"What's an Esper?"
"Someone with special abilities. They can't use magic, but they have unique powers."
"Yes. My mother had an incredible sense of hearing. Whenever we played hide and seek, she would always find me, even if I hid where she couldn't see."
"I see. Seems like you inherited your mother's ability. That's why you can perceive your surroundings even with your eyes closed. It's like how bats navigate—they don't see, but they hear exceptionally well and can move easily in the dark. But one thing is odd... You said you could see with your eyes as well?"
"Yes. Even with my eyes closed, I could see clearly."
"Did it look just like it does in daylight?"
"Yes, exactly like in the daytime."
"Hmm... I don't get it," he said after pausing for a moment.
"Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, everything's fine. Never mind."
After that conversation, I started to feel uneasy—as if something had shifted in our bond. I began to worry that Master would start seeing me the same way the villagers once had.
"Can I keep wearing the blindfold?"
"Don't misunderstand me... If it helps you feel at ease, then yes, you may keep wearing it."
"Thank you."
And so, I continued my daily training with Master Valorant. Two months passed, and autumn came. During that time, I advanced in my training and reached the first level of the Flaming Wrath technique: Flame Mana. I hadn't fully mastered it yet, but I had started using it.
I never removed the blindfold during that time. I continued talking to Master as usual, although I began to feel a slight shift within myself.
The first time I used Flame Mana, I was overjoyed. It wasn't just a simple milestone—it was the fruit of my hard work.
"Flame Mana" is the name of the invisible yet tangible protective layer formed when an Elestar, attuned to the fire element, merges their internal mana with the essence of fire. This barrier not only shields the body but also enhances it. It increases speed, strength, and endurance—key traits in battle.
It has many benefits. For example, hot objects no longer affect me. I can walk bare-chested in winter without freezing, and even walk through fire in summer without harm. It's an amazing defensive shield.
"I've finally reached the first level!"
"Congratulations! Even though it took you longer than usual, you did it. Do you feel your body becoming stronger?"
"Yes, I feel powerful."
"Flame Mana is only the beginning. There's still much ahead. Let's test how well you've learned it."
"Alright."
"Take this metal pot and use your Flame Mana to heat it to 100 °C. If you can do that, it means you've properly grasped the first level."
I dipped my hand in the pot and held my Flame Mana steady. A few minutes later, the water began to boil.
"See? It worked!"
"Now stick your hand into the boiling water!"
"Are you serious?! My hand will burn!"
"I said do it—so do it!" He grabbed my hand and forced it into the water.
I squeezed my eyes shut in fear. Everyone knows boiling water burns. But I felt nothing.
"You're such a coward."
When I saw that nothing had happened to my hand, I tried dipping it again and again. No matter how many times I did it, my hand remained unharmed.
Four more months passed. Winter arrived. Despite the cold, I didn't stop training. I was growing stronger every day, and with Master Valorant's guidance, also becoming wiser and more experienced.
Now, even though it's freezing outside, I run across the snow in light clothing. After four months of Flame Mana training, cold no longer bothers me. I even learned that Flame Mana can warm not just myself, but anyone in physical contact with me.
After finishing my morning run, I returned to the cabin. When I entered, I saw Master sitting near the fireplace, reading a letter. He wasn't looking at me as he usually did.
"What's wrong?"
"Gather your things. We have to go on a journey."