The path for power (2)

The princess advanced with confident steps, flanked by Alaric, who was attempting to keep his composure after his little mishap. Her presence was serene yet powerful. She wore a robe adorned with golden details that gleamed under the afternoon sun. All the summoned youths fell silent as she reached the center of the camp. Even the murmurs faded away in the wind as they waited to hear what she had to say.

"Welcome to the training grounds of the Kingdom of Aether," she began, with a voice that radiated calm and authority simultaneously. Her eyes swept over the group of summoned youths, briefly stopping on each one. "You are here to learn to control the mana that flows through this world. This skill is essential for your future and for passing the entrance test to the Kingdom's Academy."

Kaeleen felt a mixture of anxiety and hope as he listened to the princess's words. He knew this was his first big step toward something greater, toward mastering his power. But he also knew the road would be long and filled with challenges.

"You have been summoned to this world with an artificial mana core," the princess continued, slowly pacing as she spoke. "These cores are temporary and will not allow you to use mana effectively. Therefore, your first objective here will be to transform that artificial core into a natural one."

The princess paused and raised her hand, in which a small bluish sphere of light appeared, floating. The sphere rotated slowly, pulsing gently as if it had a life of its own.

"The mana core is the source of power that every living being in this world possesses. Its growth follows a process that moves from a latent core to a refined one, passing through the stages of awakened and expanded. At this moment, the artificial core inside you is not even considered a latent core. To begin your real training, you must first create the mana circuits that will allow this energy to flow through your body."

The princess's explanation seemed so clear, yet Kaeleen felt a slight fear as he thought about the process. Mana circuits… It was a completely new concept to him, something he had never imagined before being summoned to this world.

"To form these circuits," the princess continued, "you must practice the flow of mana within your body. In this way, the mana will slowly open the pathways, creating the energy veins that will enable you to use your abilities. This is the first step."

Kaeleen's eyes widened slightly at the description. The process sounded complex but also incredibly fascinating. For the first time, he felt a small spark of hope. Perhaps he could master this power. Perhaps, after all, he wasn't destined to fail as he always had.

"The training will last seven days. Each day, you'll get closer to completing your mana circuits, and by the end, when you've managed to create a latent core at level 2, you'll be ready for the final test," the princess concluded, nodding slightly.

"That will be the entrance test for the Academy!" exclaimed Alaric, resuming his usual enthusiasm. "But be careful, only those who pass the test will be admitted. Anyone who fails will have to fend for themselves with only a single gold coin."

A restless murmur ran through the group of summoned youths. Kaeleen swallowed. The pressure was palpable, and everyone knew what was at stake. Some of the more arrogant ones looked at the others with contempt, clearly confident in their abilities. Among them, Kaeleen spotted the two young men who had been bothering him earlier. They were second and third place in the magic trials, and their attitudes hadn't changed a bit. Their disdainful gazes fell on him as if they were already anticipating his failure.

"Mana manipulation is essential," the princess continued, interrupting Kaeleen's thoughts. "Each day, you'll practice with your teammates and under the supervision of your instructors. Today, we'll begin with the first exercise: learning to feel the mana flowing through your body."

Kaeleen watched as the princess gestured to Alaric, who nodded and began handing out small crystals to the summoned youths. Kaeleen took his carefully, feeling the cold surface against his skin.

"This crystal will help you visualize the flow of mana," explained the princess. "You must concentrate and allow the mana to enter your body through the crystal. Let it flow through every part of you, but be cautious. Mana can be unstable if not handled correctly."

The youths sat on the ground, each holding their crystal, preparing for the exercise. Most formed small groups, while Kaeleen found himself isolated once more, feeling their eyes on him.

When Kaeleen began to concentrate, an odd sensation overtook him. The crystal in his hand began to warm slightly, and he felt a current of energy flowing into him. He closed his eyes, trying to focus on the sensation of mana flowing within him. However, instead of feeling a smooth, controlled energy, he felt as if a violent wave was crashing through his body, like an overflowing river trying to force its way through.

The pain hit him immediately. It was as if his body couldn't withstand the pressure of the mana, as if it were trying to force its way too quickly, tearing through everything in its path. Kaeleen's face contorted in pain, and he gritted his teeth, trying to endure it. He could feel the mana ripping through his insides as it attempted to create the circuits.

The princess, who was supervising the exercise, also noticed what was happening. Her eyes focused on Kaeleen, and she quickly approached him, extending her hand toward him. A soft glow enveloped her fingers as she murmured a healing spell.

At that moment, Kaeleen felt a comforting warmth that soothed the pain. The mana, which had been an uncontrolled force before, now seemed gentler. Without opening his eyes, Kaeleen allowed the warmth to flow through his body, relieving the unbearable pressure he had felt moments before. He didn't realize how close the princess was until he felt her presence right beside him.

When he opened his eyes, he found the princess's face very near his own. Her eyes were filled with concern, and her golden hair fell gently around her face.

"Are you alright?" she asked, with a soft smile.

Kaeleen, surprised by her closeness, blushed immediately, looking away shyly. "Uh… yes. Sorry, I didn't realize…"

The princess smiled again, amused by his reaction. "Your affinity with mana is much stronger than it seems. That's why it was so painful for you. But don't worry, I'll be here to help you."

Kaeleen looked at her with surprise and gratitude. No one had ever shown such concern for him before, and the mere fact that the princess offered him her help made him feel both uncomfortable and grateful.

"Thank you…" he murmured, still overwhelmed by the princess's closeness.

She nodded, then stood and returned to the center of the group. "You can all rest now. Tomorrow we will continue with the exercises."