CHAPTER 7 : GROWTH

Three years passed in a flash and I was 7 years old now.

I stood before the mirror and examined my physical features. My hair was of average length, not too long nor too short. Over the past few years, my silvery eyes had developed a slight greenish tint at the centre. At seven years of age, I stood at a height of one meter, with a slender frame and a few toned muscles, thanks to regular exercise and light mana enhancement. Even though I had an immature feel to my appearance, I couldn't help but think that I look.....handsome? Ahh, whatever.

During this time, I've become quite proficient in wielding a sword, having already learned every technique my father could teach me.

Apart from the sword, I learned to wield a spear and staff as well. My father also taught me hand-to-hand combat which I really needed to start learning so as to take full advantage of Fate visions.

Now, according to him, I could give a C-class adventurer a run for his money in combat, of course, if it were a fight where no mana was involved.

Over the years, I've been working on improving every aspect of my body by infusing it with light mana. This has resulted in noticeable improvements in my mana channels, mana veins, skin, muscles, bones, blood, and organs, making my physique stronger overall.

Now I could punch a hole in the wall without even getting a scratch in return.

The process of enhancing blood and organs also proved to be highly advantageous for my body, leading to an increase in its regeneration ability and overall functionality.

I have experienced a significant boost in both the quality and quantity of my mental energy. As a result, my perception of mana and thinking ability has elevated to an entirely new level.

I practised atmospheric mana manipulation day and night. And it paid off when.....I manifested my affinity before I even formed my core.

I can even see yellow mana particles with my eyes open. Yes, I have Earth's affinity. As for why it manifested now? I guess it's because the level of mana manipulation I possess as of now, has already reached a level the light-red stage mage should have. And presumably, when I awaken my core, It shall again get a boost, making it even more smoother for me to utilize mirage walk.

Despite knowing not nearly enough to use in combat, exclusively wielding ONLY atmospheric mana to cast even these little spel...tricks without realmheart, was enough to put on a prideful smile on my face.

This achievement may seem meager as of now, however as it grows more, I believe it'll become a significant part of my strength.

Having already reached up to the 10th quill in training, my mind has also received a substantial boost, becoming so potent that my intelligence quotient might have even surpassed the greatest scientists on earth.

However, even all these achievements combined could not be compared with my biggest discovery.

After manifesting my affinity...I providentially found out that I could now add the properties of the natural elements to my mental energy.

The process of which is entirely similar to the

the method I used to gain light mana affinity.

A smirk appeared on my face as I thought.

The more I study the intangible energy, the more peculiar it appears. After my startling discovery, It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say, for now at least, that mental energy appeared more mysterious than mana to me.

To add certain characteristics to the mental energy, Presumably, properties of a specific element, one has to slowly assimilate them into the mental energy, just like I did with light mana.

I've already started assimilation for the fire element as I have a general idea about all the elements from the fate visions. Of course, It required a lot of experimentation, trials and correction on my part to completely figure its properties out, enough to at least gain fire affinity.

I presumed myself successful in my endeavour when I was able to transform yellow-earthen mana particles in the atmosphere into fiery-fire elements through my modified mental power.

Although I could not see the change of colour of the element with my eyes as Arthur, however, I could...somewhat feel it through my mental power...feel its properties, hot and fiery, just like burning flames.

I've been carrying out assimilation for the fire element for little more than a year, however at this speed, I judged that it will take at least two another years to finish it.

But I believe, after the awakening of my core, this period would shorten considerably, as with the awakening, the connection present in my naval area....in my unawakened core to be precise will strengthen, providing me with more mental energy, boosting it again, which in turn would have a substantial effect on my mana manipulation.

My navel area feels like an overfilled glass. The addition of even a single drop of water might cause the amassed water to flow out, apparently implying that my core is about to be completely formed.

I've been bearing this sensation for a little over two years and now I have finally come to a decision.

Today, I will awaken my core.

Excitement stirred up inside me at the thought.

I saw my parents seated at the dining table, as I made my way out of my room.

Delicious food made by my mother lay on the table, making me drool as I took my usual seat.

"Good morning Mom, good morning Dad," I greeted them with a smile.

"Good morning al," they replied in unison,

My life has been pretty consistent over these years, with the exception of my father educating me on the concept of mana and the various occupations in dicathen. After knowing this, my mother frequently reassures me that her love for me will never change, regardless of whether I awaken or not. And Her affection fills me with warmth and gratitude every time.

Glancing at my eating parents, I spoke, "Mom, Dad, I was hoping to...go to the nearby forest to practice my swordsmanship, I wonder if I could?"

I asked my parents anxiously while also wondering why I felt so anxious.

"Ohh, why? You could just practice here honey, although the forest nearby doesn't have any mana beast, there are many wild animals, and you are still a.....kid. It's not safe for you to wander there alone." My Mother said in a flat tone, completely denying my request.

"But Mom! You know I'm...very good at swordsmanship. I don't think normal wild animals can do anything to me." I said, my voice sounding even more edgy.

"Honey, I know you are strong for your age but-"

Before she could complete her sentence, my father interrupted, "It's okay, honey, Al is young and curious about the world." he said to my mother. Then, turning to me, he spoke in a serious tone. "Son, you can go however if you encounter even a slightly powerful wild animal or any kind of danger, you have to promise us that you will run back to the village."

"But Mike! he is only seven! what if he encounters a wild animal from which he can't run away?" My mother yelled, still not letting the matter go.

Standing up from my seat, I went up to my mother and suddenly hugged her, "Mama, I promise that if I feel even the slightest bit of danger, I'll immediately come back." I said, assuring her as I held her head tightly against my small chest.

Shifting herself slightly on the chair, my mother wrapped her arms around my waist.

After staying like this for nearly a minute, My mother said in a softened voice, but a little hesitation was still evident in her tone, "Ok, honey, you can go but...only if you promise that you'll come back 3 hours before dusk, not even a minute later than that will do."

"Ok, Mom, I promise I will," I replied happily, tightening our embrace.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see my father looking at both of us lovingly.

About an hour later, when my father left for work, I too departed after assuring my mother of my safety hundredth time.