Before the Vanderwales went home, Jasmine and I exchanged codes for our crystal beads so that we can talk more about the question I gave her. I'm really relieved that she's giving it so much care and attention.
Jamie continued to glare at me, as always, and I would always avoid his gaze.
This is exactly why I don't want to share what I know from my previous world. That one where Noah got curious about where I got my routine from and now, this.
Sigh, I hope I won't be using it again anytime soon.
We bid our farewells, then soon after a few days, Felya also said goodbye and went back to her house in the Ountry Territory.
***
After my birthday, everything was fine, peaceful and calm. As per usual, I was busy cycling around my routine.
But three days after it, my head was suddenly attacked with a surge of pain that made me scream loudly.
Exact same day that I fell on my horse the previous year.
My whole family didn't know what to do and they called the best healers but had no effect.
I felt like I was dying. My head was being split apart for no apparent reason. My mana isn't lacking. My body sure as hell isn't weak.
I was also at a loss with what was happening with my head. After a few minutes of screeching in pain out of nowhere, I finally fainted. Thank the goddess...
["I've told you a wish of ours, my child. Will you be able to fulfill it?"]
A voice full of warmth and affection rang throughout my head before I woke up later in the evening.
Like what had happened when I fell.
It's so weird. Why did this happen? I didn't regain any new memories, nothing. All I had was that excruciating pain in my head.
And that voice...
Their wish? What do they mean about me fulfilling it?
The pain was gone after I woke up at night as if it didn't torture me for minutes. Thankfully, it was no more but still, why did that happen? What was that voice all about?
The Vanderwales heard of it and the next day, I received a call from Jasmine.
She was worried about her father behind her. I assured them there was nothing to worry about and they, hesitantly, gave up.
My parents became such worrywarts soon after. Telling me to not work out for much longer but I told them too that I was okay. Thankfully, nothing like that happened to me again in the next few days.
So peculiar.
***
I could freely use all this time now to focus on my Knight Exam, from March to November, I wouldn't be using my aura and only rely on my body. I hope nothing bad happens again just like that carriage incident.
When I finally told my brothers about my decision to only train my body without aura, they were shocked to their cores.
"H-How can you ignore the basics like that?! You, of all people, Nera!" Noel shouted, genuinely shaking. He held his hand on his chest while having a hard time breathing.
"Nera! I know you're dumb but not this dumb!" Noah shook me by my shoulders and screamed.
"Well, yeah. Don't worry though! I have a foolproof plan!" I said confidently as I tried to remove Noah's hands from my arms.
"Yeah, a foolproof plan! It's complete proof that you're indeed a fool!"
"I hate you!" I raised my fists towards his chest yet he dodged so effortlessly after he let go of me.
"No, you hate yourself even more!"
"I don't! I told you I have a plan!"
"I'm not convinced! This is stupid! Plain dumb!"
"It's because you're not listening! What are your ears for? Decoration?"
"Calm down, you two-"
"Are you backing away from my challenge? Huh, Nera, is that how it is?"
"No, I am not!"
"Then what are you doing?!"
Me and Noah paused from shouting as we breathe deeply after the quarrel. Even Noel can't stop us from arguing like this.
I sigh out of frustration and furrowed my eyebrows.
As Noah saw my actions, he crossed his arms.
"So?"
"I told you, I have a plan."
"Spill it."
"I'm making my body stronger."
"Then why are you ignoring aura?"
"I'm making my 'body' stronger." I repeated but with an emphasis on the word 'body'.
"Are you crazy?"
"Let her speak, Noah." Noel raised his hand in front of Noah and nodded to me.
"No, I'm not crazy."
Maybe I am. If the Nera in the past heard what I said now, she would punch me in the head or maybe even beat me up to get me back to my senses, but unfortunately for you, Nera of the past, I have the knowledge of my previous world.
I have only tried using my aura for a few seconds with the carriage incident in the plaza and from a few weeks of exercise, I improved drastically. I just couldn't tell them this because that would reveal the events that occurred that day. They'd be too worried so I came up with another explanation.
I heard Noah scoff and I continued to explain.
"Look, if I strengthen my body alone, wouldn't that make me stronger if I used it with aura?"
It's so easy to see it that way but not for people who are born with magic always around them.
I saw Noel and Noah flinch. They looked at each other and then to me.
"That makes a lot of sense," Noel said with his stare just becoming more intense.
"...Surprisingly."
"Told you, It's a foolproof plan. Besides, I already did what I could for my aura."
"You haven't. You didn't train your aura once after you turned 18, right? Don't be so lenient." Noel sternly scolded.
"...Yeah but it'll be fine."
When I fell off my horse and sustained that injury, it was right after my birthday.
When you turn 18, aura becomes much more stable and easier to control, therefore, easier to improve. But...
"I'd rather not. It wouldn't be fair for those who entered at 18."
Noah sighed. "Just take advantage of this! It's not your fault you got hurt."
"It was my fault for taking too long to recover though."
It wasn't much for the physical injury but the mental strain I got from the memories I got so immediately right after the day I turned 18. That's why I'm still blaming myself for this.
"And besides, I want to try if I will get strong with just body training."
I already know it's going to work but I had to say something to reassure them that I want to do this.
Both my brothers looked at me, worried. I get their worry, but I'll be fine.
"Gah!" Noah flailed his arms up. "Whatever! If you lose, it'll be my win anyway. There's no convincing you if you've already decided that." He ranted.
I smiled and nodded while Noel chuckled.