Talax and Qalo sat cross-legged on the floor of their room, intently focused on practicing the mana manipulation skill under the watchful eyes of Aria. Qalo held Aria's medallion tightly in his hand, using it as a conduit to see her manifestation. On the other hand, Talax found that, thanks to their growing bond, he could perceive her presence even without touching the necklace.
What had begun as excitement at the prospect of learning a new skill had quickly transformed into a harrowing experience. Hours had passed, and Qalo still struggled to grasp the fundamentals and acquire the skill. Aria, who had initially been eager to assist, now radiated frustration and impatience as Qalo emitted groans and sighs of frustration every few seconds.
Talax watched his friend's struggling expression with a mixture of concern and determination. He had hoped that learning the mana manipulation skill would be a smooth process for, but it had proven to be more challenging than anticipated. Talax came to the conclusion that the half orc had low affinity for the skill, and he was having trouble while Talax had already managed to level up his skill. Aria, who had been so enthusiastic at the beginning, now had her semi-translucent brow furrowed in frustration.
Qalo's hands trembled as he tried to channel the mana as Aria had instructed. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and his eyes darted between Aria and his own hands, seeking some elusive connection he couldn't seem to establish.
Aria's patience was wearing thin, her ethereal figure flickering slightly in annoyance. "Qalo, you need to focus," she urged, her voice tinged with irritation. "This is a fundamental skill for everyone, be it mage or not. You have to feel the mana inside you and guide it with your thoughts."
Qalo gritted his teeth and closed his eyes, trying to block out the frustration and distractions around him. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, attempting to attune himself to the mana that flowed through the Cloud Monasteries. The room remained silent, save for the soft whisper of the wind outside and the occasional creaking of the wooden structure.
Talax continued his mana manipulation exercises, focusing on the basics of controlling the mana within his own body. The exercises were designed to help him develop precision, control, and a deeper understanding of the energy coursing through him.
One exercise involved directing the mana to flow through specific pathways in his body, much like a guided river. He visualized the mana as a gentle stream, and he concentrated on channeling it smoothly through intricate routes.
Another exercise required him to create small spheres of mana within his palms, which he then compressed and expanded. The sensation of mana pulsating in his hands was a strange but invigorating experience.
Despite the challenges, Talax remained determined, his eyes occasionally darting toward Qalo, who was also deep in practice. Aria provided guidance in the background, her ethereal voice offering encouragement and advice.
"You're making progress, Qalo," Aria whispered, her presence a comforting presence for the struggling half-orc. "Keep your focus on the mana within you. It's a part of you, just waiting to be harnessed."
Talax continued to manipulate the mana within his body, feeling a growing sense of control and familiarity with each passing moment. It was as if he had discovered a hidden part of himself that responded effortlessly to his will, almost like a second nature.
As he shaped the mana into intricate patterns, forming it into a rope that twisted into a knot and then into a bow just for the fun of it, he felt a surge of energy. Aria, who had been wholly focused on aiding Qalo in his struggles, turned her attention to Talax with an encouraging smile.
Inside his mind, her voice resonated with warmth and pride, not wanting to distract Qalo as he continued his efforts.
Congratulations! You have reached level 4 in the Mana Manipulation skill!
"Well done, Talax. Your progress is remarkable. Keep honing your control, and soon you'll wield mana like a master." She added with a sneaky wink.
Talax couldn't help but smile back at the ghostly figure of Aria, grateful for her guidance and support. With newfound determination, he returned his focus to his training, knowing he needed one more level to unlock the ability to keep him warm.
Talax persevered through another hour of intense training, his determination unwavering. By the time he reached level 5 in mana manipulation, the night had fallen into an eerie stillness. The relentless wind had subsided, leaving behind an arctic cold that seeped into every corner of the room. With each breath they exhaled, small clouds of vapor hung in the frigid air.
Inside their room, a thin layer of frost seemed to glisten on every surface, and snowflakes managed to sneak in, their curtain proving utterly inadequate in keeping out the cold. The snowflakes settled and took longer to melt as time passed, making Talax worry that their room might soon be blanketed in white.
However, a welcome development interrupted their struggles. Amidst chattering teeth and twitching limbs, Qalo had finally managed to grasp the mana manipulation skill. “Yes! Yes! I did it! I finally did it!” The half orc exclaimed, raising his hands in triumph.
Talax couldn't help but break into a triumphant smile, despite the cold, and he congratulated his friend on his achievement. "Well done, Qalo! You did it! Now you have to train just a little longer and you won’t freeze to death." All the excitement left the half orc’s face, and his drooping eyes widened in horror.
“I don’t think he will be able to reach level 5 before sunrise. His affinity in mana manipulation is too low, and it takes him way longer to level up than others. I think he will be able to reach level 5 at some point, but that’s as far as he could go. I don’t see him turning into a mage any time soon...”
Talax’s smile froze, but he didn’t let his disappointment show, so that he wouldn’t discourage his already frustrated friend. Instead, he turned inward and saw the new abilities offered by his skill.
Mana Surge: you can momentarily amplify your mana flow, enhancing the power of your next spell or magical ability.
Active, Duration: single hit, Cooldown: 1 minute
Mana Dart: you can form a small, concentrated burst of mana and launch it as a weak projectile.
Active, Duration: instant, Cooldown: 15 seconds
Temperature Resistance: your body’s temperature remains at a comfortable level by channeling mana. You can create a protective aura that shields you from extreme temperatures.
Active, Duration: n/a, Cooldown: 5 seconds
Talax frowned as he examined the new abilities that came with reaching level 5 in his mana manipulation skill. Mana Surge seemed promising, offering the potential to amplify the effects of his spells. He envisioned it as an excellent complement to his Spectral Guardian ability, making his summoned guardian even more powerful. However, he hesitated to spend one of his last two tokens on this ability.
On the other hand, the Mana Dart ability left him unimpressed. It sounded eerily similar to Stone Spike, a spell he already possessed, and he had no intention of acquiring essentially the same ability under a different name.
Temperature Resistance had been his primary goal during the long hours of training, but he felt a pang of disappointment. He had hoped that the ability would be unlocked automatically, as had happened with some of his other abilities. His gloomy expression didn't escape Aria's notice, and she inquired about his concerns.
Talax explained his dilemma, and Aria nodded in understanding. She turned to Qalo, who was still practicing his exercises, and urged him to continue. Then she refocused her attention on Talax, ready to offer guidance or advice.
Aria guided Talax through the process of creating a protective shield against the cold. She instructed him to visualize his mana, gently pulling a small amount from his channels and allowing it to flow into his skin. The goal was to create a thin layer that would blanket his body, insulating him from the harsh cold. Talax eagerly followed her guidance, excited at the prospect of achieving temperature resistance without spending a precious token.
At first, it seemed surprisingly easy for him to control the flow of his mana out of his channels. He encountered some resistance but found that his mastery over mana allowed him to overcome it. As he pulled the mana closer to the surface of his skin, he could sense it responding to his will. However, he soon discovered the challenge lay in maintaining the mana's concentration as he guided it further from his channels.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
He felt the magical substance slipping through his metaphorical grasp, requiring immense focus to prevent it from dispersing prematurely. Gradually, painstakingly, he managed to move the mana to the surface. Talax assumed that since mana was malleable, it would naturally take on the desired form.
Aria's whispers filled his mind, urging him to keep going and make the protective shield even thinner. She encouraged him to extend its coverage over a larger area, guiding him step by step through the intricate process.
Talax diligently followed Aria's guidance, gradually thinning the layer of mana that enveloped his hand. With each step, he felt a growing sense of accomplishment as he slowly succeeded in making a shield against the harsh environment. He became so engrossed that he barely noticed the freezing temperature around him or Qalo's frustrated sighs.
However, just when he thought he had achieved the desired thinness for his protective shield, he suddenly felt like he had reached a critical point. The mana he had so carefully controlled erupted in a small burst, sending a sharp, stinging pain through his body. Aria tried to console him, praising his first attempt, but Talax gritted his teeth and remained determined to succeed.
He repeated the process, pouring his concentration into the task. It was as if nothing else in the world existed but the delicate balance of mana he was striving to achieve. As he reached the same critical point once more, he felt the mana's resistance increase. Desperate to impose his will upon it, he struggled to maintain control. For a fleeting moment, he thought he had succeeded, but then, just as before, the mana exploded in a burst of chaotic energy.
Talax let out a frustrated growl, his breath forming frosty puffs in the chilly room. The wooden floor beneath him felt cold and unforgiving against his back as he flopped onto it, his muscles aching from the strain of repeated attempts. The sense of exhaustion weighed heavily on him, both mentally and physically. His furrowed brow and clenched jaw betrayed his frustration, as he grappled with the perplexing task before him.
He hadn't even realized that he had been rising onto the balls of his feet in his concentration, the muscles in his legs coiled like springs ready to burst. Qalo, who had been observing the training session, couldn't resist a smirk at Talax's failure. He couldn't help but taunt his friend, savoring the rare opportunity, "Having problems, are we?" His high-pitched voice carried a hint of amusement as he chuckled softly, relishing the sight of Talax struggling.
Aria offered her guidance with a calm and reassuring tone, her gentle voice slicing through the room's frosty silence. "I think the problem is you're using too little mana," she suggested. "You should expand your scope. Instead of just focusing on your hand, try concentrating on covering your whole arm."
Talax, still catching his breath, closed his eyes, seeking a moment of respite to collect his thoughts and regain his composure. His fatigue was starting to make itself known, he felt his eyelids getting heavier, the exhaustion of the day settling on him for good. As he lay there, he reflected on the intricate dance of mana manipulation, a task that often felt like trying to tame an unruly beast.
After a couple of minutes of silence, Talax opened his eyes, the determination within them burning brightly. He steeled himself for another attempt, his focus unwavering. This time, he drew upon more mana, feeling the subtle but unmistakable drain from his mana core. It was as if he had opened a floodgate, allowing a greater amount of mana to flow through his channels and into his waiting arm.
With each passing moment, he tightened his control, clamping down on the surging magical energy as though he had become a master conductor directing a symphony. His will, like an indomitable tyrant, asserted its dominance, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. There was barely any leakage this time, and he sensed the mana surging to the surface of his skin with unwavering obedience. The mana layer he had conjured grew thinner, almost translucent, as it enveloped his arm, providing an ethereal shield against the biting cold that had permeated the room.
The thin layer of mana held firm around Talax's arm, casting a faint, almost imperceptible glow in the dimly lit room. He had managed to maintain control this time, but the sheer effort left him drained and breathing heavily. Beads of sweat had formed on his forehead despite the frigid temperature in the room.
Aria's excitement bubbled over, her spectral form almost shimmering with enthusiasm. "You've done it! You've done it!" she exclaimed, her words ringing in Talax's mind like a joyous bell. He felt a surge of pride in his accomplishment, but her elation almost caused him to lose concentration.
As if sensing his distress, Aria's demeanor abruptly shifted, her ethereal features contorting with concern. "Sorry, sorry!" she apologized hurriedly, her voice laced with genuine fear. "Thank Ha'arun you didn't lose control of the mana!"
Talax, still grappling with the newfound ability, was curious about her sudden unease. He wanted to inquire, to ask why she looked so disturbed, but he feared that uttering a single word might cause the fragile balance he had achieved to crumble.
Aria's soothing voice cut through the tension, offering guidance once more. "Create a pathway between the shield and your core," she instructed. Talax frowned, uncertain about how to execute her request, and Aria continued with patience, "Just grab the mana and mold something akin to a rope. Then pull it toward your core."
Talax gritted his teeth, a mixture of irritation and determination brewing within him. Aria made it sound as if it were the simplest thing in the world, but he was determined to succeed. With Aria's guidance echoing in his mind, he focused on visualizing a connection between the mana shield around his arm and his core. He reached out, metaphorically grasping the mana and shaping it into a sinuous, rope-like form.
With a resolute pull, he drew the ethereal "rope" toward the core of his being. The mana flowed, following his command, though it felt more like coaxing a stubborn horse than taming it. The connection was established, and a tingling sensation surged through him as mana coursed between his arm and core. The makeshift pathway throbbed with energy, a delicate bridge connecting two distinct realms.
As soon as the connection between his mana shield and core was established, Talax experienced a rush of newfound energy, and Aria's words resonated within his mind like a triumphant chorus.
"Congratulations, you have reached level 6 in the Mana Manipulation skill."
Talax was momentarily distracted by the news, his focus wavering and he worried that the connection would disrupt his carefully crafted mana shield. To his relief, the shield remained intact, maintaining its thin, protective layer around his arm. With curiosity piqued, he turned his attention back to Aria and questioned her about this remarkable development.
Aria's ethereal form seemed to shimmer with pride as she explained, "Once you establish a connection between your core and your ability, and as long as you have the required mana, the ability can stay active indefinitely. Isn’t it awesome?"
Talax's eyes widened in astonishment. It was the first ability or spell he had encountered that behaved in such a way, and he had to admit, it was truly remarkable. He realized that he wouldn't have to maintain constant focus on the ability just to stay warm. The implications were astounding, especially when considering how this would work during sleep or other times when concentration was difficult to maintain.
Turning his attention back to his arm, Talax examined the noticeable difference between the area protected by the mana shield and the rest of his body. The shield provided a clear boundary, with his skin on one side maintaining a comfortable warmth while the other side exposed to the frigid air remained uncomfortably cold. The contrast was striking, and Talax couldn't help but marvel at the newfound power he had unlocked.
Talax's excited grin was replaced by a frown as he inspected his core and realized that the ability had not been unlocked yet. Frowning in frustration, he turned to Aria, his voice tinged with impatience as he questioned her about this.
Aria's response was calm and matter-of-fact. She explained that in order to unlock the ability completely, he needed to extend the protective aura to encompass his entire body. Talax was eager to try and expand the shield, but his initial attempts proved futile. No matter how much he tried to alter the shape and thickness of the shield, the mana seemed unresponsive. His frustration grew as he attempted to infuse more mana into the shield, only to see it dissipate upon reaching the edges.
An annoyed growl escaped Talax's lips, and Aria, equally irritated, demanded, "What are you doing? You can't just add more mana to the established shield. You have to sever the connection and start from the beginning."
Talax muttered, “great, just great!” realizing that there was no shortcut to getting this new ability. He severed the connection to his mana shield and took a deep breath, bracing himself for another attempt. This time, he gathered even more mana than before, determined to succeed. With renewed concentration, he began the process of extending the protective aura, focusing on enveloping his entire body in its warmth.
Talax's latest attempt at extending the mana shield achieved partial success. It covered half of his torso and one of his arms, but he was about to release the mana when Aria's urgent shout halted him. "Stop! Make a connection with your core and then sever that bond. If you let the mana simply go, it could explode, and your guts would paint this lovely establishment!”
Talax's horrified eyes widened as he understood the gravity of the situation. It was now clear why Aria had been so apprehensive earlier. He quickly established the connection with his core, his heart pounding, and then severed the bond as instructed. He turned accusing eyes toward Aria and exclaimed, "You could have warned me earlier!" His voice was half-shouted, enough to startle Qalo from his own training.
Aria merely shrugged, appearing entirely unrepentant. She replied, "It would have only scared you. Now get back to your training." She waved her hand dismissively, and Talax found himself simultaneously irritated and amused by the ghost's nonchalant attitude. He heard Qalo ask what they were talking about, but he didn't respond.
Talax made another attempt, this time using even more mana. Controlling such a significant amount of mana felt like trying to hold a massive boulder with just his mind, and it left him feeling drained. However, the results were astonishing. He had finally succeeded in enveloping his entire body with a comforting shield that felt like a warm, protective blanket.
Talax felt a burst of mana surge through him as he made the connection, signaling that he had finally unlocked the ability. He let out a tired but satisfied sigh and collapsed onto the floor. While he could still feel the cold, it now seemed muted, like a distant threat that couldn't truly touch him. Aria, though lacking a physical form, expressed her excitement by clapping her immaterial hands together, making no sound. She exclaimed, "Bravo, Talax! You achieved it even faster than I anticipated!"
Qalo let out a disgruntled sound, and Aria turned a soothing smile toward the frustrated half-orc. "Don't worry, Qalo. You'll soon be able to unlock the ability too. Just keep practicing."
Without making eye contact with Talax, Aria whispered into his mind, “That's not happening anytime soon.” Talax couldn't help but chuckle at her remark. He climbed to his feet, feeling tired and ready for some rest. As he walked past his friend, he clapped Qalo on the shoulder and muttered, "Good luck." Then, he fell face-first onto his bed, succumbing to the fatigue of his training.