The First Mana Circle

Lucian Nightshade had turned one year old when his abilities began to manifest in ways that astounded his family.

As the sun set on the day marking Lucian's first year of life, the Nightshade household buzzed with a celebratory atmosphere. Elara had prepared a modest feast, filling their cozy home with the aroma of freshly baked bread and herbs. Alden carved a small wooden toy—a tradition passed down through generations—to mark the occasion. Kael, always the enthusiastic older brother, chattered excitedly about everything he observed and learned.

Lucian sat in his high chair, his keen eyes taking in every detail of the festivities. He had spent the past months absorbing the nuances of language and observing the world around him with a scientist's curiosity. But now, on this special day, he felt a surge of determination to demonstrate his newfound abilities.

"Lucian, can you say 'book'?" Elara encouraged, holding up a picture book adorned with colorful illustrations.

"Boog," Lucian replied clearly, his tiny voice resonating with certainty.

Elara's eyes widened with delight, exchanging a glance with Alden, who nodded approvingly. Kael clapped his hands enthusiastically, his face beaming with pride. The family's joy was palpable, their love and encouragement wrapping around Lucian like a warm embrace.

Alden set down the wooden toy he had been carving and approached Lucian's high chair, his expression a mix of wonder and curiosity. "Lucian, what else can you say? Can you say 'light'?"

Lucian gazed at the flickering flame of the candle on the table. "Lite," he repeated, pointing at it with a chubby finger.

Elara laughed softly, her heart swelling with maternal pride. "He's so clever," she whispered to Alden.

The evening continued in a similar fashion, with Lucian effortlessly speaking words that amazed and delighted his family. Each new word he uttered was met with cheers and applause, reinforcing his eagerness to learn and please those around him.

Later that night, after Kael had been tucked into bed and the household settled into a comfortable rhythm, Alden and Elara sat by the hearth, savoring a quiet moment together. Lucian was nestled in Elara's arms, his gaze fixed on the dancing flames.

"He's remarkable, isn't he?" Alden murmured, breaking the tranquil silence.

Elara nodded, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears of happiness. "I never imagined..."

"He seems to understand so much," Alden continued, his voice tinged with awe. "And his ability to speak at such a young age—it's extraordinary."

"I've noticed something else, too," Elara said softly, stroking Lucian's silky hair. "He watches everything so intently, as if he's trying to unravel the secrets of the world."

Alden chuckled softly. "Perhaps he's destined for greatness. A scholar, maybe, or a wise sage."

Elara smiled, her heart swelling with a mother's unconditional love. "Whatever path he chooses, I know he will make us proud."

Meanwhile, Lucian's mind was buzzing with thoughts that surpassed his physical age. He had learned the language swiftly, recognizing patterns and meanings with a clarity that surprised even him. But there was more he sought to understand—the elusive realm of magic that had tantalized his thoughts since his arrival in this world.

In the quiet of the night, Lucian recalled the words of Marta, the village midwife, and her mention of basic healing spells. He remembered the herbs she had discussed with Elara—their properties and applications in alleviating discomfort and promoting health. Lucian understood that these herbs were conduits, channels through which magical energy flowed to affect the physical world.

"First, I'll need to create a mana circle, like in those magic fantasy novels," Lucian thought to himself., remembering his theories about magic as a form of energy akin to electromagnetic waves. "If I can harness the magical energy, I can manipulate it, just like I would with any scientific principle."

Lucian focused his thoughts, envisioning a diagram he had mentally sketched—a circular pattern resembling intricate circuits. In his mind's eye, he overlaid this pattern with the symbols and runes he had observed on the charms and trinkets scattered throughout the house. They seemed to encode specific functions—protections, blessings, perhaps even spells of healing.

With a determined expression, Lucian reached out his tiny hand towards the candle flame still flickering on the table. He concentrated on the mana circle diagram, imagining it glowing faintly in the air before him. He willed the magical energy he sensed around him to conform to this pattern, to coalesce into a tangible form.

Alden and Elara glanced at each other, sensing a shift in the air—a subtle change in the atmosphere that hinted at something extraordinary unfolding in their midst. They watched in silent awe as Lucian's eyes narrowed in concentration, his small brow furrowed with effort.

And then, as if in response to Lucian's focused will, a faint glow shimmered into existence—a delicate, ephemeral circle of light hovering around his hand. It pulsed softly, radiating a gentle warmth that seemed to resonate with the very essence of magic.

Alden gasped softly, unable to tear his gaze away from the mesmerizing sight. Elara held her breath, her heart pounding with a mixture of astonishment and maternal pride. "Lucian..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

The mana circle remained suspended for a few precious moments before fading away, leaving only the lingering sense of wonder in its wake. Lucian slumped back against Elara's chest, his young face flushed with exertion but also with a deep-seated satisfaction.

"Hehe, I did it," Lucian whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and excitement. "I created my first mana circle." (𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙖 𝙘𝙞𝙧𝙘𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮.)

Alden and Elara exchanged a look of profound understanding. Their son, barely a year old, had unlocked a realm of knowledge and power that surpassed their wildest dreams. In that moment, his parents made a decision.