The crimson glow of dusk bathed the Lugard estate's training grounds, its light glinting off the metal poles and enchanted stones scattered across the field.
Standing at the center was Ace, thirteen years old, his lean frame tensed and focused, his deep amber eyes fixed on the shimmering air around him.
Today was not just another day of practice,it was the day he sought to master the art of absorbing Red mana particles, the essence of fire and vitality, and the key to awakening his magical core.
Ace took a deep breath, the cool evening air filling his lungs as he centered his mind. He could feel the subtle hum of mana in the atmosphere,tiny red motes that danced like fireflies in the dying sunlight.
Slowly, he extended his hands, palms open, drawing them inward. The particles responded, swirling toward him in delicate spirals before sinking into his skin.
A faint warmth spread through his arms, settling in his chest.
From the sidelines, Lord Inferno D. Lugard,his father, a man whose name commanded both fear and respect across the Ropelt kingdom,observed in silence.
His sharp eyes followed Ace's movements with an expression that mixed stern discipline and quiet pride.
When Ace's concentration reached its peak, Lugard raised one hand and muttered a short incantation. Small bursts of flame shot toward Ace, flickering like miniature fireballs.
"Defend yourself," Lugard ordered, his voice calm but commanding.
Ace reacted instinctively. The moment the flames neared, he opened his aura, absorbing their energy into his forming core.
The fire dispersed harmlessly, leaving behind a faint shimmer of red light that hovered around him.
Then, with a focused motion, Ace exhaled and countered,sending a weak blast of air that rippled across the ground.
The flame and wind collided, canceling each other out in a brief flash of light. Lord Lugard chuckled softly, lowering his hand.
"Well done, Ace," he said, his deep voice echoing across the field. "Your reactions are sharper than yesterday. You're drawing closer to forming your core. Continue like this, and you'll become a conjurer in no time."
Ace's face lit up. "Thank you, Father. I won't stop until I reach it!"
Pride welled in Lord Lugard's eyes as he nodded. He could already sense his son's mana flow stabilizing,a sign that Ace Core was beginning to shape itself.
Ace continued to practice until the horizon dimmed into twilight. Each breath drew more mana into his body, each motion refined his control.
When the final sliver of sunlight dipped below the hills, he stopped, sweat glistening on his forehead.
He turned and bowed deeply to his father. "Thank you for your guidance, Father."
Lugard placed a hand on his shoulder, the faint heat of his aura radiating through his glove. "You're on the right path, my son. Persevere, and you'll surpass even me one day."
At the mention of his father's name,the famed Inferno_D_Lugard, a ruler known not only in the Ropelt kingdom but throughout the Derngian Empire.
Ace's heart swelled with determination. He smiled, his voice firm. "I'll make you proud, Father."
---
In this world, magic was the lifeblood of existence. It fueled civilizations, powered cities, and shaped destinies.
But unlike in ancient myths, magic was not an inherited gift. It was a discipline, one earned through devotion and mastery of mana absorption.
Every wielder's power stemmed from their core,a crystalline heart of energy that formed within them after years of training.
This core stored mana particles, the elemental essence of the world, and determined a person's rank and magical capacity.
There were seven primary cores, each divided into nine tiers. Their color defined the wielder's affinity and potential.
Black Core (Tier 1–9): The most common of all, granting steady and dependable magic.
Red Core (Tier 1–9): Fueled by heat and passion, it granted mastery over destructive and complex spells.
Purple Core (Tier 1–9): Rare and gentle, known for healing and restoration.
Blue Core (Tier 1–9): Bright and swift, empowering agility, speed, and elemental flow.
Green Core (Tier 1–9): Balanced and adaptive, suitable for versatile forms of magic.
Gold Core (Tier 1–9): A mark of brilliance and might, wielded by few, its spells fierce and radiant.
White Core (Tier 1–9): The rarest of all, embodying purity and divine energy.
Above them all existed a mythical state,the Sacred Core (Tier 0). Few had ever reached it, and fewer still lived to tell the tale.
It was said that only those who completely transcended mortal limits,those who harmonized perfectly with the world's mana, could attain it.
Yet the pursuit of power came with danger. A shattered core meant eternal stagnation,a curse worse than death for any mage. For this reason, the path to mastery demanded unwavering will, discipline, and resilience.
---
The following morning, the mansion bustled with activity. Ace, now dressed in the formal crimson uniform of House Inferno, hurried down the marble staircase.
His cloak fluttered behind him as the rhythmic sound of hooves echoed from outside.
At the grand entrance stood Lord Inferno D. Lugard, clad in dark armor trimmed with gold runes that shimmered faintly under the morning sun.
His mere presence radiated authority,one forged through years of battle and leadership.
"Ready yourself, Ace," Lugard said, turning toward the arriving carriage. "You're coming with me to the Kingdom's Army Base. Watch and learn."
"Yes, Father!"
Ace's pulse quickened as they boarded the carriage. The rhythmic clip-clop of horseshoes filled the air, mingling with the gentle creak of the wooden frame.
Fields and forests rolled past their window as they rode through the heartlands of the kingdom.
Hours passed before the horses slowed. When the carriage stopped, Ace gazed out to see the sprawling Army Base of Valoria, its towering banners fluttering proudly in the wind.
Rows of soldiers trained in precise formations, their armor gleaming under the noonday light.
Lugard stepped out first, and the five Division Captains were already waiting.
To Ace's left stood Keshawn, Captain of the First Division,tall, broad-shouldered, and emanating calm strength. Beside him was Xavier, Captain of the Second, his piercing blue eyes and smirk revealing a mischievous spirit.
On the right stood Guwen, Captain of the Third, his scarred armor bearing the marks of countless battles.
Next came Chris, Captain of the Fourth, his movements light and sharp, like a blade drawn in silence. Lastly, Colt, the flamboyant Captain of the Fifth, greeted them with a confident grin, his bright attire clashing boldly with the disciplined air of his peers.
As they saluted Lord Lugard, a sudden beam of blue light appeared above the gathering.
A visualization crystal materialized, its glow pulsating as the face of John Von Dean, a high-ranking commander, formed within it.
"Greetings, Lord Lugard, Captains," his voice echoed from the crystal. "An emergency has arisen,a Wide Spawn Mana Region has been detected northwest of Valoria.
The concentration of mana is increasing rapidly, and the zone is already swarming with beasts. Your immediate assistance is required."
Lord Lugard's eyes narrowed. "Understood. We ride immediately."
He turned sharply to the captains. "Prepare your divisions. No hesitation."
Within moments, the air filled with the clatter of armor and the rallying cries of soldiers. As the troops mobilized, Lord Lugard swung onto his black warhorse. He looked down at his son and extended a hand.
"Mount up, Ace. You'll see what it means to command."
Ace climbed onto the saddle behind his father, gripping tightly as the army surged forward.
The landscape blurred as they galloped toward the unstable region. The air thickened with mana, its energy palpable even from afar.
Strange howls echoed in the distance, mingling with the faint crackle of elemental energy.
Ace's heart thundered. This was no training session. Ahead lay the raw, untamed chaos of the magical world,a test of courage, power, and destiny.