As the final tendrils of the mana-infused air dissipated around him, Lucian's gaze remained fixed on the translucent panel shimmering before his eyes. The System, ever efficient, had just presented him with a summary of his mana status.
A flicker of curiosity, quickly followed by a spark of an idea, ignited within him.
"System," Lucian's voice, usually calm, held a rare tremor of excitement, "can you generate a spell based on the Nexus technique I created back on Earth?"
The System's response was immediate, its ethereal voice resonating directly within his mind. "Yes, Host. If you can provide all the necessary data on your techniques and their fundamental principles. I can then formulate spells. This will, however, take time, as I am currently creating a spell to allow you to see the status of other individuals."
A jolt of surprise shot through Lucian. His eyes widened, a wave of apprehension washing over him. "Wait, will other people be able to tell I used a spell on them?" The question was laced with a hint of urgency.
"No need to worry, Host," the System reassured him, its tone unwavering. "The spell I am developing is based on infrared and radio waves—technologies from earth far beyond this world's current understanding. Detection would be a difficult but as this is magical world, I am not 100% sure."
Lucian nodded slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Yeah, that makes sense. But how exactly will it work, and how much mana will it consume?"
"It will consume 1 MP of Balancing mana," the System explained. "It uses Balancing mana to generate and emit infrared and radio waves from your body. These waves strike the target, gather information, and return."
A new thought, more strategic this time, surfaced in Lucian's mind. "Hold on," he interjected, "why don't you also create a spell that emits those same waves, but with the purpose of searching and scrutinizing the surrounding area for potential dangers?"
"Yes, Host," the System affirmed, "I will create an additional spell based on your suggestion."
"How much time will that take for both?" Lucian pressed, his mind already racing with possibilities.
"Approximately two hours," the System replied. "Both spells will be ready within that timeframe."
Lucian gave a final nod, a subtle sense of satisfaction settling within him. He turned and exited the dimly lit chamber, stepping back into the bustling thoroughfare of the Warrior Quarters.
His eyes immediately caught sight of Eira, leaning casually against a weathered stone pillar, her gaze fixed on the entrance. He considered ignoring her, a familiar impulse to avoid unnecessary interaction, and simply proceed on his way.
"Hey, Kai! Over here!" Eira's voice, surprisingly loud and clear, sliced through the ambient chatter of the street—a full-throated scream echoing with almost defiant cheerfulness.
Lucian shook his head and thought 'Like father, like daughter both like to scream to their heart content.'
Eira, a whirlwind of energy, quickly closed the distance between them. She stopped just inches from him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, shortie," she began, a wide, impish grin spreading across her face, "how was the experience?"
Lucian's composure, usually as unyielding as tempered steel, fractured. His left eyebrow twitched violently, a primal surge of irritation bubbling to the surface.
Before he could fully process his actions, his hand shot out, seizing the collar of Eira's tunic. His voice, low and guttural, was a dangerous growl. "If you dare call me 'shortie' again, I will beat you so badly that you will..."
He stopped abruptly, his grip loosening, then releasing her collar entirely. He took a long, ragged breath, forcing the anger back down, and turned to walk away.
It wasn't that he was afraid of Eira; far from it. It was simply not worth his time or energy to engage in a physical altercation with her.
Several passersby had paused, their curious gazes fixed on the brief, tense exchange between Lucian and Eira.
Eira, unfazed, adjusted her collar and looked at his retreating back. "What? What were you going to do to me?" she taunted, her voice still carrying a playful edge.
"You're scared you can't beat me without your magic, right? But I gotta say, shortie, you've actually got some brains. If you'd cursed me, we'd have had to enter the arena and fight."
Lucian paused, turning his head slightly to glance at her over his shoulder. "I didn't curse you because I'm scared or anything, tsk. Just leave it. Why were you calling me anyway?"
"Father wants me to walk you to your home," Eira announced, her tone suddenly more subdued, almost dutiful.
Lucian raised an eyebrow, a hint of incredulity in his voice. "Do you think I'm a kid?"
Eira stretched out her hands, a gesture of mock helplessness. "Oh, well, nothing I can do."
"Do as you like," Lucian said, turning fully and resuming his walk. "I'm leaving."
He strode purposefully out of the Warrior Quarters, passing through the grand gate that marked the place boundary.
Eira, true to her word, fell into step behind him, her presence a constant, slightly annoying shadow. "Houses in this area are super expensive," she chirped, her eyes scanning the grand residences they passed. "You really are lucky, being born into a rich family."
Lucian offered no reply, simply quickening his pace. He wanted to reach the sanctuary of his home, to escape the incessant chatter.
Finally, the familiar, imposing structure of his family's residence came into view, just outside the city gate. Leora and Ylva were both standing near the entrance, seemingly waiting.
The moment Eira spotted Leora, her eyes widened, and an unbidden exclamation escaped her lips. "Beautiful! Amazing! How can someone have such a good physique."
Eira then turned her admiring gaze to Leora, her assessment blunt and direct. "Looking at your physique, I can tell you're a diligent warrior who trains daily, not like certain someone who has sky-high confidence but if you just glance at his body, you can tell he's a slacker."
Lucian felt no annoyance. He simply ignored Eira's jab and addressed his sister. "Sis, what are you doing here at the gate?"
Leora, however, seemed to have eyes only for Eira.
She completely bypassed Lucian's question, her gaze fixed on the younger girl. "Don't flatter me," Leora said, a small, genuine smile gracing her lips. "I can tell by looking at your physique that you're also a diligent person who trains daily."
Eira, clearly unaccustomed to such direct compliments, rubbed the back of her head, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "You flatter me," she mumbled, a rare moment of shyness for her.
"Uh, Sis," Lucian tried again, a hint of exasperation in his voice, "what are you doing here?"
Leora, still focused on Eira, continued as if Lucian hadn't spoken. "In which weapon do you have the highest mastery?"
"…"
Lucian could only stare.
The silence stretched.
Why is she ignoring me? Lucian thought, a flicker of concern. System, is this from the mana potion's mental effects?
System's emotionless voice appeared in his head 'I don't think this is due to mana potions.'
Eira, oblivious to Lucian's internal monologue, answered Leora's question with a confident grin. "I'd have to say spear. In terms of spear technique, there are few who can defeat me."
Leora nodded, a look of approval on her face. Her gaze then shifted to Lucian, who was idly kicking pebbles along the roadside, a clear sign of his boredom. Her expression hardened instantly. "Lucian, behave yourself! What are you doing in front of a guest?"
Lucian looked around, genuinely confused. "Where's the guest?" he asked, turning his head from side to side. "I don't see him." He continued to scan the area, finding no one else.
"Here, this girl, can't you see?" Leora exclaimed, gesturing towards Eira.
Lucian, still perplexed, mentally queried the System. Are you sure this isn't caused by mana potion mental hazards?
The System's response brought a faint smile to Lucian's face. Host, she is merely teasing you. As you are not the real Lucian, you wouldn't know, but the real Lucian and Leora always used to fight and have fun. It's a sign she's recovering, Host.
Leora asked "Lucian, who is she actually?"
"Sis, isn't she, our guest?" Lucian said with a grin, a hint of amusement now in his voice.
Leora glared at Lucian and said "Oh, I see." Her face showing anger
"She's just someone I met during magic training at the neighborhood. As for you wanting her as a guest, I don't care. I'm going to my room."
Eira screamed, pointing at Lucian and said "wait, his name is Lucian?"
Lucian laughed and said "haha, my real name is Kai, it is just my Sister calls me Lucian."
Eira looked at Leora expecting for answer, Lucian from behind started giving strange signals and Leora burst out Laughing and said "Yes, his name is Kai, he is my cute little brother so I call him Lucian."
Eira could only nod.
"Lucian," Leora called out, recovering quickly, "I'm going to explore the city. You can do whatever you want."
"Okay," Lucian replied, not even turning his head as he disappeared inside.
Eira, meanwhile, looked as if she had found a new rival, a new competitor. She turned to Leora, her eyes gleaming. "I can help you explore the city. If I'm right, you're new here, right?"
Leora nodded. "Thanks."
Eira laughed, a bright, infectious sound. "No worries! But can we spar and measure our battle powers later? That'd be more fun, and I think you wish for that too."
Leora's lips curved into a smirk. "But, I don't wish to hurt you."
Eira's laughter rang out again, louder this time. "Here, I thought you were more humble, not overconfident like your brother, but I guess I was wrong. You two truly share the same blood!"
"Okay," Leora conceded, a hint of challenge in her eyes. "Help me explore the city."
The two girls, now a united front, passed by the Warrior Quarters gate. Eira quickly informed her father that she was helping Leora explore the city.
Her father, observing from a distance, beamed with pride. Haha, nothing less than I expected from my daughter! Straight for impressing the elder sister, good, good!
"Let's go to the church first," Eira suggested, her enthusiasm undimmed, "and do our morning prayers."
And so, Eira and Leora walked on, enjoying the vibrant sights and sounds of the city, a new, unexpected friendship blossoming between them.