Edited by: Chip

At the end of the week, Atlas took the test Teacher Colin created for him and got half the questions right. Even so, he wasn’t sad about his test scores. 

He looked up what he got wrong and felt that it was okay. He understood the material even if he wasn’t the best at remembering. 

“Lord Atlas, you do not seem as upset with your test scores this time. Actually, you did a bit better this time around. I am proud of you.” 

“Thank you, Teacher Colin! Cyrus helped me realize that test scores are not everything. As long as I can apply what I learned more practically, then test scores do not matter as much. Plus, I get really anxious with tests and exams, so if I tell myself that it’s okay to not do well, then I feel a lot better.” 

Atlas knew when he was confronted with a test or an exam, his mind would go blank even if he knew the material. He could talk about it outside of testing situations, so that doesn’t mean he’s dumb! He just doesn’t work well in testing environments and that’s okay. 

“I did my best and that’s all that matters.” 

Teacher Colin appreciated Atlas’ eye-opening moment. Not a lot of young people had this kind of awareness. If his grandson would one day open his eyes like Atlas…

“I agree that you are better in a more practical sense. That’s why, how about we go outside and start using magic? I feel your understanding of Magic Theory will increase this way.” 

Atlas’ face brightened up and he felt excited. “Okay, Teacher Colin!” 

Since he had a lot of mana stored in his body, he liked to use magic to exercise and get all the energy out of his system so he could sleep peacefully. It was his favorite thing to do with Sir Walter.

Atlas and Teacher Colin went to the training ground where Cyrus was sparring with Wallace. They didn’t even take up half of the training grounds, so Atlas was able to use magic there.

Sir Walter was nowhere to be seen. Even so, Atlas knew that Sir Walter was taking a nap on his bed. He had already ran around the estate grounds and tired himself out for a nap. 

Colin and Atlas stood toward the center but they were ten feet apart from one another. Even so, they could still hear each other without having to yell. 

“Lord Atlas, I want you to move the magic in your body. You start from your core, go down to your feet, go back up to your fingertips, then to your head, and finally, back to your core. I want you to do this ten times. Do not invoke any elemental magic. It has to be pure mana.” 

Atlas nodded and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes and felt his mana at his core. His core was quite large but it was incredibly condensed. He took a portion of the mana in his core and began to slowly move it out of his core. 

It was tough, so he was slow. Atlas wasn’t used to controlling mana so consciously, so there were a few times when he lost control of the mana and it went back into his core. 

After failing four times, Atlas opened his eyes. He was frustrated. He didn’t realize controlling magic would be so difficult! 

“I can see you are having a difficult time. You didn’t even make it to your toes.” 

“I don’t know why it’s like this… I can usually use magic without thinking so when I am trying to concentrate, I have a difficult time moving the magic where I want it to go.” 

“And that’s your problem. You rely solely on instinct to use magic. As a beginner, there’s nothing wrong with this, but as you try using more difficult magic, it will become harder to control. You may even kill yourself in the process.

“That’s why, mana control is extremely important and should be taught as soon as one learns to use magic. You said you started using magic two years ago, yes? It will take some time, but we can break you out of this habit.” 

“I understand, Teacher Colin. How do you train mana control?” 

“By practicing it, of course! You keep doing it until you get it right. Today’s lesson, I want you to try to get to your toes at least. If you don’t make it today, that’s okay. We can extend that goal to the end of this week if needed.” 

Atlas was a bit nervous he wouldn’t be able to get his mana to his toes by the end of the week but it was okay! He was young and had plenty of time. 

“I will do my best!” 

After that, Atlas tried to control his mana. Colin looked after Atlas to make sure he didn’t overuse his mana or have his mana go out of control. 

Luckily, nothing crazy happened, but Atlas was only able to get his mana to his mid-calf. He couldn’t even reach his ankles.

*****

After mana control training, it was time for dinner. Atlas spent a lot of time at the training grounds. Even Cyrus and Sir Walter were waiting for him after Wallace and Colin left. 

He spent all of his mana before finally giving up. 

“I need to practice more.” Atlas slowly stumbled toward Cyrus and Sir  Walter, reaching out for one of them to catch him. 

Cyrus was the one who got to Atlas first and stabilized the mana-exhausted Atlas. With the help of Sir Walter, Atlas was carried back to the mansion.

Since dinner was ready, the trio washed their hands (and paws), and made their way to the dining room where the Duke, Duchess, and Sirius were waiting for them. 

When they finished eating, Duke Everet Alnhart stopped Atlas from getting up, “Atlas, are you free to come to my study, right now? I would like to assign you your personal butler and guard. You cannot use Cyrus’ butler and guard forever.” 

“Ah, Sir Walter can come with us.”

Though Cyrus and Atlas didn’t mind, it was for the best, so Atlas agreed. Sir Walter also agreed to come along.

It was the first time Atlas was alone with Duke Alnhart, but Atlas was not nervous about it. He also wasn’t truly alone. There were Duke Alnhart’s personal servants and Sir Walter with him! 

The two had a conversation about Atlas’ studies and how he was adjusting to his life in their family. 

Atlas was honest.

“I love it here! So far, everyone has been really nice to me. My studies are going well too. Though I am not the smartest, I will continue to work hard!”

Everet felt like he had to go knock down the doors of the heathen who told this to his precious son! How dare they slander Atlas?

“Who told you you are not smart?”

"Well, no one has outright said it to my face. It’s just… I know I take a lot longer to learn things than most people. I also have a hard time memorizing things. It’s okay if I am not the smartest though! As long as I understand, it should be fine.” 

“Atlas, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. There are different kinds of intelligence too. Your self-awareness, your ability to work hard, and your willingness to learn all make you smart.” 

“We all have things we can and cannot do. That is why, whatever you cannot do, let us know and we will help you. That is what family is for.”

Duke Alnhart seemed like a very professional man who only had work on his mind, but in private, he was affectionate and gentle toward his family. He reminded Atlas of Cyrus. The two of them seemed cold but they were actually warm-hearted people. 

“Thank you, Dad. I’m very happy that you are my dad!” 

Everet patted Atlas’ head gently, careful not to hurt him. “I am very happy that you are my son. If there is anything that you need, do not hesitate to come to me or your mom. We will come and help you no matter what!” 

The two bonded as father and son until they arrived at Duke Alnhart’s study. Waiting outside the door, there were two people. 

The first person Atlas saw was a young man with long blond hair and brown eyes. He was a head shorter than Duke Atlas. Even if he was on the skinnier side, he had great posture. From his traditional butler outfit, Atlas guessed this was the butler that his Dad wanted to assign him. 

The thing that stood out the most was the freckles the butler had on his pale face. He hasn’t seen anyone with freckles until now.

As for the other person, once again, Atlas wasn’t sure what their gender was. Their tan face looked a bit feminine with their long lashes, plump pink lips, and beady green eyes. They also had short, curly brown hair. To top it all off, this person was buff, like Teacher Devina. They just didn’t look as masculine as teacher Devina… 

“Let us all go inside my study and then you two can give your introductions.” 

“Yes, Master!” The two saluted at the same time. 

Everyone followed Everet’s inside the study.