The morning in Arcana City began with a different kind of silence.
The sun was still low when we left the inn. The streets were calmer than the day before. Some mages walked quickly, carrying books or scrolls, while others moved slowly toward their own studies.
The air was fresh.
It was hard to ignore the feeling that something important was about to begin.
Lyannis walked beside me.
"For the first time, I'm curious to see how this training will go."
Rai'kanna responded with a small smile.
"I'm curious to see how many times he'll fail."
Liriel ignored the comment and observed the city towers around us.
"Aurelius seems to know exactly what he's doing."
Elara agreed.
"Mages who live for centuries don't usually waste time."
Vespera walked a few steps behind, observing the surroundings.
We continued to the hill where the archmage's mansion stood.
The gate was already open when we arrived.
We entered.
The mansion's garden was silent, as if the entire place were waiting for us.
We walked along the stone path to the main entrance.
Before we could even knock, the door opened.
Aurelius was waiting for us inside the hall.
He looked exactly as he had the day before.
Dark blue robes with golden runes.
Crystal staff in hand.
Blue eyes glowing softly.
"Punctual."
His voice was calm.
Lyannis shrugged.
"You told us to come early."
The archmage nodded.
"Come."
He turned and began walking inside the mansion.
We followed through a wide corridor filled with shelves and magical artifacts. Some objects floated slowly in the air, held by simple spells.
After a few minutes, we arrived at an open area in the back of the mansion.
It was a training field.
The space was large and surrounded by ancient trees. The ground was covered by a smooth layer of light-colored stone.
Arcane circles were engraved in different parts of the terrain.
Elara immediately noticed.
"Mana control fields."
Aurelius nodded.
"And also containment fields."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms.
"So if someone loses control, the place doesn't explode."
Lyannis let out a small laugh.
"Probably made with Takumi in mind."
I ignored the comment.
The archmage walked to the center of the field.
Then he turned to us.
"Before any technique, before any spell, there is something fundamental."
He rested the staff on the ground.
"The flow of mana."
Liriel paid full attention.
Elara as well.
Aurelius continued.
"Most people use mana instinctively."
He looked directly at me.
"That is your case."
I nodded.
It was true.
Whenever I fought, I just let my body react.
The archmage raised one hand.
A small amount of blue energy appeared in his palm.
The mana moved like a small river of light.
"Mana exists everywhere."
He slowly closed his hand, and the energy disappeared.
"In the environment."
Then he touched his own chest.
"And inside every living being."
Lyannis tilted her head.
"That seems simple."
Aurelius replied.
"It is simple."
He pointed at me.
"But understanding and controlling are different things."
I took a deep breath.
"So what do I need to do?"
The archmage replied calmly.
"Feel."
Rai'kanna raised an eyebrow.
"Feel?"
Aurelius nodded.
"First, you need to perceive the mana inside your own body."
He pointed to the ground.
"Sit."
I obeyed.
I crossed my legs on the smooth stone.
The group stood around observing.
Aurelius continued.
"Close your eyes."
I did so.
His voice was calm.
"Breathe slowly."
I followed the instructions.
The sound of the wind passing through the trees was the only noise around.
"Now imagine the mana inside your body."
I waited a few seconds.
Nothing happened.
Aurelius continued.
"Visualize the energy circulating."
I tried to imagine something.
A flow.
A current.
But it was difficult.
Several minutes passed.
Lyannis broke the silence.
"He looks like a statue."
Rai'kanna replied.
"I think he's trying."
Elara spoke softly.
"This requires concentration."
I kept trying.
Slow breathing.
Focused mind.
Mana circulating.
But it still seemed only imagination.
After a while, I opened my eyes.
"Nothing."
Aurelius didn't look surprised.
"Normal."
Lyannis laughed.
"That was quick."
The archmage continued.
"The first step is always the hardest."
He gestured for me to stand.
"Let's try again."
Liriel looked curious.
"Does this work for everyone?"
Aurelius replied.
"Yes."
He looked at the group.
"You too."
Lyannis blinked.
"Wait."
Rai'kanna gave a small smile.
"I knew it."
Elara seemed ready.
Liriel as well.
Vespera simply nodded.
Aurelius pointed to the ground again.
"Sit."
Everyone obeyed.
The training field fell silent.
Six people sitting on the stone.
The archmage walked slowly around.
"Close your eyes."
We followed the instruction.
His voice continued.
"Breathe slowly."
The wind passed through the trees again.
"Imagine the mana inside you."
Minutes passed.
Silence.
Concentration.
Suddenly Lyannis spoke.
"I think I felt something."
Rai'kanna replied.
"You always think that."
Elara remained calm.
"Keep going."
I tried again.
Breathing.
Concentration.
Flow.
For a moment I felt as if I sensed something.
A small vibration.
But it disappeared immediately.
I opened my eyes.
Aurelius was watching me.
"Did you feel something?"
I shook my head.
"Maybe."
He smiled slightly.
"That's already a start."
I looked at my hands.
It still seemed impossible to control something I could barely perceive.
But the archmage appeared completely calm.
He rested the staff on the ground once more.
"We still have many days of training."
The sun was already higher in the sky.
I took a deep breath.
If mastering mana was the first step to understanding the sword's power…
Then this frustrating attempt was just the beginning of the path.