《Genezis Chronicles: The Spearborn Saga》 Chapter 0: A hand that feeds? The scent of damp wood and rot mixed with the acrid stench of unwashed bodies filled the air of Zilt¡¯s back alleys. The dim glow of a lone magic lantern flickered, casting distorted shadows against the weathered walls. In this forsaken part of the town, where the cold bit harder and the nights stretched longer, hunger was a more familiar companion than warmth. A small, malnourished boy with reddish-brown hair crouched behind a stack of broken crates, clutching his empty stomach. His emerald eyes, once bright, were now dulled by exhaustion and wariness. The ragged blanket around his shoulders did little to shield him from the biting wind. He had learned to expect nothing from the world¡ªkindness was a myth, and mercy was a fleeting illusion. But then, the aroma of freshly baked bread cut through the filth-ridden air like a cruel joke. The boy¡¯s head snapped up. A shadow moved in the alley¡¯s entrance. Boots scuffed against the dirt as a figure approached. He wasn¡¯t cloaked in luxury, nor did he carry the air of nobility. His worn-out clothes suggested hardship, but his steady posture and quiet confidence were unlike anything the emerald-eyed boy had seen before. Slung over his shoulder was a cloth bag, its contents shifting with a muffled rustle. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°Oi, little brat,¡± the boy¡ªthree years older at most¡ªcalled out, his voice steady but free of mockery. The younger one flinched but didn¡¯t run. He had learned that running only made them chase. The older boy crouched, pulling the bag off his shoulder. With an easy motion, he tossed a small bundle onto the ground between them. The younger boy hesitated before snatching it up, his fingers trembling as they unwrapped the cloth. Bread. A thick slice, still warm. ¡°Eat,¡± the older boy said simply, standing up. ¡°There¡¯s more where that came from.¡± The emerald-eyed boy''s stomach twisted¡ªnot in pain, but in something far more unfamiliar. Hope. ¡°Who¡­ are you?¡± he croaked out, voice hoarse from days of silence. The older boy gave a slight smirk. ¡°Just someone who does work for the Solana Merchant Guild. And I hate seeing kids starve.¡± With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, his silhouette vanishing into the darkness of the alley. The boy didn¡¯t know it yet, but that night was the first step toward a life beyond mere survival. Chapter 1: A Child鈥檚 Resolution The night air was crisp, carrying the scent of fresh earth and old wood. Lying on the rooftop of the run-down house, Jin gazed at the star-strewn sky, his mind replaying the events of the day. The warmth in his chest still felt foreign. For as long as he could remember, hunger had gnawed at his insides, and the cold had been his only companion. Yet, tonight, his stomach was full, and for the first time in years, he had a roof over his head. The feeling was unsettling. ¡°Was it all just a dream?¡± he muttered to himself, gripping the rough tiles beneath him. ¡°Will I wake up back in that alley?¡± A voice called out, breaking his thoughts. ¡°Hey, Jin! You coming for dinner or not?¡± He turned his head to see Lumine standing in the window, her golden hair gleaming under the lantern light. She was holding a bowl with wide, fascinated eyes. ¡°Ohhh, this bowl of mixed colors looks amazing! Are we really supposed to eat this?¡± A chuckle followed her remark. ¡°Yes, Lumine, that¡¯s curry,¡± Zegion explained. ¡°You¡¯ll be eating it every day now, so get used to it.¡± Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Jin blinked before grinning. ¡°Coming!¡± Inside, the house was dusty and sparsely furnished, but to the five children gathered around the simple meal, it was more than enough. Seated on the floor, they dug into the food eagerly, savoring each bite like a rare delicacy. Midway through his meal, Jin suddenly looked up, determination shining in his emerald eyes. ¡°Big bro! I¡¯ve decided something!¡± Zegion raised a brow. ¡°Swallow first.¡± Jin gulped down his food hastily before slamming a fist to his chest. ¡°I want to get stronger! I wanna be able to eat like this every day!¡± Beside him, Yuna, the silver-haired girl with dark obsidian pupils, tugged on Zegion¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Me too.¡± Lumine, her mouth still half-full, raised her tiny fists in the air. ¡°Me three!¡± A timid voice followed. ¡°M-Me four¡­¡± Ludwig, the brown-haired boy, mumbled softly. Zegion took in their expectant faces, his expression unreadable. Then, he gave a small nod. ¡°Hmm. Alright. But for tonight, wash your dishes and get some rest.¡± Jin didn¡¯t hesitate. He quickly grabbed his plate, heading toward the back area where a wooden bucket held fresh water. He scrubbed the dish clean and set it on the shelf, following the others to their sleeping spots. Some huddled together in the main room, but Jin found his way back to the rooftop. He lay down, watching the sky, afraid that sleep would take it all away. But with a full stomach and exhaustion weighing on his eyelids, his resistance was short-lived. Below, Zegion glanced at the sleeping children and let out a small sigh. His lips curled into a rare smile. ¡°Looks like I picked up a handful of trouble,¡± he murmured before closing his eyes. Chapter 2: Big Bro? What Does He Do? The next morning, in a small, empty house... Jin sat on the floor, staring at Zegion, curiosity brimming in his eyes. "Big bro, what do you do for the Solana Guild to pay you so much?" Zegion, sitting cross-legged on a thin cloth, looked up from his meal. "Hmm¡­ I do delivery services." Jin frowned. "But even Scary Frank does deliveries, and he always complains about how low the pay is." Zegion smirked. "Yes, because I carry a lot." "More than THAT Scary Frank? Brother, please don¡¯t lie!" Jin protested. Without warning, Zegion gave him a light chop on the head. "Do you know what an Item Box is, Jin?" "Hmm? A what?" Zegion sighed. "Call the others. I have something to tell you all." Soon, Yuna, Lumine, and Ludwig gathered around, sitting on the wooden floor with barely any coverings. The house lacked furniture¡ªjust a few old blankets and sacks stacked in the corner. They had grown used to the emptiness, but today, something felt different. Zegion took a deep breath. "So today, I¡¯ll explain why I took you guys in." Yuna¡¯s eyes widened. She had anticipated this conversation, yet a hint of hesitation flickered across her face. "Do you know about magic and its attributes?" Zegion continued. Lumine shot her hand up excitedly. "Yes! I know!" "Go on, Lumine." "There are six main elemental attributes¡ªFire, Wind, Earth, Water, Light, and Dark!" Zegion nodded. "Good. And how many attributes can a person have affinity for?" "Two or three at most!" Lumine answered confidently. "That¡¯s correct. A person can have affinity with two or more elements. I have an affinity for Dark and Light attributes. But don¡¯t go blabbing about it outside." Before he could continue, Jin interrupted. "B-But what does that have to do with why you took us in? Or how you can carry more stuff than Frank?" "Wait for it, Jumpy Jin! Let brother finish!" Yuna scolded. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Ludwig gave a small nod, silently urging Zegion to go on. Zegion chuckled before explaining. "For starters, I used my Dark attribute to create a void space and connected it to my mana signature. I then applied Light magic to prevent the objects inside from being destroyed by the void¡¯s influence. This allows me to store and retrieve things at will." The kids¡¯ faces twisted in confusion¡ªexcept for Lumine, who nodded eagerly with a huge grin. Ludwig squinted. "You got all that, Lumine?" "Yes, yes! I don¡¯t get a single thing! So amazing!" The others gave her blank stares, their expressions screaming *Are you kidding me?* Zegion sighed. "Okay. If you don¡¯t get it now, just remember this¡ªI use Dark magic to make a space where I can keep things and take them out whenever I want. That¡¯s why I can carry more, and that¡¯s why merchants pay me well." Jin¡¯s eyes sparkled. "Ohhh! Brother, you¡¯re awesome!" Zegion smiled but then turned serious. "Now, I have another ability. I can sense people¡¯s affinity with mana. It¡¯s not always accurate, but it works like a sixth sense. And I sensed that all of you have a strong ability to manipulate mana. That¡¯s why I took you in. From now on, I¡¯ll teach you how to use mana and guide you in your specific attributes. In return, I want you to use it for good. Am I clear?" The kids exchanged glances, processing his words. Their emotions were mixed, but they all felt one thing¡ªluck. Jin clenched his fists. "I understand, brother! I saw Sister Reina and Brock become adventurers with their Fire and Earth magic, and they get to eat every day! I¡¯ll work hard so I can eat every day too!" Yuna nodded with determination. "I want to become strong too!" "So cool! I wanna learn magic toooo!" Lumine cheered. Ludwig eagerly leaned forward. "Brother! What attribute do I have?!" Zegion laughed at their excitement. He knew the hardships these children had faced, the struggles they had endured. He couldn¡¯t change their past, but at the very least, he could guide them toward a future where they could bloom into something greater. This was the least he could do for them in this harsh world. _____ Meanwhile, in the back alleys of Zilt, the kids woke up and made their way to the Adventurers Association, hoping to find some menial jobs. They weaved through the bustling marketplace, where adventurers secured provisions for their hunts and expeditions. The association building stood tall with three floors, its interior packed with adventurers scanning the request board or speaking to receptionists. Deeper inside, a room was dedicated to material submissions, where butchering took place to extract mana stones, meat, and other useful monster parts. Today, the kids had chosen the Adventurers¡¯ Association as their spot, knowing that small tasks like cleaning, pest control, or delivering messages for adventurers were often posted. Growing up in the back alleys, they knew the fastest routes around town, making them perfect couriers. It was an easy way for them to earn some coins, and for the guild, a convenient way to get things done. As they waited outside the building, they noticed someone missing from their usual group. "Is he not here today? Well, good for us¡ªwe¡¯ll have more to eat!" one kid smirked. "Yeah, but I heard he was taken in by that guy, right?" another added. A haggard-looking boy scoffed. "Shame. Guess he¡¯s out of it now, huh?" "I wanna be taken in too! What did he do that we didn¡¯t?" a younger one whined. A woman, one of the association clerks, interrupted them. "Work hard, that¡¯s what! Now, you three¡ªOld Amanda needs some herbs. Completing her request will get you paid." The three boys nodded eagerly and ran off, while four others lingered. "Any jobs for us, Lady Bree?" one asked. The woman¡ªBree¡ªshook her head. "Not yet, but I¡¯ll let you know." With that, she briskly walked back inside. This was all she could do for these children. "Guess we gotta wait, huh? Damn¡­" one of them muttered Chapter 3: A Task to Prove Myself (Jin鈥檚 POV) I waved goodbye to Brother Zegion as he headed off for the Solana Merchant Guild. He said he¡¯d be gone three days for work. My brother¡¯s something else¡ªsmart and cool, even though he¡¯s just three years older than me. I¡¯m not the brainy type, never have been. I¡¯ve always gotten by on hard work, but three days ago, everything changed. I was sitting by the Adventurer¡¯s Association doors, like usual, waiting for Lady Bree to toss me some odd jobs. My stomach was growling, and I was worn out from hustling. Then Zegion showed up¡ªquiet, like always¡ªstaring at me for a second before saying, ¡°Come with me.¡± Just like that, I had a place to stay and real food¡ªthree meals a day. Not scraps, but proper stuff that filled me up. Us alley kids knew Zegion. He was like a ghost who brought us food sometimes. He didn¡¯t look at us with pity or anything¡ªjust did it, calm as can be. The grown-ups took his help too, but I¡¯d hear them grumble behind his back, jealous and mean. Zegion knew they talked smack. He¡¯s sharp like that. Didn¡¯t stop him, though. Those three days of good meals felt like a dream, but now I¡¯ve got to earn it. Before he left, Zegion gave us a job: awaken our mana and figure out our attributes. By ourselves. In three days. I almost laughed. What was he thinking? Did he reckon we were fancy noble kids who grew up learning magic? Yuna might have a shot¡ªshe¡¯s got that quiet smarts¡ªbut me? I¡¯m an orphan from Zilt¡¯s streets. Old Amanda and Rhonda kept me alive when I was little, that¡¯s all I¡¯ve got. Mana? Attributes? It¡¯s crazy. And to make it worse, he told me not to ask Yuna for help. ¡°Do it yourself, Jin,¡± he said, serious but not harsh. It sounds impossible, but I trust him. So I headed to Old Amanda¡¯s place, kicking dirt as I walked, my head all jumbled. She¡¯s smart, knows a lot, and if anyone can help, it¡¯s her. When I got there, Buga and his two buddies were hanging around outside her little house. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Ohhh, look who¡¯s here!¡± Buga said, smirking. ¡°Sorry, Jin, we¡¯re done. Go somewhere else.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not here for your jobs, Buga,¡± I snapped. ¡°I need to talk to Old Amanda.¡± He snorted and shuffled off with his crew. ¡°Whatever.¡± Was he mad? I didn¡¯t care. A creaky voice broke through my thoughts. ¡°Jin, that you?¡± Old Amanda poked her head out. She¡¯s got a bent back now, but her blue eyes were bright, looking me over. ¡°Been a while, kid. You look good¡ªlike you¡¯re eating right. Makes me happy.¡± She laughed, rough but warm. I told her everything¡ªZegion taking me in, the food, and this wild task. ¡°He wants me to awaken my mana, Granny. Me! I don¡¯t even know how. Got any books I can use?¡± She grinned. ¡°That Zegion¡¯s a weird one, but I think you can do it, Jin.¡± She grabbed a dusty old book off her shelf and handed it to me. I stared at it, my stomach dropping. ¡°Granny, I can¡¯t read this. It¡¯s too hard. Can you help?¡± ¡°Sure, kid,¡± she said with a nod. ¡°Let¡¯s get started, or I¡¯ll have to get back to my potions.¡± We spent the whole day together, her scratchy voice walking me through mana stuff. She made it easy: to use magic, you need three things. First, you¡¯ve got to be able to feel mana¡ªturns out I¡¯ve got a bit of that, lucky me. Second, you need an attribute, like fire or water, which picks what spells you can do. Third, you cast it¡ªeither with magic circles and some old language called Praxis, or by feeling it deep inside you. All three have to work together, or nothing happens. By the time the sun went down, I sort of got it. But casting was the problem. I didn¡¯t know Praxis, and Granny didn¡¯t have anything about it. That left feeling it with my soul¡ªwhatever that means. I leaned on her table, tired and stuck. Two days left, and I was still lost. Chapter 4: Yunas Worries While the others focused on their tasks, Yuna wrestled with hers¡ªcreating boiling water using magic. Unlike Lumine and Ludwig, who were tasked with sensing mana through deep meditation, Yuna already had a foundation in mana control. At first glance, her task seemed simpler, but she quickly realized it was anything but. Normally, Praxis-based spellcasting required using the elemental name as a foundation, with modifications shaping the nature of the spell. However, altering those words was not something she had been trained in. Praxis was an ancient, fragmented language, and attempts to change its structure often felt like fumbling through a lock with countless keys, most of which wouldn¡¯t fit. Though noble families safeguarded a few high-level Praxis spells, commoners were limited to basic ones. Scholars had spent decades unraveling its secrets, yet progress was painfully slow. As a result, most mages favored mana flow-based spellcasting¡ªan intuitive method that relied on guiding mana into a magic circle and shaping its nature through intent. This method was more accessible, but it also had limitations. Creating compound spells, such as boiling water¡ªrequiring both water and heat¡ªwas no simple feat, especially for those without dual affinities. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. After helping Lumine and Ludwig settle into their meditation, Yuna moved to the small backyard of Zegion¡¯s home. Sparse patches of cultivated plants dotted the yard, surrounded by rough grass. Sitting cross-legged on the cool ground, she stared at the sky, deep in thought. How could she create boiling water from a basic water spell? Zegion had advised her to observe boiling water, to experiment with different approaches. The suggestion had seemed vague at first, but she knew there was something deeper in his words. The day slipped away with no progress, frustration building within her. Seeking a moment to clear her mind, she left for the river on the outskirts of Vichitra Vana. The vast forest bordering Zilt was divided into three regions¡ªouter, middle, and deep. The outer region was relatively safe, often visited by hunters and travelers, while the deeper areas were shrouded in mystery and danger. The river, flowing at the forest¡¯s edge, had always been a place of solace for her. Meanwhile, Jin wandered through the town after his morning rounds, his mind weighed down by his own struggles. The task of awakening his mana felt impossible. His feet led him toward the river, seeking a moment of clarity in the cool water. But just as he neared the tree-lined banks, a sudden, sharp cry split the air¡ªYuna¡¯s voice, laced with urgency. Jin¡¯s heart pounded as he broke into a sprint. Chapter 5: Looming Danger Jin sprinted towards the source of the cry, his heart pounding against his ribs. He didn¡¯t know Yuna well yet, but she was one of the few people he could trust¡ªmaybe not as much as Zegion, but enough. The mere thought of her in danger spurred his legs forward, but the moment he reached the riverbank, his body froze. Terror gripped him. A Wildrush Boar. It shouldn¡¯t be here. Not this close to the outskirts. The hulking beast barreled forward, a blur of muscle and fury, its tusks gleaming in the dappled sunlight as it charged straight at Yuna. She barely had time to react. Raising her right hand, she cast a water ball, the size of a clenched fist, and hurled it at the boar¡¯s eyes. The liquid splashed against its vision, momentarily blinding it¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t enough. Wildrush Boars never stop once they begin their charge. The beast veered slightly, but its bulk still clipped Yuna¡¯s side. The force of the impact sent her tumbling across the rocky riverbank, sharp stones cutting into her skin as she landed with a choked gasp. Jin could only stare, his body locked in fear. His mind screamed at him to move, to do something, but his limbs were stone. Then he saw Yuna struggling to get up, her left arm hanging limp, blood dripping from her temple. His paralysis shattered. This wasn¡¯t the time to be afraid. He had seen too many suffer, too many die helplessly. He would not stand still and watch again. His eyes burned with something new, something fierce, and without hesitation, he ran straight at the boar¡ªbarehanded. The beast shook off its temporary disorientation and set its sights on Yuna once more. Its muscles tensed, preparing another rush. But Jin was already moving. His body felt lighter, stronger. Each step hit the ground with precision and power. He didn¡¯t understand what was happening, only that his instincts screamed at him to strike. He punched. His fist slammed into the boar¡¯s stomach, and for a fleeting moment, he thought he had done something. But then pain exploded in his chest as the boar¡¯s hind legs lashed out, sending him flying backward. He crashed onto the ground beside Yuna, the impact stealing the air from his lungs. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. He gasped, coughing. His hands trembled. His arms ached. But there was no time for pain. The boar was already preparing another charge. Jin forced himself up, his body screaming in protest. Yuna was barely able to stand, but her eyes still burned with determination. She wouldn''t give up. Neither would he. The boar¡¯s presence here¡­ it meant something had changed in Vichitra Vana. The balance of power had shifted, and whatever had driven this beast out of its usual habitat spelled trouble. Jin clenched his fists. He felt¡­ something coursing through him. His body glowed faintly, a dim white hue wrapping around his skin. He didn¡¯t know what it was, but he understood instinctively¡ªit wasn¡¯t mana. It was something else. For a brief second, he thought he could channel fire magic through this newfound strength. He focused and willed the flames to form in his palm. Nothing happened. The glow around him flickered and faded. His breath hitched. Fear crawled back in. What is this? Why can¡¯t I use magic? A deafening snort yanked him back to reality. The boar was charging again, its eyes burning with rage. ¡°Yuna, run!¡± Jin shouted. But there was nowhere to run. And Yuna¡­ she could barely move. Jin gritted his teeth. If he ran, Yuna would die. If he stayed, they both might. But if he ran¡ªif he abandoned her¡ªhe¡¯d never be able to face Zegion again. His resolve hardened. The white glow surged around his body again, brighter this time. He didn¡¯t understand it, but he didn¡¯t need to. What mattered was that he fought. The boar lunged, and Jin reacted. He dodged by a hair¡¯s breadth, but the sheer force of the beast¡¯s body sent him stumbling, knocking him against Yuna. They collapsed together, breathless and battered. Jin pushed himself up, his vision swimming. The boar was relentless, its fury now fully locked onto them. Then, a voice. ¡°Step aside, Jin.¡± His body moved before he could think, shifting out of the way just in time to see ten boiling water spheres materializing in Yuna¡¯s outstretched hand. Vapors curled from their surface, heat rippling through the air. She released them all at once. The boiling orbs struck true, splashing against the boar¡¯s face, and its eyes. A shriek of pain tore through the forest as steam billowed from the impact. The monster flailed, its rampage turning desperate, blind fury fueling its next charge. Jin stood his ground, refusing to look away. The boar rushed. Yuna closed her eyes. A deafening impact. Then¡­ silence. Jin cracked his eyes open. The boar lay still. A massive shadow loomed over it. Jin¡¯s breath hitched as he looked up, his heart hammering against his ribs. A towering Titan Gaja stood before them, its presence overwhelming. The sheer size of the creature, its unyielding stone-like hide, made the very air around it feel heavier. This was no ordinary beast. This was a guardian of Vichitra Vana. At least fifteen feet tall, this one was still young¡ªan adolescent. But even so, its defense was legendary, its kind was said to be able to withstand even the mightiest of spells. The Titan Gaja had killed the boar with a single rock. Jin swayed. The exhaustion, the pain, the sheer disbelief was too much. His body collapsed before he could even process what he had just witnessed. Chapter 5.5: Remy Remy stretched her arms and let out a long yawn as she stepped into the bustling tavern, the morning light filtering through the wooden shutters. The scent of sizzling meat and freshly baked bread filled the air, courtesy of Dereck, who stood behind the counter, expertly flipping a slab of boar meat on the grill. Rhonda, despite being a magician, was busy helping with the cooking, occasionally serving drinks with a flick of her wrist, sending mugs sliding across the counter with practiced ease. "You''re late," Dereck grunted without looking up. "Too busy dreaming about a rich noble sweeping you away?" Remy scoffed. "More like dreaming of a day where I don¡¯t have to deal with drunk adventurers trying to grab my waist." Rhonda chuckled as she set down a tray of roasted potatoes. "Pretty faces earn a dime more. Use what you''ve got, girl." Remy rolled her eyes but smirked. That was exactly why she was here. Zilt¡¯s adventurers had loose pockets, and as long as she kept their drinks full and their egos inflated, she could skim enough tips to make life comfortable. The tavern was already lively by noon, with groups of adventurers loudly boasting about their exploits. Some had just returned from Vichitra Vana¡¯s outskirts, selling off their spoils, while others were still planning their next dive into the unpredictable forest. Then came a group of shifty-looking men who settled at the far end of the bar. They were rougher than the usual adventurers¡ªmore desperate, more hungry. Treasure hunters. They had the look of men who had found something they shouldn¡¯t have. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Remy¡¯s ears perked up when she overheard one of them whisper, "I''m telling you, we saw the footprints. Massive. Like something ancient just walked through the deep regions." Another one, a scar-faced man with a nervous twitch, leaned in. "We ain''t the first ones to see ¡®em either. And those who went deeper to check? Never came back." Now, this was something interesting. Remy smirked to herself and sauntered past their table, deliberately slowing her steps as she turned to the crowd. Then, in a voice just loud enough to be heard, she mused, "Titan Gaja footprints, huh? That¡¯s a first. Thought those things never left the deepest part of the forest." The effect was immediate. The tavern fell silent for a brief moment before a ripple of hushed whispers spread. A group of adventurers who had been drinking casually suddenly sat up straighter. Others exchanged uneasy glances. The treasure hunters stiffened as they realized their secret was no longer so secret. "Titan Gaja?" an adventurer muttered. "You¡¯re joking, right? Those things are walking fortresses. If one¡¯s near the mid regions, that¡¯s bad news." "What if the forest is changing?" another speculated. Remy held back a grin. This was the kind of chaos she enjoyed. Information had value, and depending on how it spread, she could turn this rumor into something profitable. Rhonda, who had been watching with an amused glint in her eyes, shook her head. "You¡¯re a menace, Remy." "I prefer ¡®opportunist,¡¯" Remy replied, winking as she grabbed a tray of drinks. She had no idea if the treasure hunters were exaggerating, but that didn¡¯t matter. What mattered was the tension in the air, the clinking of nervous coins being placed on the counter as adventurers prepared for their next move. If there really was a Titan Gaja near the mid regions, things in Zilt were about to get very interesting¡ªand Remy intended to make the most of it. Chapter 6: The Rusty Axe Tavern Yuna slowly opened her heavy eyelids. She didn¡¯t know how long she had been sleeping. As she stirred, a dull ache spread across her body. Bandages wrapped tightly around her limbs, and each movement sent small ripples of pain through her muscles. She glanced to her left and saw Jin, still unconscious, his face peaceful despite the bruises and bandages. He wasn¡¯t as injured as she was, yet he remained asleep. The room around her was unfamiliar¡ªthe wooden ceiling was aged and dusty, a half-opened window allowed the harsh afternoon sun to spill in, and the faint aroma of bread and roasted meat drifted in the air. Carefully, she slid out of bed, her feet touching the cool wooden floor. She descended the creaky stairs and found herself facing a blonde-haired beauty in her late teens, lazily counting silver coins from a small sack. Remy: ¡°Hey old man, ever thought of increasing my salary? You know plenty of them come here for my charm, right?¡± Dereck: ¡°Rhonda, add 20 bronze coins to the storm chirp¡¯s account as a bonus. Happy now?¡± Storm Chirps, level 200+ creatures with a notoriously mischievous nature, use their extreme speed and small size to relentlessly pester any intruder in their territory. For adventurers, the only warning is a distant chirp¡ªbefore chaos erupts around them. Supplies vanish, unseen strikes land, yet all they hear is that incessant chirping, a haunting memory that lingers in their minds. Given Remy¡¯s knack for persistence and subtle trickery, the comparison felt almost too fitting. Remy: ¡°Come on, old man, you know that isn¡¯t gonna help me much~¡± Rhonda: ¡°Don¡¯t push it, Rem. Here¡¯s the 20 coppers. Now leave it. It seems I have some guests to look after.¡± Rhonda¡¯s gaze shifted to Yuna, who had been slowly making her way down the stairs, catching bits of their conversation. Yuna: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss Rhonda, but¡­ where¡ª¡± Rhonda: ¡°It¡¯s okay, Yuna. The state you were in when you were brought here was serious. I understand your confusion. But it¡¯s okay now.¡± Before Yuna could process it, Rhonda gently pulled her into a warm embrace. For a brief moment, Yuna was stiff, unfamiliar with such kindness. But then it all came back to her¡ªthe Wildrush Boar, its terrifying rampage, Jin¡¯s reckless save, her sudden evolution, and their hard-fought survival. Memories flooded her mind all at once. Her body trembled as her lips quivered, and before she knew it, tears streamed down her cheeks. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. A low cry echoed in the now-empty tavern, except for a bard sitting in the corner, a knowing grin on his lips. He picked up his lute and strummed a soothing melody, his voice weaving into the air: ¡°Oh weary child, rest thy soul The battle fought has taken toll But dawnlight breaks, and pain shall fade For even steel is forged in blade¡± ¡°The road is long, the past unkind Yet strength is born in heart and mind So let thy sorrow cleanse the night And rise anew in morning¡¯s light¡± The melody wrapped the tavern in its embrace, as if the air itself carried warmth. Yuna¡¯s sobs quieted, her body relaxing as she wiped her tears away. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± she muttered, her voice hoarse. Rhonda: ¡°No need to apologize, dear. Sometimes, you just need to let it out.¡± A familiar voice groaned from upstairs. Jin, now awake, rubbed his temples before making his way down. His tired gaze scanned the room, landing on Rhonda and Dereck before settling on Yuna. His face showed relief to see her fine now. After calming down both kids were served Soup. After seeing the kids have settled Dereck spoke Dereck: ¡°You two were lucky. If it weren¡¯t for the bard here, you wouldn¡¯t have made it back.¡± Both Yuna and Jin blinked in confusion, looking at the bard, who simply grinned and took another swig of ale. Yuna: ¡°You¡­ saved us?¡± Bard: ¡°Ahaha, well, you see, not exactly~ But let¡¯s say fate had a hand in it.¡± Jin: ¡°Then who did?¡± Dereck: ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. What matters is you¡¯re alive. So rest up.¡± His gaze turned serious. ¡°And it¡¯s fine to talk about what happened with Remy and the bard around. They¡¯re trustworthy, at least as far as I care.¡± Jin glanced at Yuna, who still seemed disoriented, but a silent agreement passed between them. If Dereck, a seasoned warrior, trusted them, they could at least share the story of the forest. By the time he finished, silence weighed heavy in the air. Even Remy, usually playful, remained quiet. Then, a loud thud echoed through the room as a wooden mug of ale was slammed onto the counter, making everyone jump. Dereck¡¯s frown deepened as he turned toward the bard. Bard: ¡°Wh-What? Th-That wasn¡¯t that loud, you know? Not as loud as the silence moments agooo~¡± Dereck: ¡°It¡¯s¡­ unbelievable in many ways, but¡­¡± He sighed, rubbing his temples. Rhonda: ¡°But it happened. And that means things are changing.¡± Yuna and Jin exchanged glances. They had survived, but something told them this was only the beginning. Outside, the setting sun cast long shadows over the town of Zilt. The day had passed, and with it, the remnants of their battle. But deep within their hearts, a fire had been lit¡ªa flame that would continue to burn, shaping their futures in ways yet unknown. Chapter 7: Zegions Return The afternoon sun cast long shadows over the back alley as the four children sat in their small home, each lost in thought. The events of the past days still weighed heavily on them, but there was also a quiet sense of accomplishment. Yuna and Jin had survived a deadly encounter, and Lumine and Ludwig had taken their first steps in understanding mana. Yuna absentmindedly rolled a small ball of water between her hands, trying to replicate the method she had used to boil it before. She could form the water easily now, but adding heat without dispersing the mana was proving to be difficult. Jin, sitting nearby, stared at his palm, his brows furrowed. "That old man said I used aura... but I don¡¯t get it. It felt like magic when I did it." Ludwig, who had been practicing mana sensing, looked up. "But isn''t aura supposed to be different? Like... stronger?" Before they could ponder further, the sound of footsteps approached. The door creaked open, and a familiar voice filled the room. "Looks like you¡¯re all alive." Zegion stepped inside, his eyes scanning them carefully. His usually calm face was unreadable, but there was a sharpness in his gaze. He set his luggage aside and, without another word, knelt down to examine Jin and Yuna first, checking their bandages and any lingering injuries. His fingers brushed lightly over their arms, his expression impassive. "You got lucky," he finally said, his voice quiet but firm. "But that doesn¡¯t change the fact that you were reckless." Jin flinched. "We¡ª" "It doesn¡¯t matter whether it was your fault or not," Zegion cut in, his tone carrying an uncharacteristic edge. "You were nearly killed. That¡¯s reality. And I won¡¯t have you making a habit of it." The weight of his words settled over them, and for a moment, no one spoke. Then, after a deep breath, Zegion¡¯s expression softened slightly. "That being said... you survived. And you learned. Now, tell me exactly what happened." Stolen story; please report. Zegion had already heard from Rhonda about the events when he went to the Rusty Axe Tavern to deliver the supplies they had ordered in advance. But he wanted to hear it from the kids themselves. Jin and Yuna recounted the events, this time focusing on their own sensations and actions. As Jin explained how he instinctively used something that felt like magic but wasn¡¯t, Zegion closed his eyes, deep in thought. "Jin, what you used was aura," he said after a pause. "Magic is flexible, like a stretchable band. It flows freely and can change form easily. Aura, on the other hand, is like a metal wire¡ªmalleable, but not as fluid. It has structure. You can shape it, but not use it like magic." Jin frowned. "Then why did it feel so similar to magic when I used it?" "Because you tried to use aura like magic." Zegion tapped the wooden floor with his knuckles. "Aura isn¡¯t about controlling external mana like magic. It¡¯s drawn from within and reinforced. You forced it into three projections, but since you were using it with a magic mindset, you struggled to maintain more than that. If you had used aura properly, you might have done something different." Jin looked down at his hands, processing the information. "So... it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t have enough mana, but that I used it wrong?" "Exactly." Yuna, still holding her water ball, spoke up. "Then... what about what I did? I used the intent magic circle to make water, then added heat using Praxis." Zegion glanced at her, then at the small sphere of water hovering between her palms. "You instinctively found a way to integrate both methods. Praxis helped you control non-elemental mana, while your water affinity let you shape it directly. By keeping the base magic stable and layering Praxis for additional effects, you avoided the usual instability of mixed casting." Yuna blinked, only understanding half of what he said. Seeing her confusion, Zegion sighed. "For now, just keep practicing. You did well, but don¡¯t expect to master it overnight." Lumine and Ludwig exchanged a look before Ludwig hesitantly said, "We managed to make water balls, but only using Praxis." Zegion nodded. "That¡¯s good. Praxis is a foundation. Master it, and you¡¯ll be able to expand beyond simple spells. For now, focus on sensing mana properly and controlling the activation. You two are still at the starting line." A comfortable silence settled in the room. The scolding had been sharp, but the praise, though subtle, was reassuring. Zegion finally leaned back, rubbing his temples. "You¡¯ve all done well. But remember, you¡¯re still kids. Learn, struggle, but don¡¯t throw yourselves into danger needlessly. Understood?" But you are a kid too, Jin thought but didn¡¯t voice his concern. The four nodded in unison, determination flickering in their eyes. Zegion exhaled, then stood. "Good. Now, who¡¯s making dinner? I just got back, and I¡¯m starving." As the kids scrambled to prepare a meal, Zegion muttered to himself, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "A Titan Gaja, huh? That¡¯s interesting... I want to see one too." Chapter 8: The Arrogant Prodigy A year had passed since the Titan Gaja incident. The echoes of that harrowing encounter had long faded, but its impact remained ingrained in both Jin and Yuna. Their growth was undeniable. Yuna, gifted with an affinity for both Water and Wind, had mastered the integration of mana flow circles and Praxis casting. She could now conjure compound spells like boiling water, quagmire, and even a flame tornado. Her control over elements had become fluid, a testament to her relentless training. Jin, on the other hand, had walked a different path. Through Zegion¡¯s teachings, he had grasped a crucial truth¡ªAura wasn¡¯t about shaping external mana but commanding the power within. It required sheer will, grit, and determination. He had learned to reinforce his body with Aura, enhancing his speed and strength far beyond an ordinary child¡¯s. By wrapping weapons in Aura, even a wooden sword could strike with lethal force. His fists, once fragile, could now tear through flesh and bone, just as they had against the Wildrush Boar. Their efforts had been rewarded. Both had acquired adventurer cards, official proof of their capabilities. After their battle with the Level 60 Wildrush Boar, their levels had surged¡ªnow standing proudly at Level 15. Among Zilt¡¯s children, Jin was without equal. He had grown stronger, faster, more skilled. But with strength came something else. Arrogance. With Zegion restricting access to the Vichitra Vana due to increasing tremors¡ªrumored to be the result of a Dominance Fight between apex monsters¡ªJin had been left to roam the town. He spent more time with weaker back alley kids, his confidence swelling with every effortless victory over small-time threats. Yuna had begun to notice his growing cockiness, but before she could address it, fate had something else in store. The stench of sewage and decay clung to the air near the Sewage Dump, where a group of back-alley kids found themselves in the middle of a dangerous encounter. A Devourer Slime. Towering at nearly eight feet, the grotesque mass of gelatinous flesh quivered with unnatural hunger. Its translucent body pulsed, digesting remnants of the smaller slimes it had consumed. The putrid stench of acid filled the air as it excreted a corrosive liquid, sizzling upon contact with stone and debris. Jin stood at the forefront, sword in hand, his expression unfazed. ¡°Keep the smaller ones away!¡± he barked, his voice sharp with authority. ¡°If it eats more, it¡¯ll grow stronger!¡± One of the kids hesitated, eyes wide with fear. ¡°B-But we¡¯re not strong enough to handle this kind of request!¡± ¡°Just hold them off! Jin will finish the big one!¡± another, Mir, called out, desperation laced in his voice. ¡°This is insane¡­¡± Wen, the youngest, whimpered as the smaller slimes spewed acid. ¡°They¡¯re spitting corrosive liquid! It burns!¡± Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°Shut up and fight, Wen! Be like Jin!¡± Mir snapped. Jin grinned, reveling in their reliance on him. He was their hero, their leader, their strongest fighter. With a swift leap, he evaded another splash of acid, the ground beneath him corroding into blackened sludge. The Devourer Slime quivered, preparing another attack. Jin saw his opening. Summoning Aura, he surged forward, his steel sword glowing with raw energy. The slime¡¯s core¡ªa faint glimmer within its shifting mass¡ªcame into view. With a precise, powerful swing, he sliced through the gelatinous body, severing the core. A grotesque gurgle echoed before the massive slime collapsed into a lifeless pool. The core, however, was shattered from the impact of his aura-infused strike. Jin smirked, triumphant. ¡°See? Told you guys I got this.¡± Then a scream. Mir clutched his arm, a smoking wound eating into his flesh. A stray splash of acid had burned deep, sending him into convulsions of pain. Jin¡¯s stomach dropped. He had been so caught up in his own strength that he hadn¡¯t noticed. Wen scrambled to apply Old Amanda¡¯s herbal ointment, his hands trembling. The boy bit his lip, his face pale as he worked. The wound festered, but the ointment slowed its spread. Jin swallowed hard. This wasn¡¯t supposed to happen. ¡°Mir¡­¡± His voice was softer now, guilt creeping in. Mir let out a shaky breath, forcing a smile through gritted teeth. ¡°It¡¯s fine¡­ just hurts a bit.¡± Jin didn¡¯t believe him. ¡°Come with me. Lumine can use healing magic. She¡¯ll fix it.¡± Without waiting for an answer, Jin grabbed both boys and dragged them toward the house. Jin barged into the house, expecting an empty hall. Instead, Zegion was there. The moment Jin stepped inside, his body froze. Zegion sat cross-legged, tinkering with several small mana cores, seemingly absorbed in his work. Yet, the instant Jin entered, his gaze snapped up. Jin felt it. The weight of Zegion¡¯s silent scrutiny. Zegion¡¯s gaze flickered to Mir¡¯s burned arm, then back to Jin. He processed everything in an instant. No words were needed. ¡°Lumine,¡± he called, his voice calm but firm. From the backyard, a cheerful voice rang out. ¡°Yes, brother?¡± Lumine appeared, clutching a clay wolf figurine. Zegion gestured. ¡°Heal them. Disinfect first, then basic healing.¡± Lumine blinked before nodding. ¡°Got it!¡± She rushed to Mir and Wen, her hands glowing with soft, golden light. Meanwhile, Zegion stood. His gaze was now solely on Jin. ¡°Backyard. Now.¡± Jin stiffened. This wasn¡¯t good. Outside, Yuna and Ludwig were engaged in a spellcasting duel, testing who could cast faster. Though Ludwig was lower level, his precision and control made up for the gap, making it a surprisingly close match. The battle paused as Jin and Zegion entered. Yuna¡¯s eyes sparkled with mischief as she took in Jin¡¯s dirt-covered clothes and the unmistakable stench of sewage. Zegion¡¯s voice was flat. ¡°Yuna. Big water ball.¡± Yuna¡¯s grin widened. Oh, she was not about to waste this chance. Before Jin could react, a massive sphere of water slammed into him, drenching him from head to toe. He sputtered, Aura flaring instinctively to block the impact, but it was too late. His reddish-brown hair, which normally had a wild, flame-like appearance, now lay flat and soggy¡ªjust like a Flame-Maned Lion that had been drenched enough to lose its fiery mane. Zegion¡¯s voice cut through the silence. ¡°Now, explain. Every. Single. Detail. And remember, Yuna can now cast Cold Water too.¡± Jin gulped. ¡°B-Brother, please¡ªanything but cold water!¡± He cast a glance at Yuna, whose expression had morphed into something truly terrifying. ¡°Then talk,¡± Zegion said simply. And so, Jin confessed everything. By the time he finished, Mir and Wen had joined them, listening in silence. Zegion didn¡¯t scold him. He simply extended a hand. ¡°The mana core. Now.¡± Jin hesitated before handing over the broken core. Zegion studied it before turning. ¡°We¡¯re going to the Adventurer¡¯s Association. You three are coming with me.¡± Jin swallowed hard, his previous arrogance washed away in an instant. Chapter 9: The Encounter The streets of Zilt were eerily silent under the scorching midday sun as four figures made their way toward the Adventurers'' Association. Passing by the Rusty Axe Tavern, they navigated through the near-empty market stalls, where the occasional vendor idly fanned themselves in the heat. The Adventurers'' Association building, towering as always, loomed ahead. Zegion entered first, his stride confident and familiar with the place. The three behind him followed, Jin glancing around as they approached the reception area. At the counter stood Bree, a well-known receptionist, organizing papers when Zegion stepped forward. With a concise explanation, he handed over the broken mana core, collected the reward money, and returned to Jin and the two back-alley kids, Mir and Wen. Splitting the amount into two small pouches, he held them out. ¡°Here, take this,¡± he instructed. ¡°Go get yourselves some proper food. The remaining 10 silver coins stay with me¡ªcome to collect them when needed.¡± The two boys exchanged glances before gratefully nodding. They understood the risks of carrying too much money¡ªif anyone saw them with it, they''d be easy targets. Leaving the rest with Zegion was the safest option. His association with the Solana Merchant Guild and his respect among the back-alley gangs meant no one would dare cross him. Jin watched them leave with a satisfied smile¡ªuntil a firm chop landed on his head. ¡°Ow¡ªwhat was that for?!¡± Jin exclaimed, rubbing the sore spot. Zegion crossed his arms. ¡°That was a reckless decision, Jin. You could have put them in real danger.¡± He was about to continue, but his words were cut short by a commotion outside. They turned toward the entrance, drawn by the sound of raised voices and arguments. Stepping outside, they found themselves surrounded by soldiers clad in leather armor, each bearing the Rexroth Kingdom¡¯s emblem¡ªa Higher Fire Spirit Phoenix perched on a crown, with a black sun eclipsing a golden one above it. These were the retainers of nobles, enforcers assigned to various lords across the kingdom. Unlike traditional feudal armies, Rexroth¡¯s military system ensured that soldiers were loyal to the kingdom first, not their direct fief lords. This allowed powerful nobles to transfer talented warriors under their service, while weaker ones were left with scraps. Stolen story; please report. And now, these soldiers had arrived in Zilt, under orders from the town¡¯s corrupt lord¡ªBaron Galstone Berry. The Baron, in his greed, had granted authority over Zilt entirely to the Adventurers'' Association, knowing that Vichitravana Forest was a treasure trove of resources. He had seen no reason to station soldiers in a place filled with exiles, criminals, and desperate adventurers¡ªa town often referred to as a dumping ground. However, these same soldiers had found a new way to exploit the town: extortion. At this moment, they were doing just that¡ªdemanding extra ¡®commission fees¡¯ from adventurers and even back-alley kids. Among them, three soldiers stood out, mounted atop massive creatures¡ªTectodons. Tectodons were large, rhino-like beasts with immense strength, often used in frontline combat due to their natural resilience and earth-affinity abilities. Their signature skill, Seismic Roar, allowed them to unleash powerful tremors over a set range, making them a fearsome force in battle. Jin observed as a few low-ranking adventurers reluctantly handed over coins, while some children tried to slip away, only to be grabbed and shaken down. His fists clenched at the sight. But then¡ª A small figure darted through the chaos. A Beastman on the Run Two soldiers suddenly broke into pursuit, chasing a shadowy silhouette that weaved through the crowd. A Beastman. Jin¡¯s eyes widened. Beastmen were almost unheard of in Pluto, most either taken as criminal slaves or escaping traffickers. Their presence here was nearly impossible unless¡­ this one had fled from something. The small beastchild ran frantically, dodging past people, but he wasn¡¯t fast enough. He suddenly collided with an oncoming adventurer and stumbled to the ground. He looked up, panicked¡ªand froze. The man before him was none other than Scary Frank, as the back-alley kids called him. Frank, confused, extended a hand, but the beastchild recoiled in fear, his eyes darting back¡ªstraight into the soldiers behind him. He was trapped. One of the Tectodon-mounted soldiers, clearly the squad leader, dismounted with a smirk. ¡°Stay back, you lot,¡± he ordered. ¡°This one¡¯s coming with us. The Baron¡¯s always looking for fresh recruits, and I hear Beastmen have excellent physical traits. Should fetch a good price too.¡± As he spoke, he drew his sword with its sheath intact, he wanted to end this with as less damage as possible. The beastchild¡¯s red eyes blazed, fear mixing with defiance. His stance was sloppy¡ªuntrained¡ªbut there was raw instinct in the way he bared his teeth. The squad leader moved first, covering ground in an instant. Jin¡¯s eyes widened. Aura. It was different from his own¡ªstable, refined, flowing like a thin protective coat rather than an explosive force. As he marveled at the technique, the leader¡¯s sword shot out toward the beastchild¡¯s neck. Then¡ªsomething incredible happened. The beastchild dodged. Without even looking, he dropped to all fours, avoiding the soldier¡¯s strike with animalistic precision. For the first time, Jin got a clear look at his face¡ªhis wild red eyes, his sharp canines, his stance that was both awkward and terrifyingly natural. Jin exhaled sharply, his lips parting slightly as he muttered: ¡°A¡­ Sabretooth?¡± Chapter 10: The Confrontation Jin''s breath hitched as he took in the sight before him. A Sabretooth? The Sabretooth Tigers were among the elites of Vichitravana Forest. The monsters of the forest were divided into Common, Elite, Rare, and Unique classes, growing stronger the deeper one ventured. The Sabretooth Tigers, residing in the middle regions, were renowned for their cunning, ruthless nature, and deadly agility. Their fangs, infused with Wind elemental energy, made them highly valuable for crafting wind-based amulets and weapons. Jin had only ever seen the corpse of one, brought back by a certain someone. Yet now, standing before him, was a living, breathing Beastchild¡ªhis features unmistakably resembling that of a Sabretooth Tiger. The squad leader¡¯s expression twisted in frustration. He could sense the danger radiating from the child and knew this wouldn''t be an easy capture. ¡°Hey, you bastards! Surround him and restrain him! This one''s a rampaging beast now!¡± he barked. At his command, the Tectodon riders moved into formation¡ªtwo flanking the Beastchild from the front and back, while the remaining soldiers closed in, weapons drawn. But the child was faster. With a sudden burst of movement, he lunged forward, his clawed hands slashing through the air. Three soldiers collapsed within seconds, fresh gashes marking their faces and bodies. Gasps erupted from the gathering crowd. A child had just incapacitated three armed soldiers. The squad leader¡¯s patience snapped. His aura surged, and in one swift motion, he unsheathed his sword, aiming to disarm the child before things got worse. As his blade came down, a sharp screeching sound rang out. The Beastchild¡¯s claws¡ªnow faintly glowing¡ªclashed against the steel. He¡¯s using Wind Aura to enhance his attacks! Even Zegion, always composed, raised an eyebrow. ¡°So, my instinct was right¡­ Ha. Now, what shall I do?¡± he murmured, watching the scene unfold. The clash of metal and claw continued, the Beastchild dodging and striking with untrained yet terrifyingly instinctive movements. He was not merely defending¡ªhe was counterattacking. Jin stood frozen, his eyes locked onto every movement. So this is real combat. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. He observed everything¡ªthe way the leader¡¯s Aura wrapped around his body, controlled and stable. The way the Beastchild used his natural instincts, reacting almost before the attacks even landed. And then¡ª A Tectodon rider, waiting for an opening from behind, launched his spear. It struck true. The spearhead embedded into the Beastchild¡¯s waist, a spray of blood painting the ground. A pained cry tore through the air. The leader seized the opportunity, his blade racing toward the child¡¯s neck¡ª his frustration boiling over. This child had humiliated him in front of the gathered crowd, and he refused to let that stand. A decisive blow would end this struggle and remind everyone who truly held power here. Until someone intervened. A massive figure stepped in between, catching the blade with his bare hands. Scary Frank. The notorious adventurer, feared among back-alley kids for his terrifying face, stood firm, his grip tightening around the sword. His deep, gravelly voice rumbled through the tense silence. ¡°Isn¡¯t that enough? He¡¯s already fainting¡ªtake him back to your lord and be done with it.¡± The squad leader stiffened. Even someone like him couldn''t ignore the sheer presence of Frank. But his pride wouldn''t let him back down. ¡°I don¡¯t need an adventurer lecturing me. Step aside!¡± he growled. Though visibly reluctant, he relented, gesturing to his men. ¡°Pick him up.¡± Two soldiers approached, lifting the unconscious Beastchild. Just as they turned to leave, another voice rang out. ¡°Where are you taking him? That boy is ours.¡± A middle-aged man came running toward the guards, his breath labored. ¡°He belongs to the Slave trader Londark! Do you have any idea how difficult it was to acquire him?!¡± Gasps rippled through the crowd. A slave? Jin¡¯s stomach churned. His fists clenched. He had just watched this Beastchild fight bravely¡ªand now they wanted to reduce him to nothing more than property? The man, introducing himself as Londark¡¯s right-hand man, hurriedly displayed the slave mark burned into the unconscious child¡¯s skin. The squad leader, however, seemed uninterested in returning the boy. He spoke in hushed tones, convincing the slaver that the Baron would pay handsomely for someone with such natural ability. Londark¡¯s man hesitated before finally nodding. The deal was made. The excitement in the alley slowly died down, returning to the usual murmur of daily life. Jin, however, stood frozen in place. His earlier arrogance¡ªhis belief that he was strong just because of his young age and level¡ªhad vanished completely. Instead, his mind replayed the battle. The way the leader wielded his Aura. The way the Beastchild fought purely on instinct. The way neither of them had hesitated. This was the world he lived in. Zegion, who had been watching him closely, remained silent. He didn¡¯t need to say anything. Jin¡¯s eyes said it all. That evening, back at home, the children gathered around Jin, listening with wide, fascinated eyes as he recounted the events. Some were amazed by the battle, while Lumine simply wanted to pet the tiger boy¡¯s fur. Soon, the exhaustion of the day settled in, and one by one, they drifted off to sleep. Yet Zegion lay awake, his mind troubled. The moment he had seen the Beastchild, his instincts had screamed at him. This boy has tremendous talent. It was the same feeling he had when he first found Jin, Yuna, Ludwig, and Lumine. If this child fell into the Baron¡¯s hands, what would happen? Would Zilt¡¯s future be swallowed by the Baron¡¯s greed? Zegion¡¯s gaze darkened. He had already thought of changing this town. Would he let this be another obstacle? Or would he do something about it? The night stretched on, but sleep never came. Chapter 11: Secrets and Intrusions The sun had barely risen when Zegion made his way to the forest outskirts, his boots crunching softly against the damp earth. The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp leaves and fresh soil. He followed a familiar path, crossing the river with practiced ease. His eyes flicked to the tree markings he had carved along the way, guiding him toward a secluded cave hidden within the thick foliage. The entrance was partially veiled by overgrown vines, ensuring it remained unnoticed by wandering eyes. This was his secret base¡ªhis personal laboratory, where he conducted experiments on mana cores, mana stones, and their potential applications. Mana cores were biological, found inside monsters and beasts, acting as their source of mana. The stronger the creature, the larger and denser the core. Monsters relied on them instinctively, unlike humans, who lacked mana cores altogether. Instead, humans used magic circles to cast spells, which functioned as output valves for their mana. In contrast, beasts wielded mana directly through their cores, making their usage more instinctual than structured. However, in battle, most mana cores shattered before they could be extracted. Prolonged fights forced beasts to overuse their cores, causing them to break from within. High-ranking adventurers had learned the art of swift, lethal strikes to retrieve intact cores, making them highly valuable. For nobles, these high-ranking monster cores were more than just resources¡ªthey were trophies. Displayed in their halls, they were proof of might, wealth, and the ability to slay formidable creatures with ease. Mana stones, on the other hand, were pure amalgamations of mana. Unlike mana cores, which could regenerate when inside a monster¡¯s body, mana stones were single-use. Once fully depleted, they crumbled into dust, making them a finite but immensely powerful energy source. Because of their high purity and massive mana reserves, they were the primary fuel for magic tools, artifacts, and advanced spell formations. When a mana stone gained sentience, it became a Spirit. Defeating a Spirit resulted in a mana stone drop, which was why magic-focused civilizations treasured them above all. Despite their temporary usability, Zegion saw untapped potential in mana cores. Scholars had long attempted to create an artificial mana pathway system to recharge and reuse them, but all had failed. Without a living body to supply mana, cores simply depleted and became useless. But what if that changed? Zegion sat cross-legged on a makeshift stone table, a dimly glowing mana core resting in his hands. His fingers twitched slightly, and thin, hair-like strands of mana extended outward from his fingertips, attempting to connect to the dormant pathways of the core¡ªthe same pathways that once linked it to a living creature. Sweat beaded on his forehead. Delicate. Fragile. Intricate. This was not the crude channeling of battle but the precision of a surgeon threading a needle through a shattered tapestry. He had to reach the tiny fractures where the core once connected to its monster host¡¯s mana pathway. Just as he was about to complete a link¡ª A rustling noise from outside shattered his concentration. His instincts flared. In an instant, he stood up, mana spreading outward like an invisible net, scanning the surroundings. His senses locked onto a familiar mana signature. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. ¡°Remy!! What are you doing here?!¡± he barked. A chuckle echoed from outside, smug and teasing. A moment later, a figure in a hooded coat stepped into view, golden strands of hair peeking from beneath the hood¡¯s shadow. ¡°Hohoho! What¡¯s this? Our dear Zegion, hiding away in a cave like some back-alley sorcerer?¡± Zegion groaned, rubbing his temples. Remy. The money-loving trickster. The last person he wanted near his research. With a flourish, she pulled back her hood, revealing a mischievous grin and sharp, brown cat-like eyes that glinted with amusement. The morning sun cast a soft glow on her face, emphasizing the playful smirk she always carried. ¡°Tsk, tsk. You really should improve your security, Z. I walked in here easier than a drunk noble at a rigged gambling table.¡± Zegion exhaled sharply. ¡°There were traps.¡± ¡°Oh, I know.¡± Remy plopped herself onto a nearby rock, crossing her legs. ¡°They were adorable. You call those alarms? Please. Even a half-blind rock-headed boar would¡¯ve dodged them.¡± Zegion pinched the bridge of his nose. This woman was impossible. ¡°What do you want, Remy?¡± Remy grinned. ¡°Oh, nothing much. Just curious, really. You sneak off into the woods every day, looking all mysterious. Naturally, I had to check.¡± She leaned forward, eyeing the glowing mana core still on the table. ¡°And now I see¡­ you¡¯re playing with dead monster parts?¡± Zegion crossed his arms. ¡°It¡¯s research.¡± ¡°Mhmm. And what exactly are you researching?¡± He debated for a moment before answering. ¡°The recharging of mana cores.¡± Remy¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°Recharging? Hah! You mean the same thing that thousands of scholars, over generations, have tried and failed at? That recharging?¡± Zegion¡¯s stare was flat. ¡°Yes.¡± Remy burst into laughter. ¡°You¡¯re insane.¡± Zegion shrugged. ¡°So were the ones who thought those old ruins were empty¡ªuntil they started uncovering ancient artifacts again.¡± Remy wiped a tear from her eye. ¡°Alright, genius. Let¡¯s say you actually succeed¡ªwhat then? You planning on selling recharging mana cores? Because if so, I hope you¡¯re ready to single-handedly overthrow half the merchant guilds in Pluto.¡± Zegion¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°Not my concern.¡± ¡°Not yet.¡± Remy¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°But it will be. Do you even understand what this could mean? The mana stone market alone¡ª¡± Zegion held up a hand. ¡°I am not selling. Not yet, anyway. Right now, I just want to see if it¡¯s possible.¡± Remy exhaled, shaking her head with a grin. ¡°Fine, fine. I won¡¯t pry¡­ for now. But if you do make this work? Oh, Zegion¡ªyou and I are going to be very, very rich.¡± Zegion rolled his eyes. ¡°Of course you¡¯d think of profit first.¡± Remy winked. ¡°Naturally. Someone has to.¡± For a moment, silence stretched between them, the tension fading into familiarity. Then Remy stood, dusting off her coat, but instead of leaving, she let out a sigh. ¡°Alright, move over. If you¡¯re really serious about this, you¡¯re going to need someone who actually knows how to handle delicate materials.¡± Zegion raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯re staying?¡± Remy smirked. ¡°Of course. You think I¡¯d pass up the chance to tinker with something scholars have been failing at for centuries? Besides, if this works, I want a piece of the credit.¡± Zegion shook his head but didn''t argue. ¡°Fine. Just don¡¯t break anything.¡± Remy rolled up her sleeves and sat across from him, eyes gleaming with curiosity. ¡°No promises.¡± With that, the two got to work, side by side, the air in the cave now charged with excitement and discovery. As they worked, Zegion suddenly spoke up. "You know, I¡¯ve been thinking about slimes." Remy blinked. "Slimes? What do blobs of goo have to do with this?" Zegion smirked. "Think about it. A slime doesn¡¯t have organs, right? Its entire body is its core. It can absorb mana from the environment and distribute it seamlessly throughout itself." Remy leaned back, considering. "So you¡¯re saying¡­ slimes naturally do what we¡¯re trying to replicate?" Zegion nodded. "Exactly. If we can find a way to simulate that same mechanism¡ªwhere a mana core can passively absorb ambient mana just like a slime does¡ªwe might have a breakthrough." Remy scratched her chin. "That¡¯s not a bad lead. Slimes don¡¯t have mana pathways like beasts or humans, but they still manage to circulate mana freely. If we can create an artificial structure to mimic that¡­" Zegion tapped the core on the table. "Then we might finally have a way to recharge these things." Remy grinned. "Alright, now I¡¯m really interested. Let¡¯s see if we can make this work.".