I Can Feel It

As I prepared to leave my father's study room with Brother Faust, a thought from yesterday surfaced in my mind, stirring curiosity. Turning back toward my father, I hesitated for a moment before asking about one of the abilities tied to my ghoul traits: Blood Armament.

My father leaned back slightly in his chair, his sharp gaze meeting mine. "That ability," he began, "is a hallmark of a strong ghoul bloodline, which you seem to possess.

Blood Armament allows one to create weapons directly from their own blood. However," he added with a measured tone, "you won't be able to use it just yet."

"Why not?" I pressed, frowning slightly.

"It requires a certain level of physical development," he explained. "The essence of the ability draws heavily from the core vitality of the body, which a child's body isn't yet equipped to handle. By the time you turn twelve, your body should have matured enough to access and wield it safely."

I nodded, accepting the reasoning despite my lingering curiosity. "I'll focus on it when the time comes," I said, turning to leave with Faust.

Now, I found myself in the familiar forest I had visited with Sister Risu, though this time my companion was Brother Faust.

Unlike the last journey, where we traveled by carriage, this trip had been far more extraordinary.

It was the first time I witnessed grand magic in action.

After leaving Father's study, Brother Faust had formed a complex, light-blue magic circle beneath our feet. The patterns of the circle seemed intricate, interwoven with flowing symbols.

Moments later, water erupted and swirled around us, forming a cocoon of liquid that enveloped my entire body.

Before I could even process what was happening, the forest materialized around us, and the sound of a nearby river met my ears.

I stared at my surroundings in awe before glancing up at my brother. "What was that?" I asked, curiosity brimming in my voice.

"That," he replied with a faint smirk, "is Water Magic—a Tier 4 transportation spell."

"How does it work?" I pressed.

"The spell allows the caster to teleport to a nearby water source," he explained. "The range and accuracy depend on the caster's skill and mana control. It's not an easy spell to master, but it's efficient for someone proficient in water magic."

I nodded, impressed. "I never thought water magic could be used like that," I murmured, my thoughts swirling with possibilities.

"Alright," Faust's rough, commanding voice snapped me out of my reverie. "You must've learned at least the basics of mana manipulation. Today, we'll take that knowledge further."

He gestured for me to sit on the grassy ground near the flowing river. As I settled down, he continued. "To effectively use magic, you need two fundamental structures within your body: the Mana Circuit and the Mana Heart."

"The Mana Circuit," he began, "is a network of pathways that channels mana throughout your body. Think of it like veins transporting blood—but instead of blood, it carries mana to where you need it for casting spells or using abilities."

"The Mana Heart is where mana is gathered and stored," he explained, crossing his arms. "But it's more than just a reservoir. It also refines and converts raw mana into a usable form, ensuring that you can draw on it efficiently when needed."

I nodded, digesting the information.

"These two systems are critical. Without them, you can't channel or control mana properly," he continued. "Now, enough talk. Let's see how much you can learned. We're starting right away."

As we settled on the grassy floor, Brother Faust placed his large, steady hand on my back. "Focus," he instructed, his voice firm but not unkind.

"The Mana Circuit and Mana Heart are delicate to form at first. Let me guide you through the process."

Closing my eyes, I centered my thoughts as his mana began to flow gently into me, acting as a guide.

"The first step is visualizing your Mana Heart," he explained. "Picture it like a small orb near your chest, where your mana will pool. It doesn't need to be perfect at first—just stable enough to hold mana without breaking apart."

I followed his guidance, imagining a faint, shimmering sphere forming within me. His mana moved through my body, coaxing mine to respond. The sensation was subtle, like a soft ripple in a still pond, and I realized how complex the process was.

"Next, the Mana Circuit," Faust continued. "This is where the real work begins. Imagine thin, thread-like pathways branching out from your Mana Heart, spreading through your body. These pathways need to connect to every part of you, but they must remain balanced. Too narrow, and mana won't flow properly. Too wide, and you'll lose control."

With each word, he demonstrated, guiding my mana to form the initial threads. It was painstaking work, like weaving a fragile tapestry one strand at a time. I could feel the faint pulse of mana circulating, though the flow was uneven and weak.

"Don't rush," Faust said. "If you're too hasty, the circuits will collapse, and you'll have to start over."

Under his guidance, I worked on the circuits, my focus unwavering. The process stretched on, tedious and meticulous.

Every adjustment required intense concentration, and by the end of an hour and a half, I felt an overwhelming sense of mental exhaustion.

Finally, Faust's palm lifted from my back, and he exhaled deeply. "That's a good start," he said, nodding in approval. "Your Mana Circuit and Mana Heart are faint and fragile, but they're there. Now, try doing it again—this time on your own. You need to strengthen them without my help."

I hesitated but nodded. "I'll try."

Closing my eyes again, I focused on replicating what I had just learned. Without Faust's assistance, the task felt monumentally harder. My mana felt unsteady, slipping out of place with the smallest mistake.

The hours dragged on, the forest quiet save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the river's gentle flow. I lost track of time, immersed in the intricate task of refining my circuits and strengthening my Mana Heart. My stamina, bolstered by my ghoul bloodline, kept me going far longer than I would have expected.

By the time the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the forest, I could feel the strain catching up to me. My breath came in light pants as I curved forward, my head hanging low.

"Not bad," Faust's hearty laugh broke through the quiet, drawing my gaze upward. His broad grin shone with approval. "You're doing good, little brother. But this isn't enough yet."

I managed a faint smile despite my exhaustion. "So... what's next?"

"For the next few days, you'll spend your time refining it," he said, clapping me lightly on the shoulder. "It's tedious, but necessary. Trust me, it'll pay off."

I let out a small sigh but found myself smiling nonetheless. "Sure."