There were many secrets hidden within the mountains around Last Heaven, for example a tiny lake with a large flat rock in the middle. The mana within this lake was unusually dense, even for the area, so this is where Ethan brought Ana to train.

“How did you find this place?”

“I was thirsty.”

Ana sighed and didn’t bother asking further. In fact, Ethan was indeed “thirsty,” though it was for the lake’s mana not its water. Even from the edge of the city, he could still pick up on this concentration of energy.

“This place is ideal for training.” He explained. “We will begin by opening up your third eye.” Though it was called such, it was merely the mana pool above the eyes. For a mage to wield mana, he/she had to gather mana in small pockets throughout the body, and then connect these pockets or pools through a number of channels. The resulting system would greatly empower the mage’s body and enable him/her to use mana at will.

“I feel it… there’s something gathering within my forehead.”

“Focus on the feeling but don’t try to control it. Let the mana pool take any shape it wants.”

With 2 fingers on her forehead and 2 on his own, Ethan gathered ambient mana towards his third eye. When it became too much to handle, he sent it towards Ana. After a while, the same happened in reverse. Back and forth the mana went, increasing in velocity and mass.

Hours later, a perfectly round energy ball formed in Ethan’s forehead. This was the most common form a mana pool could take. It lacked any special characteristics, but it also meant there’d be no hindrances to his growth.

On the other hand, Ana’s pool took a different form. Though it started as a simple circle, as more mana amassed, 2 long protrusions extended from the top.

“It kind of looks like a bunny.” Ana giggled.

“Yes… lucky you.” The more he observed her mana pool, the more pronounced Ethan’s frown became.

‘Is it because of me? Why are demon horns popping out of it?’

Truth be told, he was a little jealous. This type of pool favored sharp releases of mana and was excellent for swift and unpredictable attacks. He almost lost to this type of mage numerous times in the past, only to debilitate them at the last moment using poison.

“Why are you giggling?” the girl asked.

“Shut up and focus!”

By the end of the day both their third eye mana pockets had stabilized. To build a circuit, they would need at least a week to reinforce them, before opening 4 more pools and reinforcing them as well. There was a lot to do, but for now, Ethan was pleased.

After buying some groceries for dinner, it was already dark by the time they got back. In front of the gate, a bunch of kids no older than 14, were making a ruckus.

“Finally Ana, where the heck have you been?” One of the kids dressed in slightly fancier clothing spoke up. “You were supposed to clean the pig pen today! Now, I had to do it.”

Ethan wanted to facepalm. ‘I must definitely save her from this shit… literally.’

Remembering the child as one of the farmer’s kids she worked for, Ana bowed slightly and apologized for the inconvenience.

“Hmph, you think that’s gonna cut it?” The kid had attitude. Ethan would have spanked him already if Ana hadn’t chastised him for kicking her other patron in the groin.

“I’m sorry.” Ana apologized again out of courtesy. “I don’t know how I could make this up to you. I no longer…”

“I know!” Jumped the kid as if he was waiting for her to say this. With beat red cheeks, he stuttered a couple of times before finally spitting out: “Sho… show us your boobs!”

“Hahahaha!” Ethan couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

“You!…” Ana thought of chastising him but remembered it was pointless. She turned towards the kid.

“Michael, this is not something you can say to a lady.”

“But, you’re just the pig girl.”

- Slap! -

Seeing Ana lose her composure and the boy’s shocked expression made Ethan crack up even harder.

“Buahaha! Go for it boy! You’re the ‘man!’”

“You!! How dare you!?” The kid growled through teary eyes. His cheeks felt like ants and needles and his friends were starting to take their distance.

“Do you know who I am? I’m a mage, b**ch!”

- Smash! -

In the following second, the boy’s front teeth were flying through the air.

“Now, that’s going too far.” said Ethan as a matter of fact.

“You… you hit me!”

“Slow on the uptake, ain’tcha?”

“You’ll pay for this! I’m going to become a mage soon, and then you’ll see!” The more he talked the farther his feet took him. “Ana, I’ll get you too, you evil b**ch!”

Ethan stepped towards him without a second thought.

“Don’t you dare.” warned Ana while blocking his path.

“Seriously? You should be smacking the rest of his teeth yourself. What’s wrong with you?”

Despite his complaint, Ana didn’t budge. If she was going to be a goody two shoes, then he’d just have to take revenge later. The kid said he’d become a mage, so there should be an exam.

“Hey, when’s the next Academy exam being held?”

“In about 2 months.”

“Excellent.” said Ethan while rubbing his hands. With a devilish grin, he planned for the future.