Chapter 6: Departure of a Prodigy

Elara led Leon through the ornate stone archway that separated the mansion's inner courtyard from the personal training grounds.

As they stepped into the expansive outdoor area, Leon took in the sights—the stone walls that encircled the space, the packed dirt floor beneath their feet, and the paved running track that curved neatly around the center.

Weapon racks lined the edges of the field, filled with daggers, swords, and bows. The quiet buzz of the outside world seemed distant, replaced by the soft sounds of their steps on the ground.

"Sit in the center," Elara instructed, her voice calm but firm, "and begin to feel the mana in the air."

Leon looked at her, unsure of what to do. He was no stranger to the idea of mana, but this was something different.

"Don't worry about how," she added quickly, giving him a reassuring nod. "Just focus. Feel it."

Leon hesitated for a moment, wondering what she meant.

However, Elara kept any further thoughts to herself—thoughts of how, normally, she would guide a student through the process.

With all of his siblings, the teacher had always had to step in, helping them understand the flow of mana, coaxing their bodies through the channels to form their cores. But Leon was different.

His mana had awakened in such an extraordinary way that Elara wanted to see if he could manage the process on his own. She didn't want to interfere unless it was absolutely necessary.

Her decision to let him try on his own wasn't just for Leon's benefit. It was also a test of his talent.

Leon knelt down, crossing his legs as instructed, and glanced back up at Elara. "I don't know how to do it," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Try," she said, her gaze unwavering, "Start by focusing, clear your mind of everything else."

Leon nodded, though doubt lingered in his chest. He closed his eyes, tuning out the pendant that had appeared in his mind after his awakening and the strange letters that occasionally flashed through his thoughts. Slowly, he began to focus inward, pushing everything else away until only the sound of his breath remained.

The air around him felt thick, charged, like a silent current flowing unseen. It was faint at first, barely perceptible, but Leon focused harder, his senses reaching out for the invisible force. Time seemed to stretch, and he wondered how long he had been sitting there, but then... he felt it.

There was something—tiny specks of energy, almost like light, floating around him. At first, it felt like the air itself had taken on a shimmer, a fine dust of power that lingered just beyond reach.

Leon took a deep breath, pulling the mana into himself. As soon as he did, something within him stirred—the pendant, now residing within his mind, began to spin. Faster and faster, the jewel twisted, as if caught in the grip of the energy he was drawing in.

From outside his body, Leon felt the sensation of a vortex forming, the mana swirling around him, pulled in by the force of the pendant. The flow of energy was unlike anything he had ever experienced before, and Elara watched in shock as the mana swirled into his body at an unnaturally rapid rate.

Leon didn't know what was happening, but his instincts guided him. A pressure was building inside him, spreading through his veins, his muscles, every fiber of his being. It felt as though his body were being stretched to its limits, but he kept his focus, trying to follow the strange sensation.

The mana was rushing through his body in a stream that he couldn't control, and soon he could feel the blood rushing to the surface of his skin, as if his veins were about to burst. He looked inward, trying to make sense of the burning sensation that was building.

There! In the middle of his chest, he could sense a hollow space, a core yet to be formed. The mana was flowing through him, spreading through his body in chaotic patterns, but there was nowhere for it to settle. It was too much.

A memory surfaced—something Elara had said: Warriors have a core.

Without thinking, Leon reached inward, gathering all of the mana flooding through him. He focused on the empty space in his gut, pulling the energy there. Slowly, with careful concentration, he began to condense the mana into a ball, a focal point.

The sensation of the energy pooling in his center felt both painful and exhilarating. He focused harder, breathing in even more mana, pushing it into the core he was forming, circulating it, compressing it. The more he worked, the more his body seemed to hum with power.

Minutes turned to hours as Leon continued to shape the energy, forcing it to settle into a solid core. A deep ache spread through his body as the mana moved through his channels, circulating more freely, but it was far from over. His body burned with the effort, as though his very skin were being torn apart, but still, he persisted.

And then, finally, with a sharp intake of breath, Leon felt it—his core had formed. It wasn't much, but it was solid, the swirling energy now encased in a hardened shell.

He opened his eyes to see the first stars beginning to twinkle above. The sun had set without him even realizing it, and he stood, feeling the weight of his new power.

Feeling the new strength surging within him, Leon instinctively jumped into the air. But the power he had gained from his core was overwhelming, and he soared higher than expected, too high for his balance to control. He landed with a hard thud, rolling to a stop.

Groaning, Leon slowly stood and looked around. His eyes widened in shock when he saw not only Elara, but his father—Varek Nightshade—standing just a few paces away, watching him with expressions that flickered between astonishment and something deeper, something unreadable.

"Impressive," Varek said, his voice low but clearly laced with awe.

Leon blinked, struggling to comprehend what had just happened. He had completed the Initiate stage on his own, and now... his father had witnessed it. The weight of the moment hit him all at once.

"Well, Leon," Varek said, his voice low but carrying an undeniable edge of curiosity, "how did you guide your mana? You've advanced quickly, but that method of yours… it's unusual."

Leon hesitated for a moment, trying to think of the right words. "I... I just felt like it should go that way," he replied, not fully understanding how or why his body had moved the mana in such a specific pattern.

Varek raised an eyebrow, his lips pressed into a thin line. "You simply felt it, did you?" He looked over to Elara briefly, who remained silent but seemed to be observing the exchange. Then, turning back to Leon, Varek's voice grew more intense. "And how did you form your core?"

Leon's eyes widened as he recalled the process. "I… found an empty spot in my gut, and it just felt like it fit there. So I collected all the mana and focused on shaping it there."

Varek's eyes darkened for a brief moment, and Elara's expression flickered with surprise. He said nothing at first, allowing the silence to hang in the air. Then, with careful deliberation, he spoke.

"That's extraordinary," Varek said, though his voice was clipped, giving nothing away. "Normally, the core is formed around the heart. It's where the mana naturally flows, through the blood channels and veins. The heart is the center of circulation, both for your blood and mana."

Leon nodded, but confusion clouded his thoughts. He had thought the heart would be a good place for his core, but he had instinctively felt that his gut would be better suited to the task.

"Mana channels are intertwined with your veins, layered outside them," Varek continued, his voice low but filled with a hidden intensity. "That's why mages and warriors alike typically form their cores around the heart—it grants easier access to the bloodstream, and it's the safest, most natural choice."

Leon was taken aback, his heart sinking with the realization that he may have made a grave mistake. "So… what I did…" he trailed off, unsure of what to say.

Elara and Varek exchanged a brief, knowing glance. It was clear they both recognized the magnitude of what had happened. Then Varek fixed his gaze back on Leon.

"Why did you choose the gut?" Varek asked, his tone somewhat softer, but still laced with authority.

Leon thought carefully. "I thought that by placing it in the center of my body, like the gut, the mana would be able to flow more easily. The heart is a good place, I know that, but I figured this would make it easier for the mana to circulate around my entire body. It seemed more… practical."

Varek sighed, his gaze turning distant for a moment as he processed Leon's reasoning. "I understand your logic," he said, but there was a tinge of disappointment in his voice. "However, you should have asked before making such a decision. What you've done is hardly ever seen in the world. It could have backfired terribly, Leon."

A sense of regret filled Leon's chest as the weight of his father's words sank in. "I… I didn't know," he admitted, feeling the sting of his own oversight.

Elara, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward. "This was my fault," she said, her voice steady, but there was a hint of apology in her tone. "I didn't guide him through the process as I should have. I wanted to let him try it on his own, to see if he could do it without assistance."

Varek's gaze hardened slightly as he turned to Elara. "I understand your reasoning," he said, his voice calm but stern. "However, this lack of guidance is unacceptable. You are responsible for his training, and this mistake falls on you as much as it does him."

Leon felt a pang of guilt, but he remained silent. His mind raced, wondering what would happen next.

"I will not have you teach Leon in his physical studies any longer," Varek said, his voice final. "From now on, you will focus on his academic education only—his classroom studies. His combat training will be handled by someone else."

Elara's eyes flickered with surprise, but she didn't argue. She simply nodded in acknowledgment of Varek's decision.

"Leon," Varek said, his tone softening as he turned back to him, "you will be receiving a new instructor for your combat training. One who will correct this situation and ensure that your physical development doesn't suffer because of it."

Leon stood still, absorbing the weight of his father's words. He had made a mistake, but the punishment had not come with the rage he had expected. His father's decision was calculated, and Leon knew it wasn't a punishment in the traditional sense. It was a lesson, and one he would have to learn from.

"Yes, Father," Leon responded quietly, his gaze focused on the ground.

Varek nodded, satisfied. "Rest for tonight. Tomorrow, we'll begin again."

With that, Varek turned and walked away, leaving Leon standing in the training field, his mind filled with conflicting emotions.

Elara, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, finally spoke.

"Don't let this discourage you, Leon," she said, her voice softer now. "You've accomplished something extraordinary today. We'll fix this. You'll be fine."

Leon began to head inside with various thoughts plaguing his mind. 

After a fulfilling meal, Leon made his way to his room, his thoughts still swirling from the events of the day. His mind wandered over the conversation with his father and the confusing way his mana had flowed. It was a lot to digest, and he felt overwhelmed by the sudden pressure placed on him.

"I need to focus," Leon thought as he lay down, staring at the ceiling. "I can't let this hold me back."

Soon enough, exhaustion caught up with him. His eyes grew heavy, and he drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.

The next morning, Leon woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed. A sense of clarity had washed over him as the sun peered through his window. After freshening up with the help of his maid, Eira, and eating the nutritious meal Gerard had prepared, Leon made his way to the classroom, mentally preparing himself for the day ahead.

Elara greeted him as usual. "Good morning, Leon. Please have a seat. Today, we will focus on the basics of diplomacy and etiquette among nobles."

Leon inwardly groaned, already imagining hours of tedious lectures on the nuances of noble society. He dragged himself to his seat, eager for the lesson to be over.

For the next few hours, Elara went over the finer details of noble life—the various titles, the importance of manners, how to speak in formal settings, and how to conduct oneself in the presence of important figures. She explained the subtleties of diplomacy, the art of negotiation, and the necessity of knowing when to act and when to stay silent.

Leon, however, could not shake the dullness of it all. He tried to stay focused, but his mind kept drifting. He had no interest in playing the political games of the nobility, especially when all he wanted was to become stronger.

Finally, the lesson ended, and Leon left the classroom feeling drained by all the new information. He muttered to himself as he walked toward the training grounds, "Stupid etiquette and diplomacy. So boring."

The training grounds were a welcome sight. He could finally focus on something that interested him—physical training.

As he approached, a tall, muscular figure stood waiting for him. The man looked even larger in person than Leon had imagined. His dark brown hair and eyes, along with the short beard, gave him a rugged yet disciplined appearance. The man wore black training garments, and a longsword was strapped at his waist.

"Hello, Leon," the man greeted with a firm yet calm voice. "I'm Maddox, and I will be your teacher for combat studies from now on."

Leon gave him a quick, respectful nod. "Nice to meet you, Sir Maddox. I'm looking forward to learning from you."

Maddox's eyes gleamed with approval. "Good. We'll start with something basic. Run laps around the training ground. Ten laps. Go."

Leon didn't hesitate. He sprinted off, his legs burning as he completed lap after lap. The packed dirt ground felt firm underfoot, but after the sixth lap, Leon began to feel the fatigue setting in. His muscles screamed for a break, but he pushed forward, focusing on completing the ten laps. By the time he finished, he collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air.

Maddox approached, his tone encouraging. "Impressive, Leon. You're only three years old, and you've already reached the Initiate level. Most talented children don't even reach that level until they're six."

Leon just nodded, too tired to respond.

Maddox's gaze softened. "But you need to stop using mana while you train."

"What?" Leon asked, confused. "Why?"

Maddox walked over to him, his expression serious. "At your level, the mana circulating inside your body enhances your physical abilities. It's automatic now that you've reached Initiate, and if you continue training while it's circulating, your physical body won't develop as much as it should. You need to train your body without relying on your mana."

With a simple gesture, Maddox pressed his finger lightly against several key points on Leon's body—his chest, shoulders, and back. Suddenly, Leon realized that the mana he had always felt flowing through him was now gone. It was as if it had been blocked or sealed away.

"Now," Maddox said, "you'll have to train without using your mana. Don't worry, it'll help you build your physical strength properly. Take a short break and then continue running, as many laps as you need. You'll also be doing stretching exercises to improve flexibility and eventually weapons training. This is the foundation, Leon."

Leon's mind raced with the new information. He had never considered training without mana. It felt strange and somewhat uncomfortable, but he understood the logic behind it. With a resigned sigh, he nodded. "Alright, I'll do it."

Maddox smiled, sensing Leon's determination. "Good. Take your time, and focus on building stamina. After that, we'll move on to the next phase. I'll be pushing you, but it'll be worth it."

As Leon began his next lap, he couldn't help but think, If this is easy, then what is the real training going to be like?

But there was no turning back now. With a new resolve in his heart, Leon continued running, determined to push through the discomfort and lay the groundwork for his strength.

...

Four years passed in a blur of rigorous training and tireless effort. Leon, now seven years old, had grown significantly stronger and more skilled under the watchful eyes of Maddox and Elara.

His training with Maddox in combat had pushed him to his limits, and he had honed his physical abilities through countless sparring matches. Despite his immense effort, however, he had yet to land a single blow on Maddox. It was a humbling experience, but one that had motivated him to grow even more.

Now, during their final sparring match, Leon fought with every ounce of energy he had left. His muscles burned, sweat poured down his brow, and his breath came in heavy gasps as he swung his sword at Maddox, but every strike was effortlessly blocked or evaded. Maddox's movements were as fluid and precise as ever.

Leon, exhausted beyond measure, finally collapsed onto the ground, his chest heaving as he fought to catch his breath. Maddox walked over to him with a bottle of water in hand, offering it to him with a warm smile.

"Good work, Leon," Maddox said, sitting down beside him. "You've come a long way. You're one step closer to mastering your craft."

Leon took the water gratefully, drinking it down in large gulps. His exhaustion had dulled his usual fiery spirit, but he couldn't help feeling proud of how far he'd come.

"Today will be your last day training with me," Maddox continued, looking at Leon with a fond expression. "Your eighth birthday is coming up in a month, you'll be heading back to the main estate tomorrow morning."

Leon paused for a moment, processing the news. It felt bittersweet—he had grown so much under Maddox's tutelage, and now it was time to part ways. Maddox had always been a tough but fair teacher, pushing him when he needed it and offering guidance when Leon was lost.

"You are truly a genius, Leon," Maddox said, his voice warm with pride. "If you keep your mind and goals firm, you'll rise to the highest places in this world. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Leon stood up, still feeling the effects of the training, but he made sure to straighten his back and bow deeply, cupping his hands as he did. "Thank you, Sir Maddox. I will never forget your teachings. I really had fun training with you."

Maddox chuckled heartily, giving Leon a firm pat on the back. "Don't get too sentimental, Leon. We'll meet again one day. Now, let's go inside and get ready for your departure."

The preparations for Leon's departure moved swiftly. As he freshened up with the help of Eira and donned new clothes, he felt a sense of nervous excitement. This was a new chapter in his life. He had grown so much in the past four years, but he knew there was still so much more to achieve.

When he stepped outside, the air felt crisp, and the sky was clear. At the front gate, Elara, Gerard, and Maddox waited to send him off. The staff, too, had gathered to wish him well.

Elara stepped forward, a proud smile on her face. "You've grown into a fine young man, Leon. You are truly a great child. Remember, shake the world, and don't let anything hold you back."

Leon smiled, a deep warmth in his chest as he looked at his teacher. "I won't forget your lessons, Elara. You've done so much for me. I'll always remember everything you've taught me."

Maddox gave him a hearty clap on the shoulder. "Don't let your training stop here, Leon. I'm sure you'll accomplish great things. Just remember, you've only just begun."

Leon nodded, bowing respectfully to Maddox and Elara. "I will repay you both for all you've done for me. One day, I'll make you proud."

Elara and Maddox exchanged a knowing glance, but they simply nodded and smiled. "We were only following orders, Leon," Elara said softly. "But we have no doubt you'll achieve greatness."

Leon turned to Gerard, his personal butler for the last four years. "Gerard, I have one request. When I have my own estate, I want you to be my personal butler. Will you accept?"

Gerard smiled warmly, his face softening with emotion. "Of course, young master. I'll always be there when you need me."

With that, Leon boarded the carriage drawn by the automated horses. As the carriage began to move, he glanced back one last time at the people who had been a part of his life for so long. Maddox, Elara, and Gerard stood at the gate, waving him off.

As Leon disappeared into the distance, heading toward the next phase of his life, Elara turned to Maddox. "That child… He will cause change. When I first took him under my wing, I feared that what I'd done to him might stunt his growth, but it seems my doubts were misplaced. His instincts are terrifyingly sharp."

Maddox nodded thoughtfully, his gaze lingering on the horizon where the carriage had vanished. "His core is truly something remarkable. I wish I could have formed mine in the way he did. It's not something that's typically done. I wouldn't be surprised if he shakes the very foundations of the world."

Gerard, who had been quiet until now, spoke up with a hint of sadness in his voice. "I'm going to miss that child. He's kind-hearted and compassionate. Most of the young masters and ladies who have stayed here were arrogant and conceited, wrapped up in their talents and their titles. But Leon... he's different. He embodies the true meaning of nobility. I can't wait to see how far he'll go."

Elara and Maddox exchanged a glance, both of them hesitant, as they looked at Gerard.

Gerard, though he had always been a reliable butler, was no ordinary man.

In truth, he was an ascendant rank warrior of the Nightshade family given the name "Night bane", tasked with protecting the children of the main estate in times of danger. He had witnessed many young masters and ladies grow up, yet none had ever impressed him enough to earn his respect or servitude—until now.

"His potential… is unmatched," Maddox murmured, before the group began walking back toward the house. Gerard's eyes remained fixed on the path Leon had taken, his heart heavy with a mix of pride and longing.

As the others turned to head inside, Gerard stood still for a moment longer, taking in the fading sound of the carriage wheels. That child... He will leave his mark on this world.

And with that thought, he followed them back, but his heart remained with Leon, who had already begun his journey into the future.