Serena's POV
As the morning sun streamed in through the windows, I glanced up and took in the sight before me. Valerie was kneeling in front of Rodan, fastening the straps on his little sneakers. He looked ridiculously adorable in his striped long-sleeved shirt and overalls, like a tiny model for a kids' fashion magazine.
Meanwhile, Valerie was rocking an oversized hoodie, fitted biker shorts, and chunky sneakers, making casual mom-core look like something off a high-end athleisure ad.
I gently placed Cristina into her stroller, her tiny form wriggling as I buckled her in. Her polka-dot romper and matching headband made her look like a little fashionista too. 'Seriously, can my family just NOT be so photogenic? If our life was an ad it would be just like this:
Want to Witness the Most Beautiful Family Ever?
Come on down and meet Serena and her stunningly good-looking family! Seriously, it's almost unfair how much genetic perfection is packed into one household.
Serena – A badass healer and mother of two. Tired? Stressed? Overthinking life? Probably. But still drop-dead gorgeous while doing it.
Valerie – Serena's fiancée, aka the embodiment of elegance. Can slay monsters AND hearts effortlessly. Scientists are still studying how one person can be THIS beautiful.
Rodan – The golden child. Literally. Some say he inherited too much charm for a single kid. He walks into a room, and the aunties SWOON.
Cristina – The baby who already outshines supermodels. She doesn't cry for attention—she COMMANDS attention. Even monsters hesitate before making her mad.
Warning: Side effects of witnessing this family include jealousy, spontaneous gasps of admiration, and an uncontrollable urge to compliment them.
Call now for a chance to bask in their glory! Dial 4-321-PERFECTION.
(Disclaimer: This ad was definitely NOT written by Serena after a long night of worrying about her kids and trying to convince herself her stress wrinkles don't exist.)'
"All set?" Valerie asked as she stood up, brushing off her hoodie.
Snapping at my thoughts I replied, "Yeah," and double-checking Cristina's blanket.
We were heading to Sagewood Cottage today because Rodan was starting his classes. My little guy's schedule was no joke. First, Magic Theory with Brianna, a short break, then Etiquette with Valerie (because, let's be real, S-rank hunters getting invited to balls means our kids need to know which fork is which).
After that, bow training with Cecilia, another break, and finally, Human Anatomy with me. The goal was to ensure he could administer first aid and, you know, not accidentally stab an artery if he had to save someone.
We stepped outside, Rodan eagerly grabbing both of our hands and swinging them back and forth as we walked. My heart melted a little. He was growing up so fast.
As we strolled, I turned to Valerie. "So, when are you building that outdoor dining area?"
Valerie hummed in thought. "I'll buy the materials after dropping you guys off."
I nearly gasped in excitement. Finally, we wouldn't have to eat separately in our own cottages like hermits.
When we arrived at Sagewood Cottage, we spotted Cecilia playing with Leon outside. Cecilia waved. "Good morning."
"Morning," we both replied.
Rodan rushed over to them, his face lighting up. "What are you playing?"
Leon grinned. "Want to join us?"
"Nope," Rodan said, shaking his head. "I have class today."
He then grabbed Leon's hand, trying to pull him along. "Come to class with me. It'll be useful," Rodan said earnestly.
Leon looked at Cecilia for guidance, and she just nodded, giving him that "it's for the greater good" look. Leon hesitated but finally gave in. I mean, who could say no to Rodan?
Cecilia mentioned that Brianna was already in the library waiting, and Rodan immediately turned to me. "Mommy, let's go!"
I picked up Cristina—who was still blissfully asleep, not caring about the chaos of the world—and we headed inside.
=================================
Brianna was already seated at one of the workstations, a mountain of books piled beside her like some kind of scholarly fortress. She glanced up as we entered. "Morning."
"Morning," I replied, setting Cristina down in her stroller.
Then Brianna's eyes flicked to Leon. She arched a brow and looked at me.
I pointed at Rodan.
She nodded like that explained everything.
Rodan and Leon took their seats, looking up expectantly. Brianna leaned forward, clasping her hands. "Alright, let's start with the basics of mana."
I settled into a chair nearby, listening in.
"Mana is the energy that fuels different types of abilities. While everyone has mana, this doesn't mean that everybody has a chance to awaken. Also, its application varies based on the person's profession. Broadly, we categorize mana into three types: Divine Energy, Mystic Energy, and Aura."
She pulled out a piece of parchment and began sketching three different symbols.
"First, Divine Energy." She pointed to the first symbol. "This type of mana is used by individuals connected to the divine—healers, clerics, priests, paladins. Their power comes from their faith and is channeled into abilities that purify, heal, or protect."
Rodan tilted his head. "So Mommy uses this?"
Brianna nodded. "Yes, Serena is a healer. She channels divine energy to mend wounds and cure ailments. However, divine energy isn't just about healing. It can also be used for defensive spells, purification, and even offensive abilities against entities weak to holy magic."
Rodan looked very proud. "Mommy's super strong!" 'Damn right I am'.
Brianna continued. "Next, Mystic Energy." She tapped the second symbol. "This is used by mages, enchanters, summoners—anyone who manipulates raw magical forces. Unlike divine energy, which is more instinctual, mystic energy requires study and precision. You have to learn how to shape spells, control the flow of mana, and understand the intricacies of magic."
Leon frowned. "So mages have to study a lot?"
Brianna smirked. "If you want to avoid accidentally blowing yourself up, yes."
Rodan and Leon both gulped.
"Lastly, Aura." She pointed to the third symbol. "This is used by warriors, knights, and anyone who fights with physical weapons. Aura enhances strength, speed, durability, and weapon techniques. Unlike mystic or divine energy, aura is controlled through discipline and battle experience."
Rodan's eyes widened. "So Mom and Auntie Cecilia uses this?"
"Yes. Cecilia, Valerie, and many other warriors reinforce their bodies and weapons with aura, making their attacks more powerful and their defenses sturdier."
Leon furrowed his brows. "Can someone use more than one type?"
Brianna nodded. "It's rare, but possible. Some people are naturally attuned to two types of mana, like battle priests who use both divine energy and aura, or mage-knights who wield both magic energy and aura. But mastering multiple types requires years of training."
Rodan's little hands clenched into fists. "I want to be strong like Mom and Auntie Cecilia!"
I smiled, watching him. My little boy was so determined.
Then, I felt movement in Cristina's stroller. I glanced down and saw her stirring, her tiny face scrunching up as if she were about to wake up.
Ah. Time to go before the tiny queen starts making demands.
I stood up, stretching. "Alright, I'm heading out."
Brianna shot me a knowing look. "Escaping already?"
"She's waking up," I whispered dramatically.
Brianna smirked. "Go. I'll handle them."
Rodan turned to me. "Mommy, you're leaving?"
"You'll be fine," I reassured him. "Be good, listen to Auntie Brianna, and don't set anything on fire."
Rodan grinned. "Okay!"
I adjusted Cristina in my arms and made my way out of the library, leaving the boys to their studies.
Well, that was one (half and a quarter) down. Now he just had to survive the rest of the day.