One Year Later—
He raised his hand, and the SYSTEM interface appeared in front of him:
SYSTEM STATUS:
Age: 11
Rank: E
Strength: 38/100
Dexterity: 42/100
Stamina: 40/100
Intelligence: 45/100
Mana Control: 50/100
Agility: 41/100
Special Ability: Mana Cultivation Accelerated (Dragon Flow)
SYSTEM:"Reward available for last year's cultivation. Accept?"
Arin pressed a finger to the display. Golden light engulfed him, and Mana Crystals, Skill Points, and a Dragon Essence flowed into his system. He could feel his body growing stronger, his reflexes sharper, but his rank remained at E—a reminder that the academy's challenges were far from over.
He stretched, feeling the familiar burn of Dragon Flow mana coursing through his veins. One year of training, and I can already sense my next leap… if I keep pushing.
From the side, a voice shouted, "Arin! Don't just stand there—join the duel exercises!"
Arin smirked. He tightened his grip on his staff, ready to test his improved stats in real combat.
The sun rose slowly over the village, spilling golden light across the thatched roofs and dirt paths. Smoke from chimneys curled into the sky, mingling with the scent of freshly baked bread and the earthy aroma of tilled fields. Birds sang, and the distant sound of a watermill turning could be heard from the river.
Arin stood barefoot in the yard, stretching his arms and feeling the cool morning breeze on his face. A full year had passed since he had begun serious training, and though he was still E-rank, he could feel the difference in his body and mana. His blue eyes scanned the horizon, the distant forest calling to him like an old friend.
A familiar voice echoed from the doorway. "Arin! Your father is ready to begin sword training!"
Arin grinned and adjusted the strap of his sword on his back. "Coming!" he called, brushing dirt from his shirt. One year… let's see if I can actually keep up today.
Sword Training with Father
The yard behind their home had been cleared for practice, a simple space with a few wooden dummies and a patch of dirt worn smooth from countless hours of sword swings. His father, Master Kael, stood tall and composed, eyes sharp like a hawk.
"Arin," Kael said, voice steady, "today we focus on precision, not force. You swing harder than necessary."
"Yes, Father," Arin replied, gripping the hilt of his sword. His palms tingled faintly—not from sweat, but from the mana he had been cultivating over the past year. Just enough to enhance his movements without being noticed.
Kael struck first, fast and precise, forcing Arin to block and parry, sweat running down his face. "Too slow!" Kael barked. "Timing, Arin! Anticipate, don't just react!"
"Yes, Father!" Arin yelled, rolling under another strike. Dragon Flow… help me… just a little boost… The subtle surge of energy guided his movements, giving him a fraction of extra speed.
Kael studied him, nodding slightly. "Better… but your form still wavers when you rely on brute force. Discipline comes from awareness, not muscle alone."
"I understand," Arin muttered, sweat dripping down his brow. I can do this… just focus… predict his patterns…
Hours passed, each strike a conversation between father and son. Kael's instructions were calm but firm; Arin's reactions were quickening with every clash. Occasionally, he smirked inwardly as his hidden mana subtly enhanced his strikes. He thinks it's skill… just wait until I combine this with magic.
Finally, Kael stepped back, letting Arin catch his breath. "Enough for today. You've improved. Rest and reflect."
Arin exhaled, muscles sore but alive. "Yes, Father. Thank you."
Kael's gaze softened briefly. "One day, you may surpass me. But only if patience and discipline guide your growth."
Arin nodded, smiling faintly. I will… just wait.
Secret Magic Training
Once the father-son session ended, Arin slipped quietly into a secluded part of the forest at the edge of the village. Magic training was still a secret. His father emphasized swordsmanship; mana experiments were dangerous if witnessed.
He knelt in a hidden clearing, the tall grass and dense trees shielding him. Whispering incantations, he combined fire, wind, and Dragon Flow mana into a small swirling orb above his palms.
"Focus… steady… steady…" he muttered, watching the orb wobble, then explode into a tiny whirlwind of flame that singed a nearby branch. Arin jumped back, heart pounding. "Whoa… okay… maybe that was a bit close."
He exhaled, steadying himself. This time, the orb hovered perfectly, spinning with golden energy. Hours passed as he experimented, laughing at mistakes and cheering at successes. Finally, he tucked the orb carefully into a small containment crystal.
"Sword first… magic secret… and one day… both together," he whispered, smiling.
Collecting Mana Herbs
Later that morning, Arin moved toward the edge of the village, where the forest and river met. Here grew the Lumina Herbs, faintly glowing and pulsing with mana. The herbs were delicate, requiring careful hands.
"Show me your magic," he murmured, scanning the undergrowth.
A small, squirrel-like creature with fiery red fur darted past him. Arin leapt back, nearly tripping on a root. "Whoa! Okay… careful."
He plucked five perfect herbs, feeling their magical energy thrum in his fingers. "Gotcha… for potions… or maybe snacks," he muttered, chuckling.
Hunting a Level 2 Mana Beast
By afternoon, it was time for the most dangerous task: hunting a Level 2 Mana Beast in the nearby woods. The forest grew darker, shadows stretching under twisted trees. The air thrummed with raw energy.
"Alright… focus… calm… steady…" he whispered.
The ground trembled slightly, and a hulking figure emerged—its body shimmering with raw mana, claws digging into the soil, eyes glowing pale blue.
Arin's heart hammered. Dragon Flow… guide me…
The beast lunged. Arin rolled aside, narrowly avoiding its swipe. Too fast… read its patterns…
He channeled mana into his sword, sparks dancing where steel met air. A small fire spell combined with wind, spinning toward the beast. It roared, swiping it aside, and he used the moment to dash in for a precise strike.
The creature staggered, thrashing wildly. Arin ducked another attack, rolling across the forest floor. "Calm… predict… strike…"
Leaping, he struck with his mana-infused sword, cutting across its side. It roared, staggering before finally collapsing, exhausted but alive.
Arin panted, brushing dirt off his clothes. "Level 2… that was intense… but I did it."
Evening Reflections
As he returned to the village, the first stars twinkled over the rooftops. Herbs in one hand, sword on his back, and his secret crystal tucked safely away, Arin sat on the roof of his home, gazing at the stars.
Father thinks I'm just swinging a sword… but he doesn't know about the magic. Not yet. One day… he'll see… I'm growing, faster than anyone suspects.
He smiled faintly, feeling the gentle pulse of mana in his veins. E-rank now… but every day, every task, every secret… it all adds up. One day, I'll climb higher than anyone expects.
For the first time in a long while, he felt the calm satisfaction of progress, and the thrill of challenges yet to come.