A Fractured Dawn

Huff, huff…

Perscillia jolted awake, her heart pounding from the same relentless nightmare that had plagued her for as long as she could remember. In the dream, darkness pursued her, an inescapable void that swallowed any sense of direction—neither forward nor backward, only an endless, panicked flight. Groping for the edge of her blankets, she took a deep breath and opened her eyes. She stretched her arms, the familiar warmth of her bed still clinging to her. Reaching over, she rang the small bell beside her bed.

The sound summoned five maids, who entered her room with practiced grace. They greeted her in unison, their voices blending into a harmonious chorus. As they began their morning routine, they placed a bowl of fresh water beside her and awaited her next command.

After washing her face, Perscillia turned to the head maid, Bethy. "Bethy, did I wake up late today?"

Bethy, always attentive and efficient, responded, "No, Princess Perscillia. Master and the family have not yet arrived for breakfast, but they will be here shortly. You must hurry."

With a nod, Perscillia rose and began preparing for the day. The palace dining room was a grand space, adorned with opulent decor and a long, polished table that stretched across the room. The table was surrounded by a multitude of chairs, each one carefully arranged. A lavish array of breakfast items was laid out—fresh fruits, delicate pastries, savory dishes, and aromatic coffee.

At the center of this regal spread sat her father, Eupherim Evacard. He was a striking figure, tall and commanding, with a powerful presence that demanded respect. His rugged appearance and stern demeanor were softened by his handsome features, though he was known more for his actions than his words. Perscillia was well aware that her father was not a man of many words. He communicated more through his actions and occasional nods than through lengthy conversations.

Approaching him, Perscillia greeted him with the proper etiquette. "Good morning, Father."

Eupherim glanced up from his meal, his gaze sharp but not unkind. He acknowledged her with a curt nod, his usual form of communication. Perscillia, accustomed to this reserved interaction, accepted it with understanding. She knew that despite his stoic exterior, her father cared deeply for her.

Next, she turned to her mother, Jana Evacard. Jana was a vision of grace and beauty, her elegant demeanor complemented by her striking features. She looked up with a warm smile as Perscillia approached.

"Good morning, Mother," Perscillia said, her tone full of affection.

Jana's eyes softened as she replied, "Good morning, Perscillia. We were waiting for you."

Perscillia's gaze then settled on Leon Reinhart, her friend and a boy a year older than her. With his dark hair and green eyes, he was both charming and perceptive. They had shared many conversations and experiences growing up.

"Good morning, Leon," she said with a smile.

Leon returned her greeting with a cheerful, "Good morning, Perscillia."

As Perscillia took her seat and began eating, her father's usual quiet demeanor was interrupted by a question. "Perscillia, how is your power holding up? Are the nightmares still occurring?"

She took a moment to respond, her voice tinged with frustration. "My powers are going berserk now and then. With such a large mana pool, it's difficult to control. As for the frequency of my nightmares, they're as frequent as before awakening."

A look of concern spread across the faces of everyone at the table. Her mother, ever the voice of reassurance, said, "Your mana pool is exceptionally large for a First Circle mage, so it's understandable that you're struggling to manage it. But with continued effort, you'll be able to control it in time."

Leon added his support, "Yes, Perscillia. I believe you'll master it before you start at the academy. Your talent and determination will see you through."

Perscillia nodded, appreciating their encouragement. The rest of breakfast proceeded without incident, and once the meal was over, she bid her family farewell and set out to meet her magic instructor.

Crambell Lavagelion, the son of a branch family and a Five-Star Mage, was known for his expertise and his rigorous teaching methods. He was a skilled mentor, and Perscillia was eager to benefit from his guidance.

Arriving at his study, she knocked on the door and announced her presence. Crambell opened the door and greeted her warmly, "Good morning, Princess Perscillia."

"Good morning, Master Crambell," she replied with a polite bow.

The lesson for the day focused on developing her ability to sense mana. Crambell explained that understanding the inner 'skin,' or soul, was crucial for sensing mana more effectively and building a solid foundation for actual magic practice. Perscillia was relieved to move past the basic shaping exercises, although she was quite talented. Her late start due to personal circumstances meant she had to catch up.

She seated herself in a lotus position, awaiting Crambell's instructions. He said, "Princess, gather all your mana and direct it to the area between your eyebrows. You will feel a wall there; your task is to break through it."

Perscillia followed his directions, but manipulating the mana proved difficult. Her mana was particularly stubborn, resisting her attempts to control it. Despite her advanced knowledge of magical theory, the practical application was proving challenging. It was an ironic twist that she excelled in magic formulas but struggled with the physical manipulation of her mana.

Her persistence was admirable, but she struggled to break through the wall of resistance. Crambell, observing her struggle, felt a pang of sympathy. He had never encountered a student with such talent yet faced with such fundamental difficulties. With a look of encouragement and concern, he said, "Lady Perscillia, it seems you will need to continue with your shaping exercises for a while longer."

Perscillia's thoughts raced. I've been practicing secretly for days. Why am I still unsuccessful when others manage it on their first try? Her mood, which had started on a hopeful note, soured instantly. The rest of her day was spent in a haze of frustration, as she engaged in casual conversations with Leon, read through her books, and attended her other classes.