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Chapter 12: Mana and magic
Alice stood in the palace's private training room, frustration bubbling inside her. She was trying, once again, to sense her mana. But like every other time, nothing happened.
She closed her eyes tightly, focusing as hard as she could. Everyone else—her brothers, Aria, even Ryan—had already sensed mana. It seemed so easy for them, but she still couldn't feel a thing.
Why can't I do it? she thought, biting her lip. Her breathing quickened as frustration built inside her. No matter how hard she tried, there was only silence. No warmth. No energy. Nothing.
What's wrong with me?
Just then, Alice heard the door creak open. She turned quickly to see Ryan standing in the doorway. He didn't say anything at first, just quietly walked into the room. Alice quickly looked away, trying to hide her frustration.
"Hi, Alice," Ryan said softly as he approached. "What are you doing?"
"I'm trying to sense my mana," she muttered. "But it's not working."
Ryan watched her for a moment, then spoke gently. "You know, I struggled with mana at first too."
Alice snorted. "Yeah, right. You sensed mana when you were two."
Ryan nodded. "That's true. But understanding it took time."
Alice crossed her arms, feeling annoyed. "It's different for me. I can't even sense it at all."
Ryan didn't argue. He just smiled . "That's okay. It doesn't mean you won't get there."
Alice glanced at him. He sounded so confident, but she wasn't sure she believed him. After all, she'd been trying for so long, and nothing had changed.
Ryan stepped closer. "Can I show you something?"
Alice hesitated. She didn't really want him to show her how easy it was for him when she was still struggling. But she nodded anyway, curiosity winning out.
Ryan closed his eyes and stood still for a moment. Alice watched as a faint shimmer appeared around his hand, the air rippling softly with mana. It was calm, natural—nothing like the struggle she faced.
Alice stared at the mana, amazed by how easily he controlled it. She had been trying so hard to force it, but maybe that was the problem.
"How do you do that?" she asked quietly.
Ryan opened his eyes and smiled. "I don't think too hard about it. I just try to feel it."
Alice frowned. "But I can't feel anything."
Ryan nodded thoughtfully. "I think I have an idea why you can't sense it."
Alice's eyes widened. "What? How could you know? My parents have taken me to priests, bishops, even the Archbishop, but no one could help me. The Archbishop said only the Pope might be able to fix it. So how can you know?"
Ryan shrugged. "The Archbishop probably knows what's wrong with you. That's why he sent you to the Pope. As for me, I'm just really sensitive to anything related to mana."
Alice was confused. "If the Archbishop knew, why didn't he cure me?"
Ryan smiled slightly. "Let me explain from the start."
Alice was still skeptical but decided to listen.
"What do you think mana is?" Ryan asked.
"Magic?"
"Not exactly. It's the energy that produces magic."
"So, what does that have to do with my problem?"
"It's important. If mana is what produces magic, then you can't use magic unless you can sense mana. Do you know the steps to using mana?"
"Don't you just sense it and then build a mana pool inside?"
"Yes, but it's more complicated than that." Ryan paused before explaining. "First, you sense mana. Then, you guide that mana inside you. The mana forms pathways and branches, what I call mana veins. These veins converge to form the mana pool. The speed and efficiency of this process depend on your bloodline and talent."
Alice nodded slowly, trying to follow.
"Why do you think nobles are usually the ones with strong mana?" Ryan continued. "It's because their bloodlines make them more sensitive to mana. Most commoners can't even sense it, and if they do, it's often too late—usually when they're around eight or nine, which is too late to build the mana pool properly."
"Why is there a time limit?"
"Because after the age of ten, the human body can't handle forming a mana pool. If someone tries, they could die. There are exceptions, but that's the general rule."
"So, are you saying I'm one of those exceptions?" Alice asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Not quite. You lack mana sensitivity. That's the issue we need to fix before we move forward," Ryan explained.
"But why couldn't the Archbishop fix me? Why did he tell my parents to go to the Pope?"
"It's related to holy magic," Ryan said, leaning forward slightly. "The way to fix your problem is to help you feel mana inside you. Once you can do that, you should be able to sense mana and build your mana pool just like anyone else."
"And only the Pope can do that?" Alice asked, confused.
"Yes, because of something called mana poisoning," Ryan explained. "Holy magic doesn't harm the body when used properly—like healing magic. But the problem comes when converting holy magic back into mana and letting it flow through your body. If it's not controlled perfectly, it can hurt you or even cause death. Only someone with incredible control, like the Pope, can do it safely. After all, darkness and light are similar to laws; unlike normal elements, they are extremely difficult to control.
Alice was silent for a moment, processing the information. "But why haven't I heard about this before? I've read books in the library about mana, bloodlines, and magic, but I've never heard of mana poisoning or 'laws' you keep mentioning."
Ryan smiled mysteriously. "Maybe I'll explain another time, when we're closer. For now, let's focus on solving your problem. And don't ask me why I can do what even an Archbishop can't. Just think of it as my way of helping you."
"But how can I let you do something so dangerous if you won't tell me everything?" Alice asked, clearly frustrated.
"You have to trust me," Ryan replied calmly. "Or, you can have your parents pay a huge price to get the Pope's help, with a chance it could still affect your mana pool."
Alice stared at him. "Why should I believe you?"
Ryan's expression softened. "Your choice. I'm just trying to help you as a friend. I won't force you, and you don't need to tell anyone."
Alice sighed, feeling overwhelmed by everything. "Fine. Give me some time to think about it. Meet me here tomorrow at the same time."
Ryan smiled and nodded, walking toward the door. "Take your time, Alice."
As Ryan left the room, Alice felt a strange mix of emotions. She had a lot to think about, but for the first time in a while, there was a small glimmer of hope.
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