The World Build on Energy

Time has passed in Graded—the quiet, snowy village I now call home. Winter has settled in like a heavy blanket, covering the rooftops and tree branches in glistening white. I turned five this year. It feels like an important age for some reason, like I’ve reached a small milestone in this strange new world.

I’ve started walking more efficiently now, no longer stumbling like I used to. My body is growing stronger, slowly adapting to this life. Today, something incredible happened: I saw Mother use fire magic to burn the woods for kindling. It was subtle, a small stream of flame from her hand, but it left me speechless. Fire, summoned from thin air.

Magic exists here—but it’s nothing like the overpowered fantasy spells I used to read about in manga and light novels in my old life. Here, magic is limited and grounded, deeply connected to nature and knowledge. So far, I’ve only seen elemental magic like fire, wind, and earth. Ice and lightning magic are said to exist, but no one can use them anymore. They’re like ancient legends, whispered in corners of libraries, forgotten by time.

Magic isn’t just power—it’s understanding. That’s probably why mages are called scholars in this world. You don’t just cast a spell because you want to; you need to know it. You need to study it, feel it, master it.

My sister, Eryne, is already eight. She’s different from most kids in the village—bold, confident, always dreaming big. “I’ll become the greatest mage Graded has ever seen!” she says, again and again. And honestly? She might. She already has a strong affinity for fire and wind magic, which is rare for someone her age.

This morning, I watched her from inside the house as she trained behind our cottage. Mother stood beside her, calmly instructing her like a seasoned teacher.

“Mana is like breath, Eryne,” Mother said, adjusting Eryne’s stance. “You have to feel it before you try to control it.”

Eryne grinned, and in the next moment, a small burst of flame danced from her palm.

I watched, wide-eyed, but I wasn’t just seeing fire—I felt something. A strange vibration, like the energy around us was shifting. That must have been mana, transforming into Magic.

My heart raced.

Aren — I have to learn magic as soon as possible. It’s fascinating!

I looked around, making sure no one was watching, then sat cross-legged and closed my eyes. I tried to meditate, just like those fantasy protagonists from my past life. I focused, breathing deeply.

And then… I felt it. Not just mana, but something deeper—energy that existed in everything. The chair. The walls. The trees. It was all made of different forms of energy.

Aren — So everything consists of different energy to some degree…

“Hey, what are you doing, my son?” Father asked, noticing me.

Without thinking, I shouted, “I’m going to become the most powerful person to ever exist!”

He laughed. “Sure you willlllll!”

Then Mother called him to teach Eryne the basics of swordsmanship.

That evening, when no one was around, I tried something small. I took a deep breath, focused my mind, and extended my hand toward a dry leaf on the floor.

I imagined a gentle breeze. At first—nothing.

Then, the leaf trembled.

Only a little… but it moved.

I froze.

Did I just…?

A smile slowly crept across my face.

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