Magic in our world is the manifestation of a cosmic energy born with every living creature.
This dormant energy begins in the brain as its primary source, then flows through a complex network of magical lines that spread from the chest to every part of the body.
But for a person to truly control this energy and transform it into what is known as mana, they must absorb the "winds of mana" flowing from the surrounding environment.
The magical lines convert these winds into fine particles, forming the "Mana Core" — the true source of magic that can be controlled and used.
However, understanding these complex processes does not mean being able to master them.
Marcus, who had just begun his journey, still couldn't control the flow of mana within his body, and had yet to form a Mana Core to unleash real spells.
He sat in his room, focused at the highest level, failure after failure. His body was exhausted from trying to form the Mana Core.
"How is this so complicated? How can a normal human even manage to form a Mana Core?"
Marcus kept trying, but every attempt ended in failure. Adjusting his posture, he entered a state of complete concentration.
His senses focused solely on the mana winds flowing intensely around him. Marcus's body began to glow as the mana lines spread throughout his body.
He felt energy moving inside him. His focus increased as he started converting those winds into particles.
Suddenly, sharp pain surged through his body, but he did not lose focus. A wave of icy coldness spread inside him — and then, he succeeded in forming the Mana Core.
"Yessssss!" Marcus shouted with pure joy before calling out to Silver…
Moments later, Silver entered the room.
"Yes, young master?"
Silver noticed something different about Marcus's body and quickly realized he had formed a Mana Core.
"So you've succeeded… as expected of the son of the strongest."
"It feels amazing, Silver."
But Marcus's hideous face ruined the scene, making Silver visibly disgusted.
"Silver, prepare the carriage to Rethan and bring the map."
Marcus began preparing himself, wearing nothing that revealed his noble status.
---
Silver soon called out, also ready for the journey.
"The carriage is ready, young master."
The carriage was clearly made of fine gold, drawn by white horses. Marcus was impressed by its elegance. He stepped inside, followed by Silver, and the journey to Rethan began.
"Silver, give me the map."
Silver handed Marcus a map, where the Dark Forest was marked as the gateway to Rethan — the poorest kingdom.
Four hours of silence passed before Marcus broke it with a curious question:
"Silver, why is it the poorest country, and why does no other kingdom help it?"
The unexpected question made Silver break into a sweat. He was clearly hiding something.
"W-well, young master, ten years ago, there wa—"
The driver interrupted them with news that they had arrived at the Dark Forest.
"Silver, return to the castle. I'll go alone. Don't worry, I can take care of myself."
"Are you sure, young master?"
Silver wasn't confident in Marcus's abilities, especially since he was still at the beginner level in magic.
"Yes. Go."
Silver obeyed, and the carriage soon vanished from sight.
Marcus entered the forest, where the trees' leaves blocked out the sunlight, the air was cold, the smell of rot filled the place, and a heavy, eerie aura surrounded everything.
He kept moving forward… until he slipped on a banana peel and fell to the ground.
Marcus heard the sound of something breathing nearby, but couldn't pinpoint its location.
"Who's there?"
No answer. He followed the direction of the sound, only to find…
A medium-sized monkey sitting alone, eating a banana at a small feast.
"What… a monkey?!"
The monkey turned toward Marcus, staring for a second before suddenly—
"Aaaahhh!" the monkey screamed in fright, and Marcus screamed back.
"You scared me, human!"
Marcus's jaw dropped — a talking monkey?
"A talking monkey… am I dreaming?"
The monkey wasn't frightened by Marcus's sudden appearance — but by his hideous face.
"Man, I've never seen an uglier face in my life."
"Damn you, monkey!"
The monkey's eyes narrowed in anger.
"Don't call me monkey. My name is Togi."
"But… you're a monkey."
Marcus smirked sarcastically.
In a flash, Togi punched Marcus, making him taste the dirt.
With a smug smile, Togi said:
"Yes, I'm a monkey… but I used to be a first-class human warrior."
Marcus froze — those words reminded him of himself.
"You used to be human…? How?"
Togi sat down, his face filled with sadness.
"That night, I had just returned from a fierce war. But when I went to sleep in camp, I woke up here… in the forest… like this."
"How long have you been a monkey?" Marcus asked, curiosity burning in his voice.
"Two hundred years."
Marcus's eyes widened.
"What… 200 years? How are you still alive?"
"I don't know. Seems the gods want me to live."
Marcus felt an unexpected connection — Togi was like him.
"Hey, monkey, how about becoming my partner? I like you."
Togi immediately punched him again.
"Name's Togi."
"Ow, my head! I'm Marcus. So, will you be my partner… or maybe my pet?" Marcus chuckled mischievously.
After several more punches from Togi—
"Owww! Okay, okay, I'm kidding!"
"You got money?" Togi asked, clearly a lover of wealth.
Marcus smirked.
"Hehehe, I'm on my way to making plenty."
"Then I'm in."
Both smiled. Togi leaped onto Marcus's shoulder, and they set off toward Rethan together.
But behind them… a massive shadow moved silently through the forest.