Chapter 18: Forging Talent

A warm, bright light enveloped me, similar to the sensation I felt the first time I Awakened. Ahh, I felt my entire body throb with a rush of power and pleasure.

Unlike before, where my stomach was the point of formation, same with other magic users, I made my second Mana Core's location in my head.

My brain, to be precise!

The strategic use of such a position would be indispensable to my ambitions.

"Haaaaa… I feel so refreshed and exhausted at the same time…" I heaved, crumbling on my bed.

My body was covered with perspiration, and even though I was nearly naked, my entire underwear was soaked with sweat. However, I ignored such petty details.

"This is… amazing," I whispered.

Feeling the two Mana Cores resonate within me gave off a different kind of vibe. It was a world apart from just having one.

"If I make more… I wonder how it would feel…"

The thought sent a smile to my face. That's right. I had succeeded in the impossible, however, this was only the beginning.

To truly rise above the mediocre and surpass all my peers, I needed to form my third Mana Core!

'I won't settle for anything less!'

Since I managed to form my second Mana Core after two years, my third wasn't going to take that long. But… seeing as Alphonse was dead serious about my lack of talent, it was certain that he would be spending more time training me than usual, plus my lessons in other areas were becoming more complex and time-consuming as time went on.

In only two years… would I really have enough time to make the third core?

"Hehe, sounds like a challenge!" I grinned to myself, looking at the ceiling of my room.

It was a risky venture, and the next two years would be the most hectic time of all… but the results were undeniably assured, and if I pulled through, no, when I pulled through… I would be in an entirely different class!

"I'm no natural genius, alright. But… I can make myself into one!"

[Two Years Later]

"Are you ready, Jared?"

A smile formed on my face. The moment of truth, after my bet with Alphonse was finally here.

"This will be our last session together. Therefore, as was our agreement back then… you will show me a feat worthy for a Magic-User your age if you want to advance further." Alphonse stated, sternly looking at me.

"And if I don't, I'll become a Scholar instead, yeah… I know." My voice sounded, echoing through the field of training designated for us.

Somehow, a tinge of nostalgia wafted through me as I realized that we had been using this same spot for five years. Every day, continuously without fail… to think this was the last day.

"Jared, it's not too late to pull out now," Alphonse said.

It felt insulting to hear that, but I understood. Alphonse most likely said that out of consideration for me. Since this would be the last training session I would be having, every member of the household was present. The servants, housekeepers, employees… heck, even my mother watched from her esteemed seat.

'Father can't make it this time because of his duties, but I'll do so well that the news reaches him!'

I smiled at my tutor and nodded, giving him my usual confident look. I wasn't about to let down this man who had painstakingly taught me for so long.

"Fine. Since you're determined, Jared… I'll have you engage in a magic duel. If you perform up to my expectations, I'll deem you fit to pursue the path of a Magic-User." He stated.

That sounded good to me.

"What will you be conjuring this time? A Golem? An Elemental?" I responded, excitement showing in my eyes.

Alphonse shook his head while giving a mysterious, yet scheming grin.

"No, Jared. Your opponent this time, one who will end your training and cause you to graduate from your 5-Year lesson… is none other than your tutor himself. Me!"

My eyes bulged in shock. This was unexpected.

'I'll be facing off against Alphonse himself?'

The grin he gave made me realize that this was planned, premeditated from the time we made our bet. I was also certain that my mother was in on this since the both of them wanted to ensure I became a scholar.

'Their smothering love is too excessive!'

However, if they thought that something like this would break my spirit, they were dead wrong!

"Huu, now this is exciting! I wouldn't have it any other way!"

Alphonse was stunned to see me maintain my confidence and even looked forward to it. He gave me a nod and smiled proudly.

"You've not changed, Jared. Truly… you're one interesting kid. Now then, show me what you have."

"Of course, just give the signal!" I answered almost immediately.

We both smiled at each other, ready to begin the duel.

'Alphonse is strong, I know that much. The mana pressure he emitted ever since we first met is still burned into my memory. However, compared to the weak boy who had just awakened his Mana Core, I have changed exponentially.'

I had been worried that I wouldn't be able to fully test my new power no matter the final test Alphonse gave me, but this was the perfect opportunity.

'Let's see how much I've grown!'

{Current Status}

Name: Jared Leonard

Age: 12 Years Old

Mana Core Grade: White

Number Of Mana Cores: 3