Although I don’t know what life was before being trapped in a bunker for 10,000 years, I felt calmer than I thought I would be. A little freakout and some fleeting regrets when I woke up, but it was nothing compared to yesterday, as my body shut down against my will.

I wanted to cry, but I was helpless to stop it then. A lot of emotions flowed through my mind, but it’s all changed now. All that struggle and hopelessness just went up and disappeared. I’m still in pain, but it will all be worth it.

All worth it to have my mana return to normal, in its natural state. Mana fee to be and flow how it wants.

I felt relief in letting the small amount of mana free, it was worth it just for that.

It just felt so good!

I was a [Manaborn], I was one with mana, and its request for help, finally fulfilled. I couldn’t help the mana Stool infected, as it was ‘who knows where’ at this point, but I could at least save the mana in my core.

For it and myself.

It's like comparing the fresh air of the mountain trail to that of the stale air in the unground box. A refreshing uplift with the new sense. Everything still felt a bit off, like an overcast day, but the light had shown itself.

Regardless, I have a solution that works, but the future is still unknown, and my luck has been yark lately, so I better get this done.

I let out a huff of air and let my body absorb itself into the straw mattress. Pull more corrupted mana from my core, then sleep, repeat. I gotta figure out this yarking city as well. Crazy men with turbulent mana following behind, a recipe for disaster.

Others should be experiencing the same thing, but if I’m the only one with mana, then I’m in for a rough ride.

“How was your trip to the Pioneering Merchant?” An elderly man bowed at his waist towards a man wearing a white and black suit with a cane to match.

“Disappointing, but not entirely uneventful.” He thought back to the weird mana signature coming off a girl at the counter. It seemed regular enough from a normal perspective, but the surrounding flow was unnatural compared to his own. He couldn’t tell quite what it was, but the pitiful amount of mana wasn’t anything to be worried about.

The bowing man looked up, seeing the smiling face of the lord. A smile the lord himself was unaware of. But, as a butler should, he reported the day's findings.

“We have the quarterly report on public opinion and suspicion to read at your leisure. Also, the [Controller] on the mountain trail was eliminated by the Chevaliers.”

The lord's concentration broke, still thinking about the mana signature, and responded with a twirl of his cane. “This quickly?”

“Yes, he is dead, but a few things seem off. From the Chevaliers's reports, they said the [Controller] was deceased upon arrival, from a clean puncture wound through his forehead and out the back of his skull. None of the chevaliers could have produced such a result, but I’m not sure what or who else could have done it.”

The lord stopped twirling his cane, pressing it onto the ground. “Unfortunate… a puncture wound? Hmmmmm. It’s probably an ability of some sort, considering anything physical wouldn’t work. Look into what sort of ability could have produced such a result. If there's a new player, then we require caution. Wouldn’t want to slow down progress in Greycott. Regardless, it's unfortunate that he couldn’t act as a distraction for the intended length.”

“Yes lord! I’ll get right to it and I agree. Unfortunate.” The butler bowed again.

The lord nodded. “Be thorough, and I would like some tea before you start.”

“Certainly Lord.” With another bow, the butler left to serve the lord.

The lord looked past his gated estate and into the rising moon. “Disappointing, but some setbacks are to be expected.” The statement drifted in the air and faded away with the wind.

Sly’s been checking in a few times a day to bring in food. Sometimes we don’t even speak, he just sits on the chair and we eat together. It’s not as awkward anymore, but just quiet.

He only needed to feed me a couple of times before I could gain enough movement to feed myself. I still struggle to use a spoon, so he made a wooden straw that I could use on watered down porridge. Not the best, but it’s better than going through the embarrassment of having him feed me.

I’ve confirmed my original thoughts about him, a simple man who likes to keep conversation to a minimal. He doesn’t seem to hate it, but preferred the quietness.

Well, quite in terms of other people and conversation because the man definitely likes to swing his hammer. It vibrated the entire building when the hammer impacted, but it seemed to make him happy.

Not sure if he acts differently from the workshop to when he talks to me, but the silence definitely suits him over the seething anger when I first entered his shop.

My mana core has also gotten better. I’m still unable to use mana, but I only have a few mana strands left restricting my core. And hopefully, the last time I needed to use my ability.

I activated [Mana Gathering]; the mana gathering faster than a couple of days ago. I’ve used the ability over 100 times by now, and the whole execution was more concentrated and natural. My core elongated fluidly as a stronger force pulled on it. Their string-like structures waves back and forth as I modulate the force; stronger to weaker to stronger. The change in force would ‘wiggle’ out more strands in one go and faster at that.

The first few strands left the core, falling apart into individual mana particles a moment later. Pain spiked across my chest, but by now, it felt numb as I pushed it further and further with each attempt. The force pulled the core into a thin oval.

And before long, it reached a tipping point, exploding as all the strands left at once.

“YES!”

I pumped my fists, free from the constrictive force, the chains no longer holding me down.

I sat up, trying to leave the confines of the bed, but before I got that far, a dizziness hit. The blood rushed away from my head as I wobbled, teetering over the bed’s edge, falling off.

“Oh Yark.” I hit the ground and the blackness greats me.

“Come on. Gotta stop passing out, Ayla. Gotta stop doing this.” I complained, just awaking from my unplanned slumber.

I was back on the bed with a blanket laid over me, but notably, I could talk without restrictions. A good first sign. Looking towards my core. The bubbliness of the fluidic core returned with a jubilant feeling. Satisfaction and cheerfulness radiated out as I soaked in the feeling.

I’m finally whole again.

The completeness of having a core returned put a smile on my face; Although, I’m not sure why I passed out again. I hit the ground, but not that hard, right? Since I had no mana? Maybe, but I’m not gonna test that, I’ll leave that for someone else.

I almost couldn't help it and activated [Mana Gathering], regenerating my once shattered core. A toothy grin adorned on my face as an invigorating feeling filled my entire body.

The mana gathered more intuitively than before, allowing me to pull from a wider radius. I guess that suffering wasn't for nothing, getting ‘overly’ familiar with the ability. It wasn’t a Feat, or sudden upgrade, like [Mana Bolt], but appreciated nonetheless.

I felt like I could move for a whole day without stopping, almost addicting.

The mana energized my whole body, like I’m ready to ‘take on the world.’ With my newfound energy, I whipped my head around to get a better feel for the room.

The rain pattered against the roof for the past few days, with the humidity in the air sticking to the wooden planks, creating a moisturized surface. Prime for slipping if you dare to underestimate them.

I flared my nostrils and took a long, deep breath of air. It wasn’t quite fresh, but enough for me. The straw, wood, water, and porridge from down the hall enticed my nostrils as I closed my eyes. That twisted mana definitely messed with more than just my mana. My senses… distorted, or at least dulled, considering how well they’re working now.

It felt so good, but this whole mana thing is throwing me for a loop. I understand it and it understands me, but I know nothing about it. A peculiar circumstance to be in. I really needed to get some knowledge on this whole thing, so I’m not just using my intuition.

It may be good with my class and all, but I’m kinda putting my life on the line with events that have happened the past few days.

With that thought over, the door opened on que and Sly entered, seeing the silly smile plastered on my face. He paused, standing in the doorway and probably questioning why I’m smiling so hard.

I made a split second decision, almost jumping into the air as I pushed off the bed with all my might. My body moved remarkably well despite being bedridden for the past few days. I reached and gave him a bear hug, trying to force my arms closed.

He stood there with his arms hanging outward in awkwardness, but I didn’t care. “Sorry, I’m just so full of energy since I’ve recovered.” I said as I let go, and Sly gave me a look. Can’t fault him, especially since he had to pick me off the ground last night, but who would be this energized after passing out from something bad?

He took a second to un-stun himself from my hug, but he eventually nodded back in approval with a smile. Not showing his teeth, but small dimples formed.

“Let's eat.” I said.

This time, we made our way to the kitchen for some brunch since I could walk now. The meal tasted all the same, and honestly, it was getting stale, but now wasn’t the time to be picky.

As I took the last gulp, I saw something, a set of armor laying against the wall. Similar to what the guards wore, but a silver luster shone through, as if cut right from the monster itself.

Straps connecting the front and back halves with overlapping sections on the shoulder and elbows. Thicker hides lined along the outside face of the arms, with some around the arm straps. Minimal coverage on the legs, but a worthwhile sacrifice for movement and comfort.

“Roub finished it before you woke up and it’s been sitting here since then. You can try it on, since you already paid for it.” Sky said, ending with a hint of sourness. Probably at the guy who got his head stuck through a door.

Yikes, I wouldn't want to be the last guy. I shuffled over and laid the light armor on the table. With the torso section opened, I slipped my body in through the bottom. Fumbling around a little as my fingers got caught in a couple of places, but I managed to get my way through.

Some simple pulls on the straps and armor tightened, contouring to my frame perfectly, barely hindering my movement. I reached for the leg sections next and strap them on as well. I do a couple of twists and jumps to ‘get a feel for it.’ A little restrictive at the extremes, but overall, pretty good.

I gave him a nod of approval, delivering more meaning than any words I could say.

Didn’t know if he housed me for two days because I was a customer, or just out of the goodwill of his heart, but I wish everyone could be as easygoing. Nobody trying to undermine you, kidnap you, or any other shenanigans. Just a simple human, helping another 10,000-year-old human.

I looked past the window, watching the rain slow to a sprinkle. We didn’t talk about much over my stay; he didn’t ask, and I didn’t tell. I couldn’t tell him exactly what had happened. I wouldn't want to seem like a ‘crazy’ from someone who’s helped me to this point, but I wanted to know, know what this world offered.

“Ya know, what’s the world like, Sly?”

“The world…” He looked out the same window I was looking out.

“I… do not know.” He said with uncertainty. “I’ve been swinging a hammer here since I was a youngin’, but I’ve met many travelers over the years. Some are simple, trying to get by and live their lives, others set goals beyond expectations, seeking something more.”

“Something more?” I asked.

“What are the abilities granted by the world and mana? For most, it was a power limited to the individual, but some achieved a greater height, beyond the individual life it changed. The physical world is simple, cause and effect, but abilities lie past all understanding, a hard line drawn in sand. But for the few who took the next step, it revealed something more. Just how far could one take them?”

His words reminded me of Hollow. I’ve thought of myself as a last hurrah for him, but maybe that wasn’t as true as I once thought. I shook my head. Don’t get caught up in your own thoughts, Ayla. I’ve taken up enough of Sly’s time. I have to get going, didn’t want to get infected all over again.

“Wait here.” I said, walking back to my room. Once there, I grabbed my bag and put on my cloak before returning to the kitchen.

Sly remained in his chair, just as still and calm as before. I reached into my bag and retrieved a single gold coin for all his troubles, placing it on the table with a flick. “Can’t thank you enough for the help. I’ll try to keep in touch if I can, well if you don’t mind, that is.” It didn’t convey how thankful I was, but I would not let him do it for free.

“Let me know if your armor needs fixin’.” Sly said with a light smile, not bothering to grab the coin.

“Oh, wait.” I remembered something. “Forgot to ask sooner, but do you have a small dagger that would suit me?” With my lack of knowledge, figured Sly would know best.

Sly stood up, walking off into his shop before returning a moment later, this time with something in his hands. The blade was longer than my hand as it chamfers into a point with a carved wrapped handle. It wasn't the normal carved wooden handle all the weapons on display had, but a monster's tooth.

Sly handed me the dagger, and I unsheathed it. Simple and sharp. Heck, I could even stab someone with the handle. I know little, but this should definitely do. “How much?” I asked.

“The gold will cover it.”

“Really?” I tilted my head.

“Yes.”

Considering the cost of my armor, the dagger should be less than 50 silver. I gave him the gold just for letting me stay here, so I would like to pay for the cost of the dagger, but I didn’t want to argue with my savior, soiling the moment. “Ah.” I let out a sigh. I kinda feel bad, my life was worth more than just a simple gold coin.

“Sly, I can’t thank you enough. It’s been difficult for me the past few days, so you're a real life savior.”

He nodded back, his neck firming up.

“Haa.” I gave a small laugh. “I’ll try to stop by when I can, alright?”

“Indeed.”

“Good Bye for now!” I said, walking out to Sly’s shop. It was closed fo

r a few mid-day’s hours to give him time to work on request without disturbances. Good, considering that others wouldn’t see me. It wasn’t necessarily bad to be seen exiting out the back room, but the fewer people who knew, the better.

I need to get some supplies, read some books at a library, and get the Yark out of this city. The person I ran into at Pioneering Merchant was no good. I can’t even fight him before passing out, so running away at first sight was going to be the plan if all else fails.

Kinda felt bad for not telling Sly that I’m leaving Greycott, but I didn’t want him to get caught up with whatever I’m doing.

I took another breath of air. I don’t know which direction would be best, but I should try to stay away from the capital for now and stay in border cities.

Considering that I’ve seen almost no usage of mana from anyone, Hollow was completely right. Stay away from anyone with power until I get strong enough to defend myself. I’m the anomaly here, so I looked like fresh meat for those who frequently worked with mana. Well, fresh meat for the crazy people and I’m betting the man I ran into was that very crazy person.

Ok, first stop, find a place with books. After exiting the store and asking around, I found such a location. Curio Library, owned by whoever was currently in control of the city. The only place with books in the whole town.

It’s one of the few buildings completely made of stone. Well-worn wall faces with weathered marks of past storms, but it remained strong. The entrance was an archway covered door adorning circular handles.

I pulled the handle and the door practically glided open, and rows of books towering twice my height greeted me. The smell of paper accompanying the sight not a second later.

The door closed with a puff and I walked inwards, seeing a middle-aged fellow sitting ahead, looking down below the rim of a counter. “Good day. Is there a cost to look through the books here?” I asked, completely clueless about anything.

His eyes looked up, and he gave me a once over, looking at my torn clothes sticking from underneath my armor. Ya, ya, I know. An armored person with a cloak covering my entire body, not exactly the book reading type. “10 silver and you buy anything you ruin.” He responded with a snort, looking back down to his book.

Ohhh, kinda expensive, but I didn’t have time to argue, so I handed over 1 large silver. “Thanks, books on mana and history?”

Without looking up, he responded. “8th row on your right and 4th one on your left.”

Ok, and I walked down the aisle… 1… 5… 6… 7… 8… should be here. Wow, surprisingly or not surprisingly, I only saw about five books on mana. Looking around, I saw other topics having fifty plus.

Yup, everywhere I look, it's the same story, hardly anything on mana.

Since there's only five, I should be able to look at each one. With that, I gathered all the books to a nearby table and shuffled through them. One by one.

A couple hours of reading and I’ve concluded. Nobody knows a yarking thing about mana. They talk randomly and just say magical things happen when you activate an ability. Not even remotely useful, considering my abilities are more free flowing than what these books talk about.

Besides it being mostly useless information, I learned a thing or two. Apparently, using all your mana is deadly, so much so, that I shouldn’t be alive right now. They call mana the life source of, well, everything, and if you spend it all, you die. So, when I untied my tangled core, I had zero mana for a hot second there.

So ya, I should be dead. I’m either extremely lucky or it’s just another misunderstanding. I was leaning towards misunderstanding, since no one else seems to have a mana core, or it’s just extremely rare, so how can you run out if you never had some in the first place? It could just be an overuse of abilities, what I experienced back in the bunker, but more so.

Another thing was the relationship between monsters and mana. They seem to use it more than our human counterparts. Not much else, just that monsters are more versatile and stronger with their abilities to use mana. Then that would explain why a whole [Chevalier] squad went to exterminate Stool. He was half monster and crazy, so if any of that carried over, it could’ve been much worse.

But this mainly shows one thing: everyone able to use mana is a potential threat, so the ‘no using mana in public’ plan has some more support from my end.

I also looked through a bunch of history books. They recorded nothing beyond a couple hundred years ago, so I might need to find better libraries for information further back. But I got an idea of the kingdom I’m currently in. I already know the name of the kingdom, Edra, but it contains about 20 cities.

There was a war 80 years ago in which this country split in two, Edra and Dres. Both are still even in power today, but the relationship isn't the best. Not to the point of constant war, but they seem to play tricks on one another now and then. Like some border disputes, little skirmishes, diplomats accidentally getting injured here and there. No outright killing in public, but there's probably a lot these books don’t talk about.

To the north was the mountain range, blocking human expansion. This was the only side of Edra that doesn’t border another kingdom, those being Dres and Trys, but they actually have a good relationship with the latter. They’re the principal trading partner of Edra, dealing with anything from weapons, personnel, food, or information.

But one thing that was obvious, Trys is much stronger. Standing for 180 years, having a strong and fortitude national identity, and double the size of Edra and Dres combined as well. Not something I wanted to mess with.

Beyond the mountain range was a mix of muddled information. Some official expeditions were attempted, but most members outright disappeared or were too injured to talk coherently, going crazy and or talking about sentient monsters in human form and other such weird things.

The kingdom treated the people who returned as such, calling them unstable in official writing, but they gave no sympathy. Just tools to be used by the kingdoms and when they used up their usefulness, an end came for them.

Besides the more outlandish talk far beyond the border, we know some about what's closer to the border. Essentially, there were powerful variants of monsters, like some giant birds and wolves. But most of this information was twenty-plus years old, considering Edra stopped trying to figure anything out. There had been some reports, but nothing official since then, so the landscape of monsters could’ve changed by now.

They set up 5 border cities to keep a hold of their territory, but nothing more than that nowadays.

The current ruling body of Edra comprises a split in power between the ruling family, currently headed up by a young king, and a council of nobles made up of the 5 with essentially the most power. Only those who had the correct qualifications to be on the counsel were allowed, but the group who decided what those qualifications are the counsel themselves, so based on everything I’ve read with how the kingdoms act, corruption is probably their middle name.

As I’m thinking, I heard the large door opening, letting in a burst of wind. Looking over, I saw someone familiar, Ilbertus, the chevalier captain. This time wearing just simple leather and not his extravagant scale plated armor.

He matched my gaze, thinking for a moment before finishing his talk with the middle-aged man at the counter.

Ohhhhhhhh Yark.

Reacting to his presence, I scrambled my books into a pile, attempting to run away, but before I could get that far, he'd already cut the distance in half, staring me down.

I looked back at the pile of books yet to be returned and some regrets filled my mind.

Yark.

Realizing I’m kinda screwed, I sat back down. Falling into the chair as my fate awaited me, droopy shoulders to match.

His approach, with heavy steps, sent vibrations through the chair. Welp, I couldn’t be that bad, could it? “Evening lass, it seems you started taking some steps with your memory.” He said as his gaze landed on the remaining books yet to be stacked, reading all the titles on display.