The following day, while Rias and her peerage commenced their training with Azazel, I joined Kei, Nox, Ko, and Milicas at an underground obstacle course that Nox had created the night before with my father's approval. This course stretched across a vast underground arena; its dim light illuminated by glowing mana crystals embedded in the walls. The crystals cast an ethereal glow over the terrain, enhancing the mystique of the twisting ramps, suspended platforms, vertical walls, and floating rings—a perfect blend of challenge and breathtaking design.
"This place wasn't here yesterday, Uncle. Did you build it?" Milicas asked, his curious eyes scanning the intricate setup.
I smirked, turning to him. "Today, we're going to have some fun. I had Nox create this training ground because I needed a space to test out my new invention."
"Invention?" Milicas repeated, confusion flickering across his face.
"Yes," I said with a grin. "Ko told me you're quite skilled with mana control for your age."
"Uncle, Ko always says mana control is important," Milicas replied earnestly.
"Good," I said, raising my hand. A magic circle materialized in the air, and from it emerged a pair of sleek skates.
"Uncle," Milicas said, a mix of disbelief and disappointment in his voice, "your new invention is… skates?"
I couldn't help but laugh. "That's right! These aren't just any skates; they're called Devi Trecks. They're powered by a Mana Core Engine—or MCE—which converts raw mana into energy for propulsion. Their design includes a Mana Conductive Frame, crafted from a unique lightweight alloy that channels mana efficiently throughout the structure, enhancing durability, speed, and agility. To ensure adaptability across terrains, the wheels are inscribed with Traction and Suspension Runes. These runes provide exceptional grip and enable smooth movement over any surface—even vertical walls and water—by manipulating the flow of mana. Ultimately, their performance depends entirely on the wearer's mana control, making them as challenging as they are innovative."
I strapped on my Devi Trecks and pressed the activation button. A soft hum filled the air as the skates began to glow faintly, brimming with power.
"Now, Milicas, Devi Trecks users are classified into four skill levels:
Beginner or Mana Walker: Learns basic control of Devi Trecks and mana propulsion.Intermediate or Mana Rider: Gains proficiency in a specific Mana Road and learns basic offensive and defensive techniques.Advanced or Mana Strider: Masters multiple techniques and gains the ability to manipulate terrain using mana.Elite or Mana King: Achieves perfect mana flow synchronization, unlocking the full potential of Devi Trecks.
"Additionally," I continued, skating forward and leaving shimmering mana trails behind, "riders develop their own unique styles, called Mana Roads. This may reflect the rider's elemental affinity, mana control, and combat style."
"Do you have a Mana Road, Uncle?" Milicas asked, eyes wide with curiosity.
I nodded. "I'm a Mana King and the master of the Aether Road."
"Can you show me?" Milicas asked eagerly.
"First, you'll need to put on your own Devi Trecks," I said, gesturing to Ko, who handed Milicas a pair of skates.
At first, Milicas hesitated as he adjusted to the skates. I guided him patiently, teaching him how to balance, distribute his weight, and channel mana into the Devi Trecks. "Feel the mana beneath your feet," I said, my tone encouraging. Milicas focused, making small, careful movements as he began rolling across the smooth terrain.
To motivate him, I demonstrated a series of tricks, flipping and weaving effortlessly. "Come on, Milicas! You're better than that!" I teased, skating backward along a vertical wall.
Within thirty minutes, Milicas was riding comfortably. Kei, Nox, and Ko stood off to the side, watching our game unfold with keen interest. Kei, ever the casual observer, munched on a honey bun while keeping a close eye on Milicas' progress. I grinned. "How about a game of tag? You have 30 minutes to try and catch me! If you don't, I win," I said, laughing as I sped ahead, glancing at a nearby timer that began counting down.
"You won't be laughing for long!" Milicas shouted, activating a small mana burst to propel himself forward. He leaned into a sharp turn, skillfully navigating through glowing hoops.
Impressed by his rapid progress, I decided to up the ante. I darted onto a series of floating platforms, leaping between them and leaving behind faint mana trails.
As the game intensified, Milicas began to anticipate my movements, studying the patterns in how I navigated the obstacles. He used ramps and floating platforms, combining agility and clever positioning to gain an edge. At one point, he came dangerously close to tagging me, lunging forward with a burst of speed that demonstrated both his growing skill and determination. His strategy of cutting corners and using mana bursts for sharp turns was impressive, showcasing just how quickly he was adapting to the Devi Trecks.
"Almost had me!" I called, launching myself into the air with a graceful spin. I landed on a thin mana platform I had created, suspended high above the course.
Undeterred, Milicas found a ramp and charged toward my platform. His Devi Trecks thrummed with energy as he pushed himself harder, his determination shining through.
With Milicas closing in, I decided to showcase my Mana Road. I leapt off the mana platform, soaring high into the air as pure mana flowed beneath my skates, forming glowing pathways in mid-air.
Milicas skidded to a stop, staring in awe. "You can skate on nothing?! That's not fair!"
"Life isn't fair, Milicas," I replied, my voice echoing. "But it's all about pushing your limits!"
I performed a technique called Stellar Drift, weaving through the air in dazzling spirals. The shimmering mana trails I left behind formed temporary platforms. Inspired, Milicas clenched his fists and surged forward, using the fading trails to leap higher.
As the timer approached the final minutes, seeing Milicas' determination to close the gap, I activated Celestial Glide, creating a massive arc of mana that carried me across the entire course. The path shimmered like starlight as I performed a backflip, landing gracefully in the course's center.
Moments later, Milicas skated up, panting but grinning. "You cheated," he teased, breathless but exhilarated.
I laughed, ruffling his hair. "Maybe, but you almost had me. You've got real talent, Milicas. The way you adapted so quickly, predicting my moves and using the environment to your advantage, was nothing short of remarkable. With time and practice, I have no doubt you'll be skating circles around me and mastering your own Mana Road. I'll be proud to see the unique techniques you develop."
Milicas' eyes gleamed with determination. "One day, I'll beat you, Uncle."
I smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'll be waiting for that day. But until then, you'll have to settle for losing to me. You've got the potential to surpass every challenge ahead of you, Milicas
The day after, everyone gathered outside under the bright morning sky. My peerage was due to arrive, and the countdown to my Rating Game had officially begun. All eyes turned toward the expansive courtyard as a large magic circle flared to life, glowing brilliantly and seven individuals stepped forward, their presence commanding immediate attention.
"Christian!" Xenovia exclaimed.