Ancestor or Predecessor [Part 1]

My new normal. I awoke early again, but this time I have someone to share it with. I got Quen up and we did stretches routinely, we then went outside so she could teach me some more aspects about Mana. Unfortunately, I’m starting to think that I can't manipulate Mana. Even with the amount of time I’ve invested into it. I can’t tell if it’s because I’m just not skilled in it or if it's because I’m not from this world. With or without knowing how to manipulate Mana; I have finished some type of plan for myself. So, I know I won’t be completely useless when the attack happens. Which… can be any day now.

“Ahhhh, I don’t know Quen… I feel like I’m getting close to using wind Mana but it just gets more exhausting the more I focus on it. Maybe I should try to learn something else. What do you think?” Wind in my hair, while I whined in frustration. I was much more frustrated than I made it sound. I then sat on the ground in defeat.

“Hmm, well I suppose you just haven’t discovered the Mana that compliments your personality.” Quen mentioned.

“What do you mean? I haven’t read anything like that.” I looked at her puzzled.

“Yeah, it’s something that most Mana professors and scholars don’t really mention in lectures.”

“Okay, well, what is it?”

“So yeah, this may sound a little conceited. But, take me for example. I’m pretty good at manipulating Mana related to Fire and that’s because my personality goes well with fire! I’m warm, exciting, and bright, but I can be a little wild and unpredictable at times, heh-heh.” She altered her tone and gestures to match the mood of her explanation.

“Hmm… okay, so what do you think might mine be?” I asked.

“I don’t know, it’s hard to say this early… Um, maybe something with shadow or moonlight related. Because, um, you are cool and wise…” She smiled, her face slightly red, also pressing her index fingers together.

“A-Anyway, I’d say think about your personality and the nature of Mana. Then we can practice what you think may be the most complementary!” She explained with a smile.

“Okay… I think I’ll do some more reading tonight with that idea in mind.” I sighed.

I wanted to comment on basically saying that I was ‘cool and wise’ but I was a little distracted with the fact that I still haven’t been able to do a single thing with Mana. But what I was most distracted by, was the feeling that I won’t be able to be of any help during the attack. Just because I have a plan. Does not mean that my Guild members or even myself will be safe. That thought was very worrying to me.

“Hey!” Quen shouted she must have noticed my gloomy mood.

“Just because you haven’t learned it yet doesn't mean that you never will! It will just take some time! And always remember, there is a lot of unexplored knowledge about Mana!” She stood up with positivity.

I smiled at her. That spritely energy did it again. Not only that, her explanation surprisingly made me feel a little better knowing that there are some areas of Mana that aren’t fully explored. The concept that Quen explained does seem plausible. Maybe, if I stop overthinking aspects of this world. I might actually achieve something magical.

“You know what?! I think the others are also practicing right now too, so maybe they can show you some of their skills and that might give you some ideas about Mana personalities!” Quen suddenly announced.

“Yeah, okay that sounds like a good idea! Let’s go!”

⧫⧫⧫

Quen and I made our way to the courtyard. It didn't take long for us to hear the grunts and heavy breathing of two men brawling with each other.

“RRR!!”

The hyperactive grunts quickly echoed to my ears as we approached the courtyard. Followed by the intense sounds of combative thuds from colliding bodies.

“Oh, come on, Aeryvon! I know you can hit harder than that!”

“You are pretty good at proVOKING ME!”

More rage powered combat rang throughout the courtyard as we got closer. It was clear that a heated training session was underway.

“HAHA! That's more like it!”

Aeryvon and Elros were having a sparring match. Shirtless, of course. They were covered in sweat and small welts; they must have been sparring for a while. I was also surprised to see Elros hold his own with Aeryvon. But the closer I examined their physique, Elros is fairly muscular as well, not as bulky as Aeryvon, still very athletic. Which probably means that he can move faster than Aeryvon while still being able to take a hit.

I’m about to go on a short tangent. This is just how my brain works when one thought gets stuck in my head and I can’t get it out. This thought is the thing that I find most odd about this world: why does everyone have nipples, breasts, and belly buttons? Elros and Aeryvon have nipples; Quen, Írui, and Nel all have breasts. Those features are exclusive to Earth’s animals in the Mammalia class. I mean, the word ‘Mammal’ derives from the Latin word ‘mamma’ which means 'breast' so… Why does everyone have boobs!

In spite of this biological outlier, I’ll have plenty of time to research the specifics for every species' biology. I need to focus on my Guild members abilities, instead of their chests.

“Hey you two. Came to see the show?” Írui was also at the courtyard watching the shirtless sparring match.

“Hi! Yeah, I wanted to show Ryosuke everyone's skills to help her out with Mana training.”

“Hmm… Oh really? Then in that case!”

Írui whipped her hair into a bun then she took off her oversized sweater to reveal her surprisingly well toned and fit body. I was surprised because I didn't notice her rather vigorous legs when I first met her. And not only that, I remembered something Vahaemarr said about my uniform. Írui had. Quite the enthralling bust. To say the least.

“Okay! Let me have a swing!” Írui smiled with confidence.

“Imma sit this one out. She’s all yours Aeryvon, hah-heh.” Elros backed away, almost intimidated.

Wait a minute. Sure, Írui has a pretty tough body too, much more than mine, but there is no way she can actually fight Aeryvon?!

“Alright. Ready? GO!” Elros shouted in excitement!