The morning was crisp, the air tinged with the fresh scent of pine and snow. Alex followed Leo along a narrow trail, his steps light but filled with anticipation. Each breath created a puff of mist that swirled in the chill, and the crunch of snow underfoot provided a steady rhythm to their trek.
I didn't think I'd be up this early, let alone training again the day after that ritual, Alex thought, suppressing a yawn. He glanced at Leo, whose casual gait and relaxed posture contrasted sharply with Alex's bundled-up figure.
"Where exactly are we going?" Alex asked, breaking the comfortable silence.
Leo turned slightly, a playful smirk on his face. "Heh, impatient, are we?"
Alex raised an eyebrow. "No, just curious. You said it's important to train somewhere without interruptions. Is that why we're headed toward the middle of nowhere?"
Leo chuckled, the sound echoing faintly through the still forest. "Exactly. If you're serious about controlling mana and aura, we need to find a secluded spot. Too much energy can attract monsters, and I'd rather not fight them today."
"Lazy much?" Alex quipped.
Leo's grin widened. "Call it 'efficient.' Besides, you'd be the one running if a monster showed up."
Alex rolled his eyes, pulling his scarf tighter against the biting wind as the trees began to thin. A frozen lake stretched out before them, its surface glistening like polished glass under the weak sunlight. Behind it, a towering mountain loomed, its peaks shrouded in mist.
Leo stopped at the lake's edge, taking in the serene view. "This place should do," he declared, planting his hands on his hips.
Alex studied the surroundings, the stillness of the lake and the imposing backdrop of the mountain giving the area an almost ethereal quality. "So, what's the plan?"
Leo turned to him, his expression unusually serious. "Before we do anything, let's see how much you know. Tell me—what is mana?"
"Mana is energy," Alex began, his tone confident. "It's a fuel source that can be manipulated to create elemental phenomena like fire, water, air, and earth. It's also the foundation for magic."
Leo nodded approvingly. "Not bad. Mana is everywhere. It's in the air, the earth, even within living and non-living things. But here's where it gets interesting." He raised his hand, and small red particles began swirling above his palm. "A magician's mana heart and a warrior's energy core are reservoirs for gathering and refining this energy. Once refined, it can be shaped or amplified for various purposes."
The glowing particles intensified, casting a faint crimson hue over Leo's face. "You've probably noticed by now that you're unique. You have both a mana heart and an energy core."
Alex's eyes widened slightly, though he quickly masked his surprise. "So, I can use both aura and mana?"
"Exactly," Leo said, lowering his hand as the particles dissipated. "Aura is concentrated mana, used to enhance physical abilities, reinforce weapons, or create devastating attacks. It's a swordsman's bread and butter. Mana, on the other hand, is used for magical spells—manipulating the environment and elements."
Alex tilted his head, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "So you'll teach me swordsmanship?"
"Of course. But your mom's the expert on magic, so she'll handle that side of things," Leo replied, waving dismissively.
Figures, Alex thought, his lips twitching in amusement.
Leo clapped his hands together, his grin returning. "Enough theory. Let me show you what aura is capable of."
*******
Alex stepped back as Leo unsheathed his sword, the blade catching the light with a faint shimmer. It was a weapon of impeccable craftsmanship, its golden hilt engraved with intricate runes that seemed to pulse faintly, as though alive.
"Keep your eyes open," Leo said, gripping the sword with both hands. He closed his eyes, his breathing slowing until it became almost imperceptible.
The air around Leo began to change, a subtle shift that Alex couldn't quite place. A low hum filled the space, like the resonance of a tuning fork. Then, it happened—a soft, golden flame erupted from Leo's body, enveloping him in a radiant glow. The flame seemed alive, flickering and twisting with a grace that belied its power.
What… is this? Alex thought, his heart pounding. The flame was mesmerizing, but there was an edge to it—a feeling of overwhelming authority that pressed down on him, making it hard to breathe.
The flames coalesced around the blade, which now gleamed with an intensity that bordered on blinding. Leo's eyes snapped open, glowing faintly with an inner fire as he adjusted his stance. With a slow, deliberate motion, he raised the sword above his head and swung it downward.
The swing itself was unremarkable—no flourish, no wasted movement. But the effect was anything but ordinary. The blade sliced through the air, and for a brief moment, everything was silent. Then, with a deafening crack, the ice beneath them split, the fracture line extending across the entire lake.
But it didn't stop there. The mountain in the distance shuddered as a thin, precise scar appeared along its face, running from its peak to its base. Snow cascaded down the slope, filling the air with a thunderous roar.
Alex stared, slack-jawed. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He… he split a mountain with one swing. Is this what it means to be a Grandmaster?
Leo sheathed his sword with practiced ease, the flames extinguishing instantly. He turned to Alex, his expression calm but amused. "So? What do you think?"
Alex struggled to find his voice. "You're insane."
Leo laughed, ruffling Alex's hair. "That's one way to put it. But don't get any ideas. What you just saw isn't something you'll be able to do anytime soon."
"Underestimating me already?" Alex shot back, his confidence returning.
Leo grinned. "Fine. How about a bet? If you can reach the level of Advanced Sword Expert by the time you turn 14, I'll teach you my technique: 'The War God's Spirit.'"
Alex's breath caught. The War God's Spirit? That has to be one of the most overpowered techniques I've ever seen. But Advanced Sword Expert in five years? That's… He clenched his fists, a spark of determination igniting within him. …possible. If anyone can do it, it's me.
"You're on," Alex said, meeting Leo's gaze.
"I'll become an Advanced Sword Expert before my 14th birthday," Alex said, clenching his fists. A strange light burned in his eyes, a mix of determination and defiance.
Leo's grin widened. "Heh. If that's what you want, then you'll have to train harder than ever before. Think you can handle it?"
Alex smirked. "Worry about yourself."
"Hah! Let's see if you can keep up," Leo said, pointing toward a distant mountain peak. "Start running."
Alex groaned. "But I just recovered yesterday. Shouldn't I rest—"
"Nope. You're fit enough to start today," Leo replied, his smile turning devilish.
Sigh… There's no escaping this now, Alex thought as he started jogging uphill. Still, this is my chance to learn from a Grandmaster. I can't let it slip away.
As he ran, he felt the mana flowing within him, energizing his body. My stamina's already better than it was in my past life. Just how far can I push this?
The next several months were grueling. Mornings were spent scaling mountains, running sprints, and sparring with Leo, who seemed to delight in pushing Alex to his limits. Evenings were dedicated to studying magic with Arlette, who was as patient as she was meticulous.
******
One evening, under the light of a full moon, Alex approached Arlette with a question. "Mom, can I learn how to cast spells?"
Arlette raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were training to be a swordsman."
"I am," Alex replied, "but I have a mana heart. It feels like a waste not to use it."
Arlette smiled softly. "Fair enough. Let's start with the basics." She led him outside, where the moonlight bathed the snowy landscape in a pale glow.
"Magic is about intent," she began, raising her hand. A small flame flickered to life in her palm, casting a warm light on her face. "To manipulate an element, you must visualize it, feel it, and will it into existence."
She extended her other hand toward a distant boulder. A glowing magic circle materialized, intricate runes glowing faintly as a massive fireball formed. The air around it crackled with heat as it shot forward, slamming into the boulder with an explosive boom. When the smoke cleared, the boulder was gone, leaving behind a smoldering crater.
Alex whistled. "Damn, Mom. You're scary."
Arlette chuckled. "Your turn. Close your eyes and focus on the mana within you."
Alex obeyed, his breathing steady as he reached inward. Warmth spread through his chest, flowing through his limbs like a gentle current. But then, something shifted. The warmth turned to heat, then to something darker—a searing, almost malevolent energy.
Black flames erupted around Alex, their heat intense but not painful. His hair turned crimson, and his golden eyes glowed ominously. The flames danced wildly, uncontrolled, as the air grew heavy with an oppressive aura.
Arlette's smile faltered, her eyes widening in alarm. "Dark attribute…" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Before the flames could spiral further, Arlette raised her hands, summoning chains of light that wrapped around Alex's wrists. The black flames flickered and died, their remnants dissipating into the cold night air.
"What just happened?" Alex asked, his voice shaky.
"It was your attribute." She replied while massaging her forehead with her fingers. "Dark attribute is a highly rare attribute, one that is despised by all the species."
"Despised?" Alex asked narrowing his eyes.
"Well, it's the Heavenly Demonic Cult's signature attribute. The Heavenly Demonic Cult believes in an evil God and opposes the Holy Nation." Arlette said as she continued. "They are abhorred by people because of their interference in the 100-Year War that took place centuries ago."
Heavenly Demonic Cult…. Haah, there go my peaceful days. Alex thought.
"That's all I can tell you right now." Arlette said as she checked Alex's hands for any burn marks. Surprisingly, even the scars from his Swordsmanship training had healed.
"Have you ever thought about what you want to do when you grow up?" she asked with a worried look.
"When I grow up?" Alex thought deeply on the abrupt question.
I have never really thought much about that, but it is something I would have had to think about one day. There are several things: becoming a swordsman or a magician and work in a kingdom, a Professor or a scholar, an adventurer, merchant, and much more. But my dream is already decided. Alex thought.
"The world " Alex answered "I want to explore the world, meet different people, make a lot of friends, train my swordsmanship and also my magic." Alex said as a soft smile appeared on his face.
I wonder if I can keep my promise that way, but I will just have to give my best. He thought.
"I see." Arlette said as her eyes shined with a warm glow and a smile appeared on her face. "For now, just train with your dad, we'll continue after a few days."
"Okay. Yawn" Alex said as he yawned.
"Heh, you must be tired, lets hit the bed." She said while patting his head.
Alex nodded and went inside the door, she watched his back and then turned her gaze towards the moon.
"It seems he won't be able to live a normal life any time soon." A voice came from behind a tree, it was Leo.
Leo walked towards Arlette and folded his hands. "His Aura seemed to be normal when I checked last time so he shouldn't have a problem becoming a swordsman." He said with a grim look.
"He won't be able to use his mana heart anytime soon." She said.
"Well, anyways, I was thinking about taking Alex to the village downhill next week, we can't keep him isolated his entire life. It would be really great if he made some friends there." Leo said.
"Yeah, make sure he has some fun." Arlette said as she turned around and started walking towards the door. Leo followed her inside.
*********
Later that night, as Alex lay in bed, he stared at the ceiling, his mind racing. Dark Attribute… Is it a curse? Or an opportunity? He clenched his fists, a small smirk forming on his lips. Whatever it is, I'll master it.
As he closed his eyes, a deep, unfamiliar voice echoed in his mind.
"Don't flatter yourself, shitty ears."
Alex's eyes snapped open, his heart racing. "Who's there?"
Silence answered him, but the chill that ran down his spine told him this was only the beginning.