I opened the book and on the first page already had an introduction regarding something called [Mana]. I was interested, so I began reading.

“It exists everywhere and surrounds us?”

Looking around, I found nothing, “It is not tangible, and perceivable, is it similar to air?” I tried breathing, “Nothing, it appears it is not… interesting.”

Flip*

—Mana is an existence that is present in our world since the beginning of time. It is said that it gave birth to everything, and is the origin of everything.

Various historians argue that everything began from Mana that’s why it has endless possibilities and can be use for almost anything.

However, despite Mana being accessible to everyone, not all can control them to become [Mana Manipulators]

 [Elves], [Dwarves], [Humans], and [Titans] all have the potential, but only a select few members of their race could truly transcend the mundane and become a [Mana Manipulator].

(Though it had speculated, the creation of artificial Mana Channels has yet to be discovered or even started.)—

My knowledge increased and I was drawn by the wondrous and mystical information being given to me. I learned a lot of things from this very book, from mana to monsters, I began understanding them all.

—Three Weeks Later—

But I did not rush it, I slowly digested the knowledge, trying to understand every nuance I was given. It was fascinating.

The book only had 3,176 pages. If I read it like I usually do, it should have only taken me two weeks at best, yet, three weeks had already passed and I have to reach page five hundred.

One night, while I was reading with crossed legs, Von who had been carving wood with meticulousness asked, “You’ve been reading that thing for weeks and you barely made a dent at it. Is it really that interesting?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Oh yeah? Then, tell me what’s interesting so far.”

“Really? You don’t really like listening to my lectures about what I learn since way back then. You always say you have to go hunt for Imperial Monsters when I try and explain something.”

“You noticed that?” he made an awkward laugh.

“You didn’t really have great acting skills to begin with.” I answered with the truth.

“Hahaha, well, I won’t do it again so, why don’t you tell me now?” Von tried climbing his way up the ditch that he made and with a sigh, I gave nodded my head.

“Okay, but this will take a long time. But, know that once you leave or even fall asleep, I will stop and never will I answer your inquiry again, it will be for the best of us if we do not waste time on such meaningless activities.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll listen this time.”  He smilingly said as he placed the wood and carving knife down.

Taking a deep breath, I placed a bookmark on the book’s page and answered his question, “Mana and its secrets never fail to impress me and the foolishness of so-called researchers saying they understand the mysterious force makes it even more engaging. It makes me want to read more of their follies and arrogance.

“They do not even have the innate capability of manipulating mana yet they dare say they are the greatest beings on the surface of the world. Their arrogance fails to see the Giants of the past, the Monsters can rule everything if not for their own stupid pride of going against creating a pact. This part, I do not understand. Clearly, Monsters are so much more superior than humans, if they are to join hands together and elect a leader, won’t they be able to rise above all?”

Von nodded his head, saying, “Well, monsters are known to be beings who worships strength above all else. Though some sees intelligence to be more important, it is power nonetheless. There are many Monsters with both, but none that transcends all, so without that one defining existence, then, there can be no leader.”

His words rang true. There has been no genuine existence of power in their midst, “Is that why there is no true King?”

Von shrugged his shoulders, unable to answer his question.

Xir looked at Von and realized something. Thinking for a moment, he asked him for something, “Do you wish to listen to me during the night? I wish to hear your opinion on certain topics. I now see why researchers employs others, it is so they can have their knowledge for themselves, so they can see things in a different angle.”

Von snickered as he looked down, “I don’t know, I’m pretty busy—”

“Okay, if you do not wish to join me, then so be it.”

“No, no, I’m messing with you.”

Thus, began the start of our nightly studies where he and I exchanged views on certain topics.

—Four More Weeks Later—

—Any non-monster race only have small chances to wield Mana, but [Monsters] are capable of controlling Mana without any problem.

However, even though monsters can control Mana, they are not considered mages because unlike the four races, most of them do not have the intelligence to use [Spells] and even those who have the intelligence choose not to use spell and instead use their [Innate Skills] for their survival.

(Note: There had been famous theories that Monsters are beings to born from Mana itself, unlike humanoids who came from evolution. However, this theory had long been disregarded as nonsense because as previously established, everything came from Mana. If beings born of Mana can indeed wield Mana without a problem, then, why does humanoids can’t? The theory had long been dismissed, but other researchers still believes that it may have a connection.)—

“So, Monsters are indeed stronger than humanoid beings. Though their inability to use Spells and Martial Arts makes their potential limited.”

“That’s where you are wrong. Some monsters can actually use magic, it is just that in these parts of the world, there’s only a few who could. You know what? I’ll you a story about the Leviathan of the [Black Waters] you see that—”

Von would even sometimes tell me stories about certain things. Though at first I thought it would be nonsensical, I later found it to be interesting.

Von had always hated about telling me his past. I didn’t really care before, but, hearing him be so open to me made my heart rather… lighter.

It made me feel closer to me, and with our exchange, Von started smiling more and more, making it easier for the two of us to talk.