Later…
Aeron wandered the lively streets of Everdawn, letting the vibrant atmosphere distract his restless thoughts. Lanterns floated mid-air, magical bursts shimmered above rooftops, and students passed by discussing spells and artifacts. Eventually, Aeron found himself in front of the Everdawn Magic Academy.
Its gate stood tall, glowing faintly with runes. Just in front of it, a young boy stood alone, staring at the entrance with quiet longing.
"Why aren't you going inside?" Aeron asked gently.
The boy glanced at him, then looked away. "They say… low-class kids like me don't belong in a place like that."
Aeron frowned. The discrimination between rich and poor—it wasn't that different from his world.
"How many spells do you know?" Aeron asked, curious.
"I know a few basic ones," the boy replied shyly.
"Can you teach me?" Aeron smiled.
The boy nodded.
They sat in the grass near the academy wall. The boy began demonstrating simple elemental spells—small flickers of fire, gusts of wind, and sparkling water droplets. But no matter how hard Aeron tried, he couldn't perform a single one.
"Maybe you don't have a mana heart," the boy said quietly. "Without one, you can't cast magic."
"Mana heart?" Aeron asked, confused.
The boy nodded. "Yeah… mana is the core of all magic. Some people are born with a heart that holds mana. We call it the mana heart. When we cast spells, we draw energy directly from it."
Aeron sat there, stunned. "If I don't have a mana heart, then what is my ability?"
"Thanks for everything," Aeron said abruptly, standing up. "I have to go. See you around." He ran off, questions swarming his mind.
Inside the Vault of Wyrmsong Library…
Aeron sifted through dozens of ancient tomes and spellbooks, trying to learn more about mana hearts, magic theory, and latent powers. But none of the texts helped him understand his ability. It left him even more confused.
Frustrated but not ready to give up, he went to visit the one person who might know more.
Back at Zorayel's Master's House…
As Aeron reached the house, Zorayel was just stepping out.
"What brings you here?" Zorayel asked.
"Can I speak with your master for a moment?" Aeron asked.
Zorayel nodded and stepped aside.
Later…
Aeron sat cross-legged across from the master.
"I want to ask something," Aeron began. "Is it true that a person who doesn't possess a mana heart can't perform magic?"
The master nodded solemnly. "Yes, that's correct. Mana heart is the core of magical existence."
"I… I don't think I have one," Aeron confessed.
The master walked over and gently placed a hand on Aeron's chest. A moment passed.
"You're right. There is no mana inside your heart inside you."
Aeron looked down. "But sometimes… the world around me slows down. I can see raindrops freeze mid-air. I can move while everything else seems stuck in time."
The master's eyes narrowed. "I've studied thousands of spells… but I've never heard of any known magic that slows down time."
"Is it ever possible to use magic without a mana heart?" Aeron asked, almost desperately.
"Only if you wield a mana artifact. Some ancient relics contain magic strong enough to mimic a spellcaster's power."
Aeron sat back, lost in thought. "I don't have any artifact… do I? I don't see anything. But then… how does this power work?"
"There was a man once," the master added thoughtfully. "I've forgotten his name, but he was rumored to control time itself. Slowed it down at will, much like you describe."
Aeron leaned forward. "Where can I find him?"
The old man shook his head. "He vanished thirty years ago. No one's seen him since."
Disappointment washed over Aeron's face.
"But," the master said gently, "I do know where he used to live. You may find something there. Clues, maybe."
"That would be helpful. Thank you," Aeron said sincerely. "One more question."
"Go ahead."
"You know I'm from another world," Aeron said.
"I'm well aware," the master replied, his voice calm.
"Is it possible for someone from my world to have a mana heart?"
"No," the master said firmly. "No one from your world can possess a mana heart naturally."
Aeron's expression darkened. "So Miley… she was hiding something from us all along…" He thought
Aeron stood, bowed respectfully, and quietly left the room—his mind now storming with more questions than ever.
Later…
"You sure about this?" Julian asked, standing beside the carriage.
"I need to find Allesio... and ask him something," Aeron replied, determination in his eyes.
"We can't accompany you any longer," Julian said with a serious tone.
"Don't worry, Arcane will be with me. And... thanks for everything you did for us," Aeron added, glancing at both Julian and Zorayel.
"Your chain—it's gone?" Zorayel asked, noticing Aeron's wrist.
"Master broke the spell for me," Aeron nodded.
"That's great to hear," Zorayel said with a smile.
"We should get moving," Aeron said as he and Arcane climbed into the carriage. As they left the gates of Everdawn, Aeron leaned against the side of the cart, lost in thought.