Chapter 9: The Archmage’s Guidance

Eldrin Faelora’s violet eyes glimmered with amusement as she studied the boy before her. "My, my, who do we have here? The Forsaken Prince of the Holy Kingdom of Drakos. Up close, you truly resemble your father in his youth—both in appearance and in courage, not to mention that unyielding determination."

Alistair narrowed his golden eyes. "You knew the king when he was young?"

Eldrin chuckled as she gracefully sipped her tea. "Know him? I practically raised him. There were times when I was more of a mother to him than his own."

Alistair's mind processed this new information. She’s trustworthy… but she’s also annoying.

Shifting the conversation, Alistair asked, "Why do you rotate your mana in multiple directions while other mages rotate it in just one?"

The archmage's expression froze, her entire body stiffening as if she'd been struck by lightning. Her eerie smile faltered, and for a brief moment, it seemed as if she might collapse from shock.

"Your father is a genius among geniuses," Eldrin murmured, eyes wide with disbelief, "but even he cannot see mana. Yet, you can? This isn’t the right place to discuss such matters—too many eyes are watching."

Before Alistair could respond, a blinding light engulfed them both. In the blink of an eye, they had teleported.

Alistair found himself in an elegantly furnished room, the scent of old books and herbal tea filling the air. His sharp gaze instinctively followed the residual mana in the air, tracing the exact path Eldrin had used for the teleportation spell.

"Did you just use magic?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. He had just experienced real magic for the first time—something that had never existed in his previous life.

Eldrin, now preparing tea, glanced at him. "It’s called Teleportation Magic. One can travel between places they have already visited, but it requires immense concentration and mana."

Alistair nodded. "You used mana at the fourth circle, didn’t you?"

Eldrin froze mid-pour, spilling a drop of tea onto the tray. She slowly turned to him, stepping closer, her violet eyes filled with intrigue and disbelief. "You can even tell which circle I used?"

Alistair shrugged. "I don’t know how exactly. I just saw you absorb three times more mana than other mages, refine it in some strange pattern, and then we were here."

In her mind, Eldrin was reeling. I have lived for 150 years as a High Elf, but I have never seen someone who could perceive mana so clearly. The only ones capable of this were gods. If he weren’t poisoned, he would become a mage beyond compare. But that doesn’t matter—what matters is that he is still alive.

Regaining her composure, she motioned for him to sit. "Come, have some tea."

Alistair took a seat, his mind filled with questions. "Why do knights and mages use mana differently? And why do they both store mana in the Dantian? Can it be stored elsewhere?"

Eldrin’s eyes widened again. Not only can he see the mana paths of mages, but he can also perceive those of knights. This child is truly gifted… but he must survive first.

She took a deep breath before answering. "Yes, there is a significant difference between the way knights and mages use mana. Knights absorb mana directly into their bodies, refining it through rigorous physical training to strengthen themselves. They use their bodies as conduits, allowing them to unleash explosive power in battle.

Mages, on the other hand, refine mana externally before drawing it into their Dantian, shaping it into spells. Their magic relies on precise control rather than brute strength. While knights can use aura techniques to enhance their weapons and bodies, mages rely on incantations and magical circles to manipulate mana into powerful spells."

She then leaned forward, her tone becoming serious. "And no, mana cannot be stored outside the Dantian. If someone tries to store mana in another part of their body, it will cause immense strain. The unstable energy will tear their body apart instantly." Her voice carried a sharp edge, as if warning him of an imminent catastrophe.

Alistair pondered this carefully. So storing mana recklessly could kill me? Then I have to be precise when refining it.

As the evening approached, Alistair stood up. "I must go. It’s getting late, and Sofia will be worried."

Eldrin pouted, her expression playful yet unsettling. "Oh, must you leave so soon? Can’t you stay a little longer?" She flashed a creepy smile.

Alistair smirked. "I’d love to chat more, Granny, but it’s late."

Eldrin’s smile vanished instantly. "What? Granny?!"

"You said you were my father’s nanny, practically a mother to him. That makes you my granny."

"That’s enough, brat! Get out of here!" she barked, waving her hand in mock annoyance.

With a chuckle, Alistair felt the familiar pull of teleportation magic once again, and the next moment, he was back where he had left.

He strode straight to his room, only to find Sofia waiting outside with a worried expression. Seeing him return, she hesitated before asking, "Young Master, I—"

"Don’t disturb me. I’m going to meditate." His curt response cut her off.

Sofia lowered her gaze but nodded with a trusting, albeit slightly saddened, expression.

Alistair smirked slightly before entering his room, shutting the door behind him. He immediately took a meditative position, his mind focused.

Having witnessed both knights and mages using mana, he now had an idea of how to handle it. Slowly, he reached out to the surrounding mana, attempting to gather it into his Dantian. The process was excruciating—pain beyond anything he had ever experienced. His body felt like it was being torn apart, but he gritted his teeth and pushed forward, determined to succeed.

Just as he finally began to store mana within his Dantian, a sharp pain erupted through his body. He coughed violently, and to his horror, blood splattered onto the floor.

What’s happening?!

A crimson Status Window flickered before his eyes, displaying an urgent alert:

WARNING! The poison in your body has been reactivated!

Alistair’s eyes widened in shock. Before he could react, another wave of pain wracked his body, and more blood spilled from his lips. His vision blurred, and the world around him darkened.

To be continued…