Reincarnated with the Chaos Authority

Lucian's tiny hands were clasped together in deep concentration. He had read enough transmigration novels in his previous life to know what to expect.

If magic was real in this world, then having a head start would be invaluable.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes trying to focus. He wanted to sense the so-called 'mana' that people used so effortlessly around him. 

He didn't know what exactly to visualise so he loosely imagined an energy ball. He kept the image in his head and waited.

Nothing.

Perhaps I'm not focusing enough? 

He pondered and tried again, this time holding his breath for good measure. Still, nothing changed. There was no warm tingling sensation just like he had always read.

Damn!

He opened his eyes with a scowl—or, at least, as much of a scowl as a newborn could manage.

Alright, maybe I'm too young for this, he reasoned. Most magical prodigies in stories had some incredible awakening at birth or a special blessing. Maybe he was just… normal.

The thought left a sour taste in his mouth and he relaxed against the blankets as he pushed it to a later date.

***

The years passed, and Lucian grew.

By the time he was four, he had learned a great deal about his new family and their status. The Vaelcrest household was one of noble lineage and they were well known for their wealth and immense influence.

His father, Duke Aldric Vaelcrest, was a powerful noble, known for both his swordsmanship and his command of magic. His mother, Lady Evelyne was also from a noble house and they were renowned for their healing abilities.

It went without saying that great things were expected from the children and they were expected to follow in their footsteps.

His older sister, Sophia was the golden child of the family—at least in the eyes of their parents. It was already clear to everyone that she was clever and ambitious. 

She was also aided by her pretty features which she had already learned how to used to her advantage. One look at her pretty doll face and it was impossible to refuse her requests.

She was spoilt with attention and Lucian had long since resigned himself to the fact that she was insufferable.

When she wasn't prancing around demanding attention, she was tormenting him in small ways. Pinches, stolen toys, and smug grins when no one was looking.

Despite how she wears him out, he kept his patience. He had a bigger goal—his mana core.

Except there was one problem.

No matter how many times he tried, no matter how much he meditated, nothing happened.

He had invested so much time in it, practicing in secret, hoping that one day he would feel something—anything—that indicated he had a mana core. But there was nothing.

And then, to make matters worse, Sophia awakened hers.

It happened on a quiet morning.

Lucian had been seated on the floor of the study, flipping through a book when he heard something crackling behind him. 

He turned just in time to see his sister's hand glowing faintly and a look of pure delight on her face.

Apparently it has been loud because their mother came running in that same minute. "Sophia! You—your mana core—!"

Duke Aldric was behind her and he stepped forward and swooped her up in his arms. Lucian could swear he saw a tear on his cheek as he stared lovingly at his sister. "An affinity for fire magic," he said in a voice choked with emotion. 

Sophia beamed, basking in their praise. Over her father's shoulder, she stuck out her tongue at Lucian who looked on forgotten in his corner.

He clenched his fists as he stared at them.

It wasn't that he was jealous of his sister. Not entirely. After all, he had long since come to terms with the fact that his sister would always be the favored one. But this… this was different.

It was how easily she had awakened her core without putting in any effort while he had slaved at his with nothing to show for it.

It was proof that she was a genius and therefore special. He dreaded the thought of having to walk in her shadow and he knew well enough that she was going to rub it in as they grew.

The very next day, a formal ceremony was arranged to evaluate Sophia's abilities, with noble guests invited to witness the occasion. 

To Lucian, it looked more like a party than an evaluation ceremony as he watched the guests stuff themselves and congratulate his parents on birthing a genius.

It was a hot afternoon and he found himself missing his cool room. He didn't have any appetite and was instead scowling at anyone who looked his way.

He knew that greater things were expected from him so he tried to avoid people which he soon found impossible.

"Lucian darling, where are you sneaking off to?"

His mom called out anytime he tried distancing himself from the whole parade. So he had to watch from the sidelines as his sister was showered with attention.

He spied a fat bejewelled woman lumbering towards their family and he tried to make himself small as she approached. 

Her name was Lady Olenna, she was a noblewoman on the council with his father . He didn't know much about her other than that she was a gossip, was touchy whenever she saw him and his mother didn't like her very much.

"Oh, Evelyne. Seems like only yesterday when you gave birth to Sophia. Now she's a genius. How fortunate."

"Lady Olenna, I didn't realise you were going to be here," His mother replied giving a pointed look at his father who avoided her eyes.

"Nonsense, I wouldn't miss it for anything," She said waving her off. "Aldric, you shouldn't work too hard. You look a bit pale."

It wasn't long before the conversation turned to him.

"And what of young Lucian?" She inquired, grabbing a goblet of wine from a passing attendant.

"He is only four," their mother responded, though her voice carried a hint of worry. "It is still early."

"There's no harm in letting the priest test him as well. If he has not awakened naturally, then his mana core should at least be assessed."

She directed the statement to Duke Aldric.

"Well, I don't see why not," He said with a shrug.

"Well it's settled then,"She said in glee as she bent down and pinched Lucian cheeks. "Come, we're going to assess you, young man."