Brush, brush, brush. Adrian worked the brush against the stone floor, hands moving in steady circles as he scrubbed away dirt that had collected from the day’s activities. The faint scent of soap mixed with the cool, earthy smell of the convent walls, and small suds formed in trails as he moved. The work was tedious, but he pushed through. I'll be done with this soon.

  Next to him, Seven tackled her part of the floor with determined focus, her tiny hands scrubbing vigorously. Every now and then, she’d look over at Adrian with a look of anticipation.

  Her face was smudged with a streak of dirt, and the sleeves of her tunic were damp from where she’d accidentally dipped them into the bucket. She looked like she was holding her breath, ready to ask him something but holding back, just barely.

  Finally, with one last wipe, Adrian set his brush down and wiped his forehead, catching his breath. The floor now shone in patches, free from dirt and dust. As he straightened up, he caught Seven’s gaze fixed on him, her eyes wide and expectant.

  Adrian let out a long, quiet sigh. Of course.

  The boy held Seven’s gaze for a moment, then nodded, letting out a short sigh. “All right, I’ll teach you soon."

  Seven’s face lit up instantly, a broad grin spreading across her face. “Really? Thank you, Adrian!”

  “Hold on,” he said, raising a hand to temper her enthusiasm. “We still have to finish cleaning. Can’t leave it half-done, or the nuns will have us scrubbing floors all day tomorrow too.”

  The sound of scrubbing brushes filled the air as Adrian and Seven worked to finish their chore. Adrian’s arms ached, but he pressed on, eager to complete the task. He glanced at Seven, who furiously tackled a stubborn patch of dirt.

  At last, Adrian leaned back and surveyed their work. The stone floor gleamed in the dim light of the room, clean and fresh. He wiped his hands on his tunic, sighing in relief. Magic lessons… I wonder how it will go this time.

  “That’s it. We’re done.”

  “Really?” Seven practically jumped to her feet, her brush clattering to the ground. “So, magic now?”

  Adrian raised a hand “Hold on, we should get Sister Selena to join us this time.”

  “Huh, but why?"

  “Sister Selena can help in case something bad happens. Remember how you were barely able to control your mana core last time?"

  “That was one time!” Seven’s cheeks puffed indignantly.

  “It’s enough for me to make sure it doesn’t happen again. So, why don't you go find her, and I'll wait in the garden?"

  "Fineee."

  Seven spun on her heel and sprinted as she called over her shoulder. “I’ll find her, Adrian! Don’t start without me!”

  Adrian watched her go, shaking his head. Where does she get all that energy?

  He bent to gather the cleaning supplies, returning the brushes and bucket to their proper place near the washbasin. As he worked, his mind drifted to the lessons ahead. I’ll need to keep her focus sharp this time. Maybe Sister Selena can help rein her in should the worst happen.

  Adrian made his way to the garden, the cool evening air a welcome change after all the cleaning. He found a clear patch near a cluster of lavender bushes and sat cross-legged on the grass, waiting.

  It wasn’t long before Seven’s voice broke the quiet. “Adrian! We’re here!”

  Adrian turned to see her bounding toward him, with Sister Selena following at a more measured pace. The nun’s serene expression softened as she approached. “Seven told me you’ve agreed to another lesson,” Selena said, her tone warm. “Today, I’ll take the lead. But I’d appreciate your insights, Adrian. You seem to have a knack for explaining things.”

  Adrian’s cheeks colored slightly, but he nodded. “Of course, Sister. I’ll help however I can.”

  Sister Selena turned to Seven. “We’ll start by working on your mana core. Stabilizing it is key to everything else you’ll learn.”

  Seven’s eyes widened. “My mana core? But… it’s so…”

  “Volatile,” Selena finished gently. “That’s why I’m here. If it becomes unstable, I can temporarily seal some of your mana channels. Don’t worry, you’ll be safe.”

  Seven hesitated, brows furrowing as doubt flickered across her face. But determination soon returned, firming her expression.

  She lowered herself to the ground, crossed her legs, and closed her eyes. Her small hands rested on her knees, fingers twitching slightly as though unsure where to begin.

  Sister Selena knelt before the young girl, placing a hand over Seven's forehead. The nun's hand emitted a soft glow, casting gentle shadows across Seven's tense features. “Focus inward, feel the flow of mana within you. Don’t try to force it.”

  Adrian leaned forever and observed how Seven breathed, there was a clear hesitation in the young girl's rhythm. She’s nervous. Don’t push too hard, just guide her. “If it feels overwhelming, breathe slower so you can better control your mana core.”

  Sister Selena glanced at Adrian, her glowing hands still steady over Seven. “That’s… correct. Adrian, how do you know so much about magic? For someone your age, your understanding is exceptional.”

  For a moment, Adrian hesitated, caught off guard by the question. Can't dodge this one, but… I don't think being completely honest is a good idea.

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. “I, uh… sneak into the library a lot. Oh, and I’ve also practiced a lot on my own.”

  Sister Selena’s eyebrows arched. “On your own?”

  Adrian swallowed hard as nervousness crept up to him. "Uh, y-yes."

  A soft smile spread across Selena's lips. “Adrian, that’s remarkable. Few children would show such initiative, let alone accomplish what you’ve done. If this is what you’ve achieved by yourself… you’re going to be an extraordinary—”

  Her words were cut short as Seven’s face twisted with sudden strain. The girl's body trembled, her breaths quick and uneven. Panic flickered in her voice as she murmured, “It’s too much.” Her hands pressed hard against her knees, fingers digging in as though to anchor herself. “I—I can’t control it!”

  Adrian’s heart clenched at the sight. She’s pushing too hard. I should’ve noticed sooner. “Seven, don’t fight it!” he called gently, trying to calm her from where he knelt.

  Selena reacted swiftly, her hands steady as they rested firmly on Seven’s trembling shoulders. “Breathe, Seven. I’ll seal some of the channels. You’re safe.”

  Immediately after, a warm, golden light bloomed from her palms, radiating outward like a soothing balm. The tension in Seven’s body eased gradually, her trembling subsiding under the steady glow.

  “You’ve got this, Seven. Let the mana flow through you, not against you. Imagine it as a stream you’re guiding.” Adrian said.

  Seven’s trembling stilled as his words found her, her lips parting in a shallow breath. With a small, shaky nod, she closed her eyes once more as she tried again.

  She’s so determined. Adrian’s gaze softened. He reached out and lightly placed a hand on her arm, his touch grounding. “Ease up. You’re guiding the mana, not wrestling with it. Trust yourself.”

  Seven exhaled slowly. The faintest shimmer of energy pulsed from her form, like the first rays of dawn breaking through shadow. Steadily, she opened her eyes. “I… I think I’m doing it."

  A wide smile spread across Adrian’s face. “You’re not just thinking it, Seven. You did it.”

  Sister Selena’s expression was warm with pride as she removed her glowing hands from Seven’s shoulders. “Congratulations, Seven. Stabilizing such a volatile mana core is no small feat.”

  Seven’s breaths came in shaky gasps as the tension in her body melted into joy. A radiant smile broke across her face. “I did it! I really did it!”

  “You should be proud, It takes incredible focus and strength to achieve what you just did." Sister Selena said.

  Seven beamed, her earlier doubt replaced by pure elation. “Thank you! Both of you! What’s next? I want to keep going!”

  Selena exchanged a glance with Adrian. “I think she's ready to try sensing magic, are you still up to help?"

  Adrian returned the look. "Of course."

  Sister Selena nodded and turned her attention back to Seven. “This time, we’ll focus on magic outside yourself. Close your eyes, and let your senses reach outward. Try to follow my movements for now."

  Seven mimicked Selena’s posture, her small hands resting lightly on her knees, her shoulders straightening. Adrian, watching intently, allowed his own mana to ripple slightly outward, creating a subtle hum of energy around him. “Do you feel that?”

  Seven’s nose scrunched in concentration as her brow furrowed. “I think so. It’s warm… and bright. Like a little flame.”

  “Exactly, that’s my mana. Now try with Sister Selena.”

  Seven turned her focus to Selena, her expression tightening in concentration. The tension in the air thickened as she stilled completely. After a long pause, she spoke again. “It’s different, still bright, but softer. Like… moonlight.”

  Sister Selena’s eyes widened briefly. “That’s an excellent observation, Seven. Not many can describe mana so vividly on their first try.”

  “But why are your mana cores so different?” Seven asked, tilting her head slightly.

  Adrian chuckled softly. “Everyone’s magic reflects who they are. My magic is tied to fire, so it feels warm and intense. Sister Selena’s mana is calmer, more refined, just like her.”

  “And mine?” Seven asked.

  “It’s hard to say for certain right now. Your mana is still settling, and we’ve only just scratched the surface. But perhaps,” Sister Selena glanced at Adrian, then back to Seven, “I can teach you how to cast some basic spells. That might help us understand your magical affinity better and, in turn, reveal more about your mana core.”

  Seven’s eyes brightened with excitement. “Okay! What do I have to do?”

  Sister Selena chuckled softly and looked at Adrian. “Since you know how to use magic, why don’t you demonstrate a spell for her? Something simple, so she can observe.”

  Adrian nodded, standing slowly. “Watch closely, Seven. This is basic fire magic.” With a focused breath, he channeled his mana into his hand, a tiny flicker of blue flame springing to life at his fingertips.

  Yet, before Sister Selena could say anything, the flame in Adrian’s hand abruptly extinguished. He blinked in surprise, staring at his fingers as if the answer might appear there. “That’s strange.”

  “Did you stop the spell early?” Sister Selena asked.

  Adrian shook his head, flexing his fingers again. “No. Let me try again.”

  He concentrated once more, his mana sparking the flame back into existence. The blue fire burned steadily for a few moments, its light bright and unwavering. Then, just as suddenly as before, it vanished, leaving nothing but a faint wisp of smoke. “It’s.., happening again, huh."

  Sister Selena’s eyes narrowed as she observed him. “The way it disappears, it’s not like the spell is failing. It’s as though the flame is being snuffed out by something else.”

  Adrian’s gaze darted to Seven, who sat watching him with wide, curious eyes. A strange sensation prickled at the edge of his consciousness, faint but unmistakable. His mana felt… drawn, tugged away from him as if by an unseen thread. Could it be her?

  He crouched beside Seven. “Seven, I think your mana core might be reacting to mine. It’s like it’s pulling energy from my spell and snuffing it out.”

  Seven’s eyes widened in alarm. “I’m doing that? I didn’t mean to!”

  Adrian gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s okay. You’re not doing it on purpose. It’s just… your core is really strong. Let’s try something. Can you focus on not using your magic? Just imagine your mana core staying still, like a calm lake.”

  “Not use my magic? How do I do that?” Seven asked.

  Sister Selena, who had been watching silently, frowned slightly. “Adrian, why are you asking her to suppress her magic? If anything, she needs to learn how to control it, not hold it back.”

  Adrian glanced up at her, his voice steady but thoughtful. “I’m not asking her to suppress it. I just want her to focus on keeping it still, to test if it really is her mana core that's causing my flames to be put out early.”

  Sister Selena studied him for a moment. Then she gave a slow nod. “Very well. Let’s see if it works. Seven, listen to Adrian. Try to imagine your magic like a calm still lake.”

  Seven nodded nervously and closed her eyes. The air around them grew quiet, the faint tension from before easing.

  Adrian raised his hand again, summoning his flame. This time, the fire held steady, its blue light flickering softly. “I think it’s working.”

  "So it seems it really was Seven's mana core that was snuffing out the flames." Sister Selena said, pressing a hand to the side of her head.

  Seven opened her eyes, frowning. "Um, so did I do a bad thing before?"

  "No sweetie, it just means you have a really strong affinity for abjuration magic. You know, that school of magic that lets people create barriers or dispel other magic."

  "Oooh, so does that mean I just need to practice more?"

  "You certainly can." Sister Selena said, chuckling lightly. "But enough training for now, we should all get ready for dinner."