Days went by with Kellan's physical training in the morning, and etiquette and literary training in the afternoon. After his introduction to magic, his interest was picked. Thus he spent more and more time in the library reading more books and asking more questions. As the sun streamed down the library windows, Kellan returned to the library, brimming with more questions. Scholar Darius, engrossed in his work, noticed Kellan's arrival with a knowing smile.
"Back so soon, Kellan? Your thirst for knowledge is commendable."
Kellan nodded eagerly. "I need to understand more, Scholar Darius. The book left me with so many questions."
Darius set aside his quill and gestured for Kellan to sit. "Magic, as you now know, is the art of borrowing nature's power. It's not just about seeing and feeling mana; it's about understanding the very fabric of the world. The more you understand, the more powerful your magic becomes."
He paused, his eyes reflecting years of wisdom. "But there's another aspect to it: intent. Magic is not just a tool; it's an extension of oneself. Your intentions, emotions, and beliefs all influence how you wield it."
Kellan leaned forward, absorbing every word. "So, the more I learn and the clearer my intent, the stronger I become?"
Darius nodded. "Indeed. That's why mages dedicate their lives to study and meditation. Knowledge is power, but it is also the path to enlightenment. The more you know, the more you can do. Well, that is if one is a mage."
He took a deep breath before continuing, "The Primordial Ancient Sage, for example, had let go of all worldly desires and submitted to internal meditation under the great Ashvathaa tree. This tree, spanning hundreds of kilometers, is a metaphor that symbolizes the vastness of their wisdom and the depth of their serenity."
Kellan silently absorbed the information.
"But," Darius added, "there are always exceptions. Sometimes, individuals are born with a natural mana sense. These rare individuals can feel and channel mana without training. However, most of them never realize their potential, living and dying without ever knowing the power within them."
Kellan's eyes widened. "So, there could be people out there with this gift who never use it?"
"Yes," Darius affirmed. "It's a rare and tragic occurrence. These individuals, without guidance or the right circumstances, may never unlock their potential. It's a reminder of how precious and delicate the gift of magic is."
Curiosity piqued, Kellan asked, "What is the difference? How can one know they have mana sense?"
Darius explained, "They can not know, that is the problem," his voice taking on a scholarly cadence, "only when a person with mana sense from birth enters a high-energy density area, they can perceive it. It's as if the normal world gains an additional spectrum of colors, a vividness that others cannot see. If then one attempts to channel that energy, one can permanently activate mana and thus become a mage."
"Wow," Kellan reacted, awe evident in his voice. "Then how come there are not more mages?"
Darius sighed, his tone laced with a hint of wry amusement. "As I elucidated earlier, the elite prefer to keep such knowledge concealed. They maintain dominion over all such locations. For instance, in our Alanor kingdom, one such site is situated in the capital, but its exact location is a closely guarded secret known only to the council."
Kellan's curiosity only grew. "Then even if one knows the location, are they even allowed inside?"
Darius shook his head. "No one is permitted inside, without the king's explicit permission. In the 143 years of Alanor's history, High Scholar Marlin was the only non-royal bloodline person granted access to that place. Hmm... It was around 93 years ago. Unfortunately, he did not have natural mana sense and could not benefit from this great opportunity."
"How come he was allowed?" Kellan asked.
Darius leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "High Scholar Marlin saved the crown prince from a conspiracy hatched by his brothers. When Prince Arthur ascended the throne, he bestowed this rare honor upon Marlin. Though it yielded no magical benefit, Marlin served as the prime minister for the entirety of King Arthur's reign and went into seclusion in the mountains after the king's death."
He looked at Kellan, his tone turning more serious. "Forget it, Kellan. Not everyone is so lucky, nor are the kings nowadays so benevolent."