Through the Dark Sod [Part 2]

I sat there in the soft grass by Quen reading a book, for what it felt like hours. I had no idea what kind of energy I should be channeling. I do have a strange feeling throughout my body at least, but that could be anything. Uhg! This is starting to get frustrating. I’ve been able to easily learn so many skills, yet this is something that I can’t even begin to grasp!

“Hey! What are you two up to?!”

Hah? That sounds like Írui. Whatever… I need a bit of a break.

“Whatcha doing?” Írui asked with a curious grin.

“I’m just showing Ryosuke some lessons about Mana.”

“And she doesn’t know anything about Mana. How did she even get into this Guild!”

“Be quiet! Not every Engwar was raised to be some royal knight!”

Írui quickly put Elros in his place. He should be glad that Írui is here to speak before me, or else I’d verbally destroy this guy. Also, a royal knight, huh? Interesting. That would explain his confidence, especially the arrogance.

“It’s all good. There’s just so much for me to learn. I hope you’ll all help me along the way!”

“You bet Ryosuke! Isn’t that right, Elros?!”

“I suppose… Hmm, Let’s show you something very cool…” Elros looked around for a moment.

“Hey! Vahaemarr! You got a quick second?!”

Elros shouted at Vahaemarr. He likely wants Vahaemarr to show me something. He has to know something, anything right? He trained Quen, and probably has a ton of experience with Mana… Oh yeah, Aeryvon is with him: he must be helping with the chores today, because he is in a butler outfit. It’s kinda funny seeing such a bulky person in an outfit like that.

“Good afternoon, everyone. May I ask why you requested my presence, Lord Elros.”

“Yeah, Ryosuke here is learning about Mana. Can you show us that one thing with your sword?”

“Very well.”

Vahaemarr said that softly, then raised his hand like he was about to make a vow or something. Before the thought of what he could be preparing for, a sudden rush of air struck my body. Piercing the once still breeze like a surgical knife.

“Whoa!”

“Amazing!”

“Gets cooler every time!”

Incredible. The possibilities in this world are endless. Vahaemarr just held his hand open, a stunning all gold sword quickly flew through the air at supersonic speeds, and he grabbed it with ease! What makes it even cooler, he strikes a pose with the sword in front of his face.

“How did you do that?” An honest thought I had. Quen just showed me the basics. How much potential does Mana have?

“The Manipulation of Mana will be different for everyone. What Lady Valaquendë taught you today were the basics. To learn the ways, you must gaze within the essence of your being. What is the foundation that makes you, you. Then at that very moment. Latch onto the desire and merge it with your mind! That is when you will know how to control the power of Mana.”

Trying to understand the jargon Vahaemarr just spoke, I then noticed that the others really just clapped for the moving lesson he gave me. He didn’t even answer my question. No matter, I’ll think more about it tonight.

“Thank you… To put it in less of an abstract manner. I simply imagine the saber in my hand.”

“Okay, thanks Vahaemarr. I think that will help me.”

“You're very welcome. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

He just pictures it? And it flew to him? That kind of logic may help. But I should still do more research.

“Hey Quen, do you think there is any reading material here? I think it will be a good idea for me to learn this skill as quickly as I can.”

“Oh yes, I can show you where they are in the library!”

What was that smug face that Írui just made?

“Yeah. Quen. Go show Ryosuke where the books are at…” Írui prolonged Quen’s name, likely to imply something only the two knew about.

“Aaa, Wh-whatever Írui! Quit acting weird! Come on Ryosuke!“

“Okayyyyy-”

Quen pulled me away quickly. Wonder what that exchange was about?

“See you two at dinner!” Írui shouted and waved at us.

Quen made a funny noise when Írui shouted that. Well, it’s probably none of my concern. I need to get in study mode.

⧫⧫⧫

“This is the Mana section! You should be able to learn any form of Mana Manipulation here!”

Quen quickly showed me the area where all of the books about Mana were. I haven’t thoroughly examined each section of the library so I’m not sure if this is a large collection of books that are all related. I will say though, that this will be a contender for most books about Mana. There had to be over several hundreds of thick books just about Mana. This is almost too good to be true. But then again. I saw that there was a library in town and I’m sure other Guilds have some sort of library too. So, no matter where I ended up, I’m sure I still would have been able to learn about this world in some way.

“This is good, thanks Quen. I’m going to start studying right now.”

“You're welcome! Vahaemarr said to me one time that this has to be one of the largest collections of Mana books he’s ever seen.”

Ha. Well, that answers that.

“Wow. We probably only had maybe a couple of books that just kinda mentioned Mana. So I don’t even know where to begin.”

“Well, um… Ryosuke?”

“Hhm? What is it?”

“Do you mind if I hang out with you here while you study? I can help you find books and stuff.”

“That'd be great! You are more than welcome to!”

We exchanged smiles. I think she just didn’t want to talk to Írui today because of that comment she made earlier. It’s probably true that she can find books in this library faster than me, so that will be helpful.

⧫⧫⧫

Quen showed me the ones that are more on the entry level of Mana. Reading the same book from earlier, she quietly sat across from me at the table. It was nice to have someone to keep me company. My Stanford friends and I often had study group sessions. I always felt my most productive when they were around. Now, I have Quen for that. I’m slowly getting things the way I like them to be.

Every once in a while, Quen would close her book and look around. With some quick glances at me. She was showing a little wariness and must be unsure about something. So, I decided to ask.

“Hey, Quen. Ask me a question.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Just ask me the first question that comes to mind.”

“Umm, okay…”

She has a question ready; she just is hesitant to ask it.

“Why… Why are you studying so hard?”

“Well, I like to study. And, I want to be prepared.”

“So… Then… You think there’ll be an attack on the mansion?” Her voice lowered.

That’s it. I had a feeling that’s what she’s worried about.

“Hard to say for sure. But I know learning about Mana is something that I’ll probably need to know in the future, so I might as well learn as much as I can. I’d like to benefit the Guild as much as possible."

“Mm, that makes sense…”

“Do you think we will?” I asked.

“I don’t know…”

Her tone says it all. She’s low in mind and spirit. I need her to be at her best for the uncertainty that the future will bring. Moreover, with what I learned in the countless wide range of lectures I forced myself to attend; I think I can somewhat help Quen’s mind to be at relative ease. At the very least, talking about it should help her relax her to some extent.

“Hey, what are you thinking about right now?”

“Well… Um, I’m just worried, I guess.” She said slowly with a puzzled expression.

“Worried about the future?”

“Yeah!... I think?”

“Could it be ‘Change’?”

“Yeah… It’s like I've lived here for over a decade, and met my best friend here. And nothing has ever happened here for the longest time, just smiles, you know…! Now, everyone is acting differently because of what’s going on. I think my life is great the way it is, so I guess I want everything to stay the same. Maybe?”

“... You want to know what I think?”

“What?”

“I think everyone wants the same thing.”

“Wha? R-Really?”

“Yeah. Everyone is just making small changes now, so there won't be any drastic changes in the future. A future worth protecting, where everyone will be smiling again and more.”

“Yeah. Yeah! That makes sense! Mmm, I should be doing the same then…”

Good, she seems to feel better now. That spritely smile is back.

“You know Ryosuke… You're pretty smart.”

“Thanks, Quen, that’s what happens when you grow up around wise old people and talk to them every day.”

“Well, I think I’m going to go talk to Írui for a little bit! So, see you later!”

“See you later.” I smiled softly.

Just from the pixie-like stride Quen had on her way out the Library: she is definitely a lot happier. Now I feel obligated to do my best as well. This is my first day learning about Mana. Along with the possibility that the mansion could be attacked at any day. If the others are just a quarter as powerful as Vahaemarr, I’ll quickly turn into a liability. I need to quickly learn the basics of Mana and then start to come up with a strategy that will secure not only my safety but everyone’s.

I think this was another productive day in this worthless world.