Illysha, now back at the inn, massaged her temples, trying to ease the throbbing pain. "I didn't think that using the time spell to pause would drain my mana so quickly," she muttered to herself. She had expected some fatigue but not such a severe headache.
Illysha knew that her young body, which hadn't yet started cultivating mana, had its limitations. Despite her potential to become a great mage, she understood that pushing herself too hard could have adverse effects.
However, she also recognized the importance of developing her magical abilities. She had a unique meditation technique in mind, one she had conceived in her previous life. While it existed only as a theoretical concept before, she now had the opportunity to test it and unlock its full potential. If successful, it would allow her to recover mana more efficiently, akin to breathing in air.
Illyshaa sat down, closed her eyes, and began to sense the mana around her. She guided the flow of mana through her body's blood vessels, directing it towards her mana heart, where it would be stored, processed, and cycled. But there was a limit to how much mana the human body could store.
As she meditated, Illysha concentrated on manipulating her mana pathways, determined to make this technique work. The process was delicate, especially when it involved her brain, where any mistake could be fatal. The eyes, ears, and tongue also required careful handling to avoid permanent damage.
With each step, Illysha felt her connection to mana growing stronger. If successful, this meditation would enhance her five senses and make her more attuned to fluctuations in mana.
Meanwhile, on the continent, communication posts facilitated the exchange of information between the four kingdoms: the South, East, West, and North. These posts played a crucial role in emergency communication, surpassing the range limitations of regular communication magic by relaying messages from post to post.
Back at the Royal Office in the capital city of Morningstar, Rodz Morningstar, the emperor, inquired about the situation. Dean, an elder with a long beard and a 5th-rank mage, hesitated before responding. He explained that while the report of a young girl displaying exceptional magical talent was extraordinary, it wasn't unprecedented in history.
The emperor pressed for more information, and Dean continued, emphasizing that most mages received formal training at academies. However, the young girl in question had awakened her abilities independently and displayed proficiency in casting 1st-class magic, much like the legendary first mage.
Rodz Morningstar, intrigued by the mention of the "first mage," asked if this meant the girl possessed the same potential. Dean clarified that the "first mage" was a historical figure, and there had to be a beginning to the study of magic. Despite the skepticism surrounding the first mage's existence, Dean believed the report was credible due to the conducting mage's reputation.
Acknowledging the uncertainties, the emperor decided to proceed as if the report were true, assuming the girl had exceptional talent. The tower lord remained silent but didn't oppose this decision.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Leon Morningstar awaited further instructions and was called into the office by the emperor.