It began with breath as always.
But this time, when he inhaled, the world felt larger.
Not louder. Not brighter. Just… present.
The air didn't just enter his lungs he felt it.
Not the wind but what lived beneath it.
Mana.
It flickered again like a candle in another room. Not inside him, but faintly brushing his awareness. Not his to command only to sense.
But sensing was enough.
He focused.
Not grasping that would draw attention.
Just listening. Observing. Matching breath to it.
For a split second it responded.
A thread of mana quivered not obeying, but acknowledging.
Almost as if it had looked back at him.
> Passive Mana Resonance — Detected
Training efficiency increased.
Future mana guidance possible.
No reward.
No new power.
But the rules had changed.
His training was no longer just physical.
He had touched the edge of mana.
And without knowing he had taken his first step toward magic.