Awakening of the Mind Sovereign
Chapter 46: The First Spell

Chapter 46: The First Spell

Echo stood in the yard, excitement bubbling inside him.

For a whole year, he had focused solely on meditation and controlling his energy. He had grown stronger, but something was missing.

He wanted to learn spells.

So, early that morning, he approached Rilan.

"Dad, I want to learn how to use magic!"

Rilan raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Are you ready for that?"

Echo nodded firmly. "I’ve been meditating and training every day. I can feel the energy inside me now. It’s time I do something with it!"

Rilan chuckled, setting down the wooden staff he had been holding. "Alright, let’s not waste any time."

Understanding Spells

Rilan led Echo to the open field behind their house. The sun was shining brightly, and the morning air was crisp.

"Listen carefully, Echo," Rilan began. "Magic is simple once you understand how it works."

Echo leaned forward, eager to absorb every word.

"A spell is just a command. All you need to do is think about what you want to create, and it will take form using the mana inside you."

Echo blinked. "That’s it? No complicated chants or hand signs?"

Rilan laughed. "No, those are just for show. If you want to summon fire, you don’t need to say anything. Just picture the flames and feel the heat."

Echo nodded slowly, trying to wrap his head around it.

"Let’s start with something easy," Rilan said. "Summon water."

The First Attempt

Echo took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

He imagined a small ball of water forming in his hands.

He focused, feeling the mana inside him respond.

A faint chill spread through his palms.

Then, suddenly—

Drip.

A tiny drop of water appeared, hanging in the air before splashing onto the ground.

Echo frowned. "That’s it?"

Rilan chuckled. "Patience. Try again."

Echo inhaled deeply, concentrating harder this time.

He pictured a small, perfect sphere of water, smooth and clear.

His mana swirled, and this time, the water responded more easily.

A small, wobbly ball of water hovered between his hands.

Echo’s eyes widened. "I did it!"

Rilan smiled. "Good. Now throw it."

Echo hesitated, then hurled the water ball forward.

It flew a short distance before splashing onto the ground with a weak splat.

Echo’s shoulders slumped. "That wasn’t very impressive..."

Rilan shook his head. "For a child who has only been learning mana for a year, it’s impressive enough."

Echo clenched his fists. He wanted more.

Refining the Spell

Rilan patted Echo’s shoulder. "Try again. The more you practice, the better your control will become."

Echo nodded, determination burning in his chest.

He repeated the process—summoning the water, shaping it, and throwing it.

Again.

And again.

Each time, the water ball grew more stable.

Each time, it flew a little farther.

Hours passed. Sweat dripped down Echo’s forehead, but he refused to stop.

Finally—

A perfectly round sphere of water hovered in his palms.

Echo grinned. "I’ve got it this time!"

With a sharp motion, he launched the water ball forward.

It zipped through the air—

And splashed against a tree with a satisfying smack.

Echo jumped in excitement. "Did you see that?!"

Rilan chuckled. "I did. Keep practicing, and one day, that little splash will be strong enough to knock down a tree."

Echo’s heart pounded. He was one step closer to becoming truly strong.

---

A full year had passed since Echo first learned to control mana.

The days blurred together in warmth and happiness.

For the first time, in what felt like forever, he truly loved his life.

This world—his new home—was nothing like the ones before.

It wasn’t full of pain. It wasn’t full of loss.

Here, he had Eileen and Rilan. He had a family.

A real family.

They cared for him. They laughed with him. They protected him.

And in return, Echo gave them his full heart.

He no longer thought about the past.

He only cared about this world—this life.

A Year of Training

Over the past year, Echo’s progress had been immense.

His control over mana had sharpened, his understanding of energy had deepened, and his body had grown stronger.

Where before he could only control water, now he could freely manipulate wind, fire, and water.

This wasn’t unusual in this world.

Anyone with a mana affinity could wield any element.

But even so, Echo’s talent was undeniable.

He could now summon strong gusts of wind that could shake the trees.

He could create streams of fire that flickered wildly in his hands.

And his water magic? Far more powerful than a year ago.

One time, he had even blasted a rock into pieces using water pressure alone.

Rilan had been impressed.

Eileen had been worried.

And Echo?

He had been thrilled.

Each new breakthrough, each new spell—it was all exciting.

He wanted to push himself further.

To see how strong he could really become.

But today, he had something else on his mind.

"I Want to Go to the Market."

Echo looked up at Rilan, determination in his eyes.

"I want to go to the market."

Rilan, who had been practicing sword swings in the yard, paused mid-motion.

He turned to Echo, his expression unreadable.

Then, with a chuckle, he lowered his blade.

"The market, huh?"

Echo nodded. "I’ve never been before."

Rilan smirked. "I suppose you haven’t."

Eileen, who had been listening from the doorway, crossed her arms playfully.

"Why the sudden interest, Echo?"

Echo shrugged. "I just want to see what it’s like."

And he did.

For the past year, he had been training, training, training.

It was time to experience the world beyond their home.

Rilan exchanged a glance with Eileen.

Then, with a grin, he ruffled Echo’s hair.

"Alright, let’s go to the market."

Echo’s eyes lit up.

He was finally going to see the world beyond their home.

And he couldn’t wait.

---

The sun hung high in the sky as Echo, Rilan, and Eileen stepped into the bustling heart of the market.

It was nothing like Echo had ever seen before.

The air was filled with the lively chatter of merchants shouting their prices, customers haggling over goods, and the distant sound of a street performer playing a lively tune on a flute.