December 10th, 1178 – 6:15 PM
"Again!" Fredrick's voice rang through the cold evening air, firm and unwavering.
Lance stood hunched over, his breath ragged as he braced himself with his hands on his knees. His body trembled from exhaustion, a thin veil of sweat clinging to his forehead despite the frigid air. Snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky, settling on the frostbitten ground of the manor's front courtyard.
What a horrible time for snow, I guess it came pretty early this year. I wish I was reborn into a warmer continent like Verida or Eden.
Lance sobbed internally before gritting his teeth, he forced himself upright, raising his hand once more. He could feel his mana swirling inside him—a fragile, fleeting power. His weak constitution allowed him to hold it for no more than four seconds before it dispersed entirely, severely limiting the potency of his spells.
Lance inhaled deeply, straightened his posture, and cleared his throat. This time, he acted swiftly, opening his mana nodes with precision, allowing the energy to flood into his palm. A faint ember flickered to life, growing into a small fireball no larger than a baseball before it launched forward, vanishing into the cold air.
A sense of triumph bloomed in his chest. Finally! I actually did it! A smile tugged at his lips, his heart pounding with exhilaration.
Fredrick chuckled, his expression softening with pride. "What a splendid display of magic, young master. Your progress is commendable, and I am certain your father would be proud." He placed a warm hand on Lance's shoulder before turning away. "Now, I'll be heading in to assist with dinner. Don't stay out too late, and remember—do not leave the estate."
As Fredrick disappeared into the manor, Lance remained in the yard, his excitement still coursing through him. Eager to push himself further, he gathered his mana once more, determined to replicate the success.
BOOM!
A fiery explosion erupted in his face, sending him staggering backward, coughing and cursing as embers fizzled out around him.
"Damn it all!"
December 11th, 1178 – 8:00 AM
The classroom hummed with idle chatter, but Lance sat slumped in his chair, lost in thought. Mr. Snix's voice droned on at the front of the room, explaining today's lesson.
"Over the past few days, we've been practicing mana circulation in small groups. Now, it's time to move on to our first offensive spell—the fireball. Each of you will step forward and attempt to cast it. You will have three chances, and this will be marked, so give it your best effort."
Lance barely paid attention, his mind elsewhere.
I completely forgot that I can strengthen my body through training… He furrowed his brow, recalling various books he had read. Certain foods, items, even enhancement spells can compensate for my natural weakness. If I train properly, I can still become strong.
His musings were interrupted as the teacher called the first student.
"Fjord Fletchmen, you're up."
A blonde-haired boy strode confidently to the front of the class, removing his pristine white gloves with a dramatic flourish. Mr. Snix muttered an incantation, summoning a translucent magic shield between himself and the students.
"Just aim your fireball here," the teacher instructed.
Fjord nodded, closing his eyes in deep concentration. Lance felt the energy shift around him—the sheer density of Fjord's mana was palpable. Heat radiated from his palm as a brilliant flame ignited, coiling into a fireball. It swelled to the size of a pumpkin before rocketing forward, striking the barrier with force.
A faint but visible crack splintered across the surface of the shield.
The class murmured in awe.
"Impressive," Mr. Snix acknowledged, nodding approvingly. "Next, Sarah Fogward."
As Fjord made his way back to his seat, he locked eyes with Lance, a smug grin plastered across his face.
Lance's blood boiled. Who the hell does this little brat think he is? He clenched his fists under the desk. I'll show him!
Suddenly, a notification appeared before his eyes.
[QUEST RECEIVED]
Young Rivalry
Objective: Create a fireball larger than Fjord Fletchmen's OR create a visible crack in the magic shield.Time Limit: UnspecifiedReward: Reputation IncreasePenalty for Failure: Reputation Decrease and Temporary Mana Restriction
Lance scowled. What kind of garbage reward is that for such a harsh penalty? His eyes narrowed at the vague wording. How long will my mana be restricted? To what extent?
"Lance Gilthunder, you're up next."
Lance's head snapped up. The class had gone quiet, all eyes now fixed on him.
He forced himself to his feet, his heartbeat quickening as he strode to the front of the room. Standing before the shield, it felt far larger and more imposing than it had just moments ago.
He exhaled slowly, centering himself.
Three… two… one… now!
He opened his mana nodes, letting the energy rush to his diaphragm—but the moment he attempted to release it, a sudden coughing fit wracked his body. His vision blurred, his knees buckling under him as his mana dissipated into nothingness.
A wave of snickers rippled through the class.
"Are you alright?" Mr. Snix asked, his expression unreadable. "Would you like to be skipped?"
Lance's jaw tightened. No. I'm not getting shown up by that little kid!
Determined, he straightened up, inhaling sharply to steady his breath. "No," he said firmly. "I can do it this time." The teacher nodded, gesturing for him to continue.
I definitely can't just charge it in my hand, it won't be nearly strong enough or large enough to complete the quest. Hm…if I can't make my own crack…I'll just have to use his already made crack to make an even bigger one!
Lance lifted his arm once more, reopening his mana nodes. This time, he focused all his energy, ensuring not a single drop went to waste.
Three… two… one… now!
A tiny flame flickered into existence. The fireball that formed in his palm was pitiful—no larger than a marble. But size wasn't everything. With barely any time for the spell to expand, Lance relied on speed and precision. He launched the fireball at the exact weak point where Fjord had struck.
Crack!
Gasps filled the room as the spell rocketed through the shield, embedding itself halfway in before shattering into embers. A much larger crack ,visibly from even the back of the classroom.
For a moment, silence engulfed the room.
Then—
"Impressive" Mr. Snix mused, still staring at the damage. "Return to your seat."
Lance grinned triumphantly as he turned around, his gaze meeting Fjord's. The blonde boy quickly averted his eyes, his earlier smugness nowhere to be seen.