Mana.
Anyone in this world can awakening to mana after they reach 12 years of age.
It reveals their innate connection to mana, gaining the ability to perceive and channel mana, which is fundamental for spellcasting.
That is the first step on the path of a mage.
However, just being able to sense mana isn't enough to call someone a mage.
They are still at Tier 0, and called referred to as mana users.
Only after they have the capability to cast one spell without draining their entire mana pool can they be considered as Tier 1, commonly called Novice Mages.
At that stage, one can only perform basic spells such as lighting up small fires, balls of water, wind breezes, etc etc.
As their mana pool is limited, they are restricted to spell complexity and duration.
Only after focusing on learning basic spellcasting techniques, understanding mana flow, and building mana reserves through practice and repeated study can they cast spells that can actually cause damage.
However, without increasing their mana pool, they remain as Tier 1 mages for the rest of their lives.
For advancing to Tier 2, an individual must show considerable talent and dedication through practical tests and mastering what little spells they can.
Finally they get the title of Apprentices as that is also the stage at which they can take the Unified Entrance Exam for the Magic Academies.
Only a small number of people awaken to mana, and then only one out of ten can reach Tier 2.
However, Apprentices can cast more complex spells such as protective barriers, elemental manipulation to cast offensive and defnesive spells.
Due to thier increased mana capacity, they can cast more powerful and sustained spells.
And if one is talented enough, they can learn to enchant objects, or at least begin their learning process as it is just as difficult, if not more, than advancing as a mage.
Even with all that, only one out of thousands can reach Tier 3 due to the restrictive nature of mages.
After all, creating spells wasn't something someone who had just begun walking on the of the mage could accomplish.
They needed spells of higher ranks to reach higher tiers and only through dedicated training could they expand their mana pool.
Thus, the academies came in play.
They allowed for students with potential and talent to be chosen and nurtured in a competitive environment to spike their progress.
After all, if one were to grow without any danger, friends, or rivals, their progress was sure to stagnate.
At least that's one of the public reasons for the Academy's secretiveness for their spells.
Rayce was at the peak of Tier-2, when he went for Unified Entrance Exam for the Magic Academies.
After entering his talent shone with all the resources and correct guidance being available to him.
He developed his skills, finally being able to combine simple spells, like wind and fire, water and wind, water and earth, fire and earth, and many more combinations...
This helped him develop a deeper understanding of mana manipulation, allowing him to finally ascend to Tier 3, being called an Adept Mage.
However, he nevertheless had to pass through rigorous trials, and increase his mastery over spells before finally reaching it.
Currently, Rayce was already on his way to Tier 4, having exceptional control over mana with expanded reserves and refined techniques.
As an Adept Mage, be could finally use items like enchanted staffs or spellbooks to ease his spellcasting as well as enhance it.
However, all of it was nothing but meaningless theory to the current Rayce.
"Damn it!" He shouted, slamming his hands on the table.
After getting a goal to reach Tier 5 in one year, which, by the way, is nothing short of impossible, Rayce returned to his room.
"All I have is less than 2 years! And I can't even sense mana!"
Yes, Rayce had memories, notes, books and everything but the current him just couldn't sense the darned mana in the surroundings.
That was something basic that anyone awakened to mana could do instantly.
Alas, it wasn't Rayce who had this problem, but Rayan.
"Urgh," he groaned, holding his head as he mutttered in frustration, "Just what am I to do now?"
All in all, he didn't have enough time and he didn't know A from B, in magical terms, being worse than even any kid in the world.
Why he was hell bent on doing it, you ask?
That's because he had not other option.
He was given a chance by Zephyr and if he failed to prove himself...
Rayce shivered at the mere thought of how the Celestia Magic Family would take vengeance.
They would surely destroy everything related to me... so as to break me...mentally.
Overcome with pure frustration, he slapped himself hard on the face, trying to put some sense into it.
"I can't even ask anyone, damn it!"
His reputation as the Honors Student gave rise to tons of jealous and petty enemies, and if word of him being unable to sense mana spread, who knew what would happen?
"One thing is fore sure: They'd beat and mess me up until their twisted desires are satieted."
Being smart only allowed him to overthink the negative situations, but proved to of no use to come out of his predicament.
To refresh his mind, Rayce went around his room, searching for any books or notes of his own that could help him.
He would've preferred to got the Academy's vast library if he could, but what if he is asked for a duel?
As an Honors Student, he couldn't deny duels except twice every month, under the condition that he hadn't dueled that month.
If he had already dueled twice a month, then no one could even challenge him.
"At least the academy is conservative, but this guy is an idiot!"
"Just why did I have to come here after he already declined once!"
Venting his frustration, Rayce ended up stumbling upon his bed, falling hard on the floor.
"Urgh, such a shitty day," he grunted and was about to get up when his eyes caight sight of a strange book.
"This is..." He mutttered in confusion, finding it familiar yet unfamiliar.