The next morning, Redan led me to the Mahnion training grounds. Lyu insisted on tagging along despite Redan's countless objections.
Standing at the entrance of vibrant green fields that stretched for miles I shot a skeptical look in Redan's direction.
"These tiny things are supposed to keep those monsters out of here?" I picked up one of the many small red mana stones that were placed throughout the training grounds.
Redan nodded his head confidently. "These stones hold the mana of our strongest warriors. There's not a creature in the land who would dare approach. This is one of the safest places in all of Garheil."
"He's right, any animal trespassing upon this place would be stepping on our Mahnion pride." Lyu assured me with a smirk. Casually tossing one of the stones in the air.
Clapping both his hands together, Redan shouted. "Alright let's get started then, go stand over there." He ordered, directing me to the middle of the field.
A cool breeze accompanied me as I walked to the middle of the grounds. "Okay, what now?" I asked.
Redan approached me while pulsing electricity between his two index fingers. "Mana is all around us; it can take almost any form you want it to once you've mastered it. However, you have to be able to sense it first. Straighten up your posture and take some deep breaths until you can feel the surrounding mana. I can't tell you exactly what it'll feel like, it's different for everyone but you'll know it when it happens."
"That doesn't help much." I complained. Despite my misgivings I followed Redan's instructions.
Redan took a seat on a nearby log continuing to observe me. "Once you have a feel for it you'll understand." He assured me.
After practicing the breathing exercises for around twenty minutes I felt a prickling cold sensation. "I think I feel it, it's a cold feeling in the middle of my chest." I said. Trying to keep my focus on the odd sensation.
"Well look at that, you really are blessed by the spirits." Redan said.
Glancing at Lyu in confusion who stood not to far off leaning back against a nearby tree. He gestured with his head to the ground below. Following Lyus line of sight I looked at the ground in shock.
Half the training ground was frozen ice. The ice
had a purplish glint to it that made it dazzle under the beaming sunlight.
"I can use ice magic." I mumbled trying to hold back my excitement.
Redan stood up from the log walking towards me; he paid no caution to the frozen ground. "It's manifesting as Ice but in its natural state it's mana. Pure mana to be precise the waves of purple indicates it's mana that's sat in the atmosphere for hundreds,maybe even thousands of years. Pure mana is something only few have been able to access throughout the history of our world. Only those with a natural affinity for all four elements water, air, fire, and earth can use it. Though your strongest element will be water since it's the first element your mana manifested as. " He explained.
"You forgot an element old man." Lyu said.
"Lyu, you know I don't believe in fairy tales."
Lyu grinned widely. "I'm not asking you to, just know I will be the first person to control it in over 5,000 years."
Redan let out a hearty chuckle. "I'll believe it when I see it!"
Oblivious to their current conversation I steered it back towards my interest." What's pure mana?" I asked, easing up on the breathing exercises. The ice around me remained, showing no signs of melting.
"It's mana that hasn't been touched for hundreds, sometimes thousands of years. The longer it sits the more powerful it is. It's a nice trump card to have when you're in a bind." Lyu said.
"Don't let that freak explain it to you, he only speaks of it so casually because he can access it himself! He hasn't even grasped its true potential. Pure mana users make up less than one percent of the world's current population. Out of the 300 tribes in Garheil there are only three warriors that can currently access pure mana, you're now the fourth.What have I done to live to see such a terrifying generation!" Redan lamented.
Redan turned to Lyu. "Go tell chief Hamni, we have another purist in the tribe. I'm sure he'll be thrilled to learn another one has been bestowed upon us. Maybe this will stop the Irel from causing another fruitless war."
"I told you to stop calling me that!" Lyu shouted, as he exited the grounds.
"Alright change of plans, we're going straight into hand to hand combat." Redan said, as he began stretching.
"Wait what? I thought you said it was too early and why are you stretching? I'm not fighting you!" I said, taking a step back. What the hell is wrong with this old man!
"My eyes haven't even healed yet!" I shouted.
"This will only make you stronger, It'd be a waste of time to continue to teach you about Mana."
"Why?" I questioned.
"You can access pure Mana. You'll naturally gain a better understanding of it just by doing what you did earlier and meditating. Our time would be better spent on something else." He said, walking towards me.
I couldn't help but sigh in resignation at Redan's reasonable explanation.
"Okay but go easy on me. I still don't know how to control Mana yet." I said.
"Sure, but no promises!" He replied with a devious grin. A few moments later he charged at me without warning.
"Wait what! Hold on, I'm not ready!"
A few hours after my spar with Redan, I was taken to the village hot springs to treat my wounds.
"He really didn't hold back huh?" Myra grimaced as she applied healing to my bruised chest.
"Ouch." I flinched.
"Sorry, I'm not as good at healing as that Esaoinion girl." Myra sincerely apologized, as she focused all her attention on the blue mana emitting from her hands.
I shook my head. "No this is fine, I'm starting to feel better already. Besides, you're not the one who did this to me." I said. Still unable to fully lift both my arms over my head.
"Don't read too much into it. Despite his name Redan has always despised war. I guess he's holding out hope that your presence will deter the Irel and Octavian forces." Myra said.
Why would I be able to stop the war?" I asked puzzled.
Myra shot me a wide eyed expression. "Don't you know how rare an ability you have? Just earlier today while I was at the market there were a few people from our neighboring tribes that wanted to meet 'the other worlder destined to save our land'".
"Really? I don't know why I'm nothing special." I said, recalling the beatdown I experienced earlier. Special would be the heroes who'd spawn in and instantly defeat the demon lord in the novels I used to read.
"From my perspective you're kind of a monster, to not only have more than one affinity but be a purist as well. Even your wounds are healing as quickly as Lyus, it's scary." Myra admitted.
"You and Lyu are close?" I asked. Since I've been here I've noticed Myra speaks a lot more casually with him than the others.
Myra made a complicated expression. "I don't know, I guess. I've known him since I was a child so it's a lot easier to tell what he's thinking."
"What about you, do you have anyone you're close to? I mean back in your old world."
I felt a deep pit of anxiety rise from the depths of my stomach. I hadn't had time to think about it since I've been here. Or maybe I've just been pushing it to the back of my mind avoiding it altogether.
What does my family think about me missing? Do they think I'm dead, kidnapped? Are they out searching for me right now? Do they even miss me?
I must not have as good a poker face as I thought because Myra apologized awkwardly, her uncomfortableness evident.
"I didn't mean to bring up a-
I quickly shook my head, adjusting my expression into a soft smile.
"Sorry, I don't mind, I just got lost in thought for a second. I had, no I have an older sister and a younger brother. We were really close growing up but things changed over the last few years. I was just wondering if they even cared that I was gone."
Myra suddenly plucked me on my forehead. Clutching my head, I shot her a look of confusion. To which she responded with a frown.
"Obviously they miss you, they're your family!" She scolded. Myra's expression suddenly became gloomy.
I couldn't hide my surprise at her abrupt mood change but it was obvious this was a sore spot for her as well. So I veered the conversation to another topic.
The two of us ended up talking through the night as her healing process took a lot longer than Kumas. I didn't mind though as it gave me the opportunity to get to know her better. Despite her sometimes brazen attitude Myra's a pretty sweet girl.