"Now that you've leveled up your Light magic, you need to practice more to solidify this level," Nanima said, her tone serious and reflective. "I know a Forgemaster, an official in the Khohdwar County Hunters Guild, who can help awaken specific elements. While your second element is likely Darkness, considering your purple stars, I can't take any risks. We need to be certain."
Her words hung in the air, weighty and filled with caution. She paused, her expression softening slightly as if to reassure him. "That Forgemaster charges a hefty fee, but with a reference from the Countess, it will be much easier. I'll contact her later. You need to prepare yourself; getting an appointment with the Forgemaster is no small feat, and you must not miss it."
Ranav nodded, absorbing her words. "Okay, Master," he replied.
Nanima studied him for a moment, her eyes sharp yet kind. "What's the status of your Body Training?"
Ranav's shoulders slumped slightly as he admitted, "I'm trying hard, but I'm still not ready to advance." His voice carried a hint of frustration and weariness.
"Don't rush it, child," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "Every advancement requires time, patience, and persistence. Trust the process and train consistently. Success will come when the time is right."
He nodded again, her words offering some solace, though a trace of impatience lingered in his heart. Seeing his silence, Nanima's voice softened further.
"If there's nothing else, you may go. Inform your father of my instructions and ensure everything is arranged accordingly. Also, let your family know you'll be traveling to the county soon."
"Yes, Master. I'll do as you say," Ranav said, standing to leave. He bowed slightly, his respect for her evident in the gesture.
As Ranav walked home, the cool evening air did little to calm the unease stirring within him. Jessica's sudden voice in his mind startled him. "I need more mana. I think I'm about to evolve. Please hurry and find a place to meditate."
Her voice sounded faint, fragile… so unlike her usual energetic self. Ranav was startled. Looking ahead, he realized, "It'll take at least ten minutes to get home, and even longer to reach the hill. Jessica can only get mana when I use the breathing technique. Meditating by the roadside isn't an option… I could be interrupted."
Worry crept into Ranav's chest, tightening like a coil. "Jessica, can I send mana to you directly from my dantian?" he asked, his voice edged with urgency.
"I don't know," came her weak reply, almost like a whisper.
Ranav clenched his fists, his mind racing. If she doesn't know, I'll just have to try. He focused, attempting to channel mana directly to the ring. But after several tries, nothing worked. Frustration and fear warred within him as he broke into a sprint toward home.
Bursting through the door, Ranav called out breathlessly, "Mom! I need to meditate urgently. Tell everyone not to disturb me until I'm done…it's critical!"
Naveena, startled by his tone, nodded quickly, her concern evident. "Alright, Ranav. I'll make sure no one bothers you."
Without another word, he shut himself in his room and sat cross-legged on his bed. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions, anxiety for Jessica, determination to help her, and the pressure of acting quickly. He began the breathing technique, drawing mana from his surroundings.
The absence of a mana geyser slowed the flow, and frustration bubbled within him. It's not enough! he thought, gritting his teeth. Forcing himself to focus, he funneled every bit of mana he could gather toward the ring.
At first, the process felt sluggish and unnatural, but after a few minutes, the ring began absorbing mana on its own. Relief washed over him as the pace quickened. Yet, the voracity of the ring's mana consumption alarmed him… it was as if it were ravenous, consuming mana faster than he could accumulate it.
Time blurred as Ranav remained locked in concentration. Hours passed unnoticed, the world outside forgotten. Naveena peeked into his room multiple times, her worry growing with each visit. Each time, she found him sitting still, eyes closed, his breathing steady but labored.
Over five hours later, Ranav felt the ring's hunger begin to abate. Slowly, it stopped absorbing mana altogether. Exhausted but relieved, he opened his eyes, blinking at the dim light in his room. Hunger gnawed at him fiercely, but his thoughts went straight to Jessica.
"Jessica, are you okay?" he asked, his voice tentative.
Silence.
His chest tightened. Why isn't she answering? He called her name again, but still, there was no response. Panic clawed at him as he tried to send more mana to the ring, only to find it unresponsive.
Is the connection broken? The thought sent a shiver down his spine. Desperately, he checked their bond… and found it intact. A wave of relief swept over him, though it didn't quell the anxiety entirely.
Maybe she needs time to recover. Taking a deep breath, he decided to wait.
Emerging from his room, Ranav found his parents seated at the dining table. Their worried faces brightened upon seeing him. Naveena rushed to his side, her hands immediately on his face and forehead. "Are you alright?" she asked, her voice trembling with concern.
Ranav gave her a small, reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Mom. It was a critical breakthrough, and I couldn't stop midway. I promise there's nothing wrong."
Naveena let out a sigh of relief. "Good. You scared me! Let me get you something to eat… you must be starving."
"I am," he admitted sheepishly.
Trinav chuckled lightly. "Let him eat first. Then he can tell us what's going on."
Ranav sat at the table, watching as Naveena hurried to the kitchen. "Dad, Master said we need to visit the village chief tomorrow morning and agree to his request. But the condition is that she has to approve. You should also ask about travel and accommodations to show sincerity. Master will handle everything else."
He paused, then added, "Also, I need to go to the county to awaken my second element. Master will arrange everything, including getting help from the Countess. You don't need to worry."
"When do you need to leave?" Trinav asked.
Naveena returned with a plate of food just as he answered. "Not yet. Master will let us know once the arrangements are finalized."
Hearing this, Naveena's worry eased. "Oh, that's a relief! I thought this was about the competition."
"No, Mom. Master will stop me from fighting. This is about my awakening, it's something I have to do."
As Ranav ate, he suddenly realized something was off. "Why am I the only one eating? Did you all eat already?"
"Yes," Trinav said, a knowing smile on his face. "We ate hours ago. Vivita's already asleep. You've been in your room for over six hours."
"Six hours?" Ranav exclaimed, his eyes wide. "No wonder I'm so hungry!"
Trinav chuckled again. "Eat up. You've earned it."
After finishing his meal, Ranav returned to his room, exhaustion tugging at him. Lying on his bed, he tried reaching out to Jessica once more. Still, there was no response.
What's happening to her? he wondered, his heart heavy with worry. Yet, the steady presence of their connection gave him hope.
"Rest well, Jessica," he whispered, closing his eyes.