TBATE: CAERA | VALKYRIE ASCENSION

Chapter 3: Unsettling Revelation

SERIS VITRA'S POV:

"Caera, focus on connecting to the mana from your core and slowly guide it to your Emblem," I instructed, my voice calm yet firm.

We sat in the middle of the garden, the tranquility of the surroundings contrasting with the intense concentration needed for this exercise. Caera closed her eyes, her small hands resting on her knees as she took a deep breath. I oversaw her, noticing the slight furrow in her brow as she focused.

The connection between a mana core and the rune required precision and patience. This task would be challenging for someone as young as Caera, but I knew she could do it. Her innate talent and potential were already evident, and now it was a matter of honing that potential.

"Remember," I continued softly, "don't rush the process. Let the mana flow naturally like a stream finding its path."

Caera nodded, her expression serious as she followed my instructions. I could sense the mana around us beginning to stir, a subtle but unmistakable sign that she was on the right track. I remained silent, allowing her the space she needed to find her way.

The garden, usually a place of calm and reflection, had become a sanctuary for this crucial moment. The sunlight of the evening filtering through the trees created a dappled pattern on the ground, and the gentle rustling of leaves provided a soothing backdrop to Caera's efforts.

A moment later, the Emblem at her back flared to life, glowing in a brilliant crimson red intertwined with a vibrant green hue. The dual colors danced together, the crimson representing the fire affinity and the green signifying wind. The sight was mesmerizing, the colors swirling in a delicate yet powerful harmony that spoke to the unique potential within her.

"Good, now let the Emblem do what it wants, don't try to force anything," I guided her, my voice calm, ensuring she remained focused.

As Caera concentrated, the mana particles around her responded, drawn to the strength of her Emblem. At first, they gathered irregularly but soon the shape changed into a sphere and finally, arranged themselves in a precise hexagonal pattern, each the size of a thumb, that encased her body internally. The pattern was intricate, weaving itself within her, reinforcing her very being.

It was as if her mana had become a second skin, providing her with an inner armor that resonated with the dual affinities of fire and wind. The hexagons glowed faintly, their subtle shimmer indicating the power contained within them.

Caera's breath steadied as she became aware of the change within her. She could feel the difference—the added strength, the resilience that now coursed through her veins. The reinforcement was not just physical but also a deepening of her bond with mana, an evolution of her abilities that would only continue to grow.

She looked at me with a mixture of wonder and determination. "I can feel it, Mama. It's like... I'm stronger from the inside."

I nodded, my gaze softening with pride. "You are, Caera. This is a reflection of your potential. As you continue to practice, you'll learn to control and enhance this reinforcement, making it a vital part of your strength."

Caera smiled with a confident light in her ruby-red eyes. "I want to keep getting stronger, Mama. I want to learn everything I can."

"And you will," I replied, placing a hand on her shoulder. "But for now, let's focus on understanding what you've accomplished today. So tell me, do you get to know or feel something new and different about mana?"

Caera nodded thoughtfully, her brows furrowing as she tried to articulate what she had experienced. "Yes, Mama," she began, her voice steady but filled with enthusiasm. "It's like... I can sense mana wanting to take a certain form. It was trying to adjust itself into a certain pattern like it knew exactly what to do without me even thinking about it."