Infinite Mana > Anything Else?

The dim light of the library flickered around me as I sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by books and scrolls. My focus was entirely on the glowing runes hovering in the air before me, shifting and intertwining with a precision that only my [Analyze] eyes could manage.

The Second Heart was nearly complete.

"Alright," I murmured to myself, tracing the flow of mana with my finger. "Just a little more—stabilize the core, balance the threads, and—"

The construct floated in front of my chest, a pulsating orb of light that resonated with my heartbeat. I could feel its energy connecting to my mana circuits, threading through my body like veins of pure power. Each strand had to be perfectly aligned, or the entire construct would collapse.

I adjusted the threads, my [Analyze] eyes breaking down every tiny fluctuation in the mana flow. The mana formed into spiral-like structures, which I'd dubbed "aetherium threads," intertwining to create the ethereal construct. The core of the Second Heart was a dense nexus of energy, pulsating in time with my actual heart. If it worked, it would provide a continuous boost to my physical and magical abilities.

"Almost there..." I whispered, holding my breath as the final rune slid into place.

Just as I was about to stabilize the construct, a loud "OUCH!" echoed through the library, followed by the unmistakable sound of books tumbling to the floor.

The sudden noise shattered my concentration. The glowing construct flickered and then dissipated, leaving me staring at the empty air in frustration.

"Who—" I turned toward the source of the commotion, irritation clear in my voice.

Standing amidst a pile of fallen books was the Duke's daughter, Seraphina. Her silver hair was slightly disheveled, and she was rubbing her elbow with a wince.

"Ah... hello?" she said, her tone more awkward than dignified.

"Lady Seraphina?" I blinked, my irritation melting into confusion. "What are you doing here?"

She straightened up quickly, brushing imaginary dust off her pristine outfit as if to salvage her dignity. "I was... um... exploring! Yes, exploring the manor. It's my first time here, after all."

I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow. "Exploring? By spying on me?"

"I wasn't spying!" she said quickly, her cheeks turning the faintest shade of pink. "I was just... curious. Yes, curious about the library."

I glanced at the books scattered around her. "Curious enough to trip over a stack of books?"

Her flustered expression deepened, but she quickly changed the subject. "Never mind that. Who are you?"

I tilted my head, surprised. "You don't know?"

She shook her head. "I thought the Baron only had two children—Damien and Ariana. No one mentioned another son."

"Figures," I muttered under my breath before offering a polite smile. "I'm Lloyd. The other son, as you put it."

"Another son..." she repeated, her tone laced with intrigue. "And what, may I ask, were you doing just now? That didn't look like ordinary magic."

I hesitated. The Second Heart wasn't something I wanted to explain to anyone, let alone someone I'd just met. But her curiosity was genuine, and there was something disarming about her presence.

"I was working on a spell," I said simply.

Her silver eyes lit up with interest. "A spell? What kind of spell?"

"One to enhance my physical and magical abilities," I admitted cautiously.

She studied me for a moment before nodding. "Impressive. You're clearly talented."

I chuckled bitterly. "Tell that to my family."

Her expression softened. "They don't see it, do they?"

I shook my head. "No. But that doesn't matter. What about you? Why are you so interested in magic?"

"It fascinates me," she said, her tone thoughtful. "Father and I are warriors—we use aura, not mana. But magic has always seemed... limitless."

"Aura?" I repeated, intrigued.

She nodded, holding out her hand. A faint, golden glow surrounded her fingers, radiating an energy that felt different from mana. It was denser, sharper, and more focused.

"This is aura," she explained. "It's what warriors like me and my father use to enhance our bodies and weapons. While mana flows outward, aura turns inward, reinforcing strength and precision."

I activated [Analyze], focusing on the aura surrounding her hand.

+

[Analyze Result]

Name: Seraphina de Falcren

Talent: Sword Saintess

Rank: Warrior VII

Aura Mastery: Exceptional

Traits: Precise Control, Enhanced Reflexes, Superb Flexibility

+

"You're already a Warrior VII?" I asked, genuinely impressed.

She smiled, modest but proud. "I've trained since I could hold a sword. It's not as impressive as it sounds."

"It's impressive," I said, my mind already racing. If aura and mana were fundamentally different, could they be combined?

"What would happen," I asked cautiously, "if someone used both mana and aura?"

She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Nothing, really. Mana and aura don't mix. And besides, most people don't have the talent for both. If you don't have a warrior's talent, you wouldn't be able to develop enough aura to make a difference."

"Interesting," I murmured, filing the information away.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if sensing my thoughts. "You're already thinking of a way to use it, aren't you?"

"Maybe," I said with a smirk.

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "You're an odd one, Lloyd. Talented, too. You remind me of someone."

"Oh?"

"Grand Sorcerer Solomon," she said, a wistful look in her eyes. "He's the strongest sorcerer humanity has ever known, and he visits our estate often. I call him Uncle Solomon. You might have the potential to rival him one day."

"High praise," I said, though the comparison felt like a stretch.

We talked for a while longer, discussing magic, mana, and aura. She was sharp, insightful, and refreshingly candid—a stark contrast to Damien.

Eventually, the topic shifted to him.

"Damien really thinks he's in the running for your hand, doesn't he?" I said, amused.

She rolled her eyes. "Father insisted I meet him, but marriage? Absolutely not. He's insufferable."

I chuckled. "Glad we agree on something."

Her expression softened, and she extended her hand. "You're different, Lloyd. I think we'll get along."

I shook her hand, a genuine smile tugging at my lips. "I think so too."