Erik awoke with the first light of dawn spilling through the window, illuminating the small dorm room. The events of the previous day replayed in his mind, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a surge of determination.

The lingering sensation from Thrain's Mana blast still echoed in his body, igniting a fierce desire within him to understand it better.

Throwing off the covers, Erik leaped from his bed, energized and eager. He quickly dressed in his training gear, the familiar fabric grounding him in the present. He could feel the excitement bubbling inside him, propelling him forward.

Today was not just another day; it was an opportunity to discover more about himself.

After a quick breakfast with his dormmates, Erik made his way to the training grounds. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the courtyard as students filtered in for their morning sessions. The air was crisp and invigorating, and Erik took a moment to breathe it in, feeling the weight of anticipation settle over him.

He arrived at the designated training area, a spacious field surrounded by towering trees that shielded it from the outside world. Other students were already sparring, the sound of clashing swords and shouts ringing in the air.

Erik found an open spot away from the others, his heart racing with excitement.

He closed his eyes, recalling the moment when Thrain’s attack had sent a rush of energy through him.

“Focus,” he murmured to himself. “Feel it again.”

He drew in a deep breath, grounding himself as he began to channel his Ki. The familiar warmth spread through him, but this time he sought something more. He envisioned the energy swirling within him, visualizing the connection he had felt during the sparring. He concentrated, trying to summon that sensation from deep inside.

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As he focused, Erik's body thrummed with energy, a tingling that danced across his skin. He pushed harder, seeking to replicate the spark that had caught him off guard. But no matter how much he concentrated, the elusive sensation remained just out of reach. Frustration bubbled up within him.

“Come on, Erik! You can do this!” he urged himself, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead.

He recalled Thrain’s movements, the way the dwarf had harnessed his Mana with precision. The difference between their techniques nagged at him—he needed to find his own way to connect with the energies around him, to understand how they flowed.

Erik opened his eyes, determination setting his jaw. He couldn’t give up. He began to move, practicing his Ki techniques with greater intensity.

He punched the air, letting the energy flow through him, creating a rhythm that echoed in his heart. With each movement, he sought to push the limits of his abilities, but still, the unique sensation eluded him.

After what felt like hours of training, Erik paused to catch his breath, frustration creeping back in.

“Why can’t I feel it?” he muttered, glancing around to see if anyone had noticed his struggle.

But the other students were engrossed in their own training, and he felt a momentary pang of isolation.

Then, as if by instinct, he closed his eyes again, this time focusing on the sounds around him—the rustle of leaves, the distant laughter of students, the rhythmic thuds of feet hitting the ground. He imagined himself merging with the environment, letting it fill him.

Suddenly, like a spark igniting a fire, the sensation returned—a rush of energy coursing through his veins, more intense than before. Erik gasped, his body tingling with newfound vitality. This time, he didn’t resist it. He embraced the sensation, allowing it to flow freely, connecting with the Ki within and around him.

With renewed vigor, he began to move again, his strikes feeling more powerful, more precise. The energy within him intertwined with his movements, guiding him like a hidden current. For the first time, he felt as if he was truly harnessing the power inside, not just imitating others but becoming one with it.

As he continued to train, the sun rose higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the training grounds. Erik’s confidence grew with each passing moment, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was on the cusp of something extraordinary.

“Keep going,” he whispered to himself, his heart racing with exhilaration. Today was just the beginning. He would uncover the truth of his abilities, piece together the puzzle of his past, and perhaps—just perhaps—forge a path that was distinctly his own.