The next morning, I woke up buzzing with excitement. After discovering my newfound ability to sense Mana, my determination to learn more was stronger than ever.
As soon as I finished breakfast, I rushed back to the quiet corner where I had studied the day before. Sitting cross-legged, I opened the treasured book of magic, running my fingers over its leather cover like it was a prized artifact.
This time, I ignored the spells and techniques in the book. Instead, I focused on the theoretical explanations about mana itself. I’d come to realize that this vital essence wasn’t just a tool to channel magic—it was the cornerstone of it all, with applications far beyond just being a catalyst.
"Mana is raw energy flowing through the universe, much like blood flows through a living being. It can be shaped and controlled by the will of its wielder to create countless abilities."
I read that passage with eager eyes, a spark of hope igniting inside me. If mana was such a versatile energy, perhaps I could use it even without fully mastering magic.
With that thought in mind, I began to focus. Drawing on my newfound ability to perceive mana, I allowed myself to sense the luminous aura that surrounded me. Once again, I could see the delicate streams of energy coursing through the air, and I marveled at their intricate beauty, trying to figure out how to control them.
And then, unexpectedly, a notification appeared before my eyes:
[New Skill Unlocked: Mana Amplification]
I froze, staring at the message. A new skill? Without wasting a second, I dove into its description:
"Mana Amplification enhances the flow of energy within the user’s body, temporarily boosting physical capabilities."
A grin spread across my face. This was exactly what I needed! If I couldn’t use magic yet, why not lean into the raw potential of mana itself?
Eager to try it out, I stood and moved to a clear space outside. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and focused, using pure instinct as my guide. I visualized the mana flowing through me, willed it to gather, and pushed it into every corner of my body.
A pleasant warmth spread through my limbs, like pure energy coursing through my veins. My muscles felt tighter, my vision sharper, and for a fleeting moment, I felt... unstoppable.
Tentatively, I began testing my newfound strength. I leaped into the air, stunned at how light and fast I felt. Then, brimming with confidence, I struck the ground with all my might, cracking the wooden floor beneath me. My physical power was amplified beyond anything I had experienced before!
Excitement coursing through me, I tried movement after movement—jumping, dodging, striking—each with a newfound fluidity and control that felt almost alien. I’d never been so in tune with my body before.
But all too soon, the warmth began to fade. My limbs grew heavy, and my vision blurred slightly. Exhausted, I stopped to catch my breath.
[Skill Active: Mana Amplification]
(Duration: 2 minutes, Mana Cost: 20)
Temporary Boosts:
Physical Resistance: +50%
Movement Speed: +30%
Strength: +40%
Even though the effect was temporary, I was thrilled. This new ability opened up so many possibilities—more speed, more strength, more resilience. The potential applications were endless!
But what if I could make it last longer? Or intensify it further? That thought filled me with fresh determination, and I threw myself into more training, eager to push this skill to its limits.
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I cycled through practice sessions, alternating between activating Mana Amplification and resting to recover. Over time, I started getting the hang of it—fine-tuning the ability and figuring out how to manage it more efficiently.
After hours of intense effort, I felt a faint burning sensation in my chest. Surprised, I paused to check my status and realized my mana reserves had dropped significantly.
[Skill Active: Mana Amplification]
(Duration: 5 minutes, Mana Cost: 50)
Temporary Boosts:
Physical Resistance: +75%
Movement Speed: +40%
Strength: +50%
I was stunned. Not only had I managed to extend the skill’s duration, but its benefits had also grown stronger. The trade-off? It drained far more mana.
Curious, I flipped back through the book for answers. According to the text, repeated use of a skill could naturally enhance its effects over time—but at the cost of higher energy demands.
This was fascinating. If I trained hard enough, I could keep leveling up this ability. But I’d have to be careful not to overextend my mana reserves.
While I was lost in thought, I suddenly heard footsteps approaching. Looking up, I saw my father, Kiran, watching me with a proud smile.
"How’s the training going, son?" he asked as he walked closer.
Standing quickly, I greeted him respectfully. "Father, I’ve unlocked my first skill!" I said, excitement spilling into my voice as I explained Mana Amplification in detail.
Kiran listened attentively, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Impressive, Griffith! You’re making remarkable progress. It’s clear you have a natural gift for harnessing mana."
Placing a firm hand on my shoulder, he added, "Let’s keep working together. I’m confident you’ll become a mage worthy of our lineage."
I nodded enthusiastically, a renewed sense of determination swelling within me. With my father’s support, I knew I could push my abilities even further.
But just as we were about to continue training, a loud crash echoed from outside, followed by panicked screams. Kiran and I exchanged alarmed looks before racing out to see what was happening.
Bursting onto the village square, we were met with a terrifying sight. A massive centipede, far larger than any creature I’d ever seen, was wreaking havoc among the homes. Its sharp, clawed legs struck wildly, while its snapping mandibles tore through anything in their path.
Without hesitation, my father drew his sword and charged at the beast. But despite his formidable strikes, the creature’s exoskeleton seemed impervious.
"It’s no use! My attacks aren’t doing anything!" Kiran shouted in frustration.
I realized then that even my father’s strength wasn’t enough to take this monster down. We needed a different kind of power.
Focusing hard, I activated Mana Amplification once more. That familiar warmth spread through me as my strength and speed surged.
[Skill Active: Mana Amplification]
(Duration: 5 minutes, Mana Cost: 50)
My father’s eyes widened as he saw the glow of energy surrounding me. Wasting no time, I darted toward the giant centipede, my enhanced reflexes allowing me to dodge its attacks effortlessly.
Channeling my energy, I formed a glowing sphere of mana in my hands. "Concentrated Mana Strike!" I shouted, hurling the energy straight at the creature.
The impact was explosive. The centipede reeled back, its exoskeleton cracking under the force. For a moment, I thought the fight was over—but the beast roared angrily and charged at me again.
This time, however, I was ready. With precise movements, I evaded its strikes and fired a barrage of smaller mana projectiles, each one carving deeper into its armor.
Finally, as the creature weakened, I gathered all my remaining energy for one final attack. "Supreme Mana Blast!" I cried, releasing a devastating wave of power that obliterated the centipede completely.
As silence settled over the village, the stunned onlookers broke into cheers. My father approached, pride radiating from his expression.
"Griffith, that was extraordinary," he said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You’ve shown incredible potential today. With training like this, there’s no doubt you’ll become a mage unlike any other."
Humbled but proud, I nodded. I’d just taken my first step toward reclaiming the greatness I’d once known—and I couldn’t wait to see what came next.