Raiden had spent over a week researching mana hearts, immersing himself in every scrap of knowledge he could find.
He devoured the family library's limited selection of introductory tomes on magic theory and physiology, but the details were vague and frustratingly limited.
There was one thing he knew for sure, though: a mana heart was the true seat of magical power, located on the right side of the chest, and creating one was an achievement reserved for prodigies—or so he was told.
Frustrated by the lack of specifics, Raiden decided to go directly to his mother, Lady Elise. Her reaction, however, took him by surprise.
"Raiden," she had said, her eyes widening as she looked down at her three-year-old son. "Why on earth would you ask about creating a mana heart at your age?"
"Because I want one," he had replied simply, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
Lady Elise's initial shock softened into a gentle smile, but there was a hint of concern in her gaze. "My little one, it's... far too early for you to worry about things like mana hearts," she explained, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Most children don't begin forming theirs until they're closer to ten. Trying it now would be… well, impossible."
"Even if I have strong luck?" Raiden had asked, his tone hopeful.
Lady Elise chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Even with your good luck, Raiden. But since you're so determined, I'll tell you a bit about it."
With a sigh, she had knelt down and explained, in terms he could understand, that a mana heart was a reservoir for magical energy, formed by condensing and channeling mana into a specific, controlled space within the body. She warned him that the process was complex and required absolute control, but Raiden took in every word as though his life depended on it.
His conversation with Lady Elise only deepened his fascination, so a few days later, Raiden decided to ask the Goldheart family's Chief Guard, a hardened veteran with years of experience and a mana heart of his own.
The Chief Guard's reaction was similar to Lady Elise's, though his surprise quickly shifted to amusement. "I don't know whether to call you ambitious or foolish, young lord," he had said, chuckling. "But if you're this interested in mana hearts, I suppose a little information won't hurt."
The Chief Guard had gone on to explain the steps he himself had taken when forming his mana heart, but he made it clear that the process was dangerous and not something a three-year-old should ever attempt.
Yet the words "impossible" and "too young" only fueled Raiden's determination.
≈≈≈≈≈
With all the knowledge he had gathered, Raiden decided he was ready to make his own attempt. He waited for the perfect opportunity—an evening when the estate was quiet, and no one was likely to be watching his movements too closely.
He slipped away from the main building, venturing across the grounds until he found an old, abandoned building on the outskirts of the estate. It was a place no one ever visited, a forgotten remnant of the past.
Exploring the dimly lit structure, Raiden soon discovered a narrow staircase that led down into a hidden chamber beneath the building.
The moment he stepped inside, he felt a faint but distinct sensation, like a veil being pulled over him. The chamber was surrounded by a mana barrier, likely a remnant from the building's past, making it undetectable to mana senses from the outside.
"Perfect," Raiden murmured, a grin spreading across his face. 'Four-star luck, you've done it again.'
He settled onto the cool stone floor, sitting cross-legged and adopting the lotus position he had read about in his books. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, clearing his mind of distractions.
The dim glow of the chamber faded from his awareness as he reached out with his senses, feeling for the faint currents of mana that surrounded him.
Slowly, carefully, Raiden began to draw in small amounts of mana from the air. It felt like a delicate thread, winding its way through his body, and he focused intently, directing it toward the right side of his chest.
The mana pooled there, a soft warmth radiating outward as he continued to draw it in.
'This is it,' he thought, feeling his heart race with excitement. 'I really am a prodigy, aren't I?'
But he knew the hardest part was yet to come. Creating a mana heart required a controlled, condensed form, something solid and permanent that could hold mana without dispersing.
He envisioned the shape of a heart, a reservoir that would beat in sync with his own, fueling his magic. Gradually, he began shaping the gathered mana, coaxing it into a form that mirrored his own heartbeat.
Raiden's breath came in shallow, careful puffs as he worked, his concentration unwavering. His mind felt stretched, like he was reaching out to touch something just beyond his grasp, but he refused to stop.
Bit by bit, the mana took shape, condensing into a solid form within his chest. It pulsed faintly, as if testing its new existence, and Raiden could feel the energy radiating through him.
Unbeknownst to him, what he was supposed to create was a star and not a heart. The first of many "stars" that would rank his mana heart. Each "star" formed was a step toward higher power.
Raiden had deviated or perhaps gone further by creating a heart. A real mana heart and yet, Raiden was content with creating the foundation.
He continued to focus, guiding the mana as it stretched outward, thin strands weaving through his body like veins, forming channels that would allow his mana to flow freely.
The process was exhausting. His entire body felt heavy, as though he were weighed down by the sheer concentration it took to maintain control. But he held on, refusing to let the mana disperse.
Finally, after what felt like hours, he felt a faint, rhythmic pulse—a heartbeat made of mana.
Raiden's eyes opened, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. He could feel the mana heart beating within his chest, steady and strong.
The sensation was exhilarating, unlike anything he had ever experienced. He had done it. He had created his mana heart, an achievement he had been told was impossible at his age.
As the adrenaline began to fade, however, Raiden's exhaustion caught up to him. His vision blurred, and his body felt leaden, every ounce of strength drained by the intense concentration. He let out a sigh, swaying slightly.
"Well," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper, "looks like I really am… a prodigy…"
Before he could finish the thought, his eyes fluttered shut, and he slumped to the floor, fast asleep, his mana heart beating quietly within him.