My name is Xiron, Xir, for short.

I am currently still an infant and is still a year old.

I based my age when I was found by Von, which happened to be the seventh day of the fourth month Poac.

I also learned how to run around and managed to open a new world for myself. Another world filled with possibilities opened for me.

Though I am quite proficient in learning to control my body's motor skills, there were still things I could not control.

One of these inabilities was my inability to control over pissing myself the time when I want to desecrate the land with my excrements.

It was quite troublesome, not for me but for Von who had to clean up the mess I made.

Because of one incident I am not allowed to speak of, I am now made to wear a diaper. I was made to wear them the day after I made a mess…you can imagine that on your own.

According to the [World Cube] it pooping myself was actually normal as infants did not even have half of my capabilities like intelligent conversations.

That means I am special. It must have been because I am a half-breed of an elf and a human.

I learned all of these in an item Von called a World Cube, an object where information about the world was documented in great detail.

Though it held a great deal of information, it still couldn’t teach me how to read as Von had to take it upon himself to teach me.

Oh, if you had not caught up yet, I can now speak two languages. One was known as the [Alvish], and another language Von does not want me to know where it originated.

The latter was my base language, yet to this day, I still do not know how I managed to learn that when every word in a language was technically made up.

Its Origin was the biggest mystery I wish to be answered.

How can something remain intact in my mind when its origin was something made up?

Yes, the language in my head was weird, and the more I thought about it, the more intrigued I became. But Von does not want me using it too much, so I now speak the Alvish language.

Oh, speaking of Von, I finally managed to describe his countenance. A man with a square jawline and bulky build, he wears ragged clothes and resembles a hobo.

The white garments he wore would occasionally be dyed red with the blood of beasts he hunted.

The blood of the beasts he hunted was mixed in my milk, although I wanted to dine on meat like him, Von would curse and say that I was too young to eat said delicacies.

“Milk is for children, so drink what you are given.” He said while continued his dinner.

Though I was rather displeased, I had to admit that the milk and blood combination I called [Blood Milk] was indeed a sublime taste that I fell in love with.

It was excellent and the best drink an infant could ask for, though to be honest, I could not compare it to any drink except regular bland milk, so don't take my word for it.

I once read that an infant should not consume anything other than milk. I say they’re pretty stupid. The Blood Milk was a masterpiece. I look down upon the man who wrote such nonsense.

Another year came to pass, summer, fall, and winter came and went, it was now Spring. I am two years of age, but my body was comparable to that of a four-year-old. I could also control the time I pee and poop now.

That was what Von was proudest of what I have accomplished.

At this time, Von explained that the Blood Milk he fed me was a concoction to help my body grow and mature faster than what's normal. He said he had to hunt many [Imperial Monsters] for the last two years and cursed at me for being so much of a headache.

I had no idea what a “monster” was much less an Imperial Monster. The World Cube did not include such information and Von didn’t tell me about them.

Von said the World Cube could answer all my questions, but it would appear it had no such function.

Oh, on that day, I finally learned the glorious [Curses], a phrase capable of encapsulating one's emotions in a single phrase that may or may not piss the receiver.

Such curses included [bullshit], [fuck you], [dumbass], and so much more wondrous words. But I also learned that I should not use those words against Von because I got my first spanking when I tried to 'use' them against him.

He asked me once where I learned such things, and when I answered I got from him, he spanked me again, harder even. Though two days after that, he apologized and said that it was good that I was taking after him, he made sure to let me know that curses were bad words that’s only acceptable to be said to anyone else other than him he's my father.

I was surprised to hear him say such a thing. But I merely tilted my head when I listened to the word parent. I know what a parent was, but I just couldn't find the so-called parental connection.

Von always made me call him father. The word father was nothing more than a title, but it felt different. I was hesitant to utter such a word making it hard for me to say.

It was a unique experience to say the least.

Pain was something I know, but it was not an emotion rather a feeling, it was physical and tangible but, emotion’s different. It’s something beyond tangibility, beyond logic, beyond rationality.

Emotions were a weird concept for me even after I learned what they were. I know what a sensation was such as pain and comfortability, because they were technically tangible to a degree.

But emotions were vague expressions people use to describe what they were feeling. I fail to understand them, and I could not feel these so-called emotions.

"...You will understand why later in your life, my son."

Von was a little disappointed for some reason.

Days soon became weeks, then months, and after a short time, another year had passed. The World Cube had served its purpose and I now know a lot of things. I am now much more aware of what I need to know, I was no longer blind and clumsily grasping what’s what.

I am now much more enlightened rendering the World Cube useless.

But because of this same enlightenment, I was left with a massive hole to fill. I now desire for more.

The day I became two years old, I received something from Von called a gift. It was a gift, a gift for my birthday. He got me something called a [Book] and a [Role Affinity Tester], the book possessed the title [History of Mana, Life, and Bizarre Creatures].

These Gifts were something I truly liked, however, what caught my attention was something called, BOOK.

A Book, an artifact left from a time when the world was overrun with Sages. According to history, it was often used by Sages to record their research.

Elves even used them to seal off wondrous weapons of Mass Destruction called Magic. To say the least, Books were versatile items that houses knowledge most of which forbidden to the eyes of many.

But Von brought it home for me. Though not containing a weapon, it contained knowledge I was not in possession of. This is satisfactory.

As for the Role Affinity Tester, that was something I could only use that after I master the contents of the book. At least that's what Von told me. I thanked Von for the gifts. He seemed satisfied with me thanking him.

Before he left me of my own devices, Von left few words to listen and understand; "In the past, I managed to teach you how to read and speak the Alvish language because I am knowledgeable enough. But what you are about to read is something even I am incapable of learning because of my circumstances. But you, you were given life to experience both worlds. And no one in this world can help you other than yourself. Comprehend it to the best of your ability."

Von stopped speaking and placed his hands on my shoulder. I could feel the heaviness of his hands, he looked at me in the eyes and spoke even more seriously than before, "Xir, listen to me, this is not just your typical learning and comprehension studies. This is something that you must take seriously and learn this as fast as possible. Got it?"

I could see the seriousness in Von's eyes.

This was uncharacteristic of him… but I nodded my head.

"I will learn it as soon as possible, do not worry."

Von was satisfied with my answer and left with a smile on his face. I was left alone with a book in hand. Von decided to keep the Role Affinity Tester for later.

Thus will became the start of another journey.

I dove into the books’ contents, learned hundred, if not thousands of new facts about this world hidden away from me till now.

I opened the book and on the first page already had an introduction regarding something called [Mana]. I was interested, so I began reading.

“It exists everywhere and surrounds us?”

Looking around, I found nothing, “It is not tangible, and perceivable, is it similar to air?” I tried breathing, “Nothing, it appears it is not… interesting.”

Flip*

—Mana is an existence that is present in our world since the beginning of time. It is said that it gave birth to everything, and is the origin of everything.

Various historians argue that everything began from Mana that’s why it has endless possibilities and can be use for almost anything.

However, despite Mana being accessible to everyone, not all can control them to become [Mana Manipulators]

[Elves], [Dwarves], [Humans], and [Titans] all have the potential, but only a select few members of their race could truly transcend the mundane and become a [Mana Manipulator].

(Though it had speculated, the creation of artificial Mana Channels has yet to be discovered or even started.)—

My knowledge increased and I was drawn by the wondrous and mystical information being given to me. I learned a lot of things from this very book, from mana to monsters, I began understanding them all.

—Three Weeks Later—

But I did not rush it, I slowly digested the knowledge, trying to understand every nuance I was given. It was fascinating.

The book only had 3,176 pages. If I read it like I usually do, it should have only taken me two weeks at best, yet, three weeks had already passed and I have to reach page five hundred.

One night, while I was reading with crossed legs, Von who had been carving wood with meticulousness asked, “You’ve been reading that thing for weeks and you barely made a dent at it. Is it really that interesting?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Oh yeah? Then, tell me what’s interesting so far.”

“Really? You don’t really like listening to my lectures about what I learn since way back then. You always say you have to go hunt for Imperial Monsters when I try and explain something.”

“You noticed that?” he made an awkward laugh.

“You didn’t really have great acting skills to begin with.” I answered with the truth.

“Hahaha, well, I won’t do it again so, why don’t you tell me now?” Von tried climbing his way up the ditch that he made and with a sigh, I gave nodded my head.

“Okay, but this will take a long time. But, know that once you leave or even fall asleep, I will stop and never will I answer your inquiry again, it will be for the best of us if we do not waste time on such meaningless activities.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll listen this time.” He smilingly said as he placed the wood and carving knife down.

Taking a deep breath, I placed a bookmark on the book’s page and answered his question, “Mana and its secrets never fail to impress me and the foolishness of so-called researchers saying they understand the mysterious force makes it even more engaging. It makes me want to read more of their follies and arrogance.

“They do not even have the innate capability of manipulating mana yet they dare say they are the greatest beings on the surface of the world. Their arrogance fails to see the Giants of the past, the Monsters can rule everything if not for their own stupid pride of going against creating a pact. This part, I do not understand. Clearly, Monsters are so much more superior than humans, if they are to join hands together and elect a leader, won’t they be able to rise above all?”

Von nodded his head, saying, “Well, monsters are known to be beings who worships strength above all else. Though some sees intelligence to be more important, it is power nonetheless. There are many Monsters with both, but none that transcends all, so without that one defining existence, then, there can be no leader.”

His words rang true. There has been no genuine existence of power in their midst, “Is that why there is no true King?”

Von shrugged his shoulders, unable to answer his question.

Xir looked at Von and realized something. Thinking for a moment, he asked him for something, “Do you wish to listen to me during the night? I wish to hear your opinion on certain topics. I now see why researchers employs others, it is so they can have their knowledge for themselves, so they can see things in a different angle.”

Von snickered as he looked down, “I don’t know, I’m pretty busy—”

“Okay, if you do not wish to join me, then so be it.”

“No, no, I’m messing with you.”

Thus, began the start of our nightly studies where he and I exchanged views on certain topics.

—Four More Weeks Later—

—Any non-monster race only have small chances to wield Mana, but [Monsters] are capable of controlling Mana without any problem.

However, even though monsters can control Mana, they are not considered mages because unlike the four races, most of them do not have the intelligence to use [Spells] and even those who have the intelligence choose not to use spell and instead use their [Innate Skills] for their survival.

(Note: There had been famous theories that Monsters are beings to born from Mana itself, unlike humanoids who came from evolution. However, this theory had long been disregarded as nonsense because as previously established, everything came from Mana. If beings born of Mana can indeed wield Mana without a problem, then, why does humanoids can’t? The theory had long been dismissed, but other researchers still believes that it may have a connection.)—

“So, Monsters are indeed stronger than humanoid beings. Though their inability to use Spells and Martial Arts makes their potential limited.”

“That’s where you are wrong. Some monsters can actually use magic, it is just that in these parts of the world, there’s only a few who could. You know what? I’ll you a story about the Leviathan of the [Black Waters] you see that—”

Von would even sometimes tell me stories about certain things. Though at first I thought it would be nonsensical, I later found it to be interesting.

Von had always hated about telling me his past. I didn’t really care before, but, hearing him be so open to me made my heart rather… lighter.

It made me feel closer to me, and with our exchange, Von started smiling more and more, making it easier for the two of us to talk.

—Two More Weeks Later—

Flip*

—The four races also have their strength, and that comes in the form of [Roles] Mana Manipulators take.

There are two roles:

[Martials], Mana Manipulators who specialize in augmenting their bodies and enhancing their strengths bypassing the body's limitation. They do not use Spells, but instead Martial Arts. Because of their stronger body, they can even sometimes match a Monster.

[Mages], masters of the elements who have varying abilities. Manipulating the Mana on the atmosphere to conjure spells of varying effect, they have immense destructive capabilities with varying range. Their weakness lies in their frail bodies and the long-time they needed to cast spells depending on the level of spells they cast.—

So, they have differing ways of fighting, one fights by transforming their body and the other by warping mana to suit their desires.

Considering Martials can react faster and should be able to dispatch with a weaker body than they are, then they should be the antithesis of Mages.

But, considering Mages can use much more devastating Spells and have more variation in terms of defense and offense, then, they could be stronger than Martials.

“Von, who do you think is stronger?”

“Hmmm… Martials can beat a Mage one on one, but a Mage can beat an army of Martial. In short, depending on the situation, one can beat the other, but I did hear that great Martials and Mages doesn’t have limitations and logic doesn’t apply to them. It’s base on the person, really, depending on who you are fighting, their trickiness varies.”

“So you don’t know?”

“Yup, now go and drink your milk, we’re sleeping.”

“But—”

“No buts, I’m going to tie you up if you don’t comply. Now, clean it up before I stand up.”

“…okay.”

—Seven More Weeks Later—

After many weeks, I was now about to finish the book. Actually, I only had about five hundred pages left, but it took so long because Von’s frequent intervention.

He would always ask me to sleep early and such, he’s acting weirder than normal. But, I could only sigh as I do not have the power to go against his desires.

However, after seven weeks, I finally finished that meager number of pages.

It took me four months or so, but I am now about to finish it all.

Flip*

—If you want to become either of the two, one must then be in possession of either’s Unique Mana Channels:

Martial Channels: a crimson-colored channel that operates internally and augments the body. Martials relies on their skills mana purity. (Note: Though Martials augments the inside of the body, it is not restricted to it and have shown the ability to augment their body composition and weapons with the help of an element.)

Mage Channels: an azure-colored channel that lets a Mage manipulate the elements to their will and effect the world around them. Spells are their offense and defense, thus it’s a Mage’s job to improve their spells. Spells vary in power in terms of its caster, if an [Elementary-Level] Magic is caster by a [Magus] then that Magus

(Note: to aspiring Mages: Against popular belief shouting the incantations louder does not correlate to the strength of the spell.) —

Mana, Mages, Martial, Manipulation, Spells, Techniques, Casting, Execution, Strength, Weakness, Calculations, and so many more, everything was being given to me as time went on.

Aside from monsters, there were beings like myself, humanoid beings, who were weak, yet strong. They are strong when young but have potential of growth.

Some does not have much desires, while others want to dominate the rest — so not much different from a monster.

Polishing his wooden carving, I noticed Von had a downcast expression, more so than usual.

When I asked him what was wrong, he grumpily answered, “It’s the weather.”

And that’s the answer I received for four weeks straight. It is completely illogical, but as I lack the knowledge, I am beginning to think that it was indeed the weather.

Hmmm… I left it alone for the time being.

I now understand a lot of things in regards to becoming a Mage and Martial, but the most striking to me would be that, your Role is decided the moment of your birth.

These roles were different, and they have their own strengths and weaknesses. I want to know their limitations. But, before I could know it, I must first awaken my Channels.

I wonder, what kind of Channels I would have? Would it be Martial or Mage Channels?

—When can potential Mana Manipulators experience their Awakening

The time of Awakening varies by age for each race. Humans awaken at the age of ten to seventeen years old: Elves awakens at the ages eight to twenty: Dwarves awakens at ages nine to fifteen: Titans awakens at the age of six to twenty years old.—

I was getting a little frustrated because the age variable basically meant I would be unable to awaken before I turn eight or ten. I am, after all (according to Von), a half-breed between an elf and a human.

“Does this mean I’ll have to wait for years?”

“Not exactly.”

Surprised by his words, I turned to Von with probing eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“…Sigh… Well, you see, as you might expect, you’re a special child. Age and the like don’t really apply to you.”

“Really? Why?“

“…Well… it’s because Lethias made you special… don’t worry about it, just learn how to awaken your Channels, I’ll be here to assist you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, have I ever lied before? You know what? Don’t answer that quest—“

“Yes, you have, several times.”

“Just get to it, Xir.”

He urged me to begin with a chuckle escaping his mouth. Picking me up, he placed me on his lap.

“What is this?” I questioned.

“Nothing, just read.”

I really wanted to question why I was placed on his lap, but I stopped myself. I quite like this.

—Going through Awakening.

Although the age rate varies, one can start feeling the Mana around them as early as they can meditate. This way, the chances of Awakening earlier than normal is possible.—

This statement put a smile on my face.

I looked back at Von, “It would appear it doesn’t have anything to do with being special, after all.”

“…yes.” He smilingly answered before laughing wildly, “You’re really easy to trick, you know that?” he said but I just ignored him and continued reading on.

—First sit cross-legged and close both eyes. Breath in accordance to the instruction…—

I started reading the instruction with great intent, and I followed them down to the dot.

After an hour of reading, I jumped off Von’s lap and then I sat on the floor. I closed my eyes then began, my search.

‘Take in deep breaths and hold it for five seconds before taking in deep breaths once again and then this time hold it for five seconds. Once I reach the twenty seconds mark…I would see the lights…there it is.’

I saw white light particles surrounding me, fascinating. But something’s wrong, as soon as I saw these white lights, I managed to get a glimpse of a condensed mass of silvery ball of light on my chest.

‘Is this a Mana Core? How? I have yet to undergo an awakening.’ I remembered Von’s words, special, he said, and as I see this ball of white light within me, I managed to understand what he meant.

‘Am I special because I was already awakened? And these Channels were azure…’

Twelve azure channels were attached on the silver ball of light. These twelve channels seemed to be at the brink of exploding. The instant I laid my eyes upon them, a powerful burst of energy escaped my body.

This powerful force passed through my bodily pores, escaping my fleshy coil as I felt tremendous and sharp pain.

Abruptly opening my eyes, I screamed in pain. The pain overtook, and I soon lost my mind. I then remembered the last few lines of the book.

—The Awakening will be known as completed when a burst of Mana escapes the body through the Mana Pores, this burst of Mana will come from either the Martial Channel or the Mage Channel. The crimson Martial Channel and the azure Mage Channel will appear. The highest number of channels will be nine. Once the channels appear and the pores open, it will be time to create the Mana Core.—

I began to lose consciousness.

I heard Von's voice and as I saw his face, I saw anxiousness, similar to when I first saw him.

Light gathered around him as I warm liquid escaped my body, I saw a red puddle escaping me.

I looked at my arms from my half-closed eyes and saw cracks where blood seeped out.

It was painful at first, but I soon grew numb, feeling nothing.

The Silver Ball of Light seemed to be fluctuating, it was trying to escape my body, but the twelve Mage Channels kept it in place.

I bled and then, I saw Von’s warm eyes, “It’s going to be all right.” He said to me as purple light escaped from his body.

His eyes turned yellow and different, as overwhelming pressure escaped out of him.

Wind gathered around us, as if there was a storm coming, yet, the only thing I felt, was warmth.

And as I began losing consciousness, I remembered the books’ contents.

That fucking book lied to me.

‘There were twelve mana channels goddammit, and awakening was dangerous, more than anything else.’

And that was my last thought before everything blacked out.