Elara closed her eyes, focusing inward as she attempted to guide the magic coursing through her. Initially, the flow was sluggish, like molasses being poured through a narrow straw, and she had to strain to push the magic forward. Yet, as she persisted, she began to feel a shift.

  Gradually, she noticed the pathways within her starting to solidify, widening and becoming more receptive. It was as if they were being shaped and molded by the magic itself, accommodating its steady stream. She could feel the energy seeping into those pathways she had already cleared, invigorating them, making them feel alive.

  And then she felt something else, something she hadn't anticipated. It was as if she was creating not one but five separate circuits, each with its unique rhythm and flow. They were all interconnected, the energy flowing through them converging at a single point in between her shoulder blades. It was an intense, concentrated mass of energy - a mana construct, she realized.

  She could feel the mana construct pulsating, matching the rhythm of her own heartbeat. It was like a magical heart, steadily pumping the magic through the circuits, streamlining the process. As the construct took over, the task of circulating the energy became less strenuous, more natural. She could feel her own consciousness detach from the process, leaving the construct to perform its function.

  She was amazed. Never had she felt something like this before. Her body felt alive with magic, buzzing with an energy she had never known. She opened her eyes to find Eldranthor watching her, his eyes wide with awe and surprise.

  "That...was incredible, Elara," he said, his voice filled with a profound respect. "You are truly a natural. You're making progress faster than I ever imagined."

  Elara smiled, the sense of accomplishment bubbling within her. She still had much to learn, but this...this was a start. A solid, promising start.

  With a deep breath, Elara stood, her legs wobbly after the intense focus and energy of her magical workings. But the euphoria of her success quickly faded as she was overwhelmed by a sudden wave of fatigue. The world swirled around her, and she stumbled, her knees buckling beneath her.

  Eldranthor, ever watchful, saw her sway and was by her side in an instant. His arms scooped her up just as her consciousness slipped away, his strength easily bearing her slight weight.

  "Eldranthor…" Elara's voice was but a whisper, her eyelids fluttering shut.

  "It's alright, Elara," Eldranthor soothed, his voice calm and steady. "You've done well. Rest now."

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  Gently, he carried her to her bed, laying her down with utmost care. He brushed a few stray locks of hair from her forehead, his touch as light as a feather. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he looked at her peaceful face.

  Eldranthor had taught many over his centuries of existence, but Elara… Elara was different. There was a determination in her, a raw talent and passion that few possessed. She was still so new to the world of magic, yet she took to it like a fish to water.

  A swell of pride welled up within him, a sentiment he had rarely felt in his long life. As he watched her sleep, a sense of protective affection settled over him. Elara was not just another student. She was special.

  Eldranthor turned and quietly left the room, leaving Elara to her much-needed rest. He had much to prepare for. This was only the beginning of Elara's journey, and he would be there every step of the way.

  When Elara awoke, she felt oddly revitalized, a sense of well-being coursing through her veins. She sat up, touching the spot between her shoulder blades. It was strange, but it felt as if a part of her had always been missing, and it was only now filled. She knew it was the mana construct, a part of her now.

  She stood, feeling strangely lighter than before. Her body seemed to hum with energy. As she moved, it felt as if she were one with the flow of magic coursing through her. She let out a laugh, the sound echoing in the silent room. The potential within her felt boundless.

  Entering the library, she found Eldranthor waiting. The light from the setting sun bathed the room in a warm glow, casting long shadows across the floor. He looked up as she entered, a small smile playing on his lips.

  "You're up," he said, the smile reaching his eyes. "How are you feeling?"

  "Amazing," she admitted, unable to suppress the joy that bubbled up within her. "I feel so...alive."

  "That's the magic within you," Eldranthor said. "The more you channel it, the more natural it will feel. Soon, it will be as easy as breathing."

  Elara beamed at him, unable to contain her excitement. She had a long way to go, but she was ready. She was willing to do whatever it took to master this new-found power, to protect the world she had come to love.

  "Elara," Eldranthor said, "it's time for you to learn how to use the magic within you." His eyes gleamed in the low light of the library, filled with anticipation and a hint of trepidation.

  He instructed her to close her eyes and focus on the feeling of the magic coursing through her body, feeling the intricate network of magical pathways that had formed. "Focus on one point, let the magic gather there," he instructed her.

  Elara did as she was told. It was different, not like reading a book or studying a language, but more like sensing, feeling. She focused on the center of her being, where she could feel the most energy. The magic there was warm, soothing, comforting. Slowly, she felt the energy start to pool.

  "Now, gently," Eldranthor continued, "imagine releasing that energy, let it flow out of you and suffuse the area around you."

  With a slow, deep breath, she released the magic. It was a strange feeling, the energy slipping out from her, but not disappearing. Instead, it filled the room, a faint hum of magic that made the hairs on her arms stand up.

  Eldranthor nodded in approval. "Good. With time, this will become second nature to you. But remember, patience. You need to allow your body to adapt to this new condition."

  Elara opened her eyes, blinking at the intensity of the sensation. "I'll practice every day," she promised, her voice steady with resolve.

  Eldranthor offered her a proud smile. "I've no doubt of that. Now, rest. Tomorrow, we continue."

  With that, Elara found herself looking forward to the morning, eager to explore the depths of her magical potential, no matter the time it would take.