Chapter 5 - Mana Exercises

Luther stood in the backyard of the Von estate, the crisp air carrying the scent of freshly cut grass.

The estate was massive, its grounds meticulously cared for. The grasses were neatly trimmed, and the trees lined up in perfect symmetry, each one well-pruned to ensure the yard remained pristine.

It was the kind of place where one could easily lose track of time, and for the first time in what felt like ages, Luther felt like he could relax.

But only for a moment. The pressure of the upcoming Entrance Examination was hanging over him like a storm cloud.

He remembered the plot well, he had one month to prepare for the test that would determine his future — whether he'd make his mark in Aeris Kingdom, or remain just another noble heir with no real power or influence.

This was his chance to carve his own path, and he wasn't going to waste it.

But as he stood there, letting his gaze wander over the well-kept backyard, a strange thought crossed his mind. This world… It was so much more real than he'd ever imagined.

Nythera.

The world he now found himself in, one of magic, mystery, and endless possibilities.

He remembered the descriptions from the game he'd once played, the world divided into continents, each ruled by their own lords.

The races were diverse — Humans, Beastkin, Elves, and even Dragons roamed the lands. There were mythical creatures, demons, and even celestial beings that shaped the world's delicate balance.

But it was Aeris Kingdom where the main story took place, and where Luther had ended up.

As a noble in this kingdom, he had access to resources and knowledge others could only dream of.

But as much as he longed for power, Luther knew that to truly stand out in this world, he needed to master the art of magic.

Luther's fingers twitched. He couldn't help but admire the thought of it.

Magic.

It was what separated the powerful from the powerless. What determined the course of nations, and the fates of kings. Magic was the heart of this world, and it was the key to survival.

He glanced down at his palm, the veins beneath the skin glowing faintly with an untapped power he still didn't fully understand.

The memories of the original Luther, those broken fragments that the system had forced into his mind, urged him to try. It wasn't just a choice anymore — it was a necessity.

"Burn," he muttered under his breath, testing the word.

He didn't expect a grand reveal, but there was something within him that buzzed, something that urged him to try. After all, if he wanted to dominate the upcoming exam, magic was going to be his weapon.

The world of Nythera wasn't like the simple game he remembered. Magic here was far more complicated, more intricate.

It was woven into the very fabric of existence. Every element — Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Light, and Darkness — held its own secrets and powers.

And while some elements were easier to control, others required years of study, discipline, and pure willpower to master and use to the fullest potential.

But Luther had no time to waste. The Entrance Examination was just around the corner, and if he was to rise above the other students — nobles and commoners alike — he needed to stand out, to make a statement.

And the best way to do that was through magic.

The wind rustled through the trees, and Luther felt his heart rate increase. He could feel the mana around him, flowing like a river just out of reach.

It was as if the world itself was alive with power, waiting for him to tap into it.

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. It was time to test the waters. He focused, narrowing his eyes on the ground before him.

He raised his hand, fingers splayed wide, as he drew in the ambient magical energy from around him.

His palm froze slightly as he concentrated, feeling the air around him shift with potential.

Immediately, the air around his palm seemed to pulse with energy.

A low hum reverberated through his bones as he channeled the magic. His hand tingled with warmth, and for a brief moment, Luther felt like the entire world was at his command.

And then, the magic burst forward.

A ball of frost erupted from his palm, crackling with cold. The ice spun in the air, spiraling upward before shattering into shards of ice. 

Luther's heart raced with excitement and disbelief. He had done it. He had used magic.

It was surprising for someone that had come from a Modern world where magic didn't exist but alas this wasn't even a bit of what his magic could do.

His thoughts immediately shifted back to the upcoming Entrance Examination. He already had a rough idea of how the exams were going to be like, after all he had participated in them as the MC in the RPG and if he played his cards right, he could get his hands on a Heroine during the exam. 

This wasn't just a test of power — it was a test of strategy. Ice was his weapon, but he couldn't afford to be reckless.

The competition would be fierce, and the other students would be just as determined to prove themselves.

Luther glanced up, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the estate before him.

"I better conjure more complex spells," He muttered under his breath.