The following morning, Kai made his way to the town square, where he met Alden. The town itself was a quaint place, filled with stone buildings and cobblestone streets. People were bustling around, and in the center, a large building stood, adorned with symbols of magic and a large, welcoming door.
"This is the Guild of Apprentices," Alden explained as they approached the building. "Here, you'll be training to become a wizard, just like those in the stories you've probably heard."
Kai nodded, trying to suppress the disbelief still swirling in his mind. He had been thrust into a world of magic, but he had no idea how it worked. How do I even start?
Inside the guild, apprentices were practicing various spells. Some were levitating objects, while others were creating simple fireballs or manipulating water. Kai watched them in awe. He couldn't help but be amazed by the ease with which they wielded such power.
"You'll start with basic lessons," Alden explained. "First, we'll teach you how to sense your mana and how to control it. Without control, even the simplest of spells can backfire."
"Mana?" Kai asked, his mind racing. I have to learn how to use this power?
"Yes. Every person has a mana pool—an internal reservoir of magical energy. Some are born with more mana than others, but it's something that can be cultivated. Your task is to learn how to channel and control it," Alden replied.
"Alright," Kai said, still feeling out of place. How do I even begin?
Alden handed him a small crystal. "Hold it in your hand and focus. Close your eyes and try to feel the energy around you. Your mana is like an ocean, and you need to learn how to swim in it."
Kai closed his eyes and gripped the crystal. He tried to focus, but the sensation of energy was overwhelming. He could feel something within himself, something deep inside. At first, it felt like a pulsing rhythm, then a slow warmth, like the sun on a cold day.
After several minutes, Kai opened his eyes, feeling exhausted but intrigued. So this is mana. It's not just a concept; it's something real, something I can use.
Alden nodded. "That's a good start. With time, you'll be able to sense it more clearly and control it better. But for now, focus on strengthening your connection to it."
Kai sighed, realizing the path ahead wouldn't be easy. But for the first time since his transmigration, he felt a spark of hope. There was something he could do here. Something that could give him a new purpose.