Chapter 3: What is Mana Heart?

Ray, still hungry and slightly irritated from his failed attempt to find the cafeteria, returned to his classroom.

 A few students were chatting idly, but Ray paid them no mind. He slumped into his seat, resting his head on the desk. Just as he was about to close his eyes, his stomach growled loudly, echoing in the quiet room. Ray's face flushed with embarrassment, and he quickly sat up, hoping no one had noticed.

But someone had.

A soft tap on his shoulder made him turn. It was Princess Mizuko, her golden hair catching the light as she smiled warmly at him. In her hands were two cream buns, neatly wrapped. 

"Well, I don't have much left" 

she said, her voice gentle,

 "But this might help a little."

Ray stared at her, unsure how to respond. He wasn't used to people being kind to him, especially not someone as radiant as Mizuko. He remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Mizuko's smile didn't waver.

 "Ahhhaa, It's a friendship offer" 

she said, placing the buns on his desk.

 "Please have it. No need to be shy."

Ray still didn't reply, but he pointed at his desk, indicating for her to leave the buns there. Mizuko understood and placed them down before walking away, her presence leaving a faint trace of warmth in the air.

Ray stared at the cream buns, his stomach growling again. He sighed, unwrapping one and taking a bite. His face immediately twisted in mild disgust. 

"I don't like sweets," 

he muttered under his breath. But hunger won over preference, and he finished both buns, though his expression made it clear he wasn't enjoying them. He stuffed the wrappers into his bag, planning to throw them away later.

Just as he finished, the bell rang, signaling the start of the next class. Students began filing out of the classroom, chattering excitedly. Ray stood up, when a boy with long dark blue hair and flaming orange eyes approached him. His skin had a golden glow, and his presence was almost otherworldly.

"Hey, Worven" 

the boy said, his voice friendly. 

"Great thanks helping Aeon earlier."

Ray didn't respond verbally, simply nodding in acknowledgment.

The boy continued, 

"Sooo, Since Aeon's at the nurse, Prof Arch asked me to guide you. Right now, We're heading to our magic class. Ya know.. Where we learn cool boom boom."

 He paused, then chuckled.

 "Hahaa, Sorry, Where are my manners?? I'm Shin, Shin Kawasaki."

"Glad to meet" 

Ray said curtly, his tone neutral.

Shin didn't seem bothered by Ray's lack of enthusiasm. 

"C'mooonn, Lessgoww . The training ground's nearby."

——————————————————

The training ground was a vast open area, filled with students from different classes. The air buzzed with anticipation as everyone gathered around a middle-aged man who stood at the center.

 He wore a black and gold mage outfit, holding a staff made of bones and silver, topped with a bright golden orb. His hair was pure white, save for a single black bang that hung over the right side of his face. A gold monocle with a black flower pattern adorned his eye, and his skin had a slight reddish tint, giving him an almost ethereal appearance.

"Welcome, Students"

 the man said, his voice carrying authority. 

"I am Professor Harley Dunsworth. Today, We will be discussing the mana and its role in magic"

Shin leaned over to Ray and whispered, 

"After Principal Kenshinton and Professor Archwood, he's the best mage in our school."

Ray didn't respond, his attention fixed on the professor.

Just then, Celest Aldridge arrived, running slightly late. He carried a peculiar device that looked like a stand with intricate designs.

 "Gosh, look how old this thing is getting, Professor," 

Celest said, holding up the device with a smirk.

Professor Dunsworth sighed. 

"Whatever if it still works, it's great."

Celest rolled his eyes but set up the device. It was a Mana Measuring Device, a tool used to gauge a person's magical potential. The professor turned back to the students. 

"Before we begin measuring your mana, let's first understand how mana works."

He paused, letting his words sink in.

 "We mortals possess something called a Mana Heart. It is a spiritual organ within our soul, and surrounding it are small, orbiting entities known as Mana Locks. The number of Mana Locks you have determines your mana capacity and magical talent"

At this, Celest straightened up, a proud smile spreading across his face. Professor Dunsworth noticed and sighed again.

 "And this," 

he said, gesturing to Celest,

 "is the person with the most Mana Locks in the school. The average human has a maximum of eight Mana Locks, but this kid has thirty-one. He broke the previous record by almost double."

The students gasped, murmuring in awe. Celest's smirk widened, his golden eyes gleaming with pride.

But Professor Dunsworth wasn't done.

 "However," 

he added, a mischievous glint in his eye, 

"he is absolutely stupid when it comes to Archonic Elements. Bwahahahaha!!!!"

The class erupted into laughter as Celest's face turned bright red.

 "Professor, you didn't have to say that!" 

he protested, crossing his arms.

A girl with pink hair raised her hand. 

"What's Archonic Elements?"

Professor Dunsworth nodded. 

"Archonic Elements are the abilities to control in the presence of its corresponding Archon. Archons are the living sources of their designated elements, and as long as they exist, we can harness their power."

He paused, letting the information settle. 

"But we'll learn more about Archons later. Today's focus is on mana and magic. Now, let's begin measuring your Mana Locks."

The students buzzed with excitement as Celest activated the Mana Measuring Device. Ray stood silently, his crimson eyes narrowing as he watched the device hum to life.