The smell of roasted beef filled the room, making my mouth water. For a moment, I almost felt like I was in heaven.
Still, I couldn't ignore the dinner invitation lingering in my thoughts.
In two weeks' time, the Emilton Barony would host a dinner party as an apology. The head of the barony must be worried that a simple duel between children could damage relations between our families.
Part of me wanted to go.
At the same time… I had no idea how I was supposed to act.
I mulled it over while finishing my meal.
After the servants cleared the table, I lay on my bed for a while.
When I turned to my side—
The book from the cave was suddenly there.
Right in front of me.
…Wait.
Wasn't it on the table earlier?
How did it get here?
I stared at it for a moment.
Then shrugged.
This is a magical world, after all.
Honestly, it didn't even surprise me anymore.
Is it because I have Alan's memories?
Or because I am Alan?
The thought weighed heavily on my mind—but I pushed it aside.
No point dwelling on it right now.
I picked up the book and sat on the edge of my bed.
Brushing off the dust, I searched the cover for a title.
"Levites."
Levitation magic?
My eyes lit up.
I opened it immediately—ready to absorb legendary knowledge and powerful spells.
…
Blank.
The first page—blank.
The next—also blank.
You've got to be kidding me.
A mysterious book hidden in a collapsing cave… and it turns out to be empty?
No way.
I flipped through every page, searching desperately for anything—some hidden technique, some divine cheat ability like in the novels.
Nothing.
"The key is what dwells within."
That phrase suddenly resurfaced in my mind.
…Worth a shot.
I placed my hand on the book and poured a small amount of mana into it.
Immediately, I felt it.
The book was pulling my mana—
No—draining it.
"Wait—"
I tried to stop, but the flow wouldn't cease.
I tried to pull my hand away—
It wouldn't budge.
The book was stuck to me.
No matter how hard I struggled, it kept absorbing my mana.
This is bad.
At this rate—
I'm going to pass out.
My body began to feel numb.
I collapsed onto the floor.
My vision dimmed.
The last thing I saw—
Was the book glowing with a blinding light.
-----
"Young master! Please wake up!"
I opened my eyes to see Chris Avern shaking me.
His brown hair was slightly disheveled, and his sunset-orange eyes were filled with tears.
The moment he saw me awake, he tried to compose himself.
"Are you alright, young master?"
…Was that snot—
Yeah. That was definitely snot.
I pointed at my nose.
He froze—then quickly pulled out a handkerchief and wiped it away.
"I apologize for such an unsightly display, young master."
He placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly.
The formality made me a little uncomfortable.
"No need to apologize. That's… a normal reaction. I think."
Chris raised his head, still looking worried—and curious.
He was probably wondering why I had collapsed… and why I had been clutching a book.
I lifted my right hand—
The book was gone.
…Huh?
I didn't even get to read it.
I looked around the room. Nothing.
I turned back to Chris.
"Chris, did you see a book near me?"
"A book? I'm afraid not, young master. Did you fall asleep while reading?"
He sounded relieved.
"Something like that. I must've put it back before collapsing."
Chris finally relaxed and extended a hand to help me up.
"That's a relief. I was worried you had collapsed from exhaustion and might become bedridden again."
"I'm really fine. Just… a bit hungry."
My stomach growled on cue.
"The Count and Countess are already in the dining hall, and Lady Ethea is on her way. Would you like assistance getting ready?"
"Yes, please."
The servants brought my clothes.
Black slacks. A white shirt. A purple vest. A fitted black coat.
I looked like some kind of fairytale prince.
…Not bad.
I took a moment to admire myself.
"Are you ready, young master?"
Chris asked, sounding slightly uncertain.
Right.
The old Alan definitely wouldn't do this.
"Yes. Let's go."
We walked toward the dining hall.
The white marble floors gleamed like glass. The walls were draped in velvet, and massive chandeliers hung from the ceiling.
Before I knew it, we had arrived.
Mother and Father were already seated.
Servants placed food on the table.
Father was reading a newspaper.
The headline caught my eye:
"A PROPHECY HAS ARRIVED!"
He seemed unusually focused—so much so that he didn't even notice me sit down.
"Good morning, my dear. Did you sleep well?"
Mother greeted me warmly.
Father lowered the paper, finally noticing me—
But before he could speak, Thea entered and took her seat.
"Good morning, children."
He smiled.
I nodded, my eyes drifting back to the newspaper.
I'd have to ask Chris about that later.
Breakfast was simple—pancakes and fruit.
"The Emilton Barony will be hosting a dinner party next week. I expect all of us to attend."
Mother glanced at me, then at Father.
Father immediately chimed in—after swallowing far too quickly.
"Of course. It would be impolite to refuse. It's also a good opportunity to talk, don't you think?"
That last part was directed at me.
…So much for deciding.
"I understand. I'll do my best."
They all looked relieved.
The atmosphere lightened.
Thea stuffed an entire pancake into her mouth.
Father followed—two pancakes at once.
Mother scolded them… while laughing.
"Brother, we can train after breakfast if you want."
Thea said casually.
"Sure."
After eating, we headed to the training grounds.
"Did you do your homework?"
I nodded.
I considered telling her about the cave.
The portal.
The book.
…But I stayed silent.
"There are three levels of magic," she began.
"Basic—used for everyday tasks. Intermediate—requires study and is mainly used for combat. And Arcana—the highest level humans can reach. It can do almost anything."
She crossed her arms.
"Alright, enough talking. Show me."
I raised my hand and visualized the spell.
Water. Flowing from my palm.
I tried to release my mana—like yesterday.
…
Nothing.
I tried again.
Still nothing.
No mana.
Thea immediately noticed.
She stepped closer and grabbed my hand.
The moment she touched me—
Her expression changed.
Her brows furrowed.
Her lips pressed into a thin line.
"What's wrong?"
I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Listen carefully," she said.
"Don't panic."
I nodded.
She met my eyes.
"Your mana… is completely gone."