The next morning, Axis awoke with excitement.
After his usual training that mainly consisted of him walking around the castle, he cleaned up and made his way to the mansion's library.
For some reason Ranel had to go somewhere else so he was going there alone, Ranel had given him directions the previous evening, so he navigated the grand hallways with ease.
The library was an impressive sight with towering shelves filled with books of all sizes sunlight streamed through large windows casting a warm glow beside the window.
Seeing so many books for the first time in his life, Axis took a deep breath, the scent of aged paper, wood and leather bindings filling his nostrils.
"System, any specific books I should look for?"
As if answering his question, the system bell rang.
{ Ding }
{ A new task has been issued }
{ Task : reward of patience is not always sweet }
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Task details :
Objective : Gather information about 'mana awakening'
Details : Understanding the process of mana awakening is crucial for your growth, Although you have not yet undergone the awakening, gaining knowledge about the process will prepare you for what lies ahead. Investigate and gather information on the nature, process, place, and potential implications of mana awakening.
Note : Host has to Investigate and gather information on his own, the system will not spoon feed the information.
progress : 0.0%
Time limit : 5 days.
Reward : 005 EXP, a random grade magic stone.
Additional reward : Will vary depending on the performance.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Guess I won't be able to rely on the system for the duration of the task," Axis muttered to himself.
He pouted and said aloud, "And isn't it a bit unfair, System? I've been training for half a month and only got 10 EXP, and this single mission has 5 EXP as a reward. Unfair! It's unfair!" He crossed his arms, pretending to be angry.
-_-
The system wanted to refute that Axis had mostly walked around the mansion in the name of training and should be grateful he got any EXP at all, but it decided to ignore his complaint.
Seeing no response from the system, Axis shifted his attention to the task at hand. "Alright, System, let's get started," he murmured to himself.
He began to scan the titles on the shelves, looking for anything related to mana or magic. The library seemed endless, each section dedicated to a different subject. Skimming through the titles, he finally found a shelf labeled "Mana Basics."
Looking around, he picked some books whose titles seemed interesting and sat on a nearby chair, placing the books on the table. The first book he opened was titled "Introduction to Mana and Its Mysteries."
As he flipped through the pages, he read about the fundamental concepts of mana, its sources, and how it permeates the world. He learned that mana awakening was a process that unlocked an individual's ability to sense and manipulate mana. The process varied from person to person, but it often occurred around the age of five to seven.
Taking mental notes, Axis continued reading. The next book, "The Path to Awakening," detailed various rituals and ceremonies different cultures used to awaken mana in young children. Some involved meditation and focused breathing exercises, while others required the guidance of a skilled mage.
He learned that the process of mana awakening could differ from region to region and family to family. Nobles often had specific steps that had been followed for generations in their families, which ensured a safer and more predictable awakening.
However, commoners who awakened mana faced much greater risks, as they lacked the refined processes and guidance available to the noble families. This often resulted in a higher likelihood of adverse effects during the awakening.
Axis absorbed this information with a sense of awe and determination. He realized that while the path to mana awakening was fraught with risks, the knowledge he was gaining would be invaluable when his time came. With renewed focus, he continued to delve into the books, eager to learn as much as he could.
Axis spent hours engrossed in books within the vast library, absorbing as much information as he could about mana and the mana awakening ceremonies.
Despite his efforts, he realized that the books only provided a broad understanding and lacked specific details.
Just as he was about to leave and find someone to ask, he saw several maids rushing as if there was a ghost chasing them. When he asked what the fuss was about, she informed him that his second older sister, Lilithra, had just returned to the mansion and was in her office.
Not having heard anything about his family members until today, he was understandably curious and a bit nervous.
Asking directions from passing maids, Axis made his way to Lilithra's office, his small footsteps echoing in the grand hallways. When he reached the door, he hesitated for a moment before knocking softly.
"Come in," Came a warm, strangely familiar voice from inside.
Axis pushed the door open and stepped into the office.
Lilithra was looking at some documents, fully immersed in her thoughts, while furrowing her brows.
She had light violet hair cascading down her shoulders and dark violet eyes that seemed to pierce through whatever she focused on.
Lilithra looked up from her desk, her cold glare sending shivers down Axis' spine.
Just as she saw Axis was the one to come in her eyes lighting up with a mix of surprise and affection.
"Axis!!!!! Why did you come here shouldn't you be resting more? " She said, while hurrying over to him and picking him up as if he was a glass doll.
"And why is no one escorting you?" She said, with a dangerous glint which vanished very quickly while she sat on the sofa nearby.
Axis, still in her arms, felt awkward being picked up for some reason.
Axis studied her face, trying to remember. He could sense a deep connection but struggled to remember anything. "Are you my sister?" he asked, hesitantly not sure of what to expect.
Just as she heard the "Are you my sister?" her brain and body froze, unable to move like a statue.
"W…what did you say?"
"Did you just say… "
"You don't remember me… "
"That can't be… "
As if the world had come to an end, all the color in her face drained, in the chaos of her thoughts her body lost strength for a moment making Axis fall backward.
Seeing him fall was enough to come back to life.
"Are you ok, Axis? You are not hurt are you?" Checking on him, she spoke hesitantly, feeling guilty.
" I am ok," he said, trying to assure her.
A few moments later.
Feeling the silence awkward, I spoke.
"Are you my sister?"
Ruffling his hair gently, "Yes, little brother, I am. I'm Lilithra, your 2nd older sister. You've been asleep for quite a while now, but it's wonderful to see you awake."
Axis managed a small smile. " 2nd older sister? I'm sorry, I don't remember much, or anything in fact."