Underlying Threat

While Ragnar was trying his best to get stronger, somewhere dark and secluded, a group of six cloaked figures gathered. The room was dimly lit by flickering candles, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Their faces were obscured by hoods, and their identities were hidden even from each other. The atmosphere was heavy with the weight of their dark purpose.

One of the figures stepped forward, its voice neither male nor female, echoing through the chamber with an unsettling resonance.

"We have received troubling news," the figure began, capturing the attention of the others. "The energy signature of the Sword of Anarchy has been detected."

Gasps and murmurs filled the room. The Sword of Anarchy was a powerful artifact, known for its destructive potential and the chaos it could unleash. Its reappearance was a cause for both concern and opportunity for those who coveted its power.

Another figure, taller and more imposing, spoke up. "Where was it detected?"

The first figure continued, "The energy was felt in the region of Savannah. However, it disappeared almost as quickly as it was detected. This means someone in the area may have come into contact with it."

"This is not good. The fact that this accursed sword has reappeared means that it has chosen a new host. We can't let it hinder our plans at all costs. The past cannot repeat itself. Third Shadow, send your men to scout the region. Find who the bearer is," the imposing figure commanded.

He then continued, "Don't let them act rashly. The Savannah region is guarded by the Sword Saint. If he somehow sniffs out our people in his territory, he would cause trouble for us. We can't let the Divine Council interfere with us right now. Be discreet."

"Understood," the first figure replied.

....

Inside the academy, Ragnar was preparing himself for the first class. Last night, he had spent most of his time familiarizing himself with mana. It was truly an exciting feeling, but he discovered that he could not store the mana inside his body.

'Well, at least I successfully sensed it. Now I only need to work on my technique as described in the book,' he thought.

On arriving in class, he saw that all the students were already seated and excited for their first lesson. He sat down next to Julius. Erica was put in another class, but from time to time he would see her.

The teacher arrived and greeted everyone.

"Good morning, everyone. I hope you used your free time well yesterday. I am Mrs. Maria, your magic teacher. I know some of you did not sense mana yet but got accepted due to your physical skills. You don't need to worry, as sometimes even warriors can sense mana. Though, it is imperative for mages to have a good sense of it."

She walked up in front of the class and placed a crystal ball in front of her.

"Now, can anyone tell me what this is?"

Ragnar saw that the ball resembled the one that took his mana test. Some students raised their hands to answer.

"Yes, you," Mrs. Maria picked a girl at random.

"It is a crystal ball used to measure the mana sensitivity of the body. It usually displays colors ranging from colorless to red," she answered.

"Very good. Now, can you tell me what those colors signify? Any idea?" She smiled.

"Uhm, it signifies your potential as a mage?" one boy answered.

"Yes and no. The answer is that it shows the mana capacity potential of the person. You see, anyone can sense mana with the right technique. The misconception that people have is that you need to sense mana to become a mage, which is wrong.

Being able to sense mana by your own effort is indeed praiseworthy. But is it necessary for that person to become a red-colored mage? Most of you felt mana before enrolling here, so why did you all not get declared geniuses with red-colored potential?"

Most of the students understood where she was going. Sensing mana and mana capacity are two completely different things.

This made Ragnar realize how talented Erica was. To get an orange grade meant that her mana capacity was really great. At the same time, it made him wonder about something. He raised his hand and asked the teacher.

"Is it possible for a person who got colorless to become a colored grade?"

Mrs. Maria smiled and answered, "Good question. The answer is no. Mana capacity is predetermined for everyone. Upgrading your mana capacity is impossible, at least until now, no one has been able to do it."

Ragnar nodded and started thinking, 'If that is true, then that means the system is far too OP. It clearly said that I needed a vessel to store the mana. In other words, it is possible for me to increase my mana potential. Let's not jump to conclusions. First, I need to create the mana vessel to confirm it.'

While Ragnar was thinking, Mrs. Maria continued,

"Now let's move on. For those who got a colored grade, you must be wondering, what makes you different from a mage, right? After all, you can sense mana, but you cannot use it. So, what is stopping you from using it?" She looked around and randomly pointed at a guy.

"You there, let me ask you a question. Why is it that you cannot control your friend's arm, but you can control yours?"

The student thought it was a stupid question, but he still complied, "Because his arm is not part of my body, but mine is?"

"Exactly. Now think of the mana in the atmosphere. Is it yours?" she asked.

Some of the students opened their eyes widely and said no.

"Good. Some of you understand where I am getting at. To be more precise, the mana in the atmosphere you've sensed is not yours. You can only use something that is yours. The same thing applies to mana. You need to make the mana yours before you can use it. This is where a mana circle comes into play."

Mrs. Maria paused and continued,

"Hehe, I know you guys want to learn about the method to absorb mana, but that will be for the next class. For now, you all need to understand what was said in class today. That will be all."

And just like that, she left the class.

"Noo!" Julius exclaimed.

He could not believe that Mrs. Maria left them like that. Most of the students shared the same feeling; after all, they wanted to learn the technique. Ragnar sighed in defeat and went toward his next class.