Location: Otherworlders Continent!
Current Date: Year 24,991, 1st Month of Verdora, Day 2
The morning sun bathed Jack's backyard in golden light as Jack flipped through Ava's book. The next section was titled "Ascendant Mastery," a profound topic detailing the secrets of Magic Circles and Aura Force Rings knowledge that would shape their growth as Ascendants.
James and Emma gathered around him, eager to learn. They had successfully awakened, but now came the true challenge: control.
Sofie remained nearby, watching with curiosity as her family prepared to practice magic.
Jack cleared his throat and read aloud:
"A Magic Circle or Aura Force Ring is the foundation of an Ascendant's power. However, power without control is nothing more than destruction waiting to happen."
James crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "We already learned that the hard way," he muttered, recalling the overwhelming surge of energy during Jack's awakening.
Jack smirked but continued reading.
Understanding Mana Flow:
Ava's book emphasized the importance of mana flow the movement of energy within one's body.
"Mana is like a river. If left unchecked, it floods. If restricted too tightly, it dries up. An Ascendant must guide mana like a controlled stream neither too wild nor too stagnant."
Emma nodded in understanding. "That makes sense. Without proper flow, spells become unstable, and aura techniques can backfire."
Jack closed the book, his gaze falling to his hands. Unlike most, he possessed both a Magic Circle and an Aura Force Ring. Because he had chosen the Assassin class, he needed to master both systems, which meant understanding how mana worked uniquely for him.
Stabilizing the Magic Circle:
A Magic Circle resided around an Ascendant's heart, acting as the core of spellcasting. According to Ava's book, mastering it required three key principles:
1. Mana Compression – Preventing excess mana from leaking out of the heart and Magic Circle.
2. Mana Rotation – Ensuring a smooth, continuous flow of mana for efficient spellcasting.
3. Elemental Synchronization – Harmonizing mana with one's elemental affinity for maximum stability.
Step-1: Mana Compression
Jack took a deep breath and activated his Magic Circle. A faint red glow pulsed from his chest the manifestation of his Fire Element.
The first challenge was compression. He willed the flames to remain contained, forcing them into a tight sphere within his heart. His entire body tensed as the energy resisted, threatening to burst free.
"Hold it steady," Emma advised. "If you lose control, it'll flare out of control."
Sweat trickled down Jack's temple, but he gritted his teeth and held firm. Gradually, the wild flames shrank, condensing into a controlled ember instead of a chaotic blaze.
Step- 2: Mana Rotation
Next came rotation. He imagined his mana cycling through his body like a wheel, moving in a smooth, circular motion. The red glow became more refined, its pulse steady rather than erratic.
Step- 3: Elemental Synchronization
Finally, he worked on elemental synchronization. Instead of forcing the fire to obey him, he adjusted his approach allowing it to flow naturally, like a candle's flame swaying in the wind.
A moment later, Jack exhaled sharply.
The Magic Circle stabilized.
Emma clapped her hands in approval. "That's it! With proper control, you'll be able to cast spells efficiently."
Jack smirked, flexing his fingers as he felt the newfound stability. "Then let's move on to combat techniques."
---
Controlling the Aura Force Ring:
Unlike a Magic Circle, which acted as a core of mana, an Aura Force Ring functioned as an energy amplifier, enhancing an Ascendant's physical abilities and combat techniques.
James, as a Beast Tamer, took a keen interest. "Aura techniques rely on fluid movement and instantaneous bursts of power. Let's see what the book says."
His Magic Circle primarily helped with contracting beasts, while his combat potential depended heavily on Aura Force techniques.
Jack flipped through Ava's book, reading aloud:
"An Aura Force Ring must be wielded like a blade sharpened, focused, and deadly."
The book outlined three fundamental techniques for mastering Aura Control:
1. Aura Flow– Keeping aura circulating smoothly through the body and Aura Force Ring for sustained movement.
2. Burst Control– Releasing aura in controlled amounts to enhance speed and power without wasting energy.
3. Force Coating– Wrapping weapons or body parts with condensed aura for reinforcement and amplified striking power.
Step 1: Aura Flow
James took the lead, activating his black and white Aura Force Ring. Light and darkness intertwined, forming a balanced energy around his right hand. The air around him thickened with power.
"For Aura Flow, you need to keep the energy moving through your Aura Force Ring," James instructed. "If it stops, your movements become rigid, your strikes slow and predictable."
Jack focused on his own Aura Force Ring, feeling its pulse in rhythm with his heartbeat. Instead of allowing the energy to gather in one place, he willed it to spread across his body. His muscles felt lighter, stronger and faster.
James nodded. "Good. Now let's move to Burst Control."
Step 2: Burst Control
"Instead of releasing all your energy at once, control the flow," James explained. "Use short, precise bursts."
Jack exhaled sharply and concentrated on his left hand's Aura Force Ring. He clenched his fist, channeling energy into a single, focused point.
Boom!
A shockwave rippled through the air, but this time, the ground beneath him remained intact. The force was controlled, not reckless.
Jack smirked. "I think I got it."
James grinned. "Good. Now, the final technique is Force Coating."
Step 3: Force Coating
James picked up a wooden stick, willing his aura to wrap around it. A faint glow enveloped the weapon, reinforcing its durability.
"This is crucial," James said. "You can coat your weapons, your fists, even your entire body. It makes your strikes deadlier and your defenses stronger."
Jack followed suit, pouring his aura into his own stick. A soft crimson light coated the weapon's surface, making it feel sharper, sturdier.
James grinned, tapping his own aura-coated weapon against Jack's. "Now you're ready for real combat."
---
Spells and Combat Skills:
With their control over Magic Circles and Aura Force Rings improving, it was time to move on to offensive techniques.
According to Ava's book, abilities were divided into two categories:
1. Magic Spells– Techniques that relied on a Magic Circle and required mental focus, mana reserves, and incantations.
2. Combat Skills– Techniques powered by an Aura Force Ring, enhancing physical strikes and movement for close combat.
Jack read aloud from the book:
"Magic Spells require mental focus, mana reserves, and incantations. The stronger the spell, the longer the casting time."
Magic Spells:
Emma stepped forward to demonstrate as written in Eva's book. She activated her four-colored Magic Circle, her aura pulsing with fire, water, earth, and wind elements. Then, following the book's instructions, she chanted:
"Fireball!"
A sphere of flame erupted from her palm, shooting forward in a fiery arc before dissipating in the air.
Sofia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Mom! That was so cool! One day, I want to do that too!"
Emma chuckled, blowing her daughter a playful kiss before giving her a thumbs-up. "You will, sweetheart. Just be patient."
Turning back to Jack, she explained, "That was a basic spell. The higher the tier, the more elements can be combined, and the more powerful the result."
Jack decided to try for himself. He focused on his Magic Circle, gathering lightning mana before chanting:
"Fireball!"
A burst of fire shot from his fingertips, crackling with raw energy as it surged forward and struck the target.
Emma raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Not bad. But with practice, you'll learn to shorten your incantations and increase efficiency."
It turns out that James and Emma had secretly practiced their Warrior and Mage skills and spells the previous night while Jack and Sofia were asleep. That's why their techniques were now significantly more refined and efficient.
Jack nodded, determined to improve.
---
Combat Skills:
Next, they shifted their focus to Combat Skills, which relied on Aura Force Rings rather than Magic Circles.
James opened the book and read aloud:
"Combat Skills are instant techniques that enhance physical strikes and movement, allowing an Ascendant to fight even without spells."
To demonstrate, he activated his Aura Force Ring. A black and white aura flared around him, swirling like a storm of light and darkness according to what was written in Eva's book.
With a swift motion, James slashed at the air with his bare hand
SHING!
A crescent-shaped energy wave shot forward, slicing cleanly through the air before fading.
Jack's eyes widened. "That was just… a hand strike?"
James smirked. "That was Slash, one of the basic Combat Skills. Aura attacks depend on speed, control, and intent."
Jack took a deep breath and activated his Aura Force Ring, letting red light coat his hand. Stepping forward, he slashed downward in an arc
WHOOSH!
A faint shockwave followed his movement. It wasn't as strong or refined as James', but the foundation was there.
James nodded approvingly. "With training, you'll be able to fuse magic and aura into a single attack."
Jack clenched his fists, excitement coursing through him. This was only the beginning.
---
The Road to Mastery;
Hours passed as they trained relentlessly, refining every spell and skill. With each breakthrough, they edged closer to true mastery.
Jack collapsed onto the ground, panting. "This… is harder than I thought."
Emma wiped the sweat from her forehead, smiling. "That's why training exists."
James smirked, arms crossed. "And we've only just begun."
Jack glanced down at himself, his Magic Circle around his heart and his Aura Force Ring around his wrist were completely drained. His mana was spent, his body exhausted.
But deep inside, he felt something stir!
A hunger to grow. A determination to rise.
This was only the first step toward true Ascendancy.
And he was ready for whatever came next.