Chapter 4: Cracked Mana heart

Celest finished setting up the device as Professor Dunsworth cleared his throat.

 "Each of you will pour a sample of your mana into this device one at a time. It will analyze and provide results."

He paused, coughing lightly before continuing, 

"Remember, this measures only your mana. If your mana reserves are low, you can either train to increase them or rely on other abilities."

One by one, the students stepped forward, placing their hands on the device. The sphere projected a glowing image of their mana heart, displaying their raw magical potential. Most students had a higher-than-average mana capacity, sparking excitement among the crowd.

When it was Shin's turn, the results were disappointing—his mana talent was mediocre. But when Mizuko stepped up, the atmosphere shifted. The device revealed that she possessed an extraordinary gift: Twenty one mana locks. A hushed awe fell over the students—she had the greatest talent for magic among them.

Finally, it was Ray's turn. He placed his hand on the sphere, feeling an odd sensation—it was both warm and cold, soft yet firm. He poured his mana into the device. The usual instant reading was delayed, the device humming as it struggled to analyze him.

When the results appeared, both Celest and Professor Dunsworth raised an eyebrow. Ray had only one mana lock—unusual in itself—but more disturbingly, it was black. Worse yet, his mana heart was cracked, as if something terrible had damaged it, yet it still held itself together.

"problem?" 

Ray asked, sensing the tension.

Professor Dunsworth hesitated before forcing a smile.

 "The machine is quite old. There might be a miscalculation in your reading. Nothing to worry about—you can go back."

Ray nodded and stepped away.

"Is anyone left?" 

the professor asked.

No one responded. Everyone had been tested.

"Celest, take the device inside," 

Professor Dunsworth ordered.

As Celest picked up the device, he mocked.

 "I told you this thing is junk."

Once Celest had left, the professor turned to the class.

 "Now, we'll cover some basic principles of magic."

He took a deep breath. 

"Magic isn't as complicated as it seems. It relies on three key elements: hands, eyes, and commands. Your hands guide the magic's direction, your eyes analyze and focus, and the command activates the spell. If any of these three elements are missing, you'll lose control."

A student raised a hand.

 "What about disabled people?"

Professor Dunsworth chuckled. 

"Magic is a blessing granted by the Absolute and the Eternal. Through its power, physical limitations can often be overcome. But Celestial Knowledge is another matter—that's Professor Graham's expertise."

He clapped his hands together. 

"Anyway, let's try a simple spell. Magic is fun, after all!" 

His eyes sparkled with excitement as he demonstrated. 

"Watch closely—Air Cutter!"

With a swift motion of his hand, a sharp arc of wind shot forward, slicing a tree branch cleanly in half.

"Memorizing the command activates the spell. My hand movement controlled the size and strength of the slash, while my eyes ensured precision. Now, your turn!"

The students eagerly attempted the spell. Some succeeded immediately, while most struggled at first. But with persistence, they gradually improved.

Suddenly, an eerie tension filled the air. Without warning, two fireballs streaked toward the class from different directions.

Professor Dunsworth reacted instantly, raising a barrier to block the first attack. But the second fireball was too far—he couldn't reach it in time.

Then, just as quickly as they had appeared, both fireballs vanished.

The professor's eyes widened in disbelief.

 "What… just happened?"

No one had seen what transpired. Everything happened so fast.

"Nobody's hurt, right?" 

the professor asked, scanning the students for injuries.

The class was silent, confused by his reaction.

"I must be exhausted," 

he muttered, rubbing his forehead. 

"Maybe I imagined it."

But as he turned away, Mizuko caught a glimpse of Ray, swinging his right hand ever so slightly. A faint wisp of smoke curled from his fingertips.

The students who had launched the fireballs stepped forward, apologizing. Professor Dunsworth sighed. 

"I'll deal with you tomorrow." 

With that, Professor dismissed the class and walked away, his mind still clouded with questions.