Chap 3 [ The first steps ]
Kairos hurried through the long corridors of the Nozvan estate, his footsteps echoing in the grand halls. The large windows allowed sunlight to pour in, casting intricate patterns on the walls. The estate was a marvel, with grand paintings, tapestries, and symbols proudly displaying the Nozvan family lineage.
Despite its grandeur, Kairos was no longer in awe as he had been in his earlier years. His past experiences had dulled his sense of wonder, though he still appreciated the beauty of his surroundings.
"None will last when the barrier breaks" Kairos thought as he passed through the grand decorated hall. From the windows he could see soldiers swinging their swords in rhythm while utilizing the secret technique of nozvan, Breathing circulation "Nozvik vein circulation"
Nozvan family, was something Kairos has never heard of in his past life.Its a strong family known for their hunters in the Solaris empire in higher social circles, in disguise of handling ore mines of mana stones and amethyst.
They mostly take jobs in secrets and keep a very low key profile in the world though they can't become a top power house like the skylark family, A [red] bloodline ranked family. Still the family wasn't something easy to mess with.
He finally reached the entrance to his mother's chambers, the large wooden doors stood tall, guarded by two stern-faced knights clad in black coats, holding a repair pointing upwards. In knightly fashion.
They stepped aside, bowing slightly, as they opened the doors.
Inside, Baroness Valeria Nozvan sat at a large oak desk, meticulously reviewing several documents. Her red hair fell gracefully over her shoulders, and her sharp eyes softened slightly when she looked up and saw Kairos enter.
"Kairos," she called softly, waving him closer. "Come here, my little one."
Kairos approached her desk, curious. His mother didn't often call for him unless there was something important. His curiosity was further piqued when he noticed a second figure standing beside her ― a tall, older man with a calm demeanor and a long, flowing robe. The man was looking at him with great curiosity.
He was a child now. Still he has his senses and intuitions. At a single glance he can see that's a high level magus.
Magus are beings that have surpassed the 6th circle!.
"Kairos, this is Master Orion," Valeria said, gesturing to the man. "He will be your tutor for the foreseeable future. It's time you learned more about mana control and its practical applications."
'Finally' Kairos thought.
He has been trying to awaken that strange soul gear that reigns within his heart for a quite long time. But no matter what he did he couldn't activate it. Despite having quit mastery of mana circulation throughout his veins.
Yes, a year ago. He started sensing something within his heart which wasn't his mana.He came to the conclusion that it was a soul gear. And as time passes he could sense it vaguely, The familiar warmth that accompanied him before he died, The artifact of the ashteron empire has regressed with him !
And finally he is getting a tutor and can start his path on magic!. With creating the zeroth circle and also start learning the Breathing technique of nozvan. Something that he couldn't in his past life.
Breathing techniques were the things that helps one to recover mana while slowly gradually strengthening the body from inside.
"Your father and I have both trained extensively from a young age and it's time for you to begin as well"
"Thank you, Mother," Kairos said, bowing his head slightly, although inside, his mind was racing. Potential? Of course, he had potential—he wasn't just any child. He was reborn with knowledge and experience, if they leak out the world will be in uproar.
Baroness Valeria stood and walked over to Kairos, kneeling slightly so she was at eye level with him. She placed her hands on his small shoulders.
"Listen carefully to Master Orion, Kairos," she said softly. " Are you happy my son?. You can finally learn more "
Kairos looked into his mother's eyes, feeling the warmth of her hands on his shoulders. For a moment, the weight of his past life melted away, as he saw his mother from his past life in her image.
"I'm happy, Mother," he replied softly, though the words only brushed the surface of his true emotions.
Valeria smiled warmly, brushing a strand of his hair aside. "Good, Your father won't be returning soon with your big brother soon. They will bring you more books to read"
Kairos nodded his small head. And left the room with his new master which was glancing at him from time to time as they walked.
While his caretaker Helena excused herself. To bring the necessary things for studying.
As they entered Kairos realized there was also a small table placed on the empty space in front of his room and two small pillows were pressed at both sides.
Kairos nodded thinking good they prepared it already
Master Orion walked alongside Kairos in silence, his hands clasped behind his back, his long robe trailing softly across the wooden floors.
Kairos kept his composure. He had learned early on in his previous life that patience often yielded the best results.
Master Orion gestured for Kairos to sit. The young boy settled onto the cushion, and his tutor took the seat across from him, his movements slow and deliberate, as if considering every step."Before we begin," Master Orion said, his voice calm."tell me, Kairos, what do you know of mana?"
" Mana is the source of energy the world naturally forms. We use it to shape our elemental essence that resides within us through sigils using mana "
Master Orion stayed calm on the outside, maintaining the composed demeanor of a seasoned magus, but inwardly, a flicker of surprise crossed his mind.
' Impressive... for one so young.'
The boy's answer wasn't just a rote recitation. Kairos had spoken with a subtle understanding that most children his age wouldn't have grasped. The rumors swirled around the Nozvan estate—that the Child of outcast Valerie nozvan was also a genius like herself, Seeing this now felt more believable now.
'It was unfortunate, That a genius like Valerie nozvan was kicked out from direct descendents for the successor just because she married a commoner. And he's just here as a baron of a small territory. I won't make history repeat itself " Master orion thought.
" Good answer " He spoke before thought of something and asked.
" But do you know what the difference is between aura?"
'there's no way he would know this too' He thought and was preparing an answer in his mind.
But with a straight and serious. Face, This little six year old kid started speaking.
"Aura,"
"is different from mana because it's tied directly to one's life force and body. Mana is the energy drawn from the world, and focuses on the core within our heart. While Aura focuses on strengthening the body and the soul just like how breathing technique works."
Orion froze for a split second, inwardly astonished."
"He knows this too? Aura was a complex concept, something only warriors and high-level mages with experience in manipulating their life force truly understood.
"And what of its application? How does aura function differently than mana in practice?"
Kairos, unfazed, continued. "Aura isn't used to cast spells like mana. It's woven into physical abilities, like enhancing strength, speed, or defense. Warriors use it to reinforce their bodies, channeling aura into their weapons or limbs. Unlike mana, which requires sigils or spells to take form, aura is more instinctive. It responds to emotions, intent, and will."
Master Orion could only nod slowly, his thoughts racing. The boy was right—more than right, actually.
As they sat, Helena quietly entered the room carrying a stack of books. She moved gracefully, placing the books on a nearby table without interrupting the conversation.
Kairos glanced at the titles—ancient tomes, World history, Order of knights and many other things.
His facial expression changed seeing them. Master Orion noticed and felt odd but didn't think too much.
"But still we will go through real basics. Learning magic isn't a simple matter "
Kairos sighed inwardly as Master Orion began a lengthy explanation of the basics. His youthful face remained composed, but frustration brewed beneath the surface.
The man was discussing elemental alignments, the flow of mana through the body, and the importance of meditation in achieving proper focus.
Things that Kairos had studied for years in his past life but had never been able to apply.
Back then, as a mercenary and commander, he had led battles with nothing but sheer will and strategy.
Mana was a force just out of reach. He could never complete even the simplest task—forming the zeroth circle. It had been the source of endless frustration, knowing he possessed the tactical mind to command mana, but never the ability.
Thus such basics are too much for him.
-----
" Did you understand Kairos? Give me a summary of what you understood?" Master Orion spoke expecting he hadn't gasped everything.
Kairos could only sigh. Making master Orion still question is this really himself again if he was really in front of a six year old or not.
" I understood master. Each circle represents the types of sigils one can use. As each circle has different frequencies. A zeroth circle can utilize the sigils that are made for the Zeroth circle."
" As one advances to the next circle the number of sigils one can increase.."
Master Orion raised an eyebrow, very impressed. "Correct"
" You have a long way to go to attain such things. But having knowledge is already good" he spoke
Kairos nodded. It was true, To achieve and use sigils. One has to completely create the Zeroth circle then awaken ones elements and bloodline essence which usually happens at the age of 15. Even the geniuses take at least 14 years of age to reach.
' I sure does have a long time master ' Kairos muttered.
[ To be continued....]