When he woke, the first thing he saw was Elizabeth, her tear-streaked face hovering above him. The other boys stood nearby, awe written across their faces. Sister Mary knelt at his side, her hands glowing as she healed his wounds. Her magic sealed his injuries, but the scar on his cheek remained, a lasting reminder of the battle.

 

"Sister, sister, is Rethrus going to be alright?" Elizabeth's voice wavered, her concern evident in every word.

 

The scene blurred, Rethrus slipping in and out of consciousness. He could feel the pain still pulsing through his small body, but with it came a strange sense of triumph—proof that, even in this fragile form, he could survive and overcome.

 

"Yes, he will," Sister Mary replied. 

"Father Henry, on the other hand, was amazed at how he killed an Emberfox. How can he kill it, though? Sister Mary, why didn't you report to me that this kid was camping in that cave?"

 

"Sorry, father. I thought he just wanted to be alone, and I thought there would be no danger," Sister Mary replied.

 

"What is the Emberfox doing here anyway? It's rare for an Emberfox to be here," Father Henry replied.

 

As he wakes up, he looked at Elizabeth crying. And then she hugged him. She really was worried.

 

After that incident, Rethrus never went outside for a week. 

"Thinking about what happened. I killed it. I killed a magical beast. How did I do it? Did I just covered my Body with Mana? Wow, my survival instinct really kicks in. It's like riding a bike after all. Anyway, Stop thinking about it and let's go back to my mission. Wait I saw silver petals. What just happened?" 

He thought. Rethrus took the book under his bed and read it again.

 

"Emotions and Mana: Understand the link between emotions and mana. Positive emotions like joy, love, and gratitude can energize your mana, while negative emotions can deplete it. Focus on cultivating positivity to nurture and expand your mana reserves."

 

"Ah so that's the reason. That experience is really something." 

As he holds his face, he can feel the scar.

 "Not hurt anymore but he thought like, damn gonna be ugly again huh. It's fine as if I am planning to marry anyone. I guess The training right now is more harder since I've reach silver petals at early age."

 

Throughout the whole year, he trains and trains. The other children were just playing. He was stuck at gold petals for 2 years. This time some kids are wondering where he is going. And others don't care.

 He masters putting armor on his body. Which makes him so tired so he trained to put Mana on the designated part of his body.

 

"I'm done playing back then. This time I will travel this whole world," he said.

 

After 5 years

 

An orphan has two options, either to fight in a war or to serve the orphanage. Now they're all 12 years old. Children who can't use magic can still be a soldier in war, also they can use artifacts to use some magical powers. So everyone can join. 

But the 12 Kids who can use magic are designated to be the center of the battlefield. They can change the tide on the battlefield. 

And as of their age, they will be going to the army school along with other kids with strong sense of justice, hungry for honor, and have a great physique for combat. 

As of now 20 of them are chosen to fight for the country while the 10 will serve the orphanage in order to gain their freedom. Rethrus is one of them that was chosen to join the war.

 

Now, Master Xavier will train their magical abilities. He will teach them how to control Mana, how to use them and how to use magic.

 And since Rethrus knows about those things, he aced it all. Second to him was Aethra and so on. 

"Now I know what's the ugly bastard was doing when we're playing back then," Jack said. Elizabeth was happy for his achievement.

 

Now for element testing. Basically, their elemental powers will come out eventually without identifying them but as the children on war, they will be identified early so that they can mold it and for them to go to war early and ready.

 

Now there are 6 primary Elements: Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, Darkness, and Light, the rarest.

 

First test: Water synchronization

 

The test assesses the ability to sense and influence the movement of the water, demonstrating their affinity for the element of water. People who's a water mage: Rina And Elizabeth.

 

"Most water users means they're calm and peaceful. Water gives life and it also takes away. "

"Now in the other country, There's a water user who uses water to control waves. Some users use water to control the body of their enemies which is disgusting. "

"And more uses of water. But the best property of water, is that it can heal anyone. Rina and Elizabeth, you two are water users," Master Xavier said.

 

Next up: Flame Control test

 

Everyone is tasked with igniting and controlling a small flame without external aids. The ease in controlling and extinguishing the fire using only their will can reveal their fire affinity.

 

Jack and Aethra are fire users.

 "Jack being a fire user is very visible due to his character and charisma but Aethra? With his Mana and talent, he can burn this whole land if he wants to," others murmured.

 

"Fire is the most destructive of them all. Unlike other elements, Fire does not exist naturally, it should be created. Fire gives you power, speed and even defense. If you're chosen, you can summon the legendary Phoenix!" Xavier said while looking at Aethra. 

"Fire users are Dominant and the dreamers!" Xavier exclaimed.

 "Woah!" Jack said. 

"I'll train my Flames in no time," Jack added. 

Aethra didn't speak but in his mind, he knew he was better than anybody. 

He secretly thinks he's the best out of them. (That's his character that's why he is a fire type even he's quiet).

 

Wind Control Synchronization:

 

It is challenged to create a gentle breeze or gust of wind through mental projection alone. The test evaluates their capability to influence air currents and showcases their affinity for the element of air.

 

Users: Jestus, Suryu, and Celeste.

 "Air is the element of freedom. It's is the representation of Silent but deadly."

 " I heard people who attained the highest form of this element can fly and take the breath of every individual. Being wind user means you are free spirited and wanted freedom. But right now in order to have freedom, we should win this war!" Xavier shouted.

 

Earth Control test

 

The user can display their earth affinity by manipulating rocks and soil, forming barriers or shields from earth, and showcasing their ability to meld with the earth for camouflage or defense.

 

Users: Haldrin, Terra, and Hans.

 

"Earth users harness the power of the earth element, embodying qualities of strength, stability, and connection to nature. They are known for their sturdiness, nurturing characteristics, and affinity for the natural world. Earth users exhibit healing abilities, transmutation skills, and a deep bond with plants and animals. They excel in defensive magic, offering protection and fortification through their manipulation of rocks, soil, and minerals. Overall, earth users represent resilience, growth, and the enduring vitality of the earth itself," Xavier said. 

"This country has its own Earth Master. He can control earth very swiftly. He uses it as strength and defense. Also through Earth, he can control gravity," Xavier added.

 "His name was Sir Marco the third. Also known as the 'Red Rock'."

 

"Huh, hmmm these two are not in this four basic elements," Xavier said to himself. 

"Huh, One of them might be a light user," he said as he gave the light examination first instead of darkness.

The Students became silent and observed what is happening. If someone will be a light user, it will be big news.

 

Light Test:

 The Prism Ordeal: In this test, the individual is presented with a multifaceted prism that is known to resonate and react to pure light energy. The task is to focus their inner light and channel it through the prism to reveal its true colors and unlock hidden patterns or symbols within.

 

The Prism Ordeal challenges the individual to attune themselves to the essence of light, harnessing its radiant energy and manipulating it with precision and clarity. The prism acts as a conduit, amplifying and refracting the individual's light energy to unveil its purity, strength, and potential for illumination.

 

Lumine tries to put her hand on the prism if there will be light and it fails making her a dark user instantly.

 

As for Rethrus, he put his hand on the prism and everyone was in shock...

that none of them is a light user. 

Rethrus is also a dark user. Xavier was shocked and smiled.

 "Ha ha ha. Of course it's rare to have a Light user here and now. Light users are the fastest. The only primary close to light is fire." 

Looking at Jack and Aethra again.

 

"Anyway Dark magic is the opposite of Light. Dark magic is a potent and often dangerous force, wielded by its practitioners for a variety of purposes. It is associated with shadows, malevolence, and corruptive power, capable of destructive ends or great consequences. Dark magic users must navigate the thin line between power and peril, resisting the temptations and dangers that come with harnessing the shadows, while seeking redemption and using their powers for good in a magical world."

 

"Of course I'm associated with it. I'm basically came back to life but Lumine? Huh maybe she has some secrets too," Rethrus thought.

 

"Now, while others practicing their fighting style so that they can use it with some Artifacts. All of you will practice how to use magic at your age. It will be difficult but training you at young is essential so that you'll be ready to choose your class and be ready to battle. Remember, we can achieve our goals if we win this war!" Xavier shouted. 

"Oh!!!" They all shouted.

 

Every morning, all of them will learn the basics and after that the group who can use Mana only will learn more on fighting skills meanwhile the other group will learn to use their own magic.

 

As time goes by, Rethrus also learns how to use dark magic. First, he uses the darkness coming from the shadow and controls it. Having too much Mana gives him the advantage to learn it quickly. Unlike Lumine who struggles controlling it.