13 Mana Core
After the event in Aquanor days have been quite normal, and his life got into a routine.
He wakes up early to run around the town to increase his stamina, eat breakfast, go to his teachers place to learn magic in the morning and then train with the sword until sundown.
In the evening he studies monsters, beast, plants and survivel tips for his future adventurers. His uncle always told him how dangerous an adventurer's life could be but also very thrilling and exciting.
As time passes, he and his tamed beast gets stronger, and the weather colder. It was already autumn and the leaves are falling.
Just after few months he got muscular, his eyes sharper and his mind brighter. Not only him but Zanek too got muscular and longer. His fire red feathers tip turned slightly bright blue, indicating that his mana core would soon form, that also means that he will get an affinity or two. Which is like going into puberty for beasts. The big fellow is now three and a half meters long and his protrudins on his tail got more prominent.
And with that, Merces 16 birthday is just around the corner, and he then finally can start his life as an adventurer and tour the world. But before that he has to do a few things, as he is not ready for the vast world and the dangers Zenith might hold for him…
***
"Today is your 16th birthday Merces! Congratulation." Said Alaya.
"Thanks teacher! I can´t wait to become an adventurer."
"I know that, but before you can go on adventures you first have to form your mana core. Depending on the size of the core and the density of the mana inside, I could recommend you to go into the Thithran Institute. Since Nilphret the current director of the Institute needs my advice for his experiments, he still owes me a favor."
"Wait a second! You mean I could learn magic in the best mage Institute in Murok?"
"That all depends if your mana core is big enough. If your mana core is to small, then it is useless to study high tier spells since the mana consumption would be too high. A mana core will reduce the acquired mana to cast a spell, increases your maximal mana capacity and strengthen your affinities and spells. Also you could choose a Alcarium-Weapon to bond with and an Aura if you don´t want to soli dedicate to spellcasting. But once registered you are required to stay at the Thithran Institute for at least 2 years."
"Wait! Does that mean I have to wait another 2 years to go on adventures?!"
"Ah, no you can go and register as an adventurer and accept quest, but only after school or when you have weekends. That means you can just take missions that last for maximal 2 days or you wait for holydays."
"Hmmm, but that all depends if my mana core is big enough right?"
"Indeed. So less talking and more mana core building. So first lay you hand on the magic crystal and try to absorb just mana with your affinity. I will at the same time pour pure mana into your body."
Merces is now standing in front of a blue magic crystal that hat many small colored orbs flouting in it. This orb is called a Core-Crystal as it helps human to form their mana cores.
He lays his hand on the crystal ball and closes his eyes.
Suddenly he sees many swirling orbs in his mind and instinctively grabs the red and purple ones and tries to pull them towards him. He then felled a warm sensation on his back that is filling him.
Looking at the boys the mage thought 'Hmm not bad 30 minutes are already up, and he is still gathering affinity wisps.' *sigh* 'He could become an amazing mage if he studies diligently in the Institute.'
Merces still gathering wisp could see a small red and purple orb inside his chest, but he could feel that is was not enough. He still can gather more.
As time goes on his mana cores increases and the shape slowly changes.
The former round core now has two small crescent moons attached to each side.
Alaya could see the changes in his mana core and thought 'Hmm crescent shaped protrusions. He will be good at summoning magic in the future.' (AN: details about mana cores will be under Ranks!)
Merces opened his eyes shortly after and felled that his body was very tiered and fatigued and slumped to the ground.
"Ho, ho, not bad little Merc. 40 minutes for building your core impressive. The core size is above average, and the density is good. You could definitely get into Thithran Institute with my recommendation." Said the purple haired woman to her disciple.
*pant* *pant* "Thanks teacher. I will tell you tomorrow if I want to go there or not. Oh, teacher how long have you needed to form a magic core?"
"He, he, I don´t want to brag but if you already asked. I could form my core for 3 hours." Said the mage laughing smugly.
Merces was amazed because he only could form his mana core for 40 minutes and forming a core will get exponentially harder.
"Oh I almost forgot. I prepared for you a birthday gift, but you have to wait a few days."
"What is it?" said Merces excited.
He rarely gets presents because he rarely asks for them and does not need something he doesn't want. So a present from his teacher would surely be something useful.
"It wouldn't be a fun if I tell you everything. Just have patience." Said Alaya.
'I have been teaching this kid for 4 years already. Time surely flies.' Thought the mage looking at Merces with kind eyes.
"Ah, I almost forgot. From the looks of it you will be good at summoning magic, I will teach you a low tier one next time. That is all for today, you can go home now and rest, and don´t forget to practice the new spell I thought you." Said Alaya casting a silent cleaning spell to clean the room.
"Understood teacher." Said Merces standing up from the ground and walking outside to find Zanek rolling around in the grass.
*sigh* "Zanek, I don't get yourself dirty again. I am too tired to wash you today. Go clean yourself in the river before going into the barn." Said Merces looking at his oversized lizard rolling happily around while enjoying the fresh autumn breeze.
"Gruuu shaaa" said Zanek looking at his master.
Merces then sits on top of his Dactori and rode home thinking about his mana core and whether he should go to the institute or not.
