Reincarnating As A Prince in the DC Universe

Aiden and Mira were outliers however.

One was able to manifest a domain out of a whole new source of energy that is the Force while the other could imbue certain intents on her manifested magic.

In Aiden's case, although he is unable to extend his domain past the normal ten meter or the hundred meters with the help of external energy, he was still a Domain holder due to the quality of his magic.

However, in terms of mana quantity, he lagged behind an average Archmage not to mention a Grand Mage.

Mana was the raw essence of the universe, a formless energy that pulsed through the veins of the world and its inhabitants. It was everywhere, in the whispers of the wind, the depths of the ocean, and even the glow of the stars.

(A/N: If you're a DC fan, you'll know that mana doesn't really exist in the Work, however, Magic is the term used for both the energy and the act itself. I found it confusing to deal with since there is Order magic, Chaos magic, Divine Magic, Ritual Magic, Dark Magic and many others. So while I maintain the name magic, I decided to use Mana as the energy Source for Humans.)

For those attuned to its presence, mana was an untapped reservoir of power, waiting to be shaped and harnessed.

Magic, however, was something far more deliberate.

It was mana refined and molded, forged into something tangible by the caster's will.

Where mana was passive and neutral, magic was active and purposeful, the manifestation of intention.

A mage's knowledge, skill, and affinity with their element determined how effectively they could transform raw mana into magic.

To the untrained eye, the two might seem indistinguishable, lightning crackling in a mage's palm or a conjured flame roaring to life, but to those who understood, the distinction was clear.

Mana was the potential, the infinite wellspring from which all magical feats were drawn.

Magic was the expression, the artistry of turning that raw energy into a spell that could heal, destroy, or reshape the world itself.

In short, the Domain is Magic while the Force is the 'Mana' required to activate it.

And in Mira's case, with the aid of spirit energy, she could alter the characteristics of her magic.

(A/N: I really hope y'all got that, cuz I don't know how else to explain.)

…

In the early hours of the following morning, Aiden's eyes fluttered open after a night of well deserved rest. Taking in a deep breath, he gathered his wits about himself before he exhaled, dispelling the turbid air in his lungs as well as his drowsiness.

Pulling the blanket away, he smoothly swung his legs over the edge of the bed. The cool touch of the polished floor against his bare feet was grounding.

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Aiden rubbed his neck absently, loosening the lingering stiffness as he let his thoughts settle.

The events of the previous day replayed in his mind, the clash with the dark mages, the overwhelming aura of hostility and their weakness, which led to their unfortunate circumstances.

Without dwelling on it, he dismissed the thought. Mira would handle them. He pushed himself up, rolling his shoulders as he made his way toward the window. Pulling the curtains aside, he was once again greeted by the sight of his castle's flower garden.

How beautiful.

"This sight never gets old." He muttered, then exhaled softly. Still, he knew he wouldn't be here much longer. The thought didn't bother him. He could always recreate this view wherever he chose to call home next.

Thinking this, he turned just as the female servant pushed open his door.

"Your Highness." The servant bowed. "I've come to—"

Aiden interrupted. "No need. Just go about your usual chores." With a casual flick of his hand, he cast a [Clean] spell on himself, then walked to his wardrobe, donning a flowing robe.

He had matters to attend to. There was no time to let a maid fuss over his hygiene. In his early years, he had no choice—custom demanded it. Now, however? No grown man should allow such…

Of course, most nobles did. He simply didn't.

"Your Highness, His Majesty the King has requested your presence as soon as you are done with your morning functions," the servant said, her head still bowed low.

Aiden frowned. A closer look confirmed his suspicion—he didn't recognize her. That meant she was new to the palace and unaware of his distaste for excessive obeisance.

"You must be new here, right?" he asked instead of acknowledging the message.

"H-huh? Ah! Yes, Your Highness. Forgive me for my negligence." Lethli, startled by the sudden question, glanced up—only to meet Aiden's gaze. She quickly ducked her head even lower.

Aiden sighed, loudly. She trembled. He found it amusing.

"Did you do something wrong?"

"Ah? N-no… not that I am aware of."

"Then why are you apologizing?" Aiden asked, stepping forward.

As he approached, Lethli instinctively tried to bow even lower—only to find her body unresponsive. Her head lifted against her will, her gaze locking onto his.

"What's your name?" His voice was smooth, almost melodic.

"L-Lethli, Your Highness."

"Relax. I don't put much stock in royal decorum and all that nonsense." He released his subtle hold on her and turned away. "Find your predecessor. Learn what I tolerate—and what I don't."

"...Yes, Your Highn—"

BAM.

Before she could come to and give a reply, the sound of the door leading into the Third Prince inner bedroom closed shut with a loud bang that seemed to rattle her from the inside out as she nearly collapsed to the floor, her heart thumping so loud that she could hear it.

Breathing heavily, Lethli couldn't help grabbing her chest as she took in deep breaths. 'What was that!?' she screamed internally.

This wasn't what she heard from the head servant.

Following the 'suspicious activity' in the Third Prince's quarters the previous night, the head servant had assigned her who was merely a cleaner in the royal dinning room to attend to the needs of the Third Prince who was now famously known as the strongest mage in the kingdom.

It wasn't an exaggeration to say that he could wipe out the kingdom should he deem it necessary.

Those were the words of her fellow servants however. She had never truly been in the presence of the Prince so she could only create a profile of him from what she had heard.

Now however, upon meeting the prince, she felt it would have been wiser if she had met with Clerall, the servant who had previously been attending to the Prince's care.

From what she knew, Clerall had spent considerable time with the Prince's friends and should have developed a profile of the Third Prince and his personality.

"Stupid. Stupid. Stupid!" She cursed as she knocked herself on the head the same number of time she cursed herself. She couldn't even fathom why she had panicked.

She had been in the employ of the Royal family for quite sometime now and have never been met with a situation where there was a need to panic as she had done.

The King, the Queen, Princes and Princess never had a reason acoust them with a fault. She understood it was due to the meticulous training they received prior to their employment.

Neither the Head Maid nor the Head Butler tolerated mistakes of any kind. Fortunately, the royal family was too down-to-earth to nitpick over a servant's occasional misstep—if they even made one.

"Phew." Letting out a deep breath, Lethli brought her heart beat under control as she also regained her calm.

'A servant must never panic.' she mused internally. That was the first lesson drilled into them.

This was one of the first teachings she was given. As servants, they were the hands and legs of the Royal Household, an extension of the Family that ruled the Kingdom, hence, they could never panic and always maintain a state of calm.

It was a mutual trust between the two.

And so, with a renewed sense of purpose, she straightened her posture and resumed her task, determined to ensure the Third Prince's quarters were as pristine as possible.

…

Aiden POV

What an interesting little thing.

That was my impression of the maid.

Lethli, was it? She seemed like the type to crack under pressure. Perhaps I'd have fun teasing her in the future.

But what could Father want to discuss this early? Did Mother already tell him I was causing trouble the moment I woke up?

Tch. Even if that were the case, shouldn't he be the one visiting me, not the other way around?

Whatever. This arrangement works too. I can use this chance to ask for the MotherBox. I want to see how much stronger it can make me.

I'm not sure how I compare to Grand Mages just yet… but below that rank? From the encounter with those seven, I can confidently say that I stand invincible.

***

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