Chapter 6

Eva Lemuria-8 years old

It has been two years of horrible hellish training. I can't believe Shadow thinks that this is all right for a child. I will admit that the results have definitely shown themselves. I doubt most other children would be as fit as me. The one weird thing is that I've only been training with my dagger. It's nice to be able to use a weapon, but I doubt ill be using a dagger once I get older. I wish I could use a sword, spear, even an ax could work. I did try to complain about it once, but Shadow just told me that when my dagger feels like an extension of myself instead of just a weapon then he will start training me with other weapons.

I think I did get that feeling once in a mock duel with Shadow, but I haven't been able to recreate it. I have been swinging my dagger for about a year and a half till I started using my whole body to fight. Shadow was really surprised when I slashed at him with my dagger to only be surprised when I kicked him in the belly. I had jumped straight at him while shooting my dagger towards his throat like he taught me. When he easily blocked the tip of my blade with the side of his, I shot my foot towards his gut without thinking. It worked, but he did seem a little upset afterward. He still ended up complimenting me afterward, but anytime I've tried surprise attacks like that again he always says it's not right. He always tells me to fight with my instincts, not my head. I don't understand what he means and he always tells me it's something that I would have to figure it out myself.

I have also been working on my magic skills after combat training. I still have my complex feelings about my special elements, but I want to become strong. I've learned all the basic techniques that there are for my elements. I apparently am really good at manipulating my elements. My strongest attacks are still my lightning edge and flame edge. I would use my flame edge when I want a more explosive attack. I would then use my lightning edge when I want a more precise attack. Shadow says he is very impressed with how powerful both of my attacks have become. The other day Shadow brought two huge blocks of stone to our training grounds. I'm not exactly sure where he got them or how he brought them in here considering there about twice his size. He told me to attack both of them with either of my mana edge attacks. When I used the flame edge half of the first stone block was destroyed making it look like a monster took a bite out of it. My lightning edge was able to completely cut the block in half. I tried to cut it perfectly horizontal, but I ended up diagonal so the top half slid to the ground. I thought it would shatter when it hit the ground and break, but it seems are more solid than I thought. Shadow told me that for him to get the same results as this he would need to use 2 thirds of his mana.

I'm glad I'm steady making my way towards being a someone truly strong. I've worked hard for the past two years, but it's still not enough yet. I have been trying to become faster and stronger. Shadow tried to explain the different types of fighters to me. I can't completely figure out the specific details of tanks, healer, controllers and things like that. The one that caught my interest was the rogue fighter. He tried to go into specifics of everything. I basically decided my fighting style will be based on speed and strength from now on. It works perfectly with my elements too. Lightning is a quick destructive force and fire is an agile destructive force. So after that lesson from Shadow, I began focusing on my speed and accuracy. Shadow says I'm starting to become a little dangerous and he regrets teaching me where to aim at a person. Apparently, he wishes he had just taught me monster weaknesses instead.

That's another one of my lessons that I've been taught about. He's been teaching me about the beast and mana beast. He's taught me their characteristics, habits, eating pattern, even their mating habits have been taught to me for some reason. I still think he was teaching it to me just to make me feel embarrassed but he insisted that it was very important information that I must know. There was one thing I had asked him during these lessons that he got unusually serious about. I had asked about dragons.

“Shadow what about dragons? Are they mana beast or just considered normal beast?”

“Neither Princess and try not to ever compare dragons to either of them again. Dragons are a full race just like us, elves, dwarfs, and other races. Princess remember that they are a full race ok? They have a more tribal culture than ours. They only stay like that because they choose too. They are far more powerful than us and they also have a better understanding of the world as well. So always talk politely about the dragon tribe because they do deserve some respect. Also, you won't know when you're talking to someone from the dragon tribe because they have an almost perfect human form. The only difference is that they have scales covering some of their vitals, but those can be hidden so try not to offend any of the dragon tribe.” Shadow

Shadow seemed really persistent on me not mistaking dragons for anything else or anybody else. I guess there have been past instances where someone has offended a dragon and paid the consequences. So I remembered the lesson before putting it to the back of my mind to continue with the rest of the lesson.

Most were boring while some were interesting because he talked about mana beast that seems to have some thoughts other than just primal instincts. Apparently, there is some mana beast that has enough intellect to even form a tribe like structures and there much tougher to deal with. For now, these tribes seem to be hidden deep in mountains or forest. People worry one day they might come out to pick a fight with us so for now, we keep an eye out for where they are so we can try to exterminate them before they exterminate us.

Lessons were always sometimes boring and sometimes they seemed like stories that had me at the edge of my seat. The main problem was that Shadow was still the leader of the shadow guards. He had his original duties before teaching me so these past two years haven't been constant training. Sometimes he'd have to be somewhere else too. So whenever that happens my mother would seem to always know and she'd be there. Of course, Lora has always been at her side. I can't understand Lora sometimes. It's weird because for some reason anytime Lora sees me she become attached to me. She will see me then trot over to where I am and attach herself to me. It's something I'm not sure how to handle so I can only look towards my mother. The only response I ever get is her not seeing anything.

When Shadow isn't around and I have no training the only thing I can do is go to the library and study more. We have a large library compared to other kingdoms is what I've been told so it does make me feel a little proud. It is sometimes hard to read when there is a two-year-old attached to my hip. Mother just smiles while watching as if it's the cutest thing she's ever seen. Sometimes mother gets this predator like gaze while look at us that sends shivers down my spine. Mother seems very fond of cute things and she has titled Lora and I the cutest things ever. I'm always very careful about when I go to the baths, but she must have someone watching the baths because she always appears. Sometimes she will even bring Lora with her and tell me to wash her hair while she washes my hair. Even though the bath is warm I can't help but feel cold with her always behind me. It really feels like she's stalking her prey and one time I couldn't help but react and turn around while looking at her wearily. What I hadn't noticed at first is that I held Lora behind my back till mother pointed out that I'm such a good sister for being so protective. That was really shocking for me because I've been trying to keep my distance from her for the day she will hate me like everyone else, but instincts kicked in because of her so I couldn't help it. I tried to comment on it being mothers fault in the first place for giving off such a dangerous feeling, but she just feigned ignorance.

Currently, I'm in the library now reading through a book on mana beast and theory on how they come to be and their habits. It talks about how there's possible mana running underground in streams even though there's no proof. As per what has become usual Lora is attached to me and looking at the book I'm reading. I know she can't understand the book but she insists on staying where she is so the only thing I can ignore her. Mother is sitting in the seat next to us while reading her own book. It seems to be some kind of romance novel that she loves so much. She tried to get me to read them instead of my usual books, but I could barely read them with our blushing and having and uncontrollable urge to incinerate the books. One time I did when I read something really weird. One second I'm reading it then the next I light the whole book on fire while mother screams that it was one of her favorites. She stopped trying to get me to read those books after that.

Our reading time and peaceful atmosphere are interrupted by a maid coming in with a smile on her face though it freezes when she sees me she forces it to seem natural after a second. I just ignore her and continue reading my book while mother frowns towards her.

“Well, what have you come here for while interrupting our reading?” Mother

“Your Majesty the Prince has awakened. His mana heart has been unlocked and he can now access his mana. Congratulations.” Maid

“Oh well, that is good news so I guess I should go see what talent my son has. Come on Eva and Lora.” Mother announces while looking towards us. Lora climbs off the couch we are sitting on but I stay where I am. “Lora, sweetheart come with me to see your brother. It's an important family event.”

“I will not be wanted or appreciated there. I'll just stay here and keep studying. I will not be wanted so you should just take Lora and go. I plan to go train in a bit.” I tell my mother the truth and hope she will just leave it there, but obviously, my hopes will not be met.

“Sweetheart we are all apart of the same family. This is an important day for your brother. It's important for you to come with us, your family.” Mother

“Can you say everyone will be happy for me to be there?” I get up and head for the door, but not to follow Mother. I'm going to go to the training grounds to get rid of some my stress I have. “I will be training while you and Lora can go.”

I walk out and head straight for my training grounds. When I get there I decide to experiment with my abilities. I go to the blocks that Shadow had brought in. I'm still not sure where he got all these or how he got them in here. I take a stance and release my mana through my mana heart. I bring it to my fist and form it. Flames coat my fist and slowly condense around it. I then try my next step of adding lightning to my fist. My fist then has lightning running around my fist fusing with the flames. I haven't done anything like this since two years ago when I was having a breakdown.

I keep trying to condense my elements around my fist to make them as small as possible. When I think that I've reached the point that is the maximum I threw my punch towards the stone block. The second my fist comes into contact with it, it's blown away. The stone is completely destroyed and a giant dent is on the wall again. This time it's much larger and deeper than two years ago. At this point, I can see how much more my strength has increased. I'm excited that I can have such power while only using about one-tenth of my mana. I'm in an excited mood because this is only the first test I wanted to try.

I then will mana all around my body to create what Shadow taught me is called mana armor. If one could see mana they would see me completely covered in a black energy. I then will this armor to change into a fire. Slowly the armor starts to become visible. At this point, my breathing is becoming very ragged, but I can't stop yet I need to get farther. Shadow said no one has successfully done something like this so I want to be the first. My mana armor starts to form into what looks like black armor that's covered in a thin layer of black flames.

I succeeded at something no one has done. I can't wait to test it against someone. As I'm about to punch another stone block I feel something go wrong. My mana armor flickers and then it explodes The stone blocks that surround me explode as my flames burst outwards. My clothes are at least still on. Only they are in tatters and I'm definitely going to have to change. Since I'm so exhausted from this failure I guess ill go take a bath and then go back to my room. I only have about a sliver of my mana left so it's a good point to stop anyway since Shadow said I shouldn't train with my dagger without him.

I start making my way towards the bath and think of how this will probably be the first time in a while since I'll be able to bathe alone. Since mother and Lora are with George to see how much mana he has and what elements he has and affinity with, so they shouldn't show up like usual. Even though I know it's always noisy and annoying when Mother shows up I can't help, but feel a little bit of loneliness. I make it to the baths and like I thought my mother doesn't show up the entire time. I go back to my room to put on some comfortable clothes. As I'm looking through my closet I can't help but look at the old dresses I have. Before Mother would always have the maids dress me in the colorful and fluffy dresses but now that the maids avoid me like a plague I've been dressing by myself now. I always wear pants and a loose shirt now even if mother complains. So I wear my plain clothes and instead of spending the rest of my time here in my room I decide to go to the library.

I see a couple of maids pass by me as I make my way to the library. They all have happy faces and seem to completely ignore my existence. Usually, they would look at me in fear or disgust before walking away. Today they seem to be in a really good mood because of Georges awakening. It's ironic because my awakening was like hell in this castle while Georges awakening is like heaven.

I make it to the library with no problems or looks from others. I feel a little upset now. Before people would always look at me with disgust and fear, but now I'm not even seen. It's something I first thought I would like, but I guess I really do want to be acknowledged by others in some way.

I enter the library and realize I'm not alone in here. There are several people in here that usually don't come to the library or even read books. Father George and an old man who I recognize as fathers friend who is a magic consultant for the kingdom. I see mother and Lora in here as well. I debate whether or not I should just leave before anyone notices me but it's too late as Lora spots me and trots right over and attaches herself at the usual spot on my hip.

“Eva, I see that you've finished you're training. I'm glad you're here so I can tell you everything that's happened with Georges awakening.” Mother tells me before beckoning me over to where she's sitting. I really want to just run out the door, but I know I can't leave at this point. So I go and sit next to Mother with Lora.

“Why are you here? You should just stay where no one will see something like you.” George

“George! That's enough out of you. That is your little sister not anyone else or anything else. Now Ronald please continue teaching George please.” Father

I guess Ronald is the magic constants name. It makes me wonder why I never saw him when I had awakened, but he's here for George. Ronald hasn't looked at me with disgust or fear, but that's because he hasn't looked at me since the initial glance from when I entered the room. I guess he must already have his own opinion about me even though I've never met him personally. He proceeds to educate George on mana hearts and elements. A Simplified version of the things that I've been learning for a while now. From what I've picked up George has two elements compatible with his body the same as me. George has the earth element and a rare sub-element of the earth element with is metal. Apparently, the normal way of testing an element affinity is to surround them with bits of their element and see what reacts to their mana. Rocks are set around, bowls of water, a lit torch, and other small examples of elements.

Apparently, George was able to levitate the rocks up and the metal minerals slowly crawled towards him. Now his lesson is going towards what advantages he has over what elements. Apparently, his metal can block flames and his earth can disperse lightning. I'm not that surprised that theses are used as the first example. George looks at me as if he's won something and I can't help but smirk before saying.

“You are too naive if you believe that it is as simple as one element being greater than the other. If you truly believe that you will one day have a rude awaking.”

George has an almost comical face. He looks as if he's eaten a bug and even Ronald face is twitching. So I must have really pissed both of them off. That's fine I didn't come here to get friendly with them, in fact, I came here thinking no one would be here.

“I've heard the princess has been training for about two years now. Maybe you'd like to show us an example of how it isn't so simple. A quick spare between us should show a good example. It's the best way for George to learn right?” Roland

I'm not sure why he would want to do this and I'm not sure if he has some ulterior motive. I was thinking how bad of an idea it would be but I have been in a bad mood all day and I can tell Roland is underestimating me. He probably never bothered to learn what kind of training I've gone through and what my actual strength is. I was going to agree to this little match but I was interrupted before I could.

“Roland, what the hell do you think you're doing? Do you think you can do as you please in front of me? Do you believe that you are above others this much?” Mother has such a strong pressure that I've never felt before. I've never realized it but Mother must also be very strong. I can see sweat starting to form on Roland's head.

“Your majesty I had made a simple suggestion to help with Georges education. I did not realize there would be such a problem with it. I believe you're overreacting. This is no way for a queen to behave.” Roland seems to grow a backbone as he not only talks back to Mother but also insults her. I am now angry with this old man. I decided even though I had just recently exhausted myself in trying I should at least show this old man that he's going too far. Before the conversation can go on I draw my knife and infuse it with lightning before slashing it up right next to Roland's direction. A black crescent flies right next to Roland before cutting through the wall. I don't know or care how far it went.

“Old man you sure are getting ahead of yourself. If you think you can talk to my mother like that you are dreaming. If you want my option it would be for me to help you retire early.” I look at him in the eyes and let my mana that I always repress from my open mana heart to run wild. If one were to look at me now they'd see a black aura raging around me. “Don't forget old man you are in someone else's home. I don't care what you think of me, but don't go insulting my mother because of your selfish opinions.” Before I could continue I feel myself being lifted off the ground and then enwrapped in familiar arms.

“Little Eva it's ok. I think you've proven how strong you've already become. I'm glad to see you so willing to defend me.” She starts rubbing her face against mine as usual. “As for you Roland if I ever find out anything like this happening again I will personally have a sparring match with you so my children can learn. Now Eva and Lora let us go. There's nothing else here for you to learn.”

“Roland, my wife is right. I don't know what opinions you've formed in your head, but I've only asked you to teach George magic because you also have the earth element. Please don't do anything unnecessary.” Father

After that my mother took Lora and me out of the library and then brought me to my room so I can rest. She gave me a kiss on my head that was down and then left with a sleeping Lora in her arms. I'm not sure why Roland is as he is but I plan to just avoid him for now on to avoid trouble.