Chapter 6: First Lessons
Dawnspire, Eldoria – Year 6
The morning sun peeked over Dawnspire Academy, casting long shadows across the cobblestone yard where kids aged 5–6 gathered for their first real lessons. Taren, now six, stood with Lira, her rough hand giving his a gentle squeeze before she left him with a proud smile. The stone building loomed tall, its Mana Stone lamps still glowing softly, and the air buzzed with excitement and a hint of mana. Zane Ryde's old life—full of tough deals and fight wins—felt far away, but his sharp mind stayed focused. This was his chance to learn and grow, a step toward the age of coming at 11–13 when his power would awaken.
Master Veyn led the group to a wide training area, his gray beard swaying as he walked. "Today, you start basic moves and focus," he said, his voice firm. "Pay attention, and you might feel mana." Taren sat on the grass, feeling its cool touch, and watched as Veyn showed simple stretches and breathing tricks. He tried hard, copying the moves, his small body stretching as far as it could. A faint tingle brushed his mind, like a whisper of energy, but it faded fast. He knew Aether Resonance would take time, and he was ready to keep trying.
A ding sounded in his head, clear and sharp.
ding
New Objective.
Objective: Early Training – Master basic moves and sense mana.
Reward: Minor Strength Boost (D-rank).
Penalty: +10 Profile Points (PP).
Taren glanced around, noticing Kael smirking nearby, his fancy clothes catching the light. "You'll never keep up, peasant," Kael whispered, but Taren ignored him, focusing on Veyn's instructions. The other kids struggled too, some falling over, and Taren felt a quiet urge to help. He showed a shy girl named Mina how to balance, earning a grateful nod. His past life's knack for leading kicked in, even here.
After the session, Taren explored the academy's edges. The training yards echoed with older kids' chants, their spells lighting up the air with soft glows. The library called to him again, its old books stacked high, and he overheard a boy talk about glowing stones that helped strength grow—a mystery that stuck with him. Gavren's story of a birth-night light flashed in his mind, a puzzle piece he couldn't fit yet. The Dusk Circle's dark tales lingered in the air, but other secrets stayed out of reach.
Back in his dorm that night, Taren sat on his thin mat, the candle flickering as he practiced the breathing Veyn taught. His small chest rose and fell, and he strained to feel mana again, his body tiring but his will strong. A ding broke his focus.
ding
Progress Check.
Host's effort seen. Keep pushing.
The next day, Taren joined a group lesson on simple staff moves. Veyn handed out wooden sticks, showing how to hold and swing them. Taren gripped his tightly, mimicking the motions, though his arms ached. Kael laughed when he stumbled, but Taren got up, determined. He noticed Mina struggling too and quietly showed her the grip, their practice side by side building a small bond. The yard's open space felt alive, the mana hum mixing with kids' efforts.
During a break, Taren sat under a tree, watching older students spar with glowing staffs. Their moves were smooth, and he wondered if those tools held power secrets. The cracked sky above hinted at more, its rifts a silent promise. A dark figure flickered at the yard's edge, gone before he could focus, adding to the unease he'd felt before. No one else seemed to notice, and he kept it to himself.
ding
Event Detected.
Unknown presence noted. Stay low to avoid PP spike.
Taren nodded mentally, turning his attention back to the lesson. The academy's walls felt like a shield and a challenge, pushing him to learn more. Lira visited later, bringing bread and a worried look. "Do your best, Taren," she said, hugging him. Gavren's tales of odd market sights—strange lights and quiet traders—echoed in his thoughts, fueling his curiosity about this world.
That evening, Taren practiced alone, swinging his staff in the dorm, the wood thumping softly. He imagined leading a team, building a legacy, the Obsidian Sovereign title growing in his mind. The mana tingle returned, stronger this time, and he smiled, feeling progress.
ding
Quest Update.
Quest Accepted: Early Training.
Time Limit: 20 days.
Reward: Minor Strength Boost (D-rank).
Penalty: +10 PP.
As night fell, Taren looked out at the glowing Mana Stones, the cracked sky above, and felt a quiet resolve. This is my path, he thought, ready to face whatever came, step by careful step, toward a future he'd shape himself.