Ardent: Finally, I am 12

 "Wow, time flies by really fast." Ardent could not help but say. It had been 5 years from when he first find himself transmigrated into Alternate Earth. 

 During the 5 year period, Ardent had spent his time learning magic under the tutelage of Catlin, while practicing it in secret.

 Right now, during the age when someone can only start learning about magic, he managed to become a strong Mage, at least by the village standard.

 'I wonder if I can defeat the older Mages of the village?' while he is strong, he lacked experience in using spells in real-life combat. Unless a boulder can be considered an enemy.

 'Tomorrow is when I can join in the magic lesson.' Ardent had already made his plan. After three years of training, he was now sure his best Attribute is Fire. Which is nice, if not a bit on a deadly side.

 He will began slowly, as if he only just started using Magic.

 'I should show myself as a prodigy by the standard of the village, so Catlin's father will consider me as a potential husband.'

 Ardent planned on showcasing himself as a prodigy, at least in the village's eyes. In the span of 1 month, he planned on showcasing his Mana Bolt. And his first Fire Spell when during the 6th month or so. 

 'Though, if necessary, I can showcase it far sooner than planned.' It's truly is a boon for him to be able to practice and use magic before his twelfth birthday. 

-x- 

 "Ardent, are you sure?" Rowan asked, looking at his son with a slight worry in his eyes.

 Ardent nodded, showing how much he truly want it. The father sighed, knowing the look on his face was one that will not accept no for an answer.

 "Alright. You can take the magic class. But if you can't become a Mage in a year time, you will return to become a farmer, understand?" Rowan said with a stern voice.

 "Yes, father." the black-haired man smiled and ruffled his son's hair. Afterwhich, a small projectile launched itself on Ardent.

 "Big bader." Runa said with a smile, nuzzling her cheeks on her order's brother's clothing. 

 "Someone wants to fly it seem." picking the three-years old, Ardent lift her above his shoulder level, getting excited giggles for his trouble as he run around, carrying Runa while his parents watched.

-x-

 "I'm so excited to finally able to use Magic!" Catlin said to him. Both are next to one another as they waited for their magic teacher.

 To be honest, Ardent doubted anyone could properly teach him, considering his current level. 'Maybe they can teach me something I might be missing.' Ardent consoled himself over the fact the lesson might be useless to him. He hope he is wrong.

-x-

 Nope, he is right. The first lesson is something he already did.

 'Then again, this is for those who want to become Mage.' and manage to pass the Mana Test.

 While every being, both living and not have Mana, there are difference in Innate Mana. If the Innate Mana is too low, it will be very unlikely for the person to become a Mage. After all, not everyone could become a Mage.

 Moreso if they are born in a rural village like here. With lack of resources in training Mages, only those with high enough Innate Mana will be accepted.

 After the cut, the teacher, the village's other 2nd Circle Mage teach them how to control their Mana.

 "Mana is something both inside and outside of you. One inside is the one we test, as it is only the Innate Mana that can be use to create a spell." Ardent watched as the Magic Circle for Mana Bolt appeared on the man's palm, as he fired it on the ground. 

 The small hole created earned the old man awe-filled gasps, from him included though his was more of a cover.

 "You will use the Mana inside of you for spell, while the Mana outside, while can be control, it is hard to do so. You only use the Mana outside when you absorb it and filled your Mana Core." the man explained.

 As the other children nodded, Ardent took the time to look at the assortment of students. Of his age, and one he knew about, only 2 are in the class, one boy and one girl, and he is not talking about himself and Catlin.

 For the rest, their ages vary but he guessed the youngest being twelve while the oldest are in the teens, maybe 17 for the oldest.

 "Your brother don't take this kind of classes?" Ardent asked. Catlin shook her head.

 "No. They all learned under dad when they create their Mana Core, to make things easier for the teacher and for everyone else." Catlin whispered back.

 Thankfully, their little talk was not noticed by the older man, who more focused on explaining about magic and Mana. 

-x-

 When the class ended, the older man said gave his final words for the day, "Magic is a difficult discipline that require both patience and practice if you want to reach new heights.

 Don't be discouraged if you fail the first few time. Keep trying and with enough hardwork and guidance, you may become a 1st Circle Mage." 

 While such words maybe encouraging for others, to Ardent, it is more on the pessimistic side. After all, with his talents, 1st Circle Mage is just the first step.

 As him and Catlin exit the hall, they talk to one another, though the topic mostly on Catlin's family.

 "Your eldest brother is now a 1st Circle Mage!?" Ardent exclaimed, surprised. Considering the young man is only in his 18, it is a surprise, and probably great joy for Catlin's household. 

 "Yup, Cameron had worked hard to catch up to Calais." Catlin told him. Calais is her eldest brother while Cameron is her second brother. Both capable Mages even when they are Zero Circle Mage.