2 Chapter 2: The Disheartening Revelation

In this magical world, where humans ruled over five continents, one particular landmass stood as the East Continent. This vast expanse was divided into twelve countries, and among them was Mayhem Country.

According to the centralized government's decree, each country was led by a president. To facilitate administration, the countries were further divided into cities, varying in size and resources.

I resided in Miston City, nestled within Mayhem Country. While Miston City may be considered a middle-level city in comparison to others within the country, it possessed a distinct advantage—an abundance of high-tier mages.

A high-tier mage was an individual who had reached the pinnacle of star-level mastery, a scarce commodity among all the cities in Mayhem Country. When assessing a city, its size and resources were not the only factors considered; the number of high-tier mages it housed was equally crucial.

Within this country, my parents were hailed as the strongest magicians. Their reputation stemmed not only from being the only 7-star magicians in the land but also due to their relative youth compared to high-tier mages in other countries. Their untapped potential garnered attention from all corners of the country.

This world was brimming with mana, and magic formed its foundation. From everyday tools to formidable weapons and advanced technologies, everything relied on magic for operation, contributing to the prosperity of the realm.

However, not all aspects were favorable. The abundance of mana also gave rise to magical beasts—creatures infused with mana and capable of utilizing it. Mana empowered these beasts, making them stronger and, at times, even intelligent. Some became violent, posing a threat to humans and necessitating the birth of magicians.

Magicians served as the primary force against magical beasts, harnessing incredible power to combat them and accomplish numerous feats.

Awakening as a magician was a rite of passage during adolescence. It was believed that the earlier one awakened, the greater their talent as a magician. History records confirmed this, showcasing numerous renowned magicians who had awoken in their early years.

For me, awakening was never a concern. With both my parents being powerful magicians, logic dictated that I, too, would awaken with a strong affinity for mana.

Everyone around me shared the same expectations. Unfortunately, disappointment awaited us all, including myself.

I failed, and failed resoundingly. It was a commonly held belief that every individual should possess a mana core within them. Since childhood, this notion had been ingrained in the minds of all. The only distinction between the talented and the average lay in their magical affinity.

The talented possessed a heightened ability to sense mana in their surroundings, leading to swifter cultivation. This accelerated progress allowed them to level up faster and learn a greater variety of spells. Learning spells was no easy task, as it consumed a significant portion of a mage's life. Mastery required dedication and relentless effort.

When the results of the awakening ceremony were revealed to me, my heart shattered, and my mind spiraled into disbelief. No, this couldn't be true. How could this happen?

As the child of a pair of young Level 7 mages, I should have inherited their talents and potential. I had never fathomed that a day like today would befall me. At worst, even if my abilities didn't match everyone's expectations, it should have been a minor disparity, not this. I should possess a mana core just like everyone else.

Lost in my thoughts, I became oblivious to my surroundings. Without realizing it, I had arrived at my present state, consumed by a whirlwind of disbelief and despair.