After such words, having received such an unambiguous invitation to the ritual, I could have given Arien the tuft of the gray nend fur that I've been carrying with me since Unudo. But what stopped me was the fact that I had previously said I didn't have this fur. Now, I would have to pretend that I was going in search of the necessary ingredient. But there was nothing to be done, it was either that or outright show that I was a blatant liar. Anyway, I needed something to do until Arien reached Opal, and I wouldn't be able to elevate my rank myself. According to my very rough estimates, Arien would ascend to the next Spiral Coil no earlier than ten days from now, and that was at best. This, in turn, opened up the possibility of returning to Katashi and working on the armor with him. By the way, this was a very tempting option! In the Last Cycle, I hadn't gotten to work directly with the Japanese in the forge. Of course, I did some work, but at best, I was assigned to assist apprentices. So such an experience would be quite beneficial. Moreover, if I returned before the armor was finished, it would somewhat smooth over my unexpected departure. I had explained things to Katashi, but our parting had still been a bit tense.

There were other advantages to such a return. For instance, I could visit Bogash's Tomb again and cleanse it of dark artifacts. This would allow me to earn money to cover the cost of the return passage through the Gates and possibly gain some unusual Achievement. It would also be interesting to check in on Vidar's group and see how they were doing. Besides, I could reach the region of Rur by a slightly different route, which would allow me to visit another curious place lying somewhat north of my previous path.

"You seem so surprised that I changed my mind, or are you just daydreaming?" Arien interrupted my thoughts, nodding at the oars that had stopped moving.

"I was recalling what I know about nends." The more I lied, the easier it got for me.

"Care to share?" Arien's voice sounded genuinely curious.

"As I said, no one among the tunnellers I've questioned has ever seen a gray nend." These words made the future goddess frown, so I hastened to add, "But sometimes, very rarely, you can find a nend with a patch of gray fur."

"How rare is 'very rarely'?" Arien clarified.

"I don't have statistics, only secondhand accounts. It's hard to judge the real situation based on them. According to what I've heard, you can increase the chance of finding such an anomaly by clearing the highest-ranking dungeons possible."

That was actually true, if the local beliefs were to be trusted. So, I was incredibly lucky to find a patch of gray fur in a Copper Rank dungeon.

"In other words, the Wootz tier. Because, as far as I know, nends no longer appear in Precious Coil dungeons."

"That complicates things," Arien frowned, and I understood her. "Besides me, there's no one in the guild who has reached Wootz."

"As I said, I'll try to help. The ritual benefits me as well."

"If gray nend fur is really that rare, one person won't be enough."

"I agree," I nodded readily. "We could turn to the Task Board in the Tunnellers' Guild, offering a good reward for the ingredient. Or pay mercenaries, but there's no guarantee of results, as you'd have to pay for each dungeon clearing regardless of whether they find the necessary item or not. The best option would be for you, considering how the local population regards you, to join a group of Wootz tunnellers. Though this 'best option' is the most labor-intensive, it has its own advantages."

"What advantages?"

"Combat experience, Achievements for clearing, which will help you reach Opal faster. And by going through dungeons with local tunnellers, you'll get a better understanding of life in Ain."

"So, I don't understand local life well?" Arien frowned.

"Are you sure that in just over two months here, you can fully understand an alien world?" I asked, genuinely surprised.

"Can't argue with that wording." The future goddess smirked, looking away.

Since I was rowing very slowly, the boat barely moved. I thought Arien would hurry me, but she seemed oblivious to the unhurried pace. This could be interpreted in different ways, but I hoped it was a good sign. No, we wouldn't be together as a couple, and likely not even close friends, but maybe she now saw me as a useful partner? If so, then, as much as it hurt me on an emotional level, I understood that this wasn't the worst scenario and something I could work with.

The pause after the girl's words dragged on. I even thought about asking Arien about changes in the guild's regulations to break the increasingly awkward silence. But I quickly restrained myself. The future goddess took the affairs of Ainuminati very personally, and such curiosity from an outsider could be taken quite negatively. I had already crossed the line once by looking into her papers, so it wasn't worth making the same mistake twice. It was Arien herself who broke the silence, asking me to tell her about my journey through Ain. She had spent all her time since arriving in this world in the vicinity of Katiyer, and her interest was quite understandable. Naturally, I didn't hold back. Such a conversation was also beneficial to me, as it allowed me to lay down many different hints. Dropping the pace even more, I began my detailed story.

I narrated slowly, dedicating a lot of time to the people I happened to meet. I omitted some encounters, like with Molly Moon and company, as well as Scully. I tried to correct the impression Arien had formed about Miranda, but judging by the expression on the future goddess's face, I wasn't very successful. However, she was pretty interested in another girl that fate had brought me to. So much so that she asked in detail once again where I had met her. When I spoke of Edi's calculating abilities, I saw Arien's eyes light up in the night darkness.

After the described meeting with Edi, my story about the rest of Vidar's group didn't make much of an impression on Arien. Yes, my former beloved listened attentively, even made a couple of comments about Vidar's group's philosophy, but it was clear that she was immersed in thoughts of how to lure such an extraordinary character as Edi into her guild. Against the backdrop of the "calculator" girl, I didn't even manage to draw her attention to Katashi. No matter how much I hinted to Arien at how unique the Japanese was, no matter how much I tried to convey the idea that such an ally would benefit the Ainuminati, it seemed the future goddess ignored all these cues. All the more surprising was that the story about Ronin rekindled her curiosity. She even asked a few clarifying questions about the fencing master. This happened after I placed Ronin above myself in terms of sword mastery.

Of course, besides talking about the encountered earthlings, I didn't forget to describe my path, carefully weaving into the narrative both what I had actually experienced in this Cycle and what I knew thanks to the "memory of the future." Neither did I overlook the importance of studying religion, especially noting that divine Echoes still influence life in Ain and can both bless and curse. I also described a couple of dungeon clearings, emphasizing how important it is for mages to study martial skills and for warriors to master magic.

"By the way, my case is just an example of uneven development," I admitted, shaking my head ruefully. "I have a clear skew towards the warrior aspect. While it didn't particularly hinder me at lower ranks, at Wootz I've been faced with the fact that my magical arsenal is significantly inferior to that of the local warriors standing on the same step. I think, because of this skew, I wouldn't be able to win the Great Tournament of one of the Major Guilds at this rank." Bowing my head, I 'confessed.' "One of the reasons why the Ritual you found is so important to me is precisely the chance to improve my abilities in Lightning and Earth. This will help me focus my magic studies on these two elements and not spread myself thin."

"Why specifically Lightning and Earth?" the future goddess asked with genuine curiosity.

"In the local, time-tested tradition, certain weapon and magic combinations have been established that complement each other best. For a swordsman, the best option is studying Air. For a hammer wielder, Earth. I, however, am a spearman, and for me, Lightning is considered the optimal complement." Shaking my head, I added, "These aren't just some traditions without substance. It's experience verified by centuries of practice and the creation of unique combat schools."

"Lightning and spear make sense. But why Earth? I don't see a hammer on your belt," Arien asked with a slight smile.

"Not Earth as a base, but as an addition. Due to the specifics of the local magic, arms and legs remain unprotected by armor, and I plan to compensate for this gap with protective magic. I'm not even as interested in Earth itself as I am in its subdivision - Metal magic." Dropping the oars into the water, I snapped my fingers and demonstrated Discharge. "Unfortunately, at this stage, that's all I can do. Not much, is it?"

"It's certainly no match for my arsenal, but I haven't even started training with the blade yet," the future goddess replied with a frown. "Alas, even in this world, a day isn't fifty hours long, and there's not enough time for everything, no matter how much you want it."

"If you don't mind, I would like to request the opportunity to stay on the Ainuminati territory for a day or two to learn a few spells. I think among so many earthling mages, I can easily find someone who can help me with this."

"What spells are you interested in?" Arien asked thoughtfully.

"Direct Lightning and Stoneskin."

"And that's all?" the future goddess said in surprise when I didn't continue listing.

"A dozen learned spells that there's no time to practice won't be of any use. For now, these two will suffice. Once I master them to a sufficient level, like Discharge, which is already woven into my combat style, I'll seek out new magic."

"Interesting approach."

"I can't afford to think about how to weave a spell more precisely during a fight. All the magic in my arsenal must be performed reflexively." Sighing heavily, I smiled and added, "When I reach the Heroic Coil, I can allow myself a more academic study of magic."

"Pf-f-f… Warrior…" whispered the future goddess, turning towards the water.

"Pragmatist," I allowed myself to correct her.

"Fine, I'll find you a mentor," Arien agreed. "But after you study the magic you're interested in, you'll immediately set off in search of the gray nend fur."

"As soon as possible," I nodded.

"Agreed."

"By the way, does anyone in your guild know the Spiritual Armor spell?" I asked, as if belatedly remembering something important.

"Spiritual Armor?" Arien repeated, and after waiting for my nod, continued, "Isn't that magic available for study starting from the Precious Coil?"

"There are confirmed cases of mastering Spiritual Armor even at Wootz."

"Confirmed by whom? More biographies?" clarified the future goddess.

"I personally met a Wootz fighter who mastered this technique," I sighed. "By the way, it was quite unexpected and could have ended badly for me."

"It seems your story about your journey through Ain was far from complete," Arien commented with mild reproach.

"A detailed narration would take at least a day," I shrugged. "As for that case, from the outside, it could be called amusing…"

No matter how I tried to row more slowly, by the time I finished my story about the ridiculous skirmish that happened after clearing the Garnet Grotto, our boat was already almost at the pier.

"Let me warn you," the future goddess said strictly, having listened to me without smiling once. "Like that sheriff and the head of the tunnellers, I also don't understand such humor. I don't advise you to joke with me in that way. In my opinion, what happened was not funny at all!"

After finishing her speech, she stood up, and a series of fiery flashes with a discernible rhythm burst from her palm. When we got within a dozen steps of the pier, Clement accurately tossed us a coil of thin rope. Jumping off the boat, Arien gestured her thanks to the warrior and exchanged a few inaudible words with Felicia. Then she turned to me and, in a dry, emotionless voice, said:

"See you tomorrow. Felicia will take you to the guest rooms."

With that, the future goddess abruptly turned and, after giving some signal to Clement, quickly headed towards a long warehouse building set apart from the main estate complex.

"I thought you were bluffing when you said you knew where to find our head," Felicia said quietly as she approached me. "Come on. I'll show you the way. And don't worry, I've already taken your things to the guest room."

"Thank you." Politely thanking her, I noted to myself that there didn't seem to be particularly trusting or friendly relations between this girl and Arien.

As we walked to the main building of the estate, I tried to ask Felicia about guild affairs, but she replied with monosyllabic answers and clearly had no desire to tell an outsider anything. She escorted me to a one-story annex that looked more like a summer veranda, showed me the room, quickly wished me a good night, and, carefully closing the door behind her, left.

The guest room turned out to be quite spacious but sparsely furnished: a bed, a chest for belongings, a low table, and a roughly assembled stool. Judging by the fresh smell of resin, this veranda had been built very recently, and there hadn't been time to make proper furniture yet.

Before undressing and getting into bed, I inspected my belongings. Not that I didn't trust Felicia, but it's always better to verify such things right away. Judging by the fact that the tricky knot on my backpack remained untouched, no one had even looked into my things. On the one hand, this was a sign of trust. From another perspective, in terms of guild security, this was nothing but carelessness. Although, maybe I was being overly critical. After all, at the moment, the Ainuminati didn't have their own territory, and they were renting someone else's estate, so it wouldn't have been possible to establish a security service properly anyway.

Shedding the weight of my armor and hanging my gambeson on the stool, I washed up from the basin on the table, then stretched and collapsed onto the bed, which creaked plaintively. I lay there for a long time, staring at the beige ceiling, replaying my conversation with Arien in my mind. Once again, everything went quite differently from what I had envisioned. The worst-case scenario, where the future goddess never forgave me for my sudden departure and prying into her papers, didn't occur. But our meeting was also far from the best-case scenario as well. I even quite tensed up when she said she hadn't promised to invite me to the ritual, and that all the spots were already taken by members of Ainuminati.

I wondered what would have happened if I had told the truth and given Arien the grey nend fur right away. The more I thought about it, the more I inclined towards the idea that she would have started the ritual as soon as possible. Since I was at the same rank as her, I wouldn't have been allowed to participate under that pretext. And not because Arien was a vindictive bitch, but because she was a pragmatic leader and understood that twenty-five should not wait for one. Of course, these were just my thoughts, and in reality, things could have gone differently, and Arien might have suggested delaying the ritual until she reached Opal herself. And that could have happened, but I still didn't risk betting on such an outcome. Yes, with my lie, you could say I forced Arien to promise me participation in the ritual. But now I would have to leave the vicinity of Katiyer as quickly as possible, supposedly in search of the missing ingredient. And there were some drawbacks to this. It would have been more beneficial to stay there for at least a week. This would have allowed me to significantly expand my magical arsenal, and it would also have been helpful to conduct some training sessions for the Ainuminati fighters.

Wait! I had promised Arien that I would go in search of the grey fur as soon as I learned Direct Lightning and Stoneskin. And if that was the case, who prevented me from pretending to be a "negligent student" and mastering these two spells for three days, while also learning something else and exchanging experiences with other earthlings? Moreover, this wouldn't even harm my image. Since mastering new spells was no simple matter, many spent not just days, but weeks, and sometimes even years on it. In the Last Cycle, "I" spent five days mastering the same Direct Lightning, which, by the way, with two and a half Stars of Talent in Lightning magic, was considered a very good result among the locals. Yes, thanks to the "memory of the future," this time, the study would go much faster, as it had already happened with "Discharge," but no one knew about this feature of mine. So, it turned out that I could "stretch" the training and stay at the estate under a good pretext. With this thought and a broad smile on my face, I fell asleep.

Despite managing to sleep a little in the boat on the way to Katiyer, I didn't wake up with the first rays of the sun, but almost an hour later, and even then, it was due to the noise coming from the slightly open window. After washing up and putting on only a shirt, leaving the armor on the stool, I grabbed my spear and went outside.

The everyday bustle was already in full swing on the estate grounds. Greeting a couple of earthlings I already knew, I inquired where I could do my morning exercise. Following the directions, I went down to the lake. It turned out that I wasn't the only one who decided to train so early, and four fighters were already warming up on the pebble shore. Three guys I didn't know and a girl with a staff, whom I "remembered" from the Last Cycle, but "remembered" poorly, as I had almost no interaction with her and had only seen her a couple of times.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Greeting the earthlings, I introduced myself and, choosing a free spot, stepped aside so as not to disturb their training. Judging by how they looked at me upon hearing my name, they had heard something about me. Apparently, Miranda's tales fell on fertile ground, especially after I indirectly confirmed them by winning the magical bet against Arien.

Performing the now familiar katas, I didn't forget to observe the training of the four earthlings, noting various details in their movements and actions. It seemed that none of them had been involved in fencing or martial arts on Earth. This was evident in the meticulous way they tried to replicate the basic local exercises. Despite all four having already reached Bronze, they were still far from Tuan, the deputy sheriff of Unudo, who was also at the Bronze rank. However, judging by their efforts, if they survived the first six months, they would quickly catch up with the local fighters. And if they got lucky with their teachers, within a year, they could reach a fairly decent level. Most likely, by opening recruitment in her guild to warriors, Arien hadn't changed her principles and only accepted those into the Ainuminati who passed a strict exam.

For about a third of an hour, I pretended to be fully engrossed in my training, but then I finally couldn't stand the numerous mistakes the earthlings were making. Stopping my kata, I approached them. I stood there for five minutes, demonstratively watching them, and then expressed everything I thought about their training. In response to the reasonable question, "And who are you to consider yourself entitled to give advice to others?" I suggested they all attack me at once and try to hit me at least once without using combat magic.

Their first joint attack reminded me of a similar incident when Miranda, Ilona, and Flavius tried to do the same thing during our early days in Ain. The earthlings interfered with each other, blocking attack sectors and obstructing lines of sight. Demonstratively sticking the spear's shaft into the ground and holding onto it with my right hand, I scattered them with my left, like blind kittens. Their second joint attack ended in an even greater failure. And I felt like a character in an old Hong Kong action movie, fending off a crowd of street thugs as if not noticing them.

No, this group, unlike Flavius, Miranda, and Ilona, had already learned something during their time in Ain, but I had grown even more during that same period. The knowledge from my "past life" had already merged significantly with my lived experience, creating a huge synergistic effect. An effect that showed itself in all its glory in this kind of sparring with inexperienced fighters.

Before the third attack, the earthlings asked for five minutes and spent all that time conferring, developing a unified tactic. And I must admit, their plan was quite sound. They wanted to distract my attention, then, by putting two under attack at once, limit my maneuverability, and then deliver at least one precise blow. However, due to their lack of real combat experience, their plan was doomed to fail. As soon as something went wrong - specifically, I attacked first instead of dodging - they couldn't adjust. They fell for a simple "doubling," where two fighters end up in a single line, and their third attempt ended ingloriously.

Before the fourth attempt, the earthlings quarreled among themselves, each blaming the other for the failure. I immediately took advantage of this by giving a brief lecture on team interaction, which only angered them further. Thus, their fourth attack, though more enthusiastic than the previous ones, ended even faster and more painfully for the earthlings than the first one.

Since this training was not a way for me to entertain myself and stroke my ego but served the specific purpose of improving the earthlings' skills, I didn't forget to point out their mistakes after each attack. I also explained what exactly I did and how I achieved victory.

The fifth time, they finally listened to my words. They split into pairs, not randomly, but in such a way that one's weapon complemented the other's. Then they tried to pinch me. They attempted to distract me with sharp, quick lunges and partially succeeded. To fend off this attack, I had to take up my spear. Naturally, I won this time as well. But judging by the earthlings' smiles, the fact that they made me resort to using my weapon was perceived as a minor victory.

By that time, a small crowd had gathered to watch our activities. Other earthlings, abandoning their tasks, observed our impromptu sparring with great interest. This was exactly what I aimed for, as after such a vivid demonstration, I wouldn't need to prove anything to anyone.

After laying four earthlings face down in the grass for the sixth time, I asked if they wanted to have a proper training session. Despite their disheveled appearance and some anger in their eyes, none of them refused. Moreover, five more who had just been watching accepted my offer.

With the shaft of the Striking Whisper, I divided the lakeshore into squares, giving each participant their own space so they wouldn't interfere with each other. Then, I started the training with the basics, specifically with the kata of All Elements. Yes, many of the earthlings already knew this exercise, but I not only demonstrated the correct technique but also explained the purpose of each movement, transition, or stance. While correcting mistakes, I wasn't shy about explaining in detail what was done wrong and the rhythm to follow to avoid the most common errors. Despite taking over an hour before most of the earthlings started to perform the kata correctly, I was satisfied with the result. Firstly, because I managed to achieve an understanding of the exercise rather than mindless repetition of movements. And secondly, I was pleased that each participant genuinely put in the effort and didn't just go through the motions.

Then, I paired up the participants to practice the same exercise, trying to perform the movements synchronously. This simple activity allowed them to better understand the timing and visibly observe mistakes or accurate movements in their partner. I paired the one remaining participant with myself and practiced the exercise together. At the end of the session, I offered to those who wished to spar with me one-on-one. Three earthlings agreed to this. The fights with them didn't take much time, and I used each duel as a teaching demonstration, explaining both my actions and the mistakes made by my opponents.

Although I outwardly handled everyone who faced me with ease, I nevertheless noted to myself that Arien had recruited quite promising fighters into the guild. Yes, for now, they lacked many skills, but that's only because they lacked experience and knowledge. I was confident that each of those present at the training would catch up to the average level of Ain's fighters at their rank in no more than half a year. Of course, this would only happen if they continued to grow. However, considering the factor of questers, I thought they wouldn't have any other choice, because those who stopped developing would quickly regret it. And let's not forget about Arien; as the guild head, she wouldn't let anyone relax.

As soon as I remembered the future goddess of Elemental Magic, she appeared on the shore. She seemed to ignore the training, more occupied with talking to Felicia. But I was sure that not a single detail escaped Arien's notice.

After the sparring sessions, I answered a few questions regarding various exercises and was about to conduct an additional session with three fighters who stood out during the training when Arien and Felicia approached me. Drawing me aside, the future goddess said:

"I see you've had a good rest since you're engaged in training."

"And good morning to you," I replied, kneeling by the shore to splash water on my face.

"Have you changed your mind about learning those two spells you mentioned?" Arien asked, ignoring my greeting and getting straight to the point.

"Did you find me a teacher?" I inquired, glancing at Felicia, and judging by the proud tilt of her nose, I guessed correctly.

"I've been thinking..." the future goddess said, drawing out her words. She took a small basket from her assistant's hands and smiled charmingly. "It's in your best interest to learn as quickly as possible. It's also beneficial for me, as the sooner you master the spells, the sooner you can go on your quest." Arien had many flaws, but this trait of hers, to speak her mind without any embellishment, was something I always liked about her. "Therefore, I will teach you myself." A sly smile appeared on her face, and she added, "If you don't mind, of course."

It seemed she changed her mind at the last moment, as these words came as a complete surprise to Felicia. Most likely, I guessed the initial plan, and Arien brought her assistant as a teacher for me, but something changed, and she altered her plans.

"Felicia," the future goddess addressed her companion after I shrugged, showing that I had no objections to her proposal, "inform Jacob and Clement that I will speak with them after lunch. And now you can go, I will take care of Raven myself."

In the Last Cycle, "I" did not learn anything from Arien. I didn't want such training to affect our relationship in any way. So this would be an interesting experience for me. As far as I "remembered" from others' stories, Arien had a rather unconventional approach to teaching. I thought that, upon receiving my consent, she would take me somewhere secluded to teach without prying eyes, but instead, she suggested we sit right where we were. That was, on the lakeshore and in full view of many members of the Ainuminati. As soon as we sat down, I immediately understood the future goddess's plan and why she suddenly changed her mind and decided to teach me herself. A clever move on her part. And very farsighted. She knew how to find an advantage "out of thin air!"

Apparently, she really brought Felicia as a teacher for me. But seeing how I conducted my training and especially with what ease I won in sparring matches, Arien decided to play on that. The fact that she set up our lesson in front of everyone was explained very simply. It was as if she was telling all her people, "He taught you, and I teach him!" This immediately put Arien on an even higher level in the eyes of the Ainuminati members.

"If you have no preferences, I suggest we start with the simple stuff, that is, mastering 'Stoneskin,'" Arien proposed.

I always thought that Earth magic is much more difficult to master initially than Lightning magic, but without arguing with her, I replied:

"As you say, teacher." My voice had such a subtle note of sarcasm that it was incredibly hard to catch, but Arien managed to do so.

Shaking her head as if dealing with a wayward teenager, the future goddess placed the basket beside her and sat down in a lotus position.

"Let's start with the theory..." Arien began the lesson.

What she excelled at was explaining complex things in simple terms. Any local teacher, even one of Mithril Rank, would have given a lengthy lecture, not forgetting to include several instructive sermons, but Arien didn't see any need for that. Using Illusion magic, she demonstrated how to twist, mix, and intertwine mana and prana on herself. She indicated the points of energy convergence and the correct proportions.

"Stoneskin" was quite a peculiar spell. As the name suggested, it temporarily granted the skin the hardness of stone. However, nothing came without consequences, and the skin, becoming so tough, lost properties like plasticity and flexibility, essentially turning into something akin to a real stone surface. Because of this, the spell was never cast over the entire body, as it led to complete immobility. At first glance, it seemed that due to such a drawback, the use of this magic was very limited. And this was largely a correct conclusion. But due to the specifics of magical techniques, I could not cover my palms and forearms with armor, as well as my legs below the knees. Therefore, as a last-resort defense, I needed some magic capable of protecting these areas of the body if I still missed a blow. Yes, "Stoneskin" was not the best option available, but it was the most accessible, and it could be mastered at two stars of Talent in Earth Magic. This meant the spell was fully available to me "here and now," not sometime in the future, which was why I chose it.

Having listened to the theory, under Arien's watchful gaze, I attempted to repeat the spell. Alas, unlike the simple "Discharge" and "Bull's Strength," which were essentially just outbursts of raw magical power, "Stoneskin" required a much more delicate weaving of energies. After all, altering one's body is a far more intricate process, and a mistake in it could lead to unpleasant consequences. As far as I "remembered," "Stoneskin" was one of the most difficult spells to learn in the Metal Coil, which is why I was surprised by Arien's words that we would start with the "simple stuff." Watching my not-so-successful attempts to weave the magical flows correctly, the future goddess reached for a basket at her feet:

"As far as I've understood, Ain's magic is largely based on the principle of Similarity." In Arien's hands were two small vials. "This," she lifted her right hand, "is the Petrification Poison potion, don't worry, it's heavily diluted. And this," she raised her left hand, "is the antidote. Close your eyes. Extend your left hand forward. Start weaving the flows slowly..."

I followed her commands precisely, and when the mana and prana mixed around my elbow, I felt something dripping onto my forearm. The skin on my arm instantly hardened, losing sensitivity.

"Feel this change. Don't push it away. Accept it. Don't fight it. Remember how the energy flows change in your arm..." Arien's words pushed me towards action and understanding.

After a minute, the future goddess washed the potion off with the antidote, and the skin on my forearm returned to its normal state.

"The principle of Similarity," Arien repeated. "You understood the theory, and your body now knows what the result should be. Let's reinforce this knowledge by repeating the procedure two more times..."

And with each new attempt, I got better and better.

"And the third time..." Still keeping my eyes closed, I repeated the weaving, and when the potion dripped onto my arm again, I felt the now familiar numbness. "Open your eyes!"

Arien's sharp command made me open my eyes slightly, and I saw that what was pouring onto my arm was not poison from the vial, but ordinary lake water from a ladle... Yet I continued to feel the petrification of the skin.

"Good!" The future goddess clapped her hands. "Now, repeat everything with your eyes open and without these tricks."

And yet, she is a genius! Because I managed to do it. In just half an hour, Arien managed to teach me one of the most difficult spells of the Metal Coil. Of course, I couldn't use this magic in combat yet, as it was still very slow for me. I still had a long way to go before I could use the spell automatically. But I could walk this path on my own now. After reinforcing the success with a few more repetitions and correcting me in a couple of places, Arien put the vials of potion and antidote back into the basket.

"Now, regarding the Lightning." Arien stretched, turning her face to the sun. "I can offer three options. The first one, you saw when I struck the tower back then. The advantage of this magic is its long range and high destructive power. The downside is the relatively long activation time and that you can only hit stationary targets with it. From the look on your face, I can see that this doesn't suit you." The girl smirked. "The second is the usual 'Direct Lightning,' which you asked for. High accuracy, quick application, effective range of ten to fifteen meters, and the only downside is that the damage is not much higher than 'Discharge.'"

"I'm fine with that, but you mentioned three options," I said, rubbing my left arm, which still had a slight feeling of numbness.

"The third is my personal development." The future goddess smiled. "I called it 'Mitrailleuse.'" Then she explained. "That's what multi-barreled cannons were called."

"I know."

"It's easier to show," the girl changed her posture and folded her right hand as children do when pretending to shoot. "Bang!" Arien quietly said, and something like an electric bullet shot out from her index finger, flying into the water. Then, she added her middle finger to her index finger. "Bang!" And now two "bullets" flew over the water's surface. "The number of shots depends on the Stars of Talent," the future goddess explained, sitting back in a lotus position. "Up to three Stars, 'Direct Lightning' is more powerful and efficient than 'Mitrailleuse.' But once you fill the third star, the situation changes, and the further you go, the more effective 'Mitrailleuse' becomes."

"I have two and a half Stars in Lightning," I reminded her.

"Weren't you planning to increase that number with the Ritual?" Arien smirked.

Actually, it wasn't as easy a choice as it might have seemed. Yes, in the long run, "Mitrailleuse" would be more effective, but this spell was clearly much more complex than "Direct Lightning." That meant it would take much more time and effort to master. So, I wouldn't be able to use it quickly. On the other hand, I was sure I could master "Direct Lightning" to the same extent as "Discharge" within a couple of days. However, I would have to slow down on ranking up, so I would have time to master "Mitrailleuse." Also, by agreeing to learn magic developed by Arien, I would show that I trusted her. And this last argument might be the most important of all.

"'Mitrailleuse'... I like how it sounds," I smiled.