[Next day]
I sit cross-legged in the quiet of the room, the faint glow of the lantern casting flickering shadows on the walls. My breathing steadies, slow and deliberate, as I close my eyes and focus inward.
Collect the mana. Little by little.
It starts as a faint hum, like a distant whisper beneath my skin. Mana isn't loud or forceful—not at first. It's subtle, almost shy, like a thread waiting to be pulled. I concentrate, drawing it carefully, slowly, from the depths of my body.
The energy pools in my chest, light and fragile, as if the slightest misstep could scatter it. My focus sharpens. There's no room for error.
Now shape it.
I imagine the mana as a thin, delicate string, thinner than a strand of hair. It resists at first, shifting and curling unpredictably, but I keep pulling it taut, stretching it into the form I need. My mind wraps around the image, coaxing the string into a perfect circle.
One step at a time. Breathe.
The string begins to curve, trembling as it loops around my heart. Sweat beads on my forehead, and I tighten my focus, pushing everything else out of my mind. Slowly, the ends of the string meet, completing the circle.
Don't rush. Connect it. Hold steady.
For a moment, nothing happens. The string hovers in place, fragile and motionless, as if testing my resolve.
"Move," I whisper under my breath, willing it into action.
I nudge the string gently, giving it a small push of angular momentum. At first, it wobbles, unsteady, but then it begins to spin. The motion starts slow, like a wheel catching its first turn, then builds steadily, gaining strength.
As the string rotates, I feel it—a faint presence around my heart. It's like a barrier, an invisible thread of energy wrapping itself protectively around me.
The mana circle.
I open my eyes, my breath hitching as exhilaration floods through me. "Finally," I mutter, a small smile tugging at my lips.
But the process isn't done. Not even close.
I reach out with my mind, feeling the rotation of the thin string. It's stable now, steady in its path, but it's not enough. A single layer of mana won't make a true circle. It's just the foundation.
Time to thicken it.
I close my eyes again, reaching for more mana. This time, I move faster, pulling another thread from the depths of my core. My movements are smoother now, more confident. The second string takes shape quicker, curving into a circle that mimics the first.
Now comes the tricky part.
Carefully, I guide the second string toward the spinning circle, feeling the faint resistance as the two energies interact. The first circle shimmers, its rotation slowing slightly as it adjusts to the new presence.
"Hold steady," I murmur, my voice barely audible.
The second string aligns itself with the first, merging seamlessly into the rotation. The mana circle thickens, its presence growing stronger, more defined.
The process takes time—too much time. By the time the second layer is fully integrated, my chest aches from the effort. My body feels drained, but I know this is only the beginning.
Five hundred more times.
I let out a low chuckle, shaking my head. "Five hundred more," I say aloud, the corners of my mouth lifting into a wry smile. "Easy."
But the truth is, it's not easy. Every layer added to the mana circle demands more precision, more focus. One wrong move and the delicate balance could collapse, forcing me to start over.
Still, I can't help the excitement building in my chest. Each rotation, each added thread, brings me closer to mastery.
"A mana circle with a mana heart," I whisper to myself, the words feeling heavier than they should.
It's not just a technique. It's a foundation—a power that will shape the future.
I close my eyes again, my focus sharpening as I reach for the next thread of mana. The process repeats, and though my body protests, my resolve doesn't waver.
This is the path I've chosen. And I will see it through.
After a few more rotations of the mana string, the ache in my chest grows sharper, like a dull knife pressing against my ribs. I exhale slowly, placing a hand over my heart.
"It's enough for the day," I mutter, my voice low but resolute.
Opening my eyes, I'm immediately struck by how heavy my body feels. My limbs are sluggish, my breathing labored, and when I look down, I see the sheen of sweat clinging to my skin. My clothes stick uncomfortably, damp and heavy.
I push myself to my feet, my legs wobbling slightly as I find my balance. "Bath," I mutter to no one in particular, heading toward the washroom.
The cool water washes away the sweat and fatigue, leaving me feeling lighter, clearer. By the time I step out and dry off, I feel like a new person. I dress quickly, pulling on a clean tunic and cloak, tying the belt tightly around my waist.
"Mom, I'm ready. Can I go to the church now?" I call out, stepping into the main room.
Anara turns from where she's stirring a pot over the hearth, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Church? Why now?"
I hesitate for a moment, then shrug. "Huh… just to play with friends," I reply casually, avoiding her gaze.
"Play?"
The voice doesn't come from Anara—it's Elara. She pokes her head out from behind the table, her wide eyes brimming with excitement. "You're going to play?"
Before I can answer, Anara steps in. "Alright then," she says, her tone firm but kind. "Take Elara with you too."
I blink, caught off guard. "Elara?"
"Yay!" Elara shouts, already spinning around to dash toward her room. "Wait! I'll get my cloak!"
I stand there in silence, watching her disappear into the other room. I didn't expect this.
"Remember," Anara says, her voice calm but pointed, "you have a sister."
I nod slowly, her words sinking in. Bound. I suppose she's right.
Elara returns moments later, her cloak slightly crooked but her grin as bright as the sun. "I'm ready!"
"Alright," I say, stepping toward the door.
Anara follows us to the threshold, wiping her hands on a cloth. "Be safe," she says, her tone softening as she waves us off. "And don't be late!"
"We won't!" Elara shouts, grabbing my hand and tugging me forward. "Come on, Ori! Let's go!"
"Wait," I say, planting my feet to resist her pull. "We need to do something first."
She stops, tilting her head up at me with a confused expression. "What is it?"
"Treats," I reply simply.
Her eyes light up immediately. "Treats? What kind of treats? Are we getting candies?"
I smirk faintly. "You'll see. But if you want them, you have to behave."
She pouts for a moment but quickly nods, her excitement too overwhelming to let her argue. "Okay, okay! Let's go!"
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The two of us head toward the market, Elara skipping alongside me, her small hand occasionally brushing against mine. Her energy is endless, her chatter constant as she asks a hundred questions about where we're going and what we're getting.
We make our way to the market, Elara skipping along beside me, her excitement bubbling over. The vendors are already busy, their colorful stalls lined with fruits, breads, and sweets.
I stop at a familiar stall, the smell of baked goods wafting through the air. The vendor, a kind-looking woman with silver-streaked hair, greets me with a warm smile.
"Back again?" she asks.
"Yes," I reply, pulling out a small pouch of coins. "I need enough for a group of children."
The woman chuckles softly, already reaching for a tray of colorful candies. "Big group, huh? Are you spoiling them, or are they spoiling you?"
"Let's just say it's mutual," I reply, placing the coins on the counter.
As she wraps the candies in a cloth, Elara stands on her tiptoes, peering eagerly at the treats. "So many!" she whispers, her eyes wide.
I glance down at her. "It's not just for you. We're sharing."
She pouts for a moment but quickly nods, her excitement undimmed. "Okay, but I get to pick first!"
"Fair," I reply, taking the bundle from the vendor. "Thank you."
The vendor waves us off with a knowing smile.
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By the time we reach the church, the children are already gathered in the garden, their laughter ringing through the air.
When they notice me, some wave while others look curiously at the bundle in my hands. Elara, of course, wastes no time running ahead.
"Guess what we brought!" she calls out, spinning in place to grab their attention.
The mention of treats is enough to draw them in. Oliver is the first to bound over, his energy as infectious as ever. "Is that candy?!"
Callen follows more slowly, his arms crossed but his eyes betraying his interest. Ethan and Lila hang back, with Ethan taps on his sister shoulder and signs then her sharp gaze flicking toward the bundle. Mina toddles over, clapping her hands in delight.
Liam stays where he is, leaning against the wall, his expression unreadable but his eyes keen.
I hold up the bundle, letting the children see the array of treats. "Alright," I say, letting my voice carry. "If we're playing, everyone gets a share. But you only get more if you win."
Cheers erupt from the group, with Oliver shouting, "Let's start now!"
Elara tugs on my sleeve, her grin wide. "See? They like you, Ori!"
I glance down at her, smirking faintly. "It's not about them liking me. It's about them following me."
She doesn't fully understand, but her laughter rings out as I hand her the first candy. One piece at a time, I think, as I step into the garden with the others.
I glance at Elara, who clings to my cloak, her wide eyes darting between the other kids. "Come on," I say, nudging her forward. "Let's introduce you."
She hesitates for a moment, then takes a small step forward, her grip on my cloak loosening. I raise my voice, just enough to catch everyone's attention.
"Guys," I call out, and the chatter dies down as they turn toward me. "This is Elara."
Elara waves shyly, her small hand barely lifting, but her nervous smile is enough to draw warm responses.
"Hi, Elara!" Mina chirps, running up to her immediately. She tilts her head, her curiosity shining in her big eyes. "Do you like candy?"
Elara nods quickly, her smile widening. "I love candy!"
"Well, you're in the right place," Oliver says, stepping forward with his usual confidence. He gives Elara a big grin. "I'm Oliver, but you can call me Ollie. Everyone does."
"Because you never stop talking," Callen mutters, his tone flat but not unkind.
Oliver ignores him, turning his attention back to Elara. "Stick with me, and you'll win every game."
Ethan and Lila approach next, with Ethan giving Elara a small wave. "I'm Ethan," he says, his voice steady. "This is my sister, Lila."
Lila doesn't speak, but she raises her slate and scribbles something quickly before showing it to Elara: Hi.
Elara's eyes light up. "Hi!" she says, waving back enthusiastically.
Liam remains at the back, leaning against his usual spot on the wall. He gives Elara a small nod when her gaze meets his but says nothing.
"She's already winning them over," I think to myself, watching the way Mina and Oliver have practically adopted her into the group.
"Alright," I say, clapping my hands once to get their attention. "Today, we're going to play—"
"Tag!" Elara interrupts, her voice loud and excited.
I turn to her, raising an eyebrow. "Tag?"
She nods vigorously, her grin widening as she steps closer. "Yes! Tag!"
Before I can say anything, she throws her arms around my neck, clinging to me like a mischievous monkey. "Tag, tag, tag!" she chants, swinging slightly as she locks her hold.
"Really?" I say, giving her a look that says Why are you doing this?
She doesn't let go. Instead, her enthusiasm seems to spread like wildfire.
"Tag, tag, tag!" Mina joins in, her high-pitched voice echoing through the garden as she bounces on her feet.
"Yes! Let's play tag!" Oliver shouts, pumping his fist in the air.
I glance around, realizing quickly that there's no way to change the plan now. Even Callen looks mildly interested, though he keeps his arms crossed.
Great. There goes my chance to steer this into something useful.
"Fine," I mutter under my breath, trying to suppress a sigh. "We'll play tag."
Elara squeals in delight, releasing her hold on my neck. "I'll start!" she declares, spinning around to face the group. "You all run, now!"
"Wait!" Oliver shouts, stepping forward. "I want to be the chaser!"
"Nope!" Elara says quickly, planting her hands on her hips. "I said it first! I'm the chaser, so you better run!"
Before Oliver can argue further, the other kids scatter, their laughter filling the garden as they dart in every direction. Ethan grabs Lila's hand, leading her to a safe spot behind a tree. Mina runs in circles, giggling uncontrollably, while Oliver bolts toward the far side of the yard, shouting, "You'll never catch me!"
Elara takes off after them, her small legs pumping furiously as she chases Mina first. "Tag, tag, tag!" she shouts, her laughter blending with Mina's squeals.
I watch from the edge of the garden, arms crossed, a faint smirk tugging at my lips. Well, this isn't what I planned, but it's something.
Liam catches my eye from his usual spot near the wall. He doesn't join the game but observes silently.
"Don't think I didn't notice you watching," I mutter under my breath, already filing away what I've learned.
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The game continues, a flurry of laughter, squeals, and shouted taunts as Elara darts around, determined to tag someone. It's chaos, but it's the kind of chaos that makes the garden feel alive.
And for now, that's enough.