A lake!

That was the only thing that could be said about the sight before me.

The body of water made a smooth circle, surrounded by the earth around which was covered in greens.

Oh, how the pool glistened in the later afternoon sun. Though surrounded by shade, the reflection of light caused its charm to increase even more.

It wasn’t very large, and I assumed that if humans were to step into it for a swim, the pool wouldn’t be able to accommodate more than ten persons at once. Still, it was so clear and crystal blue that I was left breathless.

The surrounding was exquisite as well. Plants and flowers of varying colors, all looking exotic most likely due to the effects of mana density in the area.

The colorful flora made me grateful for finding this spot, thinking about how I would use them for my benefit. The air tingled my skin, everywhere seemed to radiate with power—even the rocks around brimmed with so much energy that I wondered how long they had been soaking in all that mana.

Still, with such a lustrous environment, I sensed no living being around. No wild insects, or small animals, none. This place that was so full of mana was devoid of life, well, except for the plants.

‘Hmm… oh well.’

I couldn’t mull over thoughts that wouldn’t give me a solution. I needed to do what I came here for… Meditation!

Without wasting any time, I crossed my legs and made a meditative pose while relaxing my buttocks on the soft grass that welcomed me gently. Breathing in and out slowly, I focused on my inner mana supply, observing the channels and controlling the flow to the designated direction I wanted it to go.

Currently, my three Mana Cores were located in my stomach region, brain region, and spinal region.

For my fourth Mana Core, I was going to make it in my heart region!

It was a delicate procedure, which was why I always had to be careful anytime I meditated. However, there was really no time at all anymore. With the rich ambiance of mana here, I hoped to try forming my Mana Core and make it in time for the Familiar Selection Ceremony in three weeks!

“Huu… now then, let us begin!”

With everything now in order, I proceeded to begin collecting the mana around me, pure and unsullied.

Using SPELLCRAFT to attract the Mana around toward me, I also increased the flow of the Mana particles in my body… all converging at a single location. The moment my body began taking in the external mana, the mana in my body became quickened, and my Mana Cores went into overdrive.

‘This feeling… ah… I remember it!’

A wave of nostalgia and pleasure enveloped me, feeling so much life pour into my body. With all the mana within my body quickened, the flow became much faster than normal.

I was amazed by the speed… it was incredible!

“Let’s not rush, Jared… it’s quick, yes, but let’s not rush!”

To make a firm and sturdy Core, I needed to pour way more Mana into it than normal. My other cores were made in a rush, so even after I had made them, I was still going through the trouble of refining and strengthening each.

But, if I made a definite foundation with this, it would be much better in terms of efficiency. I could later focus on advancing all my cores to the Yellow Core stage later on, except my base one.

“Yes… keep flowing!”

I still had an hour to spare… it was best I made perfect use of that time!

************************

Once again, I lost track of time. Trapped in the euphoria of meditation, I exceeded the schedule I gave myself. Fortunately, it wasn’t by much.

“It’s most likely after five… are they still waiting for me?” I huffed, rising from the grassy plains.

Judging the clouds that appeared in the sky, and how low the sun had gone, I was certain that classes would be over by now.

Since that was the case, I needed to hurry back.

“Guh!”

A sharp pain coursed through my body, one which I realized quite well. It was a backlash of the meditation I had just done, something that could kill me if I wasn’t careful… Hunger.

“Gurrrrrrrr….”

My stomach made a growling sound, crying for a meal to satiate it. Unfortunately, I could not respond positively to its call. If only ignoring it could solve the problem.

“Ah, damnit… I got carried away and now I’m starving!”

I sluggishly pushed my exhausted body and hurried back to the Lecture Hall, where I agreed to meet up with Anabelle and Edward. The temptation to run off to a cafeteria crossed my mind, but this was more important!

I couldn’t create a bad impression of myself now! Not after all I had done to get to this point.

“Huff… huff…”

Fortunately, the Lecture Hall wasn’t too far from the weird lake chock full of mana. In what I estimated to be barely three minutes, I arrived at the Lecture Hall. It wouldn’t have taken so long if I wasn’t so hungry, though.

“Sorry to keep you waiting!” I swung open the door leading to the classroom and gave a light smile, hoping to see my new acquaintances.

But, what I saw… was something I never expected!

“This… this is…!!!”

Edward and Anabelle turned their heads in my direction the moment they heard my voice, but they weren’t the ones my eyes were on. The two of them sat at the front row of the class, where they had made their seats… and right on their desk were the things that made me widen my eyes in shock.

“Food!!!”

I unconsciously leaked out my thoughts in an obsessive manner, and following this outcry, my stomach rumbled even more.

The embarrassing display of my hunger echoed throughout the empty classroom, causing Edward and Anabelle to look at me with expressions that told the opposite of respect.

“Haa… haha… haha…”

I could only leak an awkward laugh out of my lips, but the deed had already been done.