Mana
He was eager to arrive at his destination and hoped that this village held some answers or perhaps a fresh start.
The forest was serene, a place where the air hung still and calm, as if time itself had paused in this tranquil realm. Sunlight filtered gently through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.
Yet Aziel pressed on, his focus unwavering as he disregarded the soothing ambiance surrounding him, his mind set on reaching Glenwood.
A few hours later, as the sun moved further west, Blackie informed him of a small river not far off their current path.
It suggested that Aziel take a moment to rest his weary legs and fill his stomach before continuing his journey, pointing out that traveling with a full stomach is always the best way to go.
Aziel readily agreed.
He was feeling a slight hunger gnawing at his insides, and he gratefully headed toward the river, anticipating a brief respite.
The water in the small stream was crystal clear, reflecting sunlight like a mirror. He could see tiny fish leaping about, frolicking in the fresh water.
He leaned down, gazing into the river.
The riverbed appeared clean, adorned with pebbles and green moss that added color to the scenery.
Aziel dipped his hands into the water, washing them before taking a sip. The taste was refreshing, revitalizing his spirit.
Watching the little fish jumping in the stream made Aziel's stomach rumble. The pangs of hunger urged him to search for food.
In his hungry eyes, the fish gliding through the small river began to look like perfectly grilled delicacies.
He turned to Blackie, hoping the obsidian-colored ring would have some ideas on how to catch the fish.
Blackie provided suggestions.
Calmly, it explained to Aziel how to catch fish using his hands.
Aziel needed to move slowly and ensure the water wasn't too turbulent.
Following Blackie's guidance, Aziel leaned over the riverbank, feeling the chill of the cold water on his legs.
He felt the flow of water brushing against his skin, but his focus remained on the fish swimming before him.
Blackie continued to guide him, reminding him not to rush.
Whenever a fish approached, he needed to be ready to reach out quickly yet gently.
Aziel paused for a moment, attentively observing the movements of the fish. His fingers hovered just above the water's surface, waiting for the perfect moment.
Suddenly, a small fish darted close to his hand.
With precise and swift motion, Aziel plunged his hand into the water and caught the fish before it could flee.
A surge of triumph flowed through him as he pulled the fish out of the water, watching it struggle in his palm. It was small, with delicate scales that shimmered in the sunlight.
Aziel skillfully caught several more fishes, ensuring each movement was exact and efficient.
Afterwards, he began to prepare to cook all the fishes over a campfire he had lit, gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools.
Aziel then grilled the fishes.
Once they were ready, he wasted no time and eagerly bit into the food, devouring it hungrily.
Though the taste was somewhat bland, as he hadn't added any salt or seasoning, he didn't mind and continued eating until he had finished, enjoying every simple bite.
After his meal, he took a moment to rest and reflect on his surroundings.
The tranquil atmosphere enveloped him, allowing him to recharge before continuing his journey.
With his belly full and newfound energy, he prepared himself for the adventure that lay ahead.
Aziel resumed his steps along the path to the village of Glenwood, his pace guided by Blackie.
The peacefulness of the forest seeped into his soul, but his mind began to swell with questions.
Since Aziel remembered nothing about himself or his life before this, and Blackie was reluctant to share any details, his thoughts began to explore the world around him.
As Blackie had described, he was now in the Elysian Forest, and on his way to Glenwood.
So, he asked Blackie if there were important things he should know about this world.
Blackie, in his calm and wise tone, explained that this world was one where magical powers flourished, with the manipulation of Mana energy present in their surroundings.
It elaborated further on Mana, the mystical and natural energy flowing through the atmosphere.
According to Blackie, Mana was an omnipresent force, flowing freely through the world, produced and utilized by nature itself in a harmonious cycle.
This mystical energy served as the essential fuel for the vast array of magic that permeated their realm, enabling extraordinary feats and wondrous powers.
In this intricate web of life, some plants and animals had undergone remarkable transformations, evolving into what human defined as Beasts through their interaction with Mana.
These Beasts emerged as formidable entities, imbued with enhanced strength and intelligence that far surpassed that of common plants and animals.
With their evolution, came a fundamental shift in the natural order, placing them at the pinnacle of dominance—above countless other beings, including humans.
Unfortunately, humans were fated to walk a different path.
Unlike most of the creatures around them, they were unable to directly harness or control Mana in its pure form.
This limitation set them on a quest for power and understanding of Mana energy that would take centuries to unfold.
That was the case until a few decades ago when a groundbreaking discovery changed everything—humans began to uncover the existence of Mana Stones.