In the gray space between black and white, two people walked.
Amid clashing emotions, they moved in opposite directions.
One blamed himself, while the other praised him.
One sank, while the other rose.
As the white grew, the black shrank.
In the end, all that remained was a single black dot in the middle of a white page.
Aria opened her eyes, got out of bed, and checked her body.
Her healed bones felt even stronger than before.
The potion had strengthened her, washing away the timid person she once was.
"It's about time we started your training."
Aria looked up and saw Karon.
He stood as straight and unwavering as ever, yet all Aria could see was someone who would shatter if touched.
Karon prepared breakfast, and they ate together.
The two silent figures barely attempted to speak.
Whenever Karon tried to start a conversation, Aria's short, blunt replies brought it to an immediate end.
Realizing she didn't want to talk, Karon didn't push her.
After finishing their meal, they went outside. Following a short warm-up, they began some light exercises.
"Your body's in good condition. We can begin mana training."
"But before that, I'll give you a lesson. It's boring, but important."
"Mana, the origin of all things, is unstable. However, once it takes form, it resists changing."
"What do you mean?"
Karon picked up a stone.
He raised his other hand.
Another stone formed in his palm.
Then he squeezed the one he had picked up from the ground until it crumbled into sand.
After wiping the sweat from his forehead, he began to explain.
"If creating this stone cost me five units of mana, turning it into sand cost twenty."
"I made those numbers up just to make it easier to understand."
"But why?"
"Because that's mana's nature. Once it has taken shape, it resists being changed."
"I'm done writing."
"Good. Now let's move on to mana users. There are mana users and a subclass known as Art Users."
"Why call them a subclass? Aren't they stronger?"
"That's true. Art Users are stronger than ordinary mana users. But 'mana user' is a broad category, and Art Users are included within it. Don't look at it from the perspective of strength alone."
"I see. Are there any other classes?"
"Art Users are divided into three ranks: Beginner, Knight, and Master. A Knight is someone who has completely mastered their Art. Until you reach that point, you're considered a Beginner."
"What about Masters?"
"It's too early for that. Masters don't simply use their Art anymore. Their Art has become a part of them. They've become one with their mana."
"How does someone become a Master?"
"No one knows. It's a secret that the Masters deliberately keep hidden."
"So what separates Art Users from ordinary mana users?"
"Good question. Art Users are people who have learned to shape mana through books called Grimoires. Ordinary mana users can only do simple things like strengthening their bodies or reinforcing their weapons. Art Users, on the other hand, can create things like fire."
"I've got good news for you."
"You'll become an Art User as well."
A single word escaped Aria's lips before she could stop herself.
"How?"
"I have an extra Grimoire. I'll give it to you."
"When?"
"Don't be impatient. Be patient. The element you'll wield demands patience as well."
"Which one?"
"You'll be able to control ice."
A determined expression appeared on Aria's face as she continued taking notes.
"One last piece of advice. Listen carefully."
"The more you control mana, the more mana controls you. That's why you must use it with restraint."
"What do you mean?"
"The more your body adapts to mana, the more it changes without you realizing it. For example, fire users become quick-tempered without even noticing."
"At the Knight level, it won't affect your life too much—as long as you're careful. That's why you should think carefully before making important decisions."
"What about you?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Karon smiled.
"My will is strong."
"Mana can't shake me that easily."
Aria stopped writing and looked at him.
Without wasting a second, Karon changed the subject.
"Come over here and kneel."
"We're about to take the first step."
Aria did as she was told. She closed her eyes and focused.
"I'm going to send a wave of mana into your body."
"Try to control it."
With a determined expression, she answered,
"...Okay."