"The Eldens founded the Six Great Schools here in Pandragea, known only recently here in the Imperium after our ancestors agreed to join the Tripartite Alliance a thousand years ago."

"The Great Magic School and the Great Historic School focuses on the theory of mana essence cultivation. This is suited for those who are in the pursuit of strength through mana cultivation, understanding how mana essence works, and how the body could use mana for combat."

"The Great Historic School students are different from those in the Great Magic School. They are leaned more to expeditions and excavation of ancient ruins, and research regarding practical applications of mana essence for the general public."

"The Great Martial Arts School and Weaponry School, on the other hand, includes the theory of qi essence cultivation along with mana essence cultivation. Their students mainly use their physical bodies and weapons to attack and defend themselves.”

“You can enroll here as long as you have a good mana core grade, a good dantian grade, or both."

"The Great Demonic School and the Great Ancillary School focuses on alternative skills and techniques. For example, the Great Demonic School teaches their students about the art of using calligraphy, body aesthetics, and even music to charm or cause destruction in the battlefield."

"The Great Ancillary School is suited for those who want to focus on alchemy, blacksmithing, farming, harvesting demon beasts' carcasses, and many more."

Grandfather Albert paused for a moment then continued.

"Oh, I almost forgot. During the school selection event, you could be distinguished as a Prospect candidate depending on your mana core grade, dantian grade, and your test results.”

“Regularly, students who have at least grade 6 mana core or grade 7 dantian could be distinguished as Prospect candidates."

"Prospect candidates could lose their titles if they end up crippled or dead. Furthermore, they need to pass a test to be a proper titled Prospect.

“Each Great School would have a different setup and passing these tests would heavily rely on one's talent and skills."

"Your mother, Anabella, would have been a Prospect too. Unfortunately, her talent and skills blossomed at a later date. What a waste."

Grandfather Albert felt depressed thinking about it. Anabella's future would have been better if only her talent had been realized earlier.

"I have said everything that you would need to hear. The rest will be discussed by your instructor once you are enrolled in a Great School."

Grandfather Albert gently looked at Zachariel. He was proud of his grandson for keeping up with his expectations.

"You can go now and leave."

Zachariel nodded and stood up.

He was about to open the door when his grandfather uttered his name.

"Zachariel". He looked at his grandfather. The old man contemplated something before dismissing him.

“Never mind.”

Zachariel left the room.

`The beast tides are getting more frequent and larger in scale. There are also those rats from the Fleeting Shadow. There have been no reports of their movements after a long time. Just what the hell are they planning?

The Higher Elder who had undergone divination had said that this world would soon be in danger, then died the next day. Will another era of bloodshed start?` Grandpa Albert said to himself.

He was worried that the situation may rapidly change, and his grandson would prematurely enter the battlefield without sufficient strength.

...

Zachariel went to the household library while Uncle Zwein followed behind.

The recent nightmares messed with his head and he wanted to refresh his memory by reading books.

He strutted to the east where the library was situated.

He gazed at the red light of Solus, wondering when would Solus stop shining at Pandragea.

He heard the chirping of birds and splashing of fishes in a pond he walked over.

The crystal-clear water tempted anyone to stop walking, approach it, and drink it with content.

They’d feel refreshed, though grandfather Albert wouldn’t approve of such actions.

Zachariel arrived at the library, stepping down on the hard wooden floor that creaked as he put his weight down on it.

The smooth fragrance of the wood wafter over his nose, slightly mending the mess present on his mind.

He noticed Anastasia peeking at him from a large book she took out.

She nervously held the book with her small hands.

The little girl chickened when Zachariel found her out.

She could feel Zachariel’s coldness when their eyes met.

`Brother feels a bit scary today. I wonder what happened to him.`

She wondered if she was the reason why he was behaving like that.

Zachariel ignored her and picked up a book titled “Basics of Mana Cultivation”.

He sat down far away from Anastasia, not wanting to be disturbed should the little girl start throwing a fit again.

The book described two main parts of the body that allowed living beings to use mana essence to cast spells.

They were the mana nerves and the mana core.

The mana nerve was capable of absorbing mana essence inside the body. These gathered mana essences are then stored inside the mana core.

The mana nerves and mana core had qualities.

The difference was that a mana core’s quality was innate, while the mana nerves could be improved on time.

A mana core was graded 1-9, from poorest to excellent.

Zachariel recalled his own mana core and felt that a big mana core like the one inside his body should be at least grade 4.

He used almost 16 years of his life condensing the mana core from scratch, primarily using wind mana essence to condense his first mana core.

Fire, water, and wind were the most popular mana essences that beginners use to condense their first mana core.

There were other mana essences like light and dark, though they were difficult for those who doesn’t have the talent and resources to utilize them properly.

Zachariel continued reading for an hour or so.

He felt bored and exited the library.

Anastasia was no longer there.

“What do you wish to do, young master?”, Uncle Zwein asked.

"I just want to stroll around the pond for a while."

"Understood. Shall I arrange for the maids to prepare snacks?", Uncle Zwein asked again.

"No, I'm not hungry.", Zachariel responded.

"Understood." Since the young master said so, he obeyed and followed him.

Zachariel took a stroll in the pond beside the library and rested in one of the benches.

Uncle Zwein stood beside the bench, looking over at the distance.

A young man and woman suddenly entered the pond garden. The young man shouted to Zachariel, "Hey, Zach! How have you been?".