Mana Core Showcase (Or Ardent Become a Lesson Exhibition)

 Alfon watched with a gaping mouth, before remembering he is in the presence of the most dangerous being in the world, children.

 Thankfully, his surprised expression was not noticed, as they all look at Ardent. Despite not having created their Mana Core yet, they could detect the formation of one. Hence, why they can sense him making his Mana Core.

 "Wow, someone already create their Mana Core!"

 "Really, who is it!?"

 "I don't know but he is part of the new student batch!"

 "Wow, amazing! He must be really talented!"

 'The boy sure is.' Alfon wholeheartedly agree.

 To be able to create a Mana Core in just one month, such thing should be impossible, even for a genius. At least with the resources of the village.

 'Looks like the tragedy that almost occur allow him to become a talented prodigy.' Alfon mused in his mind.

 The old man continue observing the boy, watching as he created his Mana Core. 

 "Children, you can watch but keep your distance to not disturb your fellow student." Alfon chided the other children when they get a little too close. He could not let the other little one disturb Ardent or his attempt might end up in failure.

 The children obeyed, taking few steps back but continue watching. He let them, as it will be a good experience for them, giving them references for the future.

 Alfon then watched the children, before looking back at Ardent. The young boy had began the crystallization of his Mana Core, the swirling Mana Sphere in the process of becoming a true Mana Core.

 The other children seem to take note, especially when seeing him controlling his Mana in a way similar to a Mage.

 "Children, that's why Mana Control is the most important aspect of a Mage. Without it, you cannot even create your Mana Core, much less cast a spell. So take note and continue training your Mana Control whenever you can." Alfon decided to turn the observation into a lesson.

 The children did not complain, as they learned more from watching their fellow then hearing the lecture of the old Mage than just listening to the lecture. It also make them realize the importance of Mana Control, with most of them planning on doing it more often than they did before.

-x-

 'So, the old man want to turn me into a lesson. Well, as long as he did not bother me and continue believing me cresting my Mana Core.' Ardent thought while continue pretending he is creating his Mana Core.

 As for how he manage to do that, he simply cover his Mana Core with Mana, engulfing it in a Mana Sphere before replicating it. Though, he merely crystallize the Mana Sphere for show before showing off a part of his finished Mana Core.

 The result was enough to even fool a 2nd Circle Mage, which show how capable he is and how he can fool Mages of the village.

 'Though, stronger Mages might be harder to fool.' the village did not have any 3rd Circle Mage and above so it is hard to tell if it is possible but Ardent believed he could not fool 4th Circle Mage at the very least.

 Ardent then continue 'creating' his Mana Core, as his fellow students watched in awe. Though, the one he cared the most looked at him in a complicated yet happy expression.

-x-

 'He is so fast. I don't know whether to be happy or slightly annoyed he get so far ahead though.' Catlin thought.

 At the very least, her Father will likely not against the marriage between him and Ardent.

 'In fact, if he manage to become a 1st Circle Mage in just a year, Father could not refuse someone so talented and possibly the village's 3rd Circle Mage.' she thought, deciding joy is the emotion she will have for Ardent's success in Mana Core creation.

 She then watched. While her father teach her as much as he could between his duty, Watchung someone creating their Mana Core will give him reference for the future. 

-x-

 Despite darkness already covering the village, the group of children learning to become Mages remained, watching as one of their youngest member create his Mana Core. Though, it seem them not returning prompt some of the parents to search for them, which is understandable.

 One of them being a big shot of the village, Catlin's father himself. Cross walked towards the group of children, his blue eyes glancing at his daughter as he was about to call out to her.

 "Cat- Aflon, why did the children did not get back home?" Cross asked his colleague and senior. The old man smiled at the younger man before pointing at Ardent.

 Cross raised his brows, his expression changed to one of understanding.

 "So, someone manage to form their Mana Core and you let them stay to observe one being created," Cross said. As a fellow 2nd Circle Mage, he can understand the reasoning of the older man.

 "But still, it is a little too la-" Cross stopped, eying the child in question.

 "I never seen him before during one of the excursion we have last year," Cross exclaimed in surprise. Excursions often hold for the village's children and teen planning to become Mages as it will allow them to take a glimpse on what they can expect of their duties to the village in the future.

 Alfon nodded, not needing to tell his younger colleague of what it meant.

 "You telling me, a new student manage to create their Mana Core in just a month." Cross almost yelled, barely keeping it for himself. After all, such revelation is truly shocking. To create a Mana Core in such short amount of time, it is probably only possible for the towns and cities, not a small village like theirs.

 He sighed before looking back at Ardent. However, his eyes squinted before realizing who the young boy is.

 'Isn't that the boy my daughter had a crush on?' he thought, before looking at his beloved daughter. There, Catlin smiled happily, with a little blush on her cheeks.

 Cross sighed, 'At least the boy can become a good partner in term of status in the future if he continue showing such promises.' he consoled his heart, before continue observing the young boy.