Emisarry Of Time And Space Chapter 4: Mana, Goals and the Intruder

'A sigh escaped him. It was reassuring to know he still had numerous years ahead of him as an infant. On Earth, it wasn't expected for a child his age to possess aspirations or predetermined objectives. However, this world might operate differently; its customs could be unique, possibly fostering early maturity in its children. Or perhaps, regardless of maturity, this situation presented a distinct advantage – a chance for a head-start. But a head-start on what, precisely?

'This realm was one of magic, nobility, and distinct traditions. He was currently the offspring of a noble, though their specific rank remained unknown. Nevertheless, as a noble's son, he was expected to follow in his father's footsteps. Thus, acquiring the knowledge and etiquette befitting nobility was paramount. He could no longer emulate 'MATTHEW'; he was now 'ORION' and must embody that persona.

'Then there was the matter of power. His extensive reading of fictional works had illuminated the harsh reality of this world: survival hinged on strength, a stark contrast to Earth's reliance on wealth and connections. Since it was a world infused with magic, one's prowess was undoubtedly linked to their command over mystical energies. Yet, he had no inkling of how to begin learning magic. He was certain instruction would come in due time, but that would mean squandering his valuable head-start. In moments like these, he yearned for a system to materialize and offer guidance. No, he was the master of his own destiny; he could not passively await a system that might never appear.'

'What should I do? What should I possibly do...'

'In the majority of magical narratives, a substance known as mana permeates the surrounding air, akin to ubiquitous microorganisms within our environment. Individuals simply need to draw this mana inward. Hmm, drawing mana inward.

Signs of strain flickered across Orion's infant features, as though he were struggling to inhale, finding the effort arduous.

'Alright, that was a brief surge. All I did was hold my breath. I have no clue how to draw in something I've never seen or felt. Wait a second... felt? I've certainly never perceived mana in the air, but perhaps I can sense it. Sense it... I simply need to relax, concentrate, and perceive something entirely new... No great hurdle.'

Orion's eyes gently closed, his breathing steadied, and his posture relaxed as he began to focus. This was an unprecedented experience for him; he found the stillness challenging for an extended period. Yet, eventually, he adapted to the sensation.

A profound sense of tranquility washed over him, a deep connection with his surroundings. It felt akin to slumber, yet his consciousness remained intact. Orion maintained this state for approximately thirty minutes. Fortunately, no one entered the room to disrupt his concentration. Despite his efforts, he still couldn't perceive anything, leading to self-doubt about his potential success. After all, the entire notion of sensing ambient mana was purely conjecture, lacking any concrete basis.

Just as he was on the verge of abandoning his attempt, he began to feel a subtle sensation on his skin. It was simultaneously warm and cool, a peculiar yet not entirely unfamiliar feeling. Orion had experienced a similar comforting sensation previously, a gentle touch within the shadowy confines he surmised to be his mother's womb.

The paradoxical blend of heat and cold was surprisingly soothing.

'Ha, I could certainly grow accustomed to this feeling,' Orion murmured, a look of pure bliss gracing his features.

'I must maintain focus. What an intoxicating sensation! This must be the mana in the air. Excellent! Step one is complete. Now, I only need to discover a method for absorption. Caution is key; I have a distinct feeling that if I lose this sensation, regaining it will be exceedingly difficult. Absorb, absorb, ABSORB!!!... Tch, it's not working.'

'I cannot afford to become disheartened. I simply need to visualize the absorption process. What absorbs? A vacuum cleaner? No, no, I cannot picture myself as a vacuum cleaner. Perhaps a black hole? Yes, I am a black hole. I am a black hole. I am a black hole...'

Abruptly, the foreign mana responded to his will, coalescing and drawing into his body. Astonishingly, it did not cease upon entering; instead, it began to move with a specific trajectory. Much like a black hole, the mana gravitated towards his solar plexus. At a certain point, he no longer needed to guide the mana; it flowed into his body autonomously, as if a genuine black hole resided within him.

'Hmm, now that I've grasped the fundamentals, what comes next? I don't sense any immediate changes in my physique. Still, if my hypothesis is correct, any transformation will likely require time.'

'Therefore, I now have three primary objectives:'

- Gather mana within my solar plexus -

- Acquire information about this world -

- Master the customs, operations, and etiquette of nobility -

'These seem straightforward enough. I simply need to tackle them incrementally.'

A sense of calm settled over Orion. His short-term objectives were established; now, he merely had to pursue them, leaving the longer-term goals for later.

He suddenly yawned, and an overwhelming wave of drowsiness enveloped him.

'Damn this infant body! It's truly going to impede my progress. Still, it's far better than having made no start at all. When I awaken, I shall resume precisely where I left off.'

Orion succumbed to sleep, his internal black hole still fully active, diligently absorbing mana.

Elsewhere within the sprawling mansion, Aurora moved with a majestic grace, her golden gown trailing behind her like a regal cloak. A subtle frown creased her brow, her very presence exuding an inexplicable enchantment. Trailing respectfully behind her was an aged man, his silver hair and meticulously trimmed beard framing a stern countenance. He walked as if ready to defend her against any threat, a long sword resting by his right hip.

"How did he manage to penetrate so far?" Aurora inquired, her gaze fixed forward, not bothering to look back. Maids and guards alike bowed deeply as she passed, a silent acknowledgment of her status.

"We have no knowledge of his methods, my lady. He has remained utterly silent since his apprehension. Miss Iris is currently with him, attempting to extract information," the aged man responded, matching her swift yet graceful pace. He marveled at her ability to move with such speed while maintaining such elegance.

Suddenly, Aurora halted mid-stride.

"Iris has been unable to extract any information?" Aurora asked, a flicker of astonishment crossing her features.

"No, my lady, she is still engaged in the process. However, thus far, we have been unable to glean anything from him," the man replied, his expression impassive, though a subtle frustration began to surface.

Aurora resumed her purposeful walk, the aged man close behind.

"Are there any indications that this is merely a diversion? I find it hard to believe a single man could breach the forest undetected without assistance. There must be others working with him," Aurora questioned, her mind already considering further possibilities.

"None reported thus far, my lady. We have activated the magical sensors throughout the forest and deployed ample guards to scour the area, precisely as Miss Iris instructed," he assured her.

"Very good. If you detect anything out of the ordinary, report it immediately," Aurora instructed, her expression hardening.

"As you wish, my lady," the man replied with a respectful bow.

They continued their journey in deepening silence, the retinue of maids and guards gradually thinning as they advanced further into the estate.

An unusual quiet enveloped their surroundings, the only discernible sign of human presence the rhythmic click of Aurora's heels upon the ground.

Eventually, they arrived before a colossal gate, its immense structure looming over them. One could only imagine the nature of the beings held captive behind such imposing barriers.

The guards stationed there, recognizing the lady of the house, quickly snapped to attention and bowed in unison.

"My lady!!" they exclaimed collectively.

Aurora offered a slight nod before approaching the gate and placing her hand upon a peculiar, luminous blue orb embedded in its surface. The orb pulsed with a brilliant azure light, emitting a low hum as if acknowledging her authority. The massive gates then resonated and swung open before her.

Seeing the path clear, Aurora strode through, the aged man following closely in her wake.

After a few minutes of walking, they encountered a circular platform equipped with a console of intricate mechanical controls. Both ascended the platform, and the man, with practiced dexterity, began inputting data, clearly familiar with the interface.

A shimmering silver glow enveloped them, and in an instant, they vanished from the platform.

They reappeared before a transparent enclosure, guarded by several stern-faced sentinels. Upon noticing Aurora's arrival, the guards immediately bowed.

Within the enclosure sat a woman of breathtaking beauty, her lustrous silver hair cascading around a face that, despite its loveliness, was etched with palpable frustration, anger, and disgust. Before her, a man was restrained in chains and manacles, appearing as though he had committed the most heinous of crimes. His face and body bore the marks of relentless torture, yet beneath the pain and blood, his expression remained resolute, an unwavering defiance in his eyes as he seemed to await the inevitable.

Aurora observed the woman within the glass chamber before letting out a soft sigh and entering the room.

The woman's head snapped towards the entrance, her expression ready to reprimand the intruder. However, her demeanor shifted dramatically upon recognizing Aurora.

"My Lady," she bowed, her voice respectful.

"It is alright, Iris. You may relax," Aurora replied, offering a warm smile.

Iris, being Erevan's younger sister, shared a close bond with Aurora. Yet, in the presence of a stranger, she felt compelled to show deference to the patriarch's wife, irrespective of their personal relationship.

Unaware of Aurora's entry, as the enclosure's design obscured external visibility, Iris quickly gestured Aurora to the sole available seat. She then stood beside Aurora, their attention fixed on the captive intruder.

The frustration radiating from Iris was almost tangible; her fists clenched and her jaw tightened. She was vexed by her own inability to extract any meaningful information from the seemingly ordinary intruder, despite her best efforts.

Aurora, keenly aware of Iris's distress, chose not to comment. She understood that everyone faced their own struggles. Moreover, having known Iris since childhood, she recognized that the younger woman was not one to seek easy consolation.

Instead, Aurora shifted her gaze to the intruder. Her golden eyes blazed with an intensity that caused him to involuntarily shiver. He sensed immediately that she was different, possessing a power unlike any he had encountered.

Since his arrival in this confinement, he had maintained an unyielding silence. He had refused to utter a single word, denying them any leverage, preferring to face any torment rather than break his silence."

Despite his usual confidence, facing this woman caused his resolve to waver. Raw, unadulterated fear washed over him, akin to a prey facing its devourer. He understood instinctively that she could inflict unimaginable pain; this was far beyond mere killing intent, she was actively instilling terror within him.

His rational mind recognized she was employing some kind of technique, likely a mental manipulation he had never encountered before. However, his life experiences had ingrained in him the absolute necessity of never underestimating the power of magic. His mind urged him to resist, while his heart screamed for him to flee, creating a stark internal conflict.

"What is your name?" Aurora inquired, her voice resonating with the commanding authority of a monarch.