Own Time

Chapter 23

I stood in the training grounds of the mansion, accompanied by Crade, my gaze wandering as I awaited the professor's arrival. An odd mix of nerves and excitement had me arriving far too early, earning a scolding from Mother for hastily gulping down my breakfast in my eagerness to be on time.

As I wandered about the area, I was struck by its sheer vastness. Never before had I been granted the chance to explore it, as it was usually off-limits due to the Black Knights practicing their mahika and sparring within its confines.

"Ah, I see you've arrived early, young master," a voice called out. I swiftly turned to face the speaker. The professor approached, and we exchanged respectful bows.

"I was so eager to receive a proper education that I arrived far too early," I admitted, scratching my head and offering an awkward smile. The professor's expression remained stern, the most severe I had ever seen.

"Your mother used to run away from my classes," he remarked, "but she would always end up being dragged back by my older sister, who she had no choice but to obey." The thought of my mother being reprimanded by Griza as a child made me chuckle. Griza had always been my mother's guardian, so it made sense that my mother could never defy her.

"Crade, you may leave us now. The young master is under my care," the professor commanded, not even glancing at Crade.

"Please, don't be too hard on him. He is quite different from the lady," Crade responded, his gaze fixed on the professor.

"It's much better if he gets used to it. The world is far too cruel for a soft-hearted leader," the professor said, staring deeply at me. I took a deep breath.

"I was raised in a tough environment, so I don't think it's a big deal if the professor treats me however he sees fit," I replied with a big smile. Both the professor's and Crade's faces changed, filling with guilt.

"I'll make sure you won't be treated like that again because I won't leave you to become a boy with no control over his mahika. You're a Krieger, so you better start acting like one," he said, his serious demeanor returning. I was stunned by his words.

"Let me remind you, your student is a five-year-old child," Crade almost scolded the professor, clearly unsettled by the situation.

"Except for his size and face, I see nothing of a five-year-old in him. And didn't I tell you to leave us?" the professor retorted. With a wave of his hand, a powerful gust of wind swept Crade away, hurling him out and closing the door behind him. I was left alone with the professor, worry gnawing at me about Crade's well-being.

"He's fine. He's no weakling, though he cries a lot for no reason," the professor reassured me. I sighed in relief, grateful for his words.

"Alright. Are we going to start now?" I asked, standing up straight and ready.

"Yes, so first I want to see if you can make your mahika appear on your hands," he said, stepping back a little.

"I haven't tried it yet. I don't know how to make it appear," I admitted quietly.

"Do I look like I don't know that? Didn't you read the book I told you about?" he asked, his voice stern.

"Yes," I replied.

"In the very first book, what did it say about making your mahika appear?" he inquired. I began to recall what I had read.

"It says that 'the appearance of one's mahika can only be achieved by a strong desire or emotion.' That is what is written in the book," I recited formally.

"Correct. I'm impressed you remember it word for word. So, our mahika can only appear if we have a strong desire for it or strong emotions. Strong emotions are quite crucial. Do you have any idea why, young master?" he asked, prompting me to think.

"Is it because someone who has no control over their emotions will likely release too much mahika, making it dangerous?" I answered. A smirk crept onto his face as he looked at me.

"Exactly. A being who lets their emotions take charge is most likely the most dangerous one. A perfect example of this is your mother," he said, sighing as he mentioned her. I could sense he had endured a lot because of her.

"Then, do I need to be upset or angry to make it appear?" I asked sincerely. I recalled moments when my mother tried to awaken my mahika, and it emerged when I was filled with anger.

"When it says strong emotions, it doesn't necessarily mean anger or anything negative. We can also summon our mahika through positive emotions like happiness or determination," he explained.

"I see. So, how do I..." I started, but he interrupted me.

"Think of something that stirs your heart, as if your energy is amplified by that thought," he instructed. I nodded, closing my eyes and recalling something that brought me joy. Images of the people in the mansion flashed through my mind, ending with my mother's proud smile. I felt a surge of energy coursing through me, a warmth spreading.

I opened my arms and saw a small fire floating above my hand.

"You're more controlled than I anticipated," he remarked, stepping closer to me.

"What do you mean?" I asked, raising my hand to examine the crimson-colored fire floating above it.

"I expected your fire to be larger, perhaps engulfing your entire body. That's why I initially stepped back. But you've managed to create a hand-sized flame that floats without even covering your hand. That's a high level of concentration," he explained. I looked up at him and smiled, silently acknowledging his compliment, though I sensed he might deny it if I mentioned it aloud.

"Did my eyes change color too?" I asked, curious.

"See for yourself," he said, waving his hand again. A floating hand mirror appeared before me. I looked into it and couldn't help but smile widely when I saw that my eyes were now a vibrant crimson color.

"I'm so happy, but how do I stop the flame?" I asked anxiously, concerned about the potential danger if it lingered too long.

"It's simple. Take a deep breath and calm yourself internally, as if you're cooling your body down," he instructed. Following his advice, I took a deep breath, centered myself, and felt my body gradually cooling. I watched as the flame and the crimson color of my eyes in the mirror reflection began to fade.

"Now that you've mastered the first and second steps, there's no reason to hold back on your training," he declared, an intense aura surrounding us.

"You were holding back?" I asked, feeling a shiver run down my spine.

"Now, it's time for the real training," he said, a mischievous smile crossing his face.

"Y-yeyyy," I stammered nervously, hoping I would come out of this training in one piece.