Chapter 8

Jeremy's POV

He pondered as he raised a brow in surprise. He tried again, this time holding his breath for good measure. Still, nothing changed. There was no warm tingling sensation just like he had always read.

Damn.

He opened his eyes with a scowl—or, at least, as much of a scowl as a newborn could manage.

Alright, maybe I’m too young for this, he reasoned. Most magical prodigies in stories had some incredible awakening at birth or a special blessing. Maybe he was just… normal.

The thought left a sour taste in his mouth.

With a sigh—more of a soft exhale—he relaxed against the blankets. He’d try again later. For now, he’d have to wait until he grew a little more.

***

The years passed, and Lucian grew.

By the time he was four, he had learned a great deal about his new family and their status. The Vaelcrest household was one of noble lineage, their wealth and influence well-respected. His father, Duke Aldric Vaelcrest, was a powerful noble, known for both his swordsmanship and his command of magic. His mother, Lady Evelyne, was of a noble house renowned for their healing abilities.

It was no wonder, then, that their children were expected to follow in their footsteps.

His older sister, Sophia, had been the golden child of the family—at least in the eyes of their parents. She was clever, precocious, and most importantly, she was determined to prove herself. Lucian had long since resigned himself to the fact that she was insufferable.

When she wasn’t prancing around demanding attention, she was tormenting him in small ways. Pinches, stolen toys, and smug grins when no one was looking.

Still, he kept his patience. He had a bigger goal—his mana core.

Except there was one problem.

No matter how many times he tried, no matter how much he meditated, nothing happened.

He had given it years, practicing in secret, hoping that one day he would feel something—anything—that indicated he had a mana core. But there was nothing.

And then, to make matters worse, Sophia awakened hers.

It happened on a quiet morning.

Lucian had been seated on the floor of the study, flipping through a picture book, when a loud burst of energy filled the air. The room crackled with a sudden surge of power, and he turned just in time to see his sister, her small hands glowing faintly, a look of pure delight on her face.

Their mother gasped in joy. “Sophia! You—your mana core—!”

Their father stepped forward, eyes shining with pride. “A natural affinity for fire magic,” he observed, watching the small embers dancing at her fingertips.

Sophia beamed, basking in their praise. She turned to Lucian, her lips curling in a smirk only he could recognize.

He clenched his fists.

It wasn’t jealousy—not entirely. He had long since come to terms with the fact that his sister would always be the favored one. But this… this was different.

This was proof that she was special. And he—he still hadn’t even felt the slightest trace of mana.

A formal ceremony was arranged to evaluate Sophia’s abilities, with noble guests invited to witness the occasion. Lucian stayed silent throughout, watching from the sidelines as his sister was showered with attention.

It wasn’t long before the conversation turned to him.

“And what of young Lucian?” one noblewoman inquired, sipping her wine.

“He is only four,” their mother responded, though her voice carried a hint of worry. “It is still early.”

“Indeed,” Duke Aldric agreed. “We shall have the priest test him as well. If he has not awakened naturally, then his mana core should at least be assessed.”

Lucian swallowed hard.

The day of the evaluation arrived.

A priest from the Church of the Eternal Flame was summoned—a tall, solemn man dressed in deep blue robes, carrying with him an ornate crystal staff. He introduced himself as Father Reinhart, a man of wisdom who had performed this ritual for countless noble families.

Lucian sat stiffly in a high-backed chair as the priest stood before him, his piercing gaze measuring him.

“Do not be afraid, young one,” the priest said gently. “This process will not hurt.”

I’m not afraid, Lucian thought bitterly. I just don’t want to embarrass myself.

He glanced at his parents, who watched him expectantly. His sister stood at the side, smug as ever.

Father Reinhart raised his staff, the crystal at the top glowing with a faint, pulsating light. He began to chant, his voice low and steady. The air around them shifted, heavy with unseen energy.

Lucian felt a warmth surrounding him, pressing against his skin, searching—searching for something within him.

He held his breath.

Come on… please, let there be something.

The priest’s brows furrowed slightly. His chanting slowed. The glow of the crystal flickered.

Then, after a long, excruciating silence, the light faded entirely.

Father Reinhart took a slow step back, his expression unreadable.

Lucian’s heartbeat pounded in his ears.

“Well?” his father asked.

The priest lowered his staff. “I am… deeply sorry.”

Lucian froze.

“There is no mana core within him.”

The room fell deathly silent.

His mother gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. His father’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening.

Lucian felt the weight of their disappointment before anyone even spoke.

“No mana core?” his father repeated, his voice cold, disbelieving.

“It is not unheard of,” the priest said carefully. “Though rare, there are those born without the ability to wield mana.” He turned to Lucian, his eyes filled with sympathy. “It does not mean you are lesser, child. Strength comes in many forms.”

Lucian barely heard him.

No mana core.

The words echoed in his mind, hollow and cruel.

His entire life in this new world—his plans, his ambitions—they had all hinged on one thing: magic.

And now, he had nothing.

He glanced at Sophia, who was staring at him with wide, delighted eyes.

The realization hit him like a punch to the gut.

In this world, he was useless.

A noble without magic. A son unworthy of his family’s name.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.

This was supposed to be his second chance.

So why did it feel like the world had already cast him aside?