The first hints of dawn had barely touched the eastern sky when Zen's eyes opened, his hand instinctively finding Lumiere's hilt beside his bed. The spirit sword thrummed softly at his touch, its energy a gentle reminder of last night's conversation with his father in the garden. One month to prepare for the Academy's test. One month to prove worthy of both blade and birthright.
As he made his way through the manor's silent corridors, Armin could be seen near the main hall.
"Young master," the butler's says, carried in the pre-dawn quiet, "Carac waits at the training grounds."
Zen nodded, knowing that Carac would have already prepared everything needed for the morning's training. His father's retainers had served the Briar family since before Zen's birth, his shadow-based abilities making him as effective a warrior as he was a teacher. The thought of training under him stirred both excitement and apprehension in Zen's chest.
The training grounds – traditionally reserved for meditation, dueling and cultivation – lay behind the manor's main building, its carefully arranged paths winding between ancient trees and crystalline pools and training dummies. As Zen approached, the first ray of sunlight crested the horizon, catching on the morning mist and transforming the arena into a realm of gold and shadow.
Carac stood motionless beside one of the larger pools, his dark clothing nearly indistinguishable from his shadow in the growing light. Having served Lloyd Briar through countless battles, the retainer's presence carried the weight of hard-won experience.
"Young master," Carac spoke without turning, "Now that you have awakened the Aura Manipulation skill, you need to hone it well to ensure you get stronger."
"I understand, I will do my best to catch up."
"Though the skill you have is not in my field, I will teach you how to tap its potential slightly for your test. Show me your resolve, young master."
Zen closed his eyes, reaching for the power that had manifested during his training with Arthur. The air around him shimmered slightly, but the effect was unfocused, raw.
"Crude, but present." Carac finally turned, his eyes sharp as winter frost. "Before we discuss the Aura Manipulation skill, you must understand the foundation of mana – the awakening of skill opens us to the matter that is mana, but to utilize that mana there are 6 channeling points or if you'd rather call them classes." He gestured striking at his chin before continuing.
"The six classes are further broken down into two sections, knight class and non knight class, in the first class, Sabers, Archers and Lancers" he paused before continuing. "In the latter class, Berserker, Caster, Assasin, I for one fall under the latter class and as such can't really help you that much, but there's one thing every class needs and that is a mana heart." He turns to the lake pointing into it as he says.
"Observe the water. What do you see?"
"It's... perfectly still."
"Yes. Now watch." Carac dropped a single leaf onto the surface. Ripples spread outward in perfect circles. "Your current mana flow is like these ripples – expanding outward, dissipating energy. But true power..." He made a subtle gesture, and suddenly the ripples began flowing inward, converging at the center. "True power draws inward, creating a core of concentrated energy."
He knelt beside the pool, inviting Zen to do the same. "The Mana Heart technique creates such a core within your chest. Think of your heart as a still lake. As you draw mana inward, it settles in layers, like sediment falling to the bottom. Each layer builds upon the last, eventually forming a perfect star pattern."
"Why a star?" Zen asked, studying the water's movement.
"The star pattern represents perfect balance between gathering and containing power. Ten stages exist, each star more complex than the last. Most martial artists spend years reaching their first star." Carac's eyes met Zen's. "You have one month. I won't lie to you, young master – this training will push you to your limits and beyond."
"I understand."
"Do you?" Carac's voice carried a hint of steel. "The first star isn't merely about gathering power. It transforms your entire body. Your muscles will scream. Your bones will ache. Some nights, you'll feel as if your very blood is on fire. But each stage of the Mana Heart opens new possibilities."
He stood, with a stick in his hand he drew a diagram on the ground. "The first star allows you to maintain your talent for a longer period. From this foundation grow three branches: Physical Enhancement, strengthening your body beyond normal limits; Physical Barrier, creating protective fields of pure mana; and Armament Aura, imbuing weapons with your power."
Lloyd's voice cut through the morning air. "Teaching my son the harsh realities already, old friend?"
They turned to find the Briar lord approaching, his casual training attire doing nothing to diminish his commanding presence. Behind him, Tess watched with worried eyes.
Carac bowed slightly to his lord. "He must understand what lies ahead."
"And your training plan?"
"I won't go easy on him, my lord." Carac's voice carried absolute certainty. "The young master must be ready for Farcus Academy, and more importantly, for what lies beyond."
Lloyd's expression remained neutral, but his eyes showed approval. "Good. Though perhaps we should let him eat breakfast before you begin breaking him."
"Father!" Zen protested, but Lloyd raised a hand.
Lloyd seeing the fire to continue going nods softly before giving out a roaring laugh. "Bwah hah hah… not negotiable"
Tess stepped forward, touching Zen's arm gently. "Come on, brother. You'll need your strength."
As they walked toward the manor, Zen heard Carac addressing his father. "My lord, there's something else you should know. The spirit sword, Lumiere... it responds to his mana in an unusual way."
"How so?"
"It's as if..." The rest of the conversation faded as they entered the manor, but Zen caught his sister's concerned glance.
Tess squeezed his arm. "Just... promise me you'll be careful, brother. The path ahead..." She trailed off, her eyes distant.
Zen straightened his shoulders, with a sense of responsibility hanging over them. Whatever challenges Carac had planned, he would face them head-on. He had no choice – not with his sister's vision hanging over him like a storm cloud on the horizon.
"Young master," Armin's voice interrupted his thoughts, "your mother insists you eat properly before returning to training."
The smell of breakfast and the promise of his mother's fussing offered a moment of normalcy before the trials ahead. Zen allowed himself to be led to the dining room, knowing that such moments would soon become precious indeed.