Elora's hand rested lightly on Ryan's chest, her touch gentle yet filled with a searching intensity.
What she discovered there left her breathless with astonishment.
"There is no conventional mana core within you," she murmured, her voice a mix of surprise and fascination. "And yet, there is a flow of mana, akin to that found within an elf's body, though distinct and unlike anything I have encountered before."
Elora went on to explain the ways in which elves harnessed natural energy, aligning themselves closely with nature and accumulating karma over centuries. But Ryan seemed to possess an innate connection to energy itself, flowing with it effortlessly, even if he remained unaware of it.
"Are you certain you have not been taught any techniques to control mana or energy?" Elora inquired, her gaze penetrating. "And forgive me for asking, but are you even certain of your true nature as a human?"
Confusion and astonishment danced across Ryan's face as he grappled with Elora's words. Her questions challenged everything he thought he knew about himself.
'What is she talking about? Could I be something other than human?'
Seated across from Elora in her enchanting cabin, Ryan felt utterly bewildered. Her questions lingered in his mind, demanding answers that seemed impossible to give.
How could he have learned magical techniques without even realising it? And if he wasn't human, then what was he?
They were sincere questions, given the fantastical world he now found himself in. But uncertainty gnawed at him, a whirlwind of thoughts and doubts, until Elora's voice broke through his reverie.
"Ryan."
Her voice carried a mix of anticipation and caution, pulling him back to the present moment.
"I will now proceed to infuse your body with nature mana," she stated.
Receiving a hesitant yet eager nod, Elora wasn't sure what would come of doing so.
With delicate precision, her fingertips brushed against his skin, releasing a surge of nature mana that flowed seamlessly into his being. A symphony of energy reverberated within him, forging a connection to primal forces he had never known.
In awe, both observed the extraordinary union unfolding. Yet, Elora couldn't ignore the unique challenge – Ryan's boundless affinity posed both promise and risk.
The nature mana flowed, harmoniously merging with his existence. Every fibre resonated, a conduit perfectly attuned to its power. Time seemed to suspend as Ryan subconsciously continued to draw in mana and circulate it around his body.
But Elora's concern lingered. Mishandling the boundless potential could endanger even his life.
Ryan, however, felt exhilarated. The thrilling sense of power was unlike anything else.
But he recognised that experiencing mana was merely the first step; storing and wielding it presented new challenges. Without a conventional mana core and with a constitution that defied understanding, the traditional mage's path seemed closed to him.
Despite that, experiencing the flow of mana within his body was a wondrous and inexplicable experience that left him deep in thought until he suddenly asked "So, what do you think?"
Ryan's anticipation filled the air.
Taking a moment, Elora spoke with intrigue and concern. "You possess a constitution unlike anything I've encountered. A constant channel for mana flow – an extraordinary gift that, without control, can be overwhelming."
Excitement sparkled in Ryan's eyes. "Does that mean I can learn magic?"
Elora smiled, appreciating his enthusiasm. "Indeed, with time and dedication. You possess a remarkable affinity for nature mana. I could even teach you Elven Magic."
Ryan nodded fervently. Learning magic from an elf was like a dream come true for a fantasy novel addict like Ryan, and he smiled just thinking about it.
But seeing how giddy Ryan appeared, Elora couldn't help but be amused and find his excitement almost child-like, going on to ask his age.
Clearing his throat and regaining composure, Ryan answered, "I'm 17, but I'm not sure how that translates here in Aria."
Elora assured him, "Time flows similarly here. But while human mages can have extended lifespans, it still pales in comparison to elves. We live for thousands of years."
Astonished, Ryan shamelessly asked, "How old are you, then?"
Elora's face contorted momentarily. "I believe I am 373, but it becomes challenging to keep track after so long alone."
Sensing her slight discomfort, Ryan offered an apologetic smile, aware of his unintentional intrusion. He had only lived 17 years and could only imagine her lifetime's hardships.
Changing the subject, he then reassured her, "Staying here shouldn't be an issue. My parents passed away five years ago, and my older brother shows up once in a blue moon."
School and his former passions seemed insignificant now, overshadowed by magic and unfolding mysteries. Ryan wanted nothing more than to get started learning how to wield it straight away.
However, Elora still had things she needed to make clear...