The Nightmare Wizard
Chapter 64 – Night Training

Chapter 64: Chapter 64 – Night Training

The moonlight seeped through the round window and woke Lia. Beside her, William was still asleep, his face relaxed after the previous night. Remembering it gave her a warm feeling, but worry soon invaded her. She slipped gently out of bed, wrapping herself in the sheet. "William," she whispered, caressing his dark hair. "We need to talk for a moment."

He blinked, slowly waking up. "What’s wrong, my love?"

"Last night was... wonderful," Lia began, her eyes shining with sincerity. "But we can’t let this distract us completely. When we arrive at the academy, if I haven’t advanced, if I don’t show results... I fear they’ll separate us. I couldn’t bear to be away from you, William."

"You’re right, we must strive. And about that..." A slight smile curved his lips. "I’ve already advanced to Wizard Apprentice Level 1. I will strive to reach Level 2 as soon as possible."

Lia’s eyes widened with surprise and disbelief. "What?! How did you do it so quickly?"

William sighed, a hint of pain crossing his face. "It was... intense. Aurus, my master, forced me to go through a kind of torture to be able to feel the mana. Since then, I train every day, without fail." Seeing the worry on Lia’s face, he added softly, "Do you want me to help you? I’m willing to share what I’ve learned."

Lia nodded fervently. "Please." Then, she took a deep breath and recited the words they had been taught: "Shaelun vora elentis, kal’dar en mureth. (May the mind be calm, may the soul open)." She frowned. "This is supposed to connect us with the mana, to understand it... but I don’t feel anything. None of the girls can. That’s why we’re so behind."

William looked at her with determination. "Trust me, Lia. Come with me." He turned to head towards the cabin door, but her voice stopped him.

"Wait! It’s forbidden to go out at night."

He laughed, a glint in his eyes. "It’s for your safety, my love. They say the mana can harm you if you go out unprepared. But if you trust me, I’ll protect you."

Hesitation fought on Lia’s face, but her desire to advance and be with William was stronger. "Okay."

As soon as they crossed the doorway, Lia staggered, her hands clutching her chest as a heart-wrenching scream escaped her lips. William remained calm. Immediately, his hands performed precise movements, and a translucent blue glow appeared around them, expanding to envelop them in a mana shield. Despite his novice status, his constant study of magic had taught him that a well-focused mana shield not only blocked physical attacks but also acted as a perfect insulator against the flow of ambient mana.

Inside the blue bubble, Lia’s pain began to subside. She opened her eyes, meeting the ethereal glow of the shield surrounding them. Her astonishment was palpable. She, who couldn’t even perceive the presence of mana, saw William conjure spells with astonishing ease. The magnitude of the difference between them struck her forcefully, plunging her into a deep sense of discouragement.

William noticed the light dimming in Lia’s eyes, the way her shoulders slumped slightly. "Don’t be discouraged, my love," he said softly, his voice full of warmth. "It’s all a matter of constant practice. And besides, you have me to help you every step of the way."

Lia looked at him, seeking refuge in his gaze. "I trust you, William."

"Good," he nodded, his tone now firmer. "Here’s the plan: I’m going to dispel the shield. That painful sensation you felt when we went out... it’s going to return, with all its strength. You need to endure it, Lia. Stay calm while the mana invades you. I’ll be here, guiding you, just like Professor Aurus guided me."

Lia closed her eyes, taking a deep, slow breath. She nodded with determination. William dispelled the shield. Instantly, the air around them seemed to vibrate with an invisible energy that lunged at Lia. A choked cry escaped her lips as the mana seeped into her body through every pore, causing indescribable pain, as if thousands of incandescent needles were pricking her from within.

William stood behind her, his firm hand resting on her trembling back. "Concentrate, Lia. Feel the flow. Try to direct it with your mind. Imagine rivers of energy moving through you. Control the mana, Lia, control it!" His voice was a cry of encouragement amidst her torment.

Sweat drenched Lia’s forehead, her teeth clenched to the limit. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she fought the invasion. Again and again, she tried to focus her mind, following the guidance of William’s voice. And then, in the midst of the piercing pain, a spark. A faint sensation, like an invisible silk thread responding to her will. Slowly, with superhuman effort, she began to move that thread of mana within herself.

William felt the change in the tension of her body. He withdrew his hand, standing to the side, observing her with a mixture of pride and expectation. Lia remained with her eyes closed, her face contorted with effort, but now there was a new purpose in her rigidity. She could feel it. She was moving the mana.

After a long while of tense concentration, Lia finally opened her eyes. Her breathing was ragged, but in her gaze there was a new light, a newfound determination. She looked at William, her face still damp with sweat and tears.

"William..." her voice was barely a hoarse whisper. "I felt... at first it was horrible. A piercing pain, like my head was going to explode. But little by little... it transformed. It felt... refreshing. Like a stream of cold water flowing through my whole body. And then... heat. I felt like I was on fire, but it didn’t burn, it was... intense, alive." She paused, frowning slightly. "Even now... I feel something strange, like a subtle vibration running through me."

William nodded, watching her attentively. "Angel, can you scan Lia? I want to make sure everything is alright."

A soft voice echoed in William’s mind. Scanning... No significant anomalies detected in physiological parameters.

William reassured Lia with a gentle smile. "You see, everything is fine. It must be the first time your body has experienced mana in this way. It’s a new, intense sensation. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it."

Lia nodded, although a shadow of doubt lingered in her eyes. The experience had been much more intense and strange than she expected, but she trusted William. If he said everything was alright, then it must be.

In the distance, hidden in the shadows of the upper deck, the figure of Aurus watched the scene. An enigmatic smile danced on his lips as his eyes carefully followed the young woman’s progress.