A wave of weariness washed over me, but I attempted to maintain a composed demeanor. "I understand, Father, Mother. I did notice it during breakfast when my Soul Forces awakened in tandem with my increased appetite. However, I believe that today is rather sudden; perhaps we could discuss this on another day." It seemed like a reasonable request to me.
However, my parents' reactions were as if I had struck them. They apologized for overlooking my feelings but explained that due to their business commitments, there would be no such luxury.
"Son, your Mana is even more extraordinary. It shines brighter than the Mana of children born to common parents," my father reassured me, sharing the good news. For parents, having a child with awakened Soul Forces at such a young age was a great honor.
My mother sighed, interrupting my thoughts, "Son, you truly are exceptional. I should have informed you earlier, but I forgot. Thank you for being understanding." She smiled forgivingly.
"We will provide you with lessons until you can channel your Mana to enter the Academy of Academical Mages (AMAS). Please don't disappoint us, my son," my father urged.
"But, who will be my mentor?" I inquired.
"We are planning to send you abroad for the upcoming year. Rest assured, you will be taught by the finest tutors available to prepare you for AMAS. Initially, we will have you practice the basics of Mana before beginning our formal lessons," my mother replied solemnly.
This turn of events wasn't entirely unexpected, as I had always assumed that I would attend a Mage-related academy.
"Your mentor will be our butler," my father added, leaving me wide-eyed. My cheeks puffed up in a suppressed, hysterical laugh.
"He's even better than you can imagine," my mother reassured me. While I was surprised and uncertain about this new development, it didn't seem like terrible news. If it was anything like learning how to manipulate Mana, it might be manageable.
With a cheerful expression, the butler addressed me, "If you aspire to become an Adventurer Mage, Sir, then I shall provide you with adequate support."
This conversation was recorded in the Book of Records. The butler was not only skilled in manipulating Mana but also possessed various abilities. He could conjure basic fire magic, a skill superior to that of most novice Mages.
Just outside the doorway, the butler instructed me to begin our training. "Come, young lord. Let's start by working on controlling Mana while in a meditative posture. Later, we'll explore simple physical movements," he directed.
I had hoped that I would perform magic the moment he began teaching me. However, as we began practicing magical feats, he advised me to relax. Following his guidance, I obeyed and, after calming my breathing, he urged me to close my eyes.
He encouraged me to visualize a small trickle of water, using it as a visualization aid for Mana. I was to watch this tiny stream until it became a harmonious image in my mind. As I did, I slowly introduced an additional thought - to transform that trickle into an ocean, a continuous cycle of Mana flow.
I could feel the Mana energy stirring within me, a sense of urgency building. Most of the Mana was contained within me, and I had to will it into existence. With practiced mental techniques, I willed my Soul Force to transform from calm waters into a turbulent storm. Gradually, the water began swirling faster, forming a cyclone that expanded outward as more and more energy surged.
I focused on channeling this power around my body, then concentrated my will to infuse that cycling energy with Mana, projecting my thoughts outward. I guided my Mana into a small, condensed ball, as if trying to manifest it into reality. With greater intent, I propelled that Mana further, radiating energy outward.
Gathering and shaping Mana proved challenging. Forcing opposing energies to blend was even harder, and maintaining the continuous circulation was the most strenuous part. The heat from Mana mixing inside me became stifling, as if the inner energy was resisting.
After all, my Mana was converting a foreign and potentially dangerous energy, one not inherently meant for a commoner's vessel. It demanded all my concentration, yet my tutor remained unperturbed, seemingly unaware of my struggles.
I wondered, how difficult was it to manipulate Mana, and what was the difference between a Mage and a specialist in Mana manipulation?
I took a break and noticed a growing dizziness in my head. The pressure to continue remained, urging me forward, but I realized the importance of stopping before it caused physical harm.
My butler cautioned me about the dangers of manipulating Mana without balance and stability. "In your current state, the balance of your Mana is still fragile. While you can recover it quickly, this may have dire consequences in the future, potentially causing physical harm," he warned.
I didn't argue and agreed obediently. The prospect of endangering my own life was a sobering thought.
I then asked a follow-up question, "Can I learn magic once I master the basic skills?" My father explained that while having a basic understanding of Mana control was crucial, magic was merely a by-product, a complement to it. A true Mage was one who effectively manipulated Mana, which was its own kind of magic.
But what about the distinction between a Magical Knight? My father clarified that a Magical Knight was a specialized combat class with defensive barriers as a bonus, while a Combat Magus excelled in offensive spells. Magical Knights were skilled at manipulating Mana in combat.
"Perhaps, we should embark on an adventurous journey. It will help you master the basic techniques," my butler suggested after some contemplation. I nodded in agreement; our family had always stayed in our small town, and it seemed like a worthwhile experience. I trusted my butler's judgment regarding our destination.
After preparing the necessary travel items, we left our residence, taking a carriage towards the city center. Our initial destination was the main hall, a building in the heart of the city.
"Young Master Hiro, your Mana control is exceptional. Some people take years to reach your level," my butler praised.
"I'm pleased that you've made such progress, thanks to your dedication," he added.
I tried to maintain a composed and modest demeanor in response to his praise, but I knew he was sincere, and it made me blush.
During the carriage ride, I noticed that the butler was taking a different route than before, leading us further away from the city center.
"Butler, where are we going? I thought we were heading to the main hall?" I inquired.