Chapter 45: Side Story 1- Ben's time at the church, (2)

Chapter 45: Side Story 1- Ben's time at the church, (2)

“Wait, is there even any point? You already said I can’t use magic right?”

“Well that’s still true, but there’s more you can do with your mana than just magic. Magic just happens to be highly mana intense, however all of your skills are going to use at least a little to properly power them, not to mention if you want to use any magic tools,” she patiently explained to him.

“Okay sounds cool,” It was already infinitely better than hearing about trade agreements and what nations and cities provided what resources. “How do I do it then?”

“We’ll try the more peaceful method first, if you can't get a feel for it in an hour we’ll try and shock your mana.”

“Not really sure I like the sound of that. What's the peaceful method?”

“Meditation. Lay down and try to focus on the energies inside of you.”This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.

“Lay down here? The library floor?”

“It should be quiet enough that you’ll be free of any distractions, go ahead.”

Well whatever. The explanation sounded like hippy nonsense to Ben, but he would give it a try. Besides he couldn’t really call it nonsense when he’d already been shown that magic was real. He laid on the ground, closed his eyes, and tried to feel some mysterious energy inside of him.

“Well that was a bust,” He said as he opened his eyes.

“It was a bit of a long shot anyway, that strategy works better for races that have an innate magic. Of course it was supposedly a common way for different races to try to learn their magics before they came to this world, when full-fledged mages were more rare, but here with the system in place magic is a lot more viable to learn if you have the proper affinity, and there are mages around who can awaken your mana for you.”

“That sounds so much easier, why didn’t we lead with that?”

“Okay you’re going to feel this one. Sorry in advance.”

“Wait wha-AAH!” His body fell from the chair and collapsed to the ground, everything had pins and needles and he had to talk between gasps of breath. “What... Was... That?”

Lehie herself seemed exhausted, as she was unsteady on her chair and slid down next to him, also out of breath. “Sorry... I had to... Supercharge you with mana... Used up most...of my reserves... Can you feel it?”

He concentrated and thought he understood what he was looking for, the tingling throughout his limbs was her mana, he just needed to keep the feeling as it dissipated to get a better understanding of what his own might feel like. He focused, not wanting to miss a thing, as the door opened.

Another of the priests came in, one Ben wasn’t familiar with, and after seeing them both panting on the floor and Ben without his shirt on closed the door and left without a word.

Oh I am definitely going to be hearing something about this, aren’t I?

“Now Lehie, while I am aware of your actual age you do know that not every priest is, correct?”

“Yes Father Yan,” She said, an awkward blush covering her face and reaching the tips of her long ears.

“And Ben, did you not think to mention that finding a more appropriate place may be in order?”

“I actually did.”

Yan let out a long sigh. “I see. It seems young Ben isn’t the one who needs lessons on the common sense of the world. Ben, for now retire to your room for the day. I’m going to need to have a long talk with your caretaker.”

Lehie shot him a pleading look which he pretended not to see. “Of course, sounds good. You both have an excellent day,” And with that he walked off, picked up a book, and enjoyed the rest of his day.