Aldrich observed Saldrich's technique, taking note of her seamless manipulation of mana into both offence and defence, a revelation began to take form in his head.
But first, what truly is mana?
Traditionally, it's considered the innate energy of every mystic, the core life force that grants them access to their Art and techniques. It defines their very essence. But strip away the assumptions, peel back the conventions, and ask instead, What if mana is just mana?
A raw, undefined phenomenon of this world. A mysterious force with no set explanation. If that's the case, then its true nature might not lie in definitions, but in potential.
That was the epiphany Aldrich Aldaman grasped.
