Percy and Angelica carefully rearranged their living room to create ample space for their experiment. Percy referenced a diagram from the book, pointing to it with precision. "Angi, make sure the Calvic's Mana circle matches exactly this pattern," he instructed, his voice firm yet encouraging.
Angelica leaned in, examining the intricate design, her brows knitting with concentration. "Got it," she affirmed, adjusting the drawn circle to match the detailed illustration. Satisfied with their preparations, Percy glanced around, ensuring everything was set.
"Did you bring the mana stones?" Angelica asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and anticipation. Percy nodded, pulling out two flawlessly white stones from his pocket, their clarity almost mesmerizing.
"Wow," Angelica breathed, her eyes reflecting their pristine glow. "I never expected them to be so… pure."
Percy smiled lightly, handing one stone to Angelica. As they positioned the stones within their respective circles, a subtle vibration filled the air. Moments later, the circles began to glow softly, their light pulsing rhythmically in response to the stones' presence.
A sense of awe settled over them both. "The book was right," Percy whispered. "We needed a catalyst to activate the mana space."
Angelica met his eyes, excitement shimmering in her gaze, though a trace of anxiety lingered. "Ready?" Percy asked softly, his tone reassuring.
"Ready," Angelica confirmed confidently, determination replacing her hesitance.
They closed their eyes, focusing their minds as silence enveloped the room, broken only by their quiet murmurs of encouragement. Moments passed, stretching slowly into an uncomfortable length of uncertainty.
Percy opened his eyes, a frustrated sigh escaping his lips. "Angel, I don't feel anything. Did we make a mistake?" he muttered, feeling his confidence wane.
Yet before Angelica could respond, Percy's surroundings faded abruptly, replaced by absolute darkness. He stumbled slightly, alarmed. "Wait—what? There's nothing here?" His voice echoed unsettlingly in the empty expanse around him, heightening his sense of isolation.
"System!" Percy called out urgently. "Why am I seeing nothing? Did we mess up the circle?"
{Master, the issue is not with the circle,} the system's voice gently but firmly echoed in his mind. {The problem lies within you.}
Percy scowled, irritation mingling with curiosity. "What do you mean?" he asked sharply.
{Your world and experiences shaped your current state. You cannot sense mana because you have yet to understand its nature or develop a purpose strong enough to connect with it. Mana isn't merely a resource; it's an embodiment of intent and understanding.}
Percy absorbed this revelation quietly, feeling both humbled and challenged by the system's insight. "Then how do I unlock it?" he questioned, determination creeping into his voice.
{By acknowledging your purpose and embracing your true self, only then will your mana awaken,} the system answered cryptically.
The system explained, {You come from a world devoid of mana. Naturally, you're unfamiliar with sensing or harnessing it. Mana is not just a source of power; it possesses a consciousness of its own. To harness mana, you need to understand its nature and have a clear purpose for using it.}
Percy pondered deeply on the system's words. "The reason I want to use mana," he mused quietly. Various motivations danced through his mind, some noble, others selfish. Was his purpose as straightforward as seeking greatness, or perhaps as intricate as exacting justice for past wrongs? The prospect of using mana to pursue knowledge, protect others, reconnect with his lost family, or even to seek vengeance all competed within him.
As his contemplation deepened, the void surrounding him began to shift subtly. The once stable space started cracking, trembling under the weight of his turmoil. An intense darkness seeped into Percy's vision, mirroring the storm brewing within him.
{MASTER, STOP!} the system's urgent voice echoed sharply, attempting to break through the rising chaos. But Percy, driven by relentless determination, refused to heed its warnings.
Within the splintering mana space, Percy's thoughts and memories surged chaotically, each vying for dominance. The internal conflict soon manifested physically: blood began trickling from his ears and nose, veins visibly pulsating under the intense strain, muscles tensed in painful spasms.
Outside, Angelica's panic surged as she watched Percy's deteriorating state. "Percy, please stop!" she pleaded desperately, her voice filled with fear and genuine concern. But her words couldn't penetrate the maelstrom within him; Percy was lost in a battle entirely his own.
Inside the mana space, his thoughts grew increasingly chaotic and fragmented. Memories of his family, his beloved sister Camila, and flashes of a former life collided violently, creating a disorienting storm of anguish and confusion. An unbearable migraine ripped through his head, and he clawed at his scalp desperately, more blood staining his fingertips.
The mana space itself mirrored his internal battle, splitting starkly into halves of darkness and radiant light, swirling furiously around him. Amidst the chaos, Percy struggled desperately for clarity—anything to anchor him amidst the tempestuous madness.
His mind stood at the brink, teetering perilously close to collapse, the pressure nearly unbearable. In this critical moment, Percy grasped the gravity of his situation—the very real danger of delving too deeply into the abyss of his psyche, of losing himself entirely within the chaotic embrace of the mana space.
"What is it that you want?" an unknown voice resonated suddenly.
Percy recognized immediately it wasn't the system addressing him. Yet, unlike the system's often detached, analytical tone, this voice made Percy feel neither threatened nor misled. Instead, an inexplicable sense of warmth and safety enveloped him.
"I will ask again, what is it that you want?" the voice repeated, gentle yet powerful.
"I don't know, to be honest," Percy replied, sincerity coloring his tone. Looking upward, he met the gaze of an immense, compassionate eye staring down at him, brimming with heartfelt emotion. "Is that so wrong?" he added softly.
"No, it's not wrong. In fact, I believe it makes you a more suitable candidate," the voice thundered warmly.
Percy remained silent, contemplating the profound resonance of the voice.
"Many come and go as they please, each with their own demands or presumptions of me," the voice continued thoughtfully. "Yet, you are among the first humans to enter this space without immediate demands or expectations—well, aside from that one child from the ancient era."
Percy's curiosity stirred deeply, prompting him to question cautiously, his eyes never leaving the enormous, radiant eye hovering in the expanse above. "Who was that child? What mistakes did they make?"
The voice echoed throughout the void, its tone layered with both ancient wisdom and a somber note of melancholy. "The child sought power for power's sake alone, and in their blind ambition, they wrought chaos and destruction. They misunderstood mana's true essence, allowing arrogance to cloud their vision until they lost themselves entirely."
A moment of quiet passed, pregnant with anticipation, before the voice continued, its resonance vibrating within Percy's very core. "If I grant you my permission, there is something you must promise me."
Percy narrowed his gaze thoughtfully, meeting the massive, luminous eye with determined clarity. "And what is that exactly?"
"I simply ask that you do not repeat the errors of that child," the voice responded firmly yet gently, its words weighted with an unspoken history.
Percy absorbed the gravity of this request, his resolve crystallizing within him. "I understand," he replied, his voice calm but resolute, carrying through the expansive emptiness. "I promise my purpose isn't power for its own sake."
The eye seemed to contemplate Percy for an endless moment, its penetrating gaze somehow comforting despite its intensity. "Then very well," it finally said, a note of trust evident. "I shall grant you access to my power. But heed my words—mana is no mere tool. It is woven into the very fabric of existence. Respect it, nourish it, and wield it wisely."
Percy inclined his head solemnly, a newfound comprehension dawning within him. "I will," he vowed softly, sincerity etched into his voice.
The once-chaotic void around him began stabilizing, a gentle warmth permeating the air. It felt as though mana itself had accepted him, gently guiding him toward a path of equilibrium and wisdom. The pain and turmoil that had previously wracked his mind dissolved, leaving behind clarity and tranquility.
As the voice accepted Percy's promise, a remarkable transformation began unfolding around him. Swirls of vibrant energy erupted, washing the dark emptiness away, replaced with brilliant, pulsating colors. "This is extraordinary," Percy murmured, awestruck.
With evident affection, the eye spoke once more, its voice filled with a serene warmth. "These stars are akin to my children, formed from the pure essence of mana ages ago. Typically, they gather when your world faces grave danger. Yet today, they congregate to celebrate this new beginning."
Percy struggled momentarily to comprehend the significance of this event as the stars that had orbited around the majestic eye shifted their focus, drawing near him with purpose. Their radiant glow enveloped Percy, embracing him with warmth and vigor. "What's happening?" he asked breathlessly, exhilaration mingling with his confusion.
The voice reassured him gently, "The stars bestow upon you their blessings—a profound gift. Whether you can fully harness their power will depend upon your own growth. But fear not, their intent is pure, their gifts sincere."
Surrounded by the celestial lights, Percy felt an extraordinary connection to the mana now coursing through him, fully aware of the immense responsibility accompanying this gift and the solemn promise he had made. "I won't disappoint you," he pledged quietly, speaking to both the voice and the radiant stars that now encircled him protectively.
"Let's complete this, shall we?"
These cryptic words resonated with an ethereal finality as the enigmatic eyeball metamorphosed into a resplendent golden orb, bathing Percy in its radiant glow. The brilliance overwhelmed him, prompting a startled cry, "WOAH!" as the intense luminescence pierced fiercely into his eyes.
The golden essence intermingled gracefully with the deep azure of Percy's irises, forming an entrancing tapestry of gold and aquamarine. It felt as though he had become an alloy of precious metals and rare gemstones—both powerful and invaluable. Yet, even as Percy marveled at this newfound sensation, his sight began to blur, his physical presence steadily fading from the mystical realm.
On the precipice of returning to his corporeal form, Percy cast a final glance upward, eyes widening in sudden recognition. "Wait, you look just like—" his words dissolved prematurely as his form completely vanished from the mana space.
Left alone in the expansive celestial void, the colossal eyeball blinked slowly, commanding solemnly to the myriad of glowing stars, "Watch over him; he is next in line. He will require all the guidance you can offer."
Acknowledging this sacred directive, the stars shimmered gently before fading away, trailing behind Percy's departure. The great eyeball lingered briefly, contemplating in solitude the place where Percy once stood. "Interesting choice the old man made this time," it mused aloud, voice tinged with indifferent curiosity. "There was a spark—faint, almost negligible. He has yet to walk the perilous path between life and death. But my interference ensures his journey will be anything but simple." The voice drifted into silence, and the celestial entity gradually faded, leaving behind only the serene emptiness of the mana realm.
Percy's consciousness jolted awake, snapping him from the mana-induced trance. Sprawled awkwardly on the cold floor, disoriented by the abrupt return, he pushed himself upright. Night had fallen, cloaking the room in shadow. As he stood, Percy caught a glimpse of himself in the nearby mirror. Horror gripped him; his face, limbs, and clothing were gruesomely stained with blood. Angelica was conspicuously absent, and the magic circle was submerged in a disturbing pool of crimson.
Shaken, Percy murmured to himself, "I need to clean up." He stumbled into the bathroom, hurriedly stepping beneath the shower. As warm water cascaded over him, Percy scrubbed furiously at the bloodstains, reaching mechanically for his favorite mint-scented soap, hoping its familiar fragrance might calm his nerves.
Suddenly, a loud crash resounded through the dormitory, the unmistakable sound of the front door being forced open. Percy's heart raced, his voice edged with tension, "What the hell was that?"
Yet rational thought quickly tempered his panic. "It must be Angel; she's the only one with a key. She probably went for help, given how badly I must've frightened her," he reasoned quietly, continuing his cleansing ritual.
But the intrusive footsteps grew louder, approaching rapidly. Percy's mind churned, suspicion mounting. "Those steps sound close. Surely she wouldn't just barge in here, would she?" he wondered aloud, his calculated nature assessing the likelihood of Angelica's emotional state overriding common courtesy. The uncertainty hung thickly in the air, mingling ominously with the steam rising from the shower.
Percy's racing thoughts shattered abruptly as the bathroom door swung open. (Fuck! No, no, no!) he thought frantically, hastily twisting the water off just as the shower curtain was yanked aside, revealing two women standing there.
Percy's eyes widened in startled confusion, landing first on Angelica's fearful expression, then shifting to the confident smirk of the tall, striking blue-haired woman dressed provocatively in medical attire, her stylish glasses accentuating her mischievous gaze.
"Percy, are you okay!?" Angelica blurted, her voice heavy with concern, seemingly unaware of the situation's awkwardness.
The blue-haired woman's eyes sparkled with playful amusement as she appraised Percy openly. "Woah, lucky girl! If my guy were even half his size, I'd be more than satisfied," she quipped, giving Angelica a teasing pat on the shoulder.
Snapped from her worry-induced haze, Angelica's eyes drifted downward involuntarily, her cheeks flaring into a vibrant shade of crimson. Percy stood frozen for a heartbeat, exposed and startled, as Angelica's eyes lingered on his physique, a curious blend of embarrassment and admiration flickering across her expression. Her fingers lightly brushed her own skin in an unconscious reaction, betraying a quiet longing.
An uncomfortable silence stretched on until Percy quickly recovered his senses and managed to cover himself. Still smirking, the blue-haired woman couldn't resist one final tease, "Aside from his incredible package, your boyfriend has quite an amazing body. Seriously, Angelica, how do you even manage to walk?" She chuckled at her own audacity.
Percy's patience reached its limit. Firmly, he requested, "Can you two please wait outside?"
Angelica, still flushed, hastily retreated from the bathroom with the blue-haired woman trailing behind, chuckling softly.
Percy shook his head at the absurdity as he swiftly dressed in a simple brown T-shirt and black shorts. Stepping out of the bathroom, he noted with relief that the blood-soaked mana circle had already been cleaned. Angelica busied herself in the kitchen, preparing a late-night snack, while the blue-haired woman lounged comfortably on the couch, absorbed in her phone, laughing without a care. (This woman acts as if this is her own home!) Percy thought, irritation prickling at his nerves.
He settled himself pointedly onto the opposite couch, locking eyes with the carefree intruder. With a measured breath, he began coldly, "I think some introductions are in order."
His bluntness elicited an unexpectedly hearty laugh from the woman. "HAHAHA! The fact that you can still face me shamelessly after that—you're becoming more interesting by the second!" she exclaimed, clearly amused.
Their interaction was interrupted abruptly by the sudden sound of porcelain shattering against the floor from the kitchen. Angelica's flustered voice quickly followed, "Oh, I'm so sorry! How clumsy of me. Percy, could you help set the plates, please?"
Percy turned briefly toward Angelica, replying evenly, "Of course." Then, casting a sideways glance at the smiling woman, he added dryly, "Shall we have dinner?"
The woman's grin broadened immediately. "Delightful!" she answered, her enthusiasm unshaken.