Chapter 45: Talent Granted By The Heavens
Johan removed the training clothes he was wearing and laid them on the floor, saying,
Dont regret it. Spit it all out.
He was telling him to spit out the elixir. When Shiron heard Johans words, he was puzzled, but seeing the deep wrinkles on Johans face, it didnt seem like he was joking about the high price of the elixir.
Ugh-
Shiron immediately stuck his finger down his throat. Although the vomit stained his clothes, Johan reassured him by patting Shirons back.
Theres a small chance, but due to the tangled blood vessels, you might fall into a mana overload. Mana overload is a disease that usually occurs when one cannot control the mana inside their body.
Johan was implying that Shiron had just faced a near-death situation. Realizing that he had unknowingly escaped such a dire situation, Shirons body trembled slightly.
As soon as he vomited all the elixir, Siriel handed him a bowl of water.
Brother, here.
Thanks.
Shiron took the bowl with a bitter smile. Seeing Siriels face, she seemed utterly disheartened. She was saddened by the announcement that her cousin could not succeed as a martial artist.
Its fortunate that youre fine. Its good that your body is strong.
After tidying up the messy surroundings, Johan approached Shiron and, as if inspecting him, touched various points where the blood vessels were.
By the way, this is the first time Ive seen a case like this in my entire life.
Is it rare?
Its usually not rare.
Johan continued his examination while speaking.
In general, its one in a hundred. Thats the ratio.
One in a hundred?
Yes. If you limit it to the children of renowned martial families, there are virtually no cases where one is born without the ability to handle mana. Its even rarer than that.
After finishing his inspection, Johan wiped his forehead with his sleeve.
Those who could not handle mana in the martial world often died before they could have children.
Johan added that the older the family lineage, the smaller even that tiny chance became.
So when you say congenital, are there acquired cases?
Then, Lucia, who had been silent, spoke to Johan. Something clicked for her when she heard about the tangled blood vessels from the top to the middle. Johan nodded.
There have been cases where someone almost died from a major accident.
But there are no significant scars on Sir Shirons body, and he hasnt lost a limb or hand, so thats not the case here.
You heard him? So, dont overthink it.
Shiron approached Lucia and patted her shoulder. It was clear from her downcast eyes what she was thinking.
Its not your fault.
Shiron reassured Lucia. His face looked drained, probably a side effect of trying to forcefully circulate mana.
But, still
Lucia kept moistening her lips as if she wanted to say something. Shiron whispered to Lucia,
If you dont cheer up now, do you want me to blame you forever?
So, if you dont want to see me suffer, dont apologize.
I never intended to blame you anyway.
Shiron sighed deeply. His lack of talent seemed like a predetermined fate. Shiron didnt want Lucia to blame herself for something that wasnt her fault.
If this is the rule of this world, where one becomes unable to use mana after passing out from a punch, then jobs like the Knights should have had many retirements already.
Shiron looked intently at Johan.
Ill be leaving. Please take care of Lucia.
Yes. Youve worked hard, Sir.
Just focus on how to better absorb the elixir. Think of all the effort Uncle and Mr. Johan put in.
Im sorry.
Youve worked hard.
Shiron bowed slightly to Johan and distanced himself from Lucia. Knowing that there was nothing to gain, even if he drank the elixir, he had no reason to stay any longer.
Shiron walked out of the training room.
Brother! Ill come with you!
Siriel quickly followed the departing Shiron.
After Shiron and Siriel left, the practice room was engulfed in silence.
This has become troublesome.
In the awkward atmosphere, Johan scratched his head. From the recent conversation between Shiron and Lucia, it wasnt hard to deduce that something had happened between the siblings.
The fact that Shiron left on his own and Lucia still had a shadow over her face confirmed it.
Having vaguely guessed their feelings, Johan stroked his beard for a moment before breaking the silence.
Miss Lucia, please come here.
Johan decided to continue with the heart method training. He gestured to Lucia as he tidied up the black sand. Hadnt Shiron specifically asked him to take care of his younger sister? Thinking about the young boys consideration, Johan couldnt stop the training.
However, Lucia stood still.
I already know how to handle mana.
Thats commendable.
Johan responded with a nod. The offspring of a great family, Siriel had started to manage her inner mana since last year. So, it wasnt surprising that Lucia, of the same age, would know how to handle mana.
Lucia stared at Johan, who seemed unphased.
Arent you surprised?
Miss Siriel also knows how to handle mana, although shes still inexperienced.
What about this?
Lucia formed an intangible energy at the tip of her finger.
Hmm?
I can do this too.
She proudly extended her finger, from which a white cluster of light emanated.
Could it be
Johan blinked in disbelief, unable to trust what was unfolding before him.
The cluster of light formed on the girls hand was undoubtedly an intense aura. It was a genuine skill that warriors could achieve only after a long period of training, yet Lucia manifested it so effortlessly. Even Johan, who had seen many techniques, was caught off guard.
Wa-wait.
Johan handed Lucia the cloth that wrapped the potion.
He wanted to verify if it was not just a simple mana release but a genuine manifestation of energy.
Try cutting it as if youre swinging a sword.
Alright.
Lucia directed the light towards the cloth. As expected, the cloth was cleanly cut, as if by a sharp blade.
It truly is a strong energy
Johan whispered, still in disbelief at what had just occurred.
Who did you learn this from? The guardians of Dawn Castle? Or the head of the Prient family?
I just knew instinctively.
She knew instinctively. That wasnt a lie. Instinct meant something innate.
Upon hearing that, Johan, forgetting his composure, leaned forward.
Could you extend your hand?
It was unthinkable that a child not even ten years old could emit such strong energy without learning from someone.
Driven by curiosity, Johan asked.
Lucia extended her thin arm.
I will channel mana into your body now.
Instead of replying, Lucia nodded.
Johan touched Lucias meridian and sent mana through. Indeed, the mana that entered the childs hand through the fingertip flowed without any hindrance.
No, its not just unobstructed. This is
Johans eyes widened in surprise. Without even consciously trying, Lucias body began absorbing mana from Johan as if it was snatching it away.
There seems to be no limit.
It was like pouring water into a bottomless jug. However, there was no sign of mana leaking from Lucias surroundings. Her ability to accommodate mana was vast.
Her blood vessels were thick and resilient.
Johan didnt want to explain the ongoing situation with such a clichd phrase.
She was born for martial arts.
The girl before him was born for martial arts. There was no other way to describe her.
If this isnt a dream
Johans finger trembled slightly. This was a genius who would appear once in a hundred no, a thousand years.
This girl could surely grow into a martial artist surpassing Hugo Prient. The very thought of contributing to this historic moment made Johans eyes burn with passion.
However, unlike the moved Johan, the girl in front of him looked utterly exhausted.
Can we stop now? I dont feelwell.
Yes.
Johan nodded, trying to calm his excited heart. Although he wanted to embrace Lucia with joy, he couldnt.
The reason was clear.
It was evident why Lucia wasnt happy.
Johan sighed deeply, looking up at the ceiling.
Shes worried about the young lord.
In Johans mind, the image of the boy who had left the training room on his own accord came to mind. As if this wasnt his place, there was no hesitation in his steps.
Is this some kind of divine jest?
The older brother had no talent in martial arts,
While the younger sister effortlessly demonstrated a prowess that could only be described as miraculous.
Facing this extreme situation, Johan could only repeatedly sigh in frustration.
Then, how about three days from now? Would that be okay?
Yes
Lucia nodded weakly.
Although Shiron said it wasnt her fault, Lucia couldnt shake off the uneasy feeling.
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