Reliving the Legend

CH 03

It was never known why but when I was learning the sword at the age of five along with Roux, my mana just never came out. Unlike my talented brother, who was able to wield the sword and use his mana to further enhance his skills, I only learned the basic swordsmanship.

Seeing a magical glow surrounding Roux as he swings his sword for the last part of his training, tears began welling up in my eyes. I looked at my dirty hands holding my small wooden sword. Despite my young age, I understood that I wasn't "normal."

"Zen...." I looked up and saw Roux coming near me. He saw the tears running down my cheeks. Placing his sword down and he knelt infront of me. I felt a gentle pat on my head.

"Don't be upset my dear sister." He gently wiped my tears. Looking straight into my eyes. "Your mana might not manifest now but I am definitely sure, it will come. Trust big brother, okay?"

I nodded softly. Roux then hugged me and slowly lifted me up. "Let's go eat some cookies with Ruth." My small hands held unto his neck as he carried me towards the mansion.

The memory is still clear in my mind despite it being almost 12 years ago. Roux, my older brother, has always been so kind and supportive to me. My parents too. When they learned about my condition, they consulted the scholars, magicians, and esteemed professors of the kingdom. The Duke even visited the Holy Kingdom of Caelum to ask about the possibility of late manifestations of mana.

There had been few instances of an adult starting to manifest mana, but they were not of noble lineage.

"Mana will manifest naturally to those of noble blood."

I am of double noble blood. My father is from the Del Vaughn lineage and my mother is from the Imperial Family of the Eastern Empire. But I don't understand why.... I don't have even the slightest amount of mana in my body.

Back then, every after training, I shut myself inside the mansion. I tried to read all the books related to mana and magic but I never found an answer. The more I dug in, the more I became depressed and insecure.

To cheer me up, my mom tells me bedtime stories about the old times. I eagerly listen as she describes the wars between the East and West, and the mythical beings of the Land of Kaira. As a child, it pique my interest especially the story of the legendary hero.

"But mommy, why is his name Zhunn?"

"Well, honey... no one knows for sure. Even my great great grandpa who met him only knew 2 things about him."

"2 things?"

"Yes. His name and his black mana."

I stared at her with my widened eyes. "But mommy, isn't black mana bad?" I showed her my 'angry' look to emphasize evil.

My mom just chuckled and hugged my small body.

"Having black mana doesn't mean you are a bad person." She then released me from her embrace and pointed at my heart.

"Whatever is in your heart, that will show who you really are. If you are good or bad."

Memories. It's nice to reminisce good memories like this. It kind of helps me get distracted from my worries of not having mana and my coming-of-age ceremony.

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I decided to go to the library to return the book I borrowed and get a new one for the week. Walking to the library, made me forget everything as I was excited to see if I will discover another good book.

"Zen...."

My name echoed through the hallway.

I turned around and saw a dashing young man with his arms wide open.

"Bro.. brother..." I was suprised. He was supposed to arrive 2 days from now yet he is here. Roux is here.

"Why aren't you hugging me? Don't you miss me?"

I dropped my book and ran towards him. He embraced me tightly, lifted me up, and spun me around.

"Brother!" I giggled as he finally placed me down.

"You've gotten heavy my dear sister." Roux patted my head.

I pouted. He had just come back home and the first thing he notices is my weight.

"They're muscles from training everyday."

He just chuckled at my response. I stared at my brother who was also looking at me. I missed him so much. I miss his hand that pats my head gently, his soft ebony black hair which I love to ruffle, and his loving smile. Roux is both my brother and my bestfriend.

"It's been a year. Welcome home." I hugged him again.