05: The Strange Dream

In the world of Zitherland, humans possess the ability to use magic thanks to a unique energy called mana. This energy, also known as world energy, originates from the universe and plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature.

Mana is ubiquitous, but not easily absorbable like oxygen, which humans can breathe. Only individuals with a mana core, known as mages, can absorb and circulate mana within their bodies, converting it into spiritual energy that is compatible with the human body. This spiritual energy, once formed, can be stored in the core and utilized to perform magical abilities.

Mana control, on the other hand, involves the art of effectively absorbing and circulating mana, allowing for the unleashing of spiritual energy in the form of elementals or variants to use magical skills. The better one's control of mana, the more efficiently they can absorb, circulate, and utilize it. Mana control can only be achieved in a calm, meditative state.

--- -- --

Evelyn was on the verge of mastering the absorption and circulation of mana when an unexpected incident occurred.

"What's happening? No, this can't be right," she inwardly lamented, finding it hard to believe. Was she destined to be like her mother, unable to access the very essence of magic?

Lost in her distracting thoughts, she had ceased absorbing and circulating mana from her surroundings, breaking out of her meditation.

Her brother noticed the worried expression etched on her face. He sensed that something had gone wrong, but he knew Evelyn well enough to understand that she wouldn't readily share her troubles. Nonetheless, he decided to ask her.

"Did something go wrong with the absorption or circulation? Did you miss any steps that Mom taught us?" He bent down and touched her forehead, feeling its warmth. 'Why is her head heating up like this?' he pondered, still watching her.

She opened her eyes and removed his hand from her head. "Don't you think you're distracting me?" She calmly asked him. She was surprised by the sudden increase in her body temperature.

"It's nothing. I was doing fine earlier. Maybe I absorbed more mana than I should have, without properly circulating it. That's why my body heated up. I just need to work on my mana circulation, but those pills helped," she lied, forcing a smile on her face.

Elvis, who had known his sister for a long time, saw through her facade. She wasn't one to talk so much or wear false smiles unless she was attempting to hide something. Even though she was able to deceive their mother and others, he could not be easily fooled. But what could he do? For now, he had to play along as he always did, although this particular incident was bothering him.

"Let's both return to meditation. I want to learn how to circulate the flow of mana and transform it into spiritual energy. Maybe if I master it, I can take another pill and practice more to discover my magical affinity," urged Evelyn, attempting to break the awkward silence and divert his attention.

'Woah! Look who has suddenly become talkative. Evie, who are you trying to fool? I'll soon find out my way,' he muttered inwardly.

"Don't you think taking more than one pill a day could result in side effects? Let's stick to one pill for now until we verify with Mom," he cautioned.

Taking a seat on the bare forest ground, he crossed his legs and shut out the distractions of the outside world. He delved into the calmness of his inner world.

Evelyn observed her brother's calm demeanor and sighed in admiration. It seemed as though she was destined to face this setback. She also entered a state of mindful meditation, determined to uncover why her mana core had hit a roadblock.

After what felt like an hour, Elvis opened his eyes, his grin stretching from ear to ear. He held his hand out in front of him, and sparks of lightning crackled and danced around his palm. As a bird flew overhead, he extended his hand, and a bolt of lightning shot from his fingertips, striking the bird and causing a fatal injury.

Evelyn, who had just gotten up, was astonished by her brother's remarkable feat as the poor bird plummeted to the ground.

"Wow, Elvis, you've finally discovered your elemental affinity!" She exclaimed with a twinge of envy concealed behind her indifferent expression.

"Yeah, Evie, now your brother can protect you from those bullies if you ever encounter them again," he exclaimed gleefully, jumping around.

Unfortunately, Evelyn has not yet discovered her own elemental or variant affinity. She could only hope that her discovery would occur soon.

*****

As the sun began to set, the siblings returned home from the Ytris Forest. Elvis, still brimming with happiness from his accomplishment, paid no attention to anything else as he pushed open the front door.

Inside, they found their mother pacing anxiously in the living room, an act she usually did when she was angry with them. As soon as she spotted them, she quickly sat down and gestured for them to take their seats.

"Where have you two been? Elvis, what happened to the friends you invited to your birthday celebration? They came here but couldn't find either of you. Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting? Do you think this is a joke?" Dorcas bombarded them with questions, clearly worried sick about their whereabouts.

Evelyn stared at Elvis with a gaze that was asking: 'I thought you said you didn't invite anyone and also remember to take responsibility just like you claimed earlier?

Carefully, Elvis narrated everything that had transpired to his mother. The pills they found, their practice of mana control in Ytris Forest, and the discovery of his lightning elemental magic. His mother's emotions swung between happiness and sadness.

She was thrilled that Elvis had finally discovered his elemental ability, which was lightning, just like hers. However, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness and fear for Evelyn, who had not yet made her discovery. She didn't dwell much on it for long, as Evelyn had informed her that she was able to sense her core, absorb mana, and circulate it. At least her daughter was different from her. That was a relief.

"Evelyn, don't feel bad that you're not progressing at the same pace as your brother. Take your time to practice, and soon enough, you'll discover your affinity," advised her mother. Evelyn simply nodded, her face stoic as always, concealing the inner turmoil she felt.

"So, Mom, where is the birthday package that you went to collect from the Zeccamons?" Elvis inquired, his excitement rekindled.

Dorcas retrieved two envelopes from her bag and placed them on the table in front of them, leaving the twins wondering what kind of gift awaited them. "You can open the letter. This is your main birthday present. I have more surprises for you later."

"A letter?" Elvis was puzzled. What kind of birthday gift was that letter which made their mother travel to the Zeccamon Family just to get it?

Driven by curiosity, the twins eagerly tore open the letter. Their eyes were immediately drawn to the bold inscription at the top.

[Rylinth Academia of Mages,

You have been granted special admission to the aforementioned academy. Please refer to the letter for additional information]

Upon reading those words, one person was overwhelmed with excitement, while the other felt a sense of apprehension. Elvis was thrilled at the prospect of attending his dream academy, which would train him to become a powerful mage in Rylinth. He can't wait to tell his friends about it.

Evelyn appeared indifferent on the surface, but deep down, she was worried about fitting in at the academy, especially after her experience in Ytris Forest.

Dorcas urged them to pack their belongings and prepare to leave the following morning with her cousin, who would accompany them to the academy. She couldn't help but notice Evelyn's indifferent expression, which made her worry about her daughter's well-being. She still cannot understand Evelyn even now.

—————

As Evelyn packed her belongings in her room, her gaze fell upon an amulet with golden, red, and black hues tucked beneath her bed.

It stirred a sense of familiarity, as it had been her cherished companion since childhood. She had stopped wearing it only after having a dream five years ago and chose to hide it away instead.

The dream felt so real that she still cannot believe it was just a dream even now.

Suddenly, an idea flashed through her mind, a solution to her mana core restriction problem!