Ceres knocked once, then gently pushed the wooden door open. As the soft bell chime rang out, he was met with large shelves of grimoires stacked together in a neatly arranged area. Various trinkets were encased in glass storages, and vials of potions, as well as other magical items were also on display.

He caught his breath, lungs filled with awe and wonder, while his eyes clearly sparkled at the sight of the various magical items a village boy like him had long been wanting to see.

It was the kind of place he used to dream about.

Fingering the drawstring of his pouch, he pulled out a single gold coin. It was the gold coin that he earned from saving for over half a year. Where he had put his hope to finally get started on learning magic.

With a determined breath, Ceres approached the grimoire shelf and found the cheapest option. [An Introduction to Mana Application]

‘I’m really doing it,’ he thought, a smile tugging at his lips.

The shopkeeper was already watching him by the time he reached the counter.

“Just this one, please.” Ceres muttered and slid the gold coin towards the shopkeeper.

“Oh? Another aspiring mage.” Her tone curled with amusement, eyes half-lidded in disinterest.

Ceres blinked. “Is there… something wrong?”

“Not really, though I should probably give you a word of advice.” Her aura shifted, her playful tone losing its airy edge. “The magic world is vast. If you think that cheap grimoire would somehow solve your problems, you might want to reconsider.”

‘She probably met her fair share of so-called “aspiring mages” only to be disappointed.’ Ceres sighed at the thought. Still, he nodded. “Thanks. I’ll make sure to keep that in mind.”

“No refunds,” her tone was now lifted once again, grinning.

Ceres slipped the grimoire into his bag and turned to leave.

“Ah—and also…” she called out, just as his hand touched the door.

“Yes?”

“Don’t cause trouble. Magic’s still regulated, so don’t use it too carelessly.”

“Understood.”

The door closed behind him.

~

Ceres returned to the inn. His hands were still slightly trembling. Excitement coiled in his chest, quiet and warm. ‘I can finally start learning real magic… and maybe start earning more too.’

While Ceres was making enough money through the various odd jobs he had been taking since coming to Reine, he had yet to find a stable income. Being a village boy limited his opportunities to go for a higher paying job.

And being a mage would help a lot with his current situation. Besides, he enjoyed learning, and from the little he heard about it, magic seems to be just about that.

He dropped his bag on the bed and pulled out the grimoire. The leather felt rather stiff, while the title seemed to be carved, as opposed to the embossed finish that skilled magic artisans used in binding grimoires.

He sat at the desk, opened to the first page, and began to read.

Chapter I - The Nature of Mana

Mana is the cornerstone of magic. Its omnipresence allowed our ancestors to survive. The substance of the natural world that sparked the birth of civilization…

The first few pages were dense with historical information and cultural definitions of magic. There were also details about different interpretations of mana and sentiments across the different villages and tribes. These were as such categorized as folk magic, most of which originated from different parts of the continent before magic was formally institutionalized.

His eyes followed each line with care, while his fingers brushed gently under the words.

And then came the part that truly caught his attention.

…where mana gathers, properties “change.” It is as much a conduit of “transformation” as it is a force.

‘Doesn’t this mean that mana is reactive then?’ Ceres thought.

…Mana can be described in two ways: by its source and by its behavior, which is either Active or Passive, while its source is split into Internal and Ambient Mana; one generated by living beings, and the other being innate from the surrounding environment.

The next few pages were diagrams of the universal flow of mana, and its various effects on the environment.

‘I mean, the theory makes sense. Mana is everywhere after all, and it’s not like Reine has a shortage of magical developments to flaunt to its citizens.’

Ceres suddenly remembered the first time he saw the towering walls of the city. The scholar who accompanied him inside the public carriage wouldn’t shut up. Rambling endlessly about the details of the magical enchantments on the walls that somehow makes it more durable, as long as ambient mana passes through it over time.

As he turned to the next few pages, it became clear to him why certain cities like Reine had flourished. The idea that some regions were abundant in ambient mana meant that mages would be more encouraged to stay in the city, taking advantage of its high concentration for training and other purposes.

…Mana, whether Active or Passive; Internal or Ambient, is a substance that has an inherent flow. Understanding this flow is the true key to perceive it. Only by knowing its nature may one truly begin to have an intuitive understanding of mana.

Ceres took a deep breath. The first chapter had ended there. A part of him became heavier, another part, lighter.

‘Flow…’ He lingered for a moment, gently letting go of the book. He left it open, but he looked up at his ceiling, looking at his blurry shadow, fluctuating in sharpness as the candlelight danced.

‘Of course… flow.’

Without hesitation, he picked up the book again, turning the page to the next chapter.

‘It’s here…’

Chapter II - Mana Perception

To sense mana is to sense the world, perception lies not on the truth of others, but in the truth you possess. Magic is the language of reality, and mana is its underlying voice. Mages draw meaning through it, and it all begins on the instance you finally become aware of its presence.

‘In the truth I possess…’

Ceres stared at the candlelight, quietly observing for a few seconds. Its small flame swayed ever so slightly…

‘It’s practically begging to be touched.’

He lifted his finger and brought it closer to the light. As it approached the candlelight, a small wave of piercing agony tormented Ceres. It was sharp, as if a small needle went through his head in a split second. Ceres jolted from his seat and held his head tightly with his arms.

His vision started to blur, until there was nothing.

~

A few minutes later, Ceres woke up.

Something has changed.

Everything was exactly the same, and yet entirely different.

The world was brighter, more… vivid?

No, it wasn’t quite that.

It felt like a whole new eye, a whole new ear, a whole new system of senses. A sense that had no name, but a sense that can also never be forgotten.

‘So this is what sensing mana is like…’

Ceres smiled faintly, still trying to make sense of the new world he had stepped in.

‘I did it finally… I can sense magic.’