The library of the Humes Manor smelled of old parchment and leather bindings. Elric’s finger glided over the rigid spines of numerous books until landing on one titled “Fundamentals of Mana: A Comprehensive Introduction.”

“This wasn’t a bad outcome,” he mumbled to himself. 

Before the viscount insisted on him residing at the manor, Elric had planned to accept any money offered to him a second time. With that money, he planned to send some to Vailee and then use the rest to buy basic books about mana to fill in his gaps of knowledge. But after meeting the viscount, such a plan was impossible.

He would have surely tracked every coin. There was no way I could accept it.

Elric removed the book from the shelf and made his way to a seat. 

It’s unfortunate that I can’t send money to Vailee, but having access to a noble’s library isn’t a bad alternative either. The quality of the books here is guaranteed and will best clear things up for me.   

He sat down and opened the book.

“Fundamentals of Mana: A Comprehensive Introduction.”

...Mana is both the source of power in the world and the internal energy that flows through most living beings. Every individual, with the exception of human nerics, is born with an organ known as a mana core that ranks their strength and mana capacity. From weakest to strongest, the order of mana core ranks is Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and White…

…When the mana of a child’s core is mature enough to physically manifest, they undergo an event known as “awakening.” This event typically occurs around the age of ten, lasts for a few minutes, and feels like a searing heat deep within one’s skin. Any child who awakens before this age is regarded as a future master of mana…

Lasts for a few minutes? Elric remembered having to tame such an intense energy after stepping out of that lake in Feywild Forest. That must’ve been when I awakened, he concluded. And it lasted for hours, not a few minutes. But more importantly… Elric closed his eyes and began to circulate his mana. Nerics don’t have mana cores. Was I able to form one then? He circulated his mana all throughout his body, but no matter how much he searched, he could not locate such an organ.

This is strange. Rather than originating inside a mana core, my mana seems to derive from my body. It’s as if my body is the core itself…

Elric opened his eyes and continued to read.

Fundamentals of Mana Manipulation

…To physically manifest mana, mana manipulation must take place…

…Mana manipulation is the process by which an individual actively directs and controls the flow of mana through their body. It is divided into three distinct methods: internal, external, and resonance... 

...Internal mana manipulation involves managing manipulation of mana within one’s own body, whereas external mana manipulation deals with controlling mana that is released outside of the body. Resonance is the method of mana manipulation for transcendents. It requires the difficult ability to manipulate mana both internally and externally at the same time…

Elric halted his reading, a deep frown creasing his brow. How is it even possible that I’m able to sense and manipulate mana if I don’t have a mana core? Was I truly a neric? He anxiously rubbed his forehead, trying to ease his racing thoughts, then let out a deep sigh. Let’s not be hasty. Of course I was a neric; Aunt Serena confirmed it herself. 

When he was younger, Elric once felt insecure about his eye color being different from his parents’ and questioned if he was really their child. Serena had reassured him that she was his mother’s midwife and the one that personally delivered him into this world, rendering those doubtful thoughts of his pointless. 

Elric sighed again. Maybe I’ll get an answer if I keep reading.

Types of Mana Manifestations

1. Magic

…In the realm of internal mana manipulation, mages are adept at harnessing the mana within themselves and absorbing mana from the atmosphere. Through this mastery, most mages reproduce the power of one of the six elements (Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Light, and Darkness), resulting in the manifestation known as magic…

2. Aura

…External mana manipulation is the domain of aurors—practitioners who excel at manipulating mana once it has been released from their bodies. This manipulation of external mana gives rise to the manifestation of aura, the radiant energy that surrounds aurors. Aurors focus on channeling their mana externally to reinforce their weapons, enhance their physical attributes, and empower their attacks…

…Whether one is destined to be a mage or an auror is determined at birth and confirmed upon awakening…

3. Transcendent Power

…Beyond the mortal realm of Gaia lie the four transcendent realms, each home to a different class of transcendent beings: Nyx, the Realm of Constellations; Elysia, the Realm of Gods; Seraphis, the Realm of Angels; and Netheris, the Realm of Demons. The celestial power of constellations, the divine power of gods, the holy power of angels, and the demonic power of demons are all manifestations of resonance mana manipulation…

Manifestation Proficiency

…The rank of one’s mana core is almost impossible to change without the use of an elixir or corrupted mana. Though ranks of mana cores are extremely difficult to change, through training, dedication, and hard work, an individual can improve their skill and proficiency…

…The color of aura emitted by an auror reflects their current stage of aura proficiency, progressing from Blue at the lowest stage to Green, Yellow, Orange, and finally Red at the highest. In contrast, a mage’s magic proficiency is indicated by the number of circles (rings of mana) formed around their heart, with 0 being the lowest and 3 being the highest…

Tap.

Elric closed the book. 

I still have no answers about how I’m able to manipulate mana with no mana core, nor any about what the other unknown energy inside me is, but I am able to confirm other things.

He covered his hand in aura. 

As a result of my awakening, my body naturally manipulates mana externally to manifest aura, making me an auror. However, my purple aura doesn’t match any of the color stages of aura proficiency. I was even able to effectively subdue those mutated Frost Hounds even though my aura is untrained. I’m a true anomaly. 

Though not the perfect example of an auror, Elric was content with the label, but then a curious thought crossed his mind.

I wonder…

He closed his eyes and directed the external flow of his mana in the opposite direction. The purple aura covering his hands slowly dissipated as a result of the change. Elric anticipated some resistance, given his confirmed status as an auror, yet, when he opened his eyes, he witnessed something entirely unexpected.

“This is…!”

* * *

Two weeks later.

“So, Amea’s only spearmaster resides here.”

Orlan Reinhard pushed up his slipping spectacles and fully stepped out of his carriage, taking in the sight of the grand Humes Manor. Being the fourth son of Marquis Reinhard, he had always known that inheriting the family title was never an option and that joining the inheritance battle would only suck the life out of him as it had with his three older brothers. Fortunately, he recognized early on his talent for academics and strenuously crafted a career as an impeccable, sought-after tutor for young nobles. 

“Good afternoon, Master Orlan,” came a polite voice.

Orlan looked to his side and observed an older man, both his posture and attire perfectly poised.

“I am Thomas, butler of the Humes Manor. The viscount is expecting you in his office. I will be your guide.”

“Yes…” Orlan murmured, once again nudging his spectacles back into place. I wonder what the viscount is like, he thought as he followed the old butler inside.

Viscount Humes was an enigma in noble society. The Humes family, already known for their reclusiveness, became even more withdrawn with the death of the viscountess thirteen years ago. If it wasn’t for the young lady of the Humes family attending Alacia, they possibly may have never shown their faces in high society ever again.

Such a viscount has invited me to his home? Orlan wondered. Not to instruct his daughter, but a random commoner he picked up? Truthfully, he felt a little offended to be used as a teacher for a commoner, but this was possibly his only opportunity to connect with the Humes family. He couldn’t let this chance pass. It will definitely benefit me in the future to have the continent’s only spearmaster owe me a favor, he thought. 

At last, the two had finally reached the viscount’s office. Thomas knocked twice, a firm but respectful sound. “My lord, Master Orlan has arrived.” 

“Enter.”

Thomas opened the door and moved to the side, allowing Orlan to enter first. Orlan took a steady breath and then stepped into the office.

A large, polished desk dominated the center of the room, and behind it sat Viscount Viktor Humes. “Welcome to Humes, Master Orlan,” greeted the viscount. His voice was deep and carried a weight that commanded attention. 

Orlan’s mouth became dry. The viscount’s presence was overbearing. “...It is an honor to finally meet the Lord of Humes,” he replied with a respectful bow. Then he got straight to the point. “I am curious about the task you’ve set for me.”

The viscount’s light brown eyes deeply bore into Orlan. “What is it that you’re curious about? I believe my letter was rather straightforward.”

“Ahem. Do you truly intend for me to teach a commoner?”

“Yes. Elric is… an unusual case. I wish to sponsor him so he can attend Alacia. That is where your expertise comes in. Since he’s a commoner, there’s a lot he needs to catch up on. You’re the only person who I believe can accomplish such a feat.”

“I see…” Orlan responded, feeling his face slightly warm. Did the viscount just praise me?

“Like I said in my letter,” continued the viscount, “this first meeting is mainly for you to gauge his potential with mana and assess his intelligence level. Once you have achieved this, we can move forward from there.”

“...Understood.”

The viscount gave a slight nod. “Then we shall convene later. Thomas will show you to the library. Elric will meet with you there.”

With that, the brief meeting came to an end. Orlan offered a final, respectful bow before turning to leave the room. 

A commoner that’s able to move the sleeping giant of the Humes family. 

Orlan stepped out the door. 

Elric… Just who the hell are you?