Chapter 20. Fulfilling Elderly Duties
"I can't."
"Yes, you can. You're not visualizing the weave properly." Adom leaned back in his chair, feet propped up on the practice room table in clear violation of at least three academy rules.
"I am! Look - threads of mana, geometric patterns, all that stuff. Nothing's happening."
"Because you're trying to force them into existence, Eren. They already exist. You just need to—"
"If you say 'focus' one more time..."
"I was going to say 'see them,' actually. But now that you mention it, focusing wouldn't hurt." Adom tilted his head, watching another failed attempt scatter golden sparks across the worn wooden table. "Though I have to admit, you're very consistent at failing. Same exact fizzle every time. It's almost impressive."
"I do not like you, Adom. Like, at all."
He watched another fizzle with amusement. "You know, there's this theory that mana is semi-sentient - some mages swear it knows when you're trying to force it without proper visualization. Not sure if I believe it, but watching you right now..." He smirked. "But what do I know? I'm just the guy who can actually do magic."
"Why can't I just punch things instead? I'm good at punching things."
