Chapter 7 : Forging a New Purpose

A soft knock echoed through the room, stirring me from a restless slumber.
 
"Master Aren, are you awake?" Sylvie's gentle voice called from behind the door.
 
I rubbed my temple, the hazy remnants of sleep clinging to my mind. "Come in."
 
The door creaked open, revealing the young maid's bright face. At only six years old, Sylvie carried herself with remarkable composure for her age. Her emerald-colored eyes glimmered with innocence, framed by her green hair. She placed a tray of breakfast on the table and offered a cheerful smile.
 
"Good morning! How are you feeling today?"
 
I straightened up, glancing around the room. My memory of last night was fractured—chaotic images flickered in my mind, the woods, and a strange power. "How did I get here?"
 
"Sir Edwin carried you here," she explained, tilting her head.
 
I frowned. There was no way I'd reveal my confusion openly. My mind moved swiftly to concoct a plausible cover. "Sylvie… I think I lost part of my memory. Everything feels fragmented."
 
Her eyes widened. "Lost your memory? That's terrible!"
 
Feigning mild concern, I pressed further. "Where did Edwin find me?"
 
"In the woods near our garden. You were unconscious," she said, her voice soft.
 
I narrowed my eyes. "What about my wounds?"
 
Her brow furrowed in confusion. "Wounds? Were you injured?"
 
I masked my surprise. So Edwin had found me completely unharmed. Strange.
 
After a few more pleasantries, Sylvie excused herself, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I leaned back, breathing deeply.
 
Closing my eyes, I focused inward. My body hummed with energy, a faint yet distinct difference from before. Mana. I had broken through to Stage 1—Novice. The realization hit me with both surprise and intrigue.
 
During that fight... had I instinctively drawn mana from within?
 
Focusing further, I visualized the mana flowing through my body. The familiar blue hue had shifted to a vibrant green, signifying my advancement. But something else caught my attention—dark wisps of light black and grey mingling with the mana.
 
I frowned. What was that? Mana didn't behave that way.
 
Could that encounter have been real after all?
 
Shaking off my unease, I stood up and dressed. There was no point dwelling on mysteries I couldn't yet unravel.
 
I decided to seek out Claire before her departure.
 
In the courtyard, preparations were underway. Servants loaded carriages, and knights stood by in formation. Amid the bustle, Claire stood beside Mother, who gently adjusted the cloak draped over her shoulders. Claire's black hair shimmered under the morning light, her calm blue eyes reflecting Mother’s warmth yet carrying a quiet determination of her own.
 
"Are you sure about this, Claire?" Mother asked softly, her voice tinged with concern.
 
Claire nodded firmly. "I need to grow stronger, Mother. Staying here won’t help me."
 
Mother sighed but placed a hand on her cheek, offering a tender smile. "Then go with my blessing. But promise me you'll take care of yourself."
 
"I will," Claire said confidently.
 
I stepped closer, drawing their attention. "Claire."
 
She turned, her expression softening slightly. "Aren, you're awake."
 
"You're leaving for the capital?"
 
She nodded. "It's time."
 
Her resolve was unwavering. There was no fear in her voice, only purpose.
 
"Then make sure you come back stronger," I said.
 
She smirked faintly. "Of course."
 
After exchanging a quick embrace with Mother, she joined Father near the carriage. As they prepared to leave, I watched them go, a strange sense of unease lingering in my chest.
 
For the first time in this life, a flicker of purpose stirred within me. I didn’t understand the nature of this strange mana or what lay ahead, but one thing was clear—I wasn’t aimless anymore. I would uncover the truth and grow stronger, no matter what.
 
To be continued... 

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