'm starting to think I'm a special case. Maybe I'm the first one to reincarnate into a world of magic.

What are the odds? One in a billion? A trillion? Or better... no, no, I better stop thinking about that, it's driving me crazy. Anyway, the important thing now is to get those books. But first... I need to convince mom to deactivate her sealing spell. It can't be that hard, right? I ran straight to the kitchen, my legs are stronger now, so I can use that detail to get there faster. As I do, I start shouting.

"Ma-aa, maaa, maaaaamiiiieeeeee!"

"What's all this racket, Ars? And stop running around like a maniac!" Mom responded, exasperated. I stopped dead in my tracks, looked at mom with my best "innocent child" face, and sighed.

"Sorry, mom... I got excited." She gave me a suspicious look while still chopping something on the table. "Uh-huh, and what's all this excitement about?"

Alright, this is my moment. I need to use all my cunning to get those books. I approach with a charming smile, using the old "good child" trick. "Remember what you promised me when I turned three? It's been a week already!" Mom raised an eyebrow, clearly not too convinced. "And?"

"Well... you promised you'd let me read the books you sealed. I'm a big boy now, I can talk, walk, and... it's time I start learning magic!" I said the last part dramatically, spreading my arms as if I was about to cast a spell right then and there. Mom sighed, as if she already knew where this was going. "Magic, huh? I don't know, Ars, those books are dangerous. Don't you remember what happened last time?"

Ah, of course, the near-death experience with falling books. That was a low blow, mom. But I won't give up.

"That was an accident. Now I'm much more careful. Besides, you even said I'm smart! Don't you want your son to be the most powerful magician of all?" She placed the knife on the table and turned to look at me seriously. "The most powerful magician, you say?" I got her! She took the bait!

"Yes, mom, imagine it. Everyone in the kingdom admiring me, saying: 'Look, there goes the Great Ars Genesis Slith, the most powerful magician in the world!'" As I spoke, I made grandiose gestures with my hands, as if I was already receiving the admiration of the entire kingdom. Mom smiled, but it was that smile that was a bit scary... the one a mother gives when she already knows what you're going to say before you finish speaking.

"Uh-huh... But before that happens, how about you start by cleaning your room? Then we'll talk about the books."

Nooooo! This was not part of the plan. "Mom, that's cheating..." I grumbled, but when I saw her look, I decided it was better to stop. "Alright, alright... But when I'm done, can we talk about the books?"

"We'll see," she responded with a smile that made it clear I was in her hands.

Resigned, I walked back to my room with heavy legs. Clean? Do I really have to go through this? I'm a magician in the making, not a servant of the broom! But well, it's part of the master plan to get the books, so I'll bear it... for now. I entered my room and observed the disaster. Toys all over the floor, clothes thrown around... I don't know what monster attacked my kingdom, but it did. I rolled up my sleeves, sighed like a warrior before battle, and murmured, "Ars Genesis Slith... facing his greatest enemy... the mess!"

I picked up a pair of socks that could've belonged to some magical creature, given their appearance after being there for days.

After a good half hour of hard work, and asking myself several times why magicians don't have spells to clean by themselves, I finally finished. With the pride of having conquered chaos, I approached mom, who was still in the kitchen, now cleaning some dishes. I crossed my arms with a triumphant smile.

"I've completed my mission, Your Majesty." She turned slowly, glancing at me sideways, as if she didn't believe I'd finished so quickly.

"Oh, really? Can I check?"

No! If she checks, I'm done for. I picked up all the big stuff, but I admit a couple of things stayed under the bed.

"Of course, but I don't think it's necessary... I promise everything is perfect." I tried to sound convincing, but mom still had that piercing look. I was starting to sweat.

"I'm going to check, Ars. If it's good, we'll talk about the books. If not... well, you know what happens."

With my heart pounding in my chest, I follow her to my room. Each step she takes seems to echo like a war drum. When she opens the door, I brace myself for the worst. But to my surprise, she enters, looks around, and says nothing for what feels like an eternity. "It's... decent." Finally, she turns to me with a small smile. Decent? Decent is better than nothing! This is a win! "So, mom! What about the books?" She sighs and leans against the wall, as if she's already accepted her fate. "Alright, Ars. You've done your part. I'll give you the books... but first, you have to promise me something." I nod vigorously. "Anything!" "Promise me you'll be careful. I don't want you getting into trouble again. These books aren't toys, Ars. They're powerful, and learning magic takes time. Don't rush it."

Her words are serious enough to make me stop for a moment and think. But then I imagine the feeling of mana flowing through my veins, the possibility of real magic... Yes, I'll be careful! "I promise, mom. This time it'll be different." She nods and turns to the cabinet where she locked away the books two years ago. She passes her hand over the piece of furniture, and a faint, almost golden light shines around it. With a soft gesture, the sealing spell is broken, and I can feel a shiver run down my spine. The books! Finally! She takes them carefully and hands them to me one by one. I can hardly contain my excitement as I feel the weight of those old books in my hands again. "Thank you, mom." My voice comes out a little more emotional than I expected, but I don't care. I'm going to learn magic! She ruffles my hair, smiling.

"You're welcome, son. Now, be careful. And one more thing—only read them. If you want to practice more advanced magic, you'll have to do it under my supervision."

"Okay... Goodbye." I run to my room, my feet barely touching the ground. I place the books on the bed reverently. After all this time, I can finally begin to uncover the secrets of mana. I kneel in front of the bed, my eyes fixed on those dusty books that have been sealed away for two long years. Four books. Four keys that will unlock the doors to my future as a mage. I feel almost overwhelmed with emotion, but quickly calm myself. One step at a time, Ars, slow and steady.

This time, I check the titles of each book, one by one, and read them out loud.

"The Principle of Mana" Ah, this is the first one. The one that will help me understand the origin of everything. Perfect for starting.

"The Art of Shaping Energy" The second one. This must be about spells and how to use them.

"The Art of War and Combat" The third book, definitely something I'll need to study later. Magic and combat... sounds dangerous and exciting at the same time.

Finally, "The Mysteries of the World." This is the last one. Just seeing its title, I can tell it will be important at some point. But for now, I'll set it aside. I'll focus on that when the time comes.

I look back at the first one, "The Principle of Mana." This is my goal, the first one I need to unravel. I hold it in my hands; its old pages almost creak with the touch. I take a deep breath before opening it. When I turn the first page, a small cloud of dust rises, almost as if the book hadn't been touched in centuries. I sit on the floor, cross-legged, placing the book in my lap. The first page has an inscription that catches my attention.

"Mana is the breath of the world, the invisible energy that sustains all that exists. Understanding it is the first step to mastering the universe."

My eyes widen. It's as if the book is speaking directly to me! I turn the next page and begin to read with more attention. At first, it explains what mana is in simple terms. Mana is an energy that flows through all living things: animals, plants, even the air. It's like the air we breathe, but much deeper.

I continue reading as the book goes into more specific details. It says that every living being has a different amount of mana, and that it can be felt if one is in tune with their body and the environment.

"Mana is both internal and external. It is present in the soul of every being, but it also floats freely through the world, ready to be harnessed by those who can connect with it."

I feel a shiver run down my spine. That sensation I've been feeling lately... when I close my eyes and try to concentrate, sometimes I feel something warm, like a subtle current passing through my body. Is that mana?

The book continues to explain that to access mana, one must learn a process called synchronization, where a person learns to feel, attract, and control this energy.

"Mana is like an invisible river. It flows in and out of every being. To control it, one must learn to swim in that river, to feel its flow, and to use it without getting lost in its currents."

I close my eyes for a moment, trying to imagine that river of energy flowing through me. I breathe deeply, trying to concentrate. At first, I feel nothing. But then, little by little, a faint current of warmth begins to circulate through my arms. There it is! I'm feeling it! It's real! My eyes snap open, excited by this small progress. I continue reading, now with more interest. The book keeps detailing how mana is connected to emotions. If one is calm and serene, mana flows more easily. But if one is angry or scared, mana can become unstable and uncontrollable.

"Mastery of mana begins with mastering oneself. Mana responds to calm, to a firm will, and to mental focus. Those who seek to control it must first control their own mind and heart."

I look at my hands, now filled with the desire to practice. I need to experience more of this, feel it, learn to control it... I'm getting closer to my goal! However, the book warns.

"Mana is a powerful tool, but also dangerous. It should not be taken lightly. Many have tried to master it with impatience and have failed, leaving their bodies and minds shattered in the process."

I shiver a little. It's clear that, although it's exciting, the path to mastering mana is not something to take lightly...

I close "The Principle of Mana" and set it aside with a satisfied gesture. Done! First book, mastered. Who said this would be hard? Honestly, I don't understand why it takes people years to study these things. Mastering mana starts with mastering oneself... please, that's just common sense. I stretch a little, raising my arms above my head. Though, thinking about it, it wasn't that bad as an introduction. I can already feel the mana running through my veins, as if it's been there all along, waiting for me to claim it. Now, onto the next one.

I look back at the pile of books and pick up the next one with a confident smile. It's called "The Art of Shaping Energy."

"This one sounds interesting," I murmur to myself, opening the first page with more enthusiasm than I should. With mana more or less "mastered" (at least according to my standards), it's time to move on to the exciting part—the spells! This is where the real magic begins, the fun part. I look at the first pages, explaining the basic ways one can shape mana to create fire, water, or even wind. This is totally my thing.

"Molding mana requires precision and a clear imagination. Spells are the reflection of the mage's will over the energy flowing through the world. From a simple spark to a full storm, everything depends on how skillfully you can guide the flow of energy."

The idea of controlling elements sounds spectacular. I imagine myself throwing a gigantic fireball, or summoning a typhoon with just a wave of my hand. Yeah, I could definitely do that.

"The first step to molding mana into a spell is to focus on its form. The mage must visualize exactly what they want to create and channel their energy into bringing that image to life. The more detailed the visualization, the more powerful the spell."

"Visualize..." I repeat, trying to process the information. Sure, it sounds easy. It's like drawing something in your mind, and bam, it appears. How complicated can it be?

But as I keep reading, the book starts to get technical. It talks about channeling mana from the inside out, stabilizing the energy before releasing it, and how to manage fatigue to avoid running out of strength in the middle of a fight. Things like "overflow" and "magical ruptures" are mentioned, which sound... a little dangerous, to be honest.

"A poorly executed spell can result in disaster. Beginners often experience mana imbalance, causing energy explosions that could damage their own body or those around them."

"Well... I guess a few accidents aren't that rare," I mutter.

I frown for a moment, but quickly shrug it off. Bah! With my talent, I don't think I'll have to worry about that. And with that, I flip through page after page, skipping all the boring stuff—precautions, breathing techniques, emotional balance... whatever! What I want is action, not a meditation class. I want to throw fire, water, rocks, or whatever!

Finally, I reach a section that really catches my attention.

"The most basic fire spell is 'Minor Flame.' It consists of concentrating mana in the palm of your hand, visualizing a small spark that then transforms into a controlled flame. The amount of mana needed is minimal, but precision is required to avoid overflow."

A grin of excitement spreads across my face. That's what I want! Flames in the palm of my hand. The mere idea gives me butterflies in my stomach. If I can do this, then I'll be able to play in the big leagues.

I slam the book shut. "Done!" I say out loud. I've read enough. It's time to practice. At this rate, I'll master all these books before the week is over. Sure, sure, the book said I should focus, that I should be careful. But who has time for that? I'm Ars, not just some ordinary kid.

I set the two books aside and get ready to try my first spell. I feel the excitement bubbling inside me. My hands start tingling, as if the mana is already preparing to come out. I close my eyes, visualize the flame as the book said, and try to focus on the heat flowing through my hand. It's simple; the mana feels like a warm current. Now, I just need to bring it out... shape it... Yes, that's it! I'm about to create my first flame!

I feel a small spark. My hand begins to heat up, and I'm sure I'm getting it right. I smile contentedly, still with my eyes closed, already imagining myself as the next great mage in the kingdom, summoning giant flames in a future magic tournament. But then...

"ARS!!!" My eyes snap open at the sound of my mom's shout. My concentration flies out the window, and suddenly, instead of a controlled little flame, I feel a burst of heat in my hand. "Ah! Damn it!" A small explosion of sparks flies out, nothing serious, but enough to make me stumble back a few steps and shake my hands like I've been burned.

Mom bursts in, frowning, clearly unsure whether to laugh or yell. "What did I tell you about practicing magic without my supervision?" She glares at me with her arms crossed while I make a grimace. "Uh... well, sorry... yeah, mom?" I reply, giving her the most innocent look I can muster. But she's not buying it for a second.

"Ars... The books are for reading, not for you to go crazy making things explode." Her tone is a mix of warning and concern.

"I know, mom, I know." I raise my hands in a peace gesture, although part of me can't help but feel a little annoyed. I almost had it under control. I could have done it. She looks at me with a mixture of exhaustion and affection. "First, finish reading the books before trying anything, okay?" Sighing, I nod. Though deep down, I still have that spark of impatience. I've got everything under control... or at least, that's what I like to think.