A Spark of Curiosity

Venustusia Arsia, a genius mage whose 8th-circle mana heart made her second only to the Emperor—the empire's 8th-circle mana heart swordsman and her husband, graced the training ground with an aura of authority. Despite their unparalleled strengths, it was unclear who would triumph if they ever clashed, though such a duel had never occurred.

The morning sun bathed the Arsia Magic Academy's grounds in a soft golden glow, the air carrying a faint chill that hinted at the lingering night. Students shuffled uneasily, their attention fixated on Venustusia, whose violet robes seemed to ripple with their own rhythm, brushing against unseen currents. Her presence alone silenced the whispers, commanding respect effortlessly.

Venustusia's voice rang out, smooth and calm. "Today marks your first class at Arsia Magic Academy, so let us begin without undue pressure."

Her gaze swept over the students, as though weighing their potential. With a faint smile, she posed her first question: "What is mana?"

A palpable hush fell over the training ground. Students exchanged glances, their expressions betraying uncertainty. Everyone knew what mana was—or thought they did—but articulating its essence proved elusive. Claire Arsia, standing amidst the crowd with an air of quiet confidence, knew the answer all too well. As Venustusia's daughter, she had learned this early on, yet she refrained from speaking, choosing instead to give others the opportunity.

Beside her, Emilia Serus, a shy figure with soft eyes and an ethereal wind spirit dancing around her shoulder, glanced at Claire. She seemed to guess that Claire knew the answer, but her confusion grew as the princess remained silent.

Venustusia's smile widened slightly, her penetrating gaze urging the students to respond. After a moment of hesitation, a boy tentatively raised his hand, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke. "Mana is energy that lets us use magic."

Venustusia nodded, her expression kind yet pointed. "A fair attempt, but it's only part of the truth."

Encouraged yet still tentative, more students tried to answer, each building upon the last. Yet none could capture the full scope of mana's essence, and Venustusia gracefully declined each response with gentle corrections. The subtle challenge she presented only deepened their curiosity.

Finally, with a light laugh, she addressed the class. "It seems we have much to ponder. Bring your answers to our next lesson—I expect thoughtful insights." Her tone carried both encouragement and expectation, leaving the students eager to rise to the occasion.

As she dismissed them with a wave of her hand, murmurs of incredulity broke out. "That's all? The lecture is over already? Not even twenty minutes!"

Claire and Emilia exited the grounds together, their expressions thoughtful. Around them, the other students eyed Claire nervously, well aware that she likely knew the answer. Yet none dared approach her—not out of fear of her wrath, but out of respect for Venustusia's instructions.

Claire's stoic grace contrasted with Emilia's quiet curiosity, and as they walked, the shy girl seemed to ponder the enigma of mana as much as she did Claire herself. Though few words passed between them, a subtle bond seemed to form in the lingering silence, the promise of friendship quietly blooming.

The field emptied slowly, the golden sunlight streaming across the now-quiet grounds, where the echoes of Venustusia's challenge lingered in the air.