Chapter 6: Mana
After indulging in a delightful family tea time, Alan returned to his chamber and reclined upon his bed. He found himself engrossed in an effort to arrange his thoughts, particularly concerning the exchange he'd had with his parents, which had illuminated one resounding concept.
"The strong prey upon the weak," Alan pondered, his hand lifting to gaze at the ceiling as he contemplated the stark truth that reverberated through his mind.
Through his conversation with his parents, Alan had garnered certain insights about the world he now inhabited.
"This realm is teeming with mana," he mused, reflecting upon his parents' disclosures. It was a world where individuals awakened their innate powers, then proceeded to enroll in the kingdom's central city's prestigious institution: the "Trojan Magic Academy." Entry was reserved for those who attained adulthood at the age of eighteen.
Spells were acquired from a variety of spellbooks, categorized into distinct tiers:
Basic-Grade Spellbook
Lower-Grade Spellbook
Intermediate-Grade Spellbook
High-Grade Spellbook
And the most rare and coveted of all - the Heavenly-Grade Spellbook
The price of these spellbooks varied according to their rarity and the specific attribute they were aligned with. Avarice, it seemed, was a universal trait among humans.
The kingdom provided a basic-grade spellbook upon an individual's awakening. Yet, even if a commoner awoke to a rare attribute, financial constraints often thwarted their ability to purchase anything beyond a basic-level spellbook. Moreover, even those who managed to secure such a tome would inevitably be overpowered by nobles wielding higher-grade spellbooks.
"The old adage holds true in both lives," Alan sighed inwardly.
"The rich amass greater wealth, while the destitute fall into deeper penury," he ruminated, comparing the socio-economic disparities of his current existence with his previous one.
However, the possession of a high-grade spellbook did not guarantee its wielder's mastery over powerful spells. Alan recollected his father's mention of mana circles, a concept he was still struggling to comprehend.
"Unfortunately, I can't revisit that subject with my parents; feigning forgetfulness twice might raise suspicions," Alan conceded, acknowledging the limit of his recourse.
His train of thought veered towards the matter of seeking information elsewhere.
"Whom should I inquire about mana from?" Alan contemplated, his gaze shifting to Anna, who was busily preparing medicine.
An intriguing enigma in her own right, Anna had her reasons for keeping her attributes hidden. Alan resolved to question her about mana and its intricacies once his strength was restored.
"Ah, Anna," Alan beckoned in a gentle tone, beseeching her presence.
With an almost supernatural celerity, Anna hastened to his side, moving with a swiftness that even rivaled the shadow guards of his family.
"What can I do for you, Alan?" Anna inquired, her visage a mask of genuine concern and willingness to assist.
"Could you enlighten me about mana?" Alan's query was posed softly, his expression carrying an element of puppy-like innocence that was difficult to resist.
Anna's curiosity was piqued, and she assumed an almost instructive demeanor, akin to that of a teacher.
"Mana is analogous to the air we breathe, omnipresent. However, to absorb it, one must engage in meditation," Anna began, donning a pair of reading glasses that lent her an air of scholarly authority.
"Mana exists as a confluence of diverse attributes. When an individual awakens their innate magic, they attune themselves to the most compatible mana particles amidst this amalgamation. These particles gather in the heart, where a magic circle is formed."
Anna's explanation flowed smoothly, punctuated by Alan's attentive absorption of her words.
"Initially, one can cast basic or lower-grade spells with this configuration. Yet, to enhance one's affinity with their attribute, they must train and attune their body to its essence. Such rigorous training is often conducted in places abundant with the specific mana of the desired attribute. Upon reaching a bottleneck in their progress, individuals meditate to draw an additional magic circle within their heart."
Alan's understanding began to coalesce, yet his comprehension of the concept of mana circles remained nebulous.
"Could you elaborate on the process of etching mana circles onto the heart?" Alan inquired, his features a canvas of confusion.
Anna's response was swift, delivered with a simplified analogy to clarify the intricate notion.
"Consider an empty box," Anna began, her tone measured and illustrative. "You fill it with mana until it is replete. Then, you place a larger box atop the first, necessitating more time to fill. As each successive box accommodates a larger volume, the interval required for saturation extends. The culmination of these layers allows one to cast increasingly potent spells, imbuing even basic incantations with formidable might."
Anna's elucidation concluded, she removed her glasses with a semblance of finality, resembling a teacher concluding a lecture.
Alan's eyes were luminous, reflecting both his comprehension and gratitude. "I appreciate your clarifications, Anna. If I encounter any further queries, may I count on your guidance?"
Anna's affirmative response was prompt and fervent. Alan's acknowledgment of her aid seemed to imbue her with a sense of purpose and gratification.
"Absolutely, Alan. I'm committed to assisting you in every conceivable way."
Encouraged by their rapport, Alan ventured a playful jest, suggesting, "With your exceptional teaching skills, Anna, have you ever contemplated a career in academia rather than being my maid?"
However, Anna's reaction took a surprising turn, her demeanor shifting abruptly as she approached Alan and grasped his hand with an intensity that spoke of unspoken sentiments.
"Please, Alan, never entertain the thought of parting ways with me," Anna implored, her eyes expressing an earnestness that left Alan momentarily taken aback.
Quickly, Alan soothed her concerns, patting her head affectionately, his touch a gesture of reassurance. "Anna, you need not worry. I was merely jesting; I would never seek your departure."
Anna's countenance reflected her relief, her blush betraying the depth of her emotions.
Anna, a mere six years Alan's senior, had been a constant presence in his life since the tender age of six. While he regarded her with a sense of maternal affection, Anna's sentiments harbored a depth beyond the bounds of familial sentiment.
Yet, Alan's perspective on their relationship was unwavering - he cherished Anna as a cherished guardian, untainted by romantic inclinations.
Observing the exchange between Alan and Anna was none other than Alan's mother, Catherine, who entered the room with an aura of subtle jealousy.
Smirking at her son's slightly startled expression, Catherine seated herself beside Alan, her fingers gently caressing his face in a maternal gesture. Her words were imbued with a mixture of playfulness and a mother's pride.
"Our handsome son seems to be fostering quite the rapport with his dedicated maid," Catherine remarked, her tone tinged with a touch of teasing.
Alan's surprise shifted to amusement, and he couldn't resist joining in the jest. "Indeed, Mother. It appears Anna is an exceptional tutor. I was contemplating offering her a position as my personal instructor."
Catherine's response was swift, and her jealousy was unmistakable as she intoned, "You two seem to be getting along remarkably well."
The scene was interrupted by the presence of Alan's mother, Catherine, who stood at the threshold with a tinge of jealousy apparent in her expression.
"I apologize; I should have knocked," Catherine stated with a modicum of contrition before making her way to Alan's bedside.
Seating herself adjacent to her son, Catherine began to gently stroke his cheek, her touch a blend of maternal affection and pride. She delivered her announcement with an air of anticipation, her words hinting at an intriguing development.
"Prepare yourself to meet an esteemed guest tomorrow, Alan."
Intrigued by the cryptic announcement, Alan inquired with genuine curiosity, "A guest, Mother? Someone of significance?"
Catherine maintained an air of mystery, reluctant to divulge too much. "Indeed, a guest of great importance. And not just any guest – my daughter-in-law."
Alan's thoughts turned immediately to Victoria, his sister-in-law, yet his mother dispelled that notion. "No, not Victoria. It is someone else, someone you will have the pleasure of meeting tomorrow."
Noting Alan's inquisitive expression, Catherine did offer a tantalizing clue. "She happens to be the daughter of my dearest friend. I am confident you will find her quite intriguing. And I have no doubt she will be equally taken with my dashing son."
Catherine's assertion was tinged with a mixture of motherly pride and playful provocation. Meanwhile, she nestled beside Alan, her proximity underscoring the warmth of their bond.
The announcement of an impending guest hung in the air, accompanied by a sense of anticipation and curiosity that stirred within Alan.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone