Today was the class Ned dreaded the most—Mage and Talent Combat Training. Taught by the dazzling yet merciless Christine, this was the one arena where his glaring inadequacy was on full display. With a talent so woefully underwhelming he was bound to fail. Just as he thought he could change it after his first awakening, the status window slapped him with a bunch of useless locked skills.
As he joined the other students on the field, the tension in the air was palpable. The nobles were already posturing, their overconfidence as oppressive as the midday sun. Reena, his best friend, stood off to the side, exuding calm amidst the chaos. Despite their camaraderie, her immense talent was a sharp contrast to his own struggles, a reminder of how far he had to go.
Ned glanced at his hands and sighed. "Everyone can sense mana. Some more, some less, depending on their talent's grade. And me? I can barely move a hair follicle two inches using mana. How… exhilarating," he thought sarcastically.
But something had changed after his awakening. It was as if a dam within him had burst. Mana now coursed through his body like a river, filling him with a sensation both foreign and exhilarating. His heightened perception allowed him to observe its flow, a skill he had always taken for granted but now appreciated deeply.
He tested his limits in private. The results were… middling. Lifting a 10-kilogram dumbbell with mana was progress, but when compared to prodigies like Reena, who could effortlessly manipulate 80 kilograms, it felt insignificant. Still, he couldn't deny the thrill of progress—no matter how small.
Reena, of course, was a monster in her own right. With her ability to wield water as an extension of herself, she could create devastating torrents with surgical precision. Her mana control was unmatched, her strength heralded even among the nobility.
The duel for today's class began soon after. Christine, ever the strict instructor, called for the first match. To no one's surprise, Reena's name was announced alongside a cocky noble's: Usain Bolt.
Usain swaggered into the ring, his arrogance palpable. "Lady Reena," he drawled, "perhaps this duel might convince you to reconsider my offer for a dinner date?"
Reena's expression didn't change. Her tone was as sharp as her water blades. "Perhaps this duel will teach you to keep your delusions in check."
The crowd erupted in laughter, but Usain smirked. "We'll see who's laughing when I leave you in the dust."
The duel began with Usain demonstrating the power of his talent, Talaria. His legs glowed faintly as he activated his talent, enhancing his speed by a staggering 400%. He was a blur, darting across the arena with such swiftness that most couldn't even track his movements.
Reena, however, was unfazed. As Usain charged, she raised a hand, summoning a shimmering water shield. His kick rebounded off it, forcing him to retreat. The class watched in awe as Reena countered his every move with precision and ease.
Ned stood on the sidelines, observing intently. His talent for perceiving details kicked in, and he began noticing patterns in their movements. His heightened perception transformed the duel into a symphony of mana flows. Usain's mana concentrated around his ankles, forming faint outlines of what appeared to be winged shoes.
"He's channeling all his mana to his legs," Ned thought. "That must be how Talaria works."
The sight fascinated him. For the first time, he saw mana circuits—the intricate pathways through which mana flowed within a person's body. It was beautiful, like streaks of colored light weaving through their forms. Usain's ankles were ablaze with activity, while Reena's mana coalesced into elegant streams around her hands, ready to be shaped into water constructs.
Ned's mind raced. "If Usain needs to power his ankles for Talaria to work… does that mean I could power my eyes to enhance my perception?"
Excitement bubbled within him. His new mana reserves gave him an edge he didn't have before. He focused, channeling mana to his eyes. At first, nothing happened. He tried again, visualizing the flow he had seen in Usain's circuits. It was difficult, like trying to thread a needle in the dark. But then… something clicked.
A burst of light overwhelmed his vision. When it cleared, the world was different. Everything was sharper, more vibrant. He could see the minute shifts in muscle movement as Usain prepared his next attack. Reena's water shield wasn't just a shimmering barrier; it was a complex weave of mana, each strand interlocking with precision. The world had become a tapestry of mana flows, and Ned could see it all.
He tested his new ability further, focusing on Usain. His mana circuits were clearer now, their pattern almost hypnotic. Ned hesitated. A wild idea had taken root in his mind.
"What if I mimic his mana flow?"
He concentrated, guiding his mana through his circuits to mirror Usain's. It was arduous work. His first few attempts failed spectacularly, the mana dispersing chaotically. But Ned was persistent. He adjusted his timing, matching the rhythm of Usain's mana flow. Then, finally, it happened.
A jolt of energy surged through him. His legs felt lighter, faster. His status window blinked to life, displaying new prompts:
[System Prompt: Skill Activated – "Reenact"]
[Talent Identified: Talaria (Physical, Rare)]
[Description: Grants enhanced speed and agility by amplifying mana through the lower limbs. Effectiveness scales with user's mana control and reserves.]
[Do you wish to copy the talent?]
Ned froze, his heart pounding. Copy the talent? He hadn't even known such a thing was possible. The implications were staggering. If he could replicate talents by observing them closely…
He took a deep breath and focused on the prompt. "Yes."
The system chimed:
[Talaria copied. Compatibility: 85%. Adjusting for user's mana circuits.]
A new wave of energy coursed through him, this one smoother, more refined. His legs tingled with potential. He took a tentative step and nearly stumbled. The speed caught him off guard. He tried again, this time bracing himself. His movements felt natural, effortless. He dashed across the training field, leaving behind a gust of wind.
Christine's sharp voice broke his concentration. "Ned! What are you doing?"
He skidded to a halt, his heart racing. The entire class was staring at him, their expressions a mix of confusion and amazement. Usain, still catching his breath from the duel, looked particularly stunned.
"What was that?" Reena asked, walking up to him. Her eyes narrowed. "Since when could you move like that?"
Ned scratched the back of his head, trying to play it off. "Just… trying something new."
But inwardly, his mind was spinning. His seemingly useless talent had just opened a door to limitless possibilities. For the first time, he felt a glimmer of hope—a path forward in a world that had all but written him off.
And he intended to walk it.