While the others focused on their tasks, Yuna wrestled with hers—creating boiling water using magic. Unlike Lumine and Ludwig, who were tasked with sensing mana through deep meditation, Yuna already had a foundation in mana control. At first gnce, her task seemed simpler, but she quickly realized it was anything but that.

  Normally, Praxis-based spellcasting required using the elemental name as a foundation, with modifications shaping the nature of the spell. However, altering those words was not something she had been trained in. Praxis was an ancient, fragmented nguage, and attempts to change its structure often felt like fumbling through a lock with countless keys, most of which wouldn’t fit.

  Though noble families safeguarded a few high-level Praxis spells, commoners were limited to basic ones. Schors had spent decades unraveling its secrets, yet progress was painfully slow. As a result, most mages favored mana flow-based spellcasting—an intuitive method that relied on guiding mana into a magic circle and shaping its nature through intent. This method was more accessible, but it also had limitations. Creating compound spells, such as boiling water—requiring both water and heat—was no simple feat, especially for those without dual affinities.

  After helping Lumine and Ludwig settle into their meditation, Yuna moved to the small backyard of Zegion’s home. Sparse patches of cultivated pnts dotted the yard, surrounded by rough grass. Sitting cross-legged on the cool ground, she stared at the sky, deep in thought. How could she create boiling water from a basic water spell? Zegion had advised her to observe boiling water, to experiment with different approaches. The suggestion had seemed vague at first, but she knew there was something deeper in his words.

  The day slipped away with no progress, frustration building within her. Seeking a moment to clear her mind, she left for the river on the outskirts of Vichitra Vana. The vast forest bordering Zilt was divided into three regions—outer, middle, and deep. The outer region was retively safe, often visited by hunters and travelers, while the deeper areas were shrouded in mystery and danger. The river, flowing at the forest’s edge, had always been a pce of soce for her.

  Meanwhile, Jin wandered through the town after his morning rounds, his mind weighed down by his own struggles. The task of awakening his mana felt impossible. His feet led him toward the river, seeking a moment of crity in the cool water. But just as he neared the tree-lined banks, a sudden, sharp cry split the air—Yuna’s voice, ced with urgency.

  Jin’s heart pounded as he broke into a sprint.