Time passed so quickly. Without realizing it, midnight had come once again. Yet, after forty-four attempts, I still failed. This is really very difficult for me.
Alright, I had finished reading the first chapter. Truly, a very long story—but one I thoroughly enjoyed. After finishing the first chapter, I continued to the second, titled Understanding.
In the second chapter, it explains what mana really is, and how someone can release it. I read slowly and carefully.
Mana is a natural energy that mixes with the air around us. In order for someone to possess mana, they must be able to filter it from the surrounding air into their body. Once successful, the filtered mana must then be stored within the body. The place where mana is stored is called the mana core.
The mana core forms naturally when the body frequently comes into contact with mana. As the body is exposed to mana energy, it evolves—resulting in the formation of the mana core inside it.
The mana core first grows in the heart, although some people are able to move their mana core to other parts of the body to hide it.
After successfully storing it in the mana core, a person can usually begin to release what is called their power. Mana power is divided into two types: elemental and non-elemental.
Usually, elemental power is stronger than non-elemental. However, some non-elemental users possess powers that even surpass elemental users.
Their power is usually connected through family bloodlines, but it can also be influenced by the place of their birth—as powers compatible with one's birthplace can be more easily mastered.
After finishing the second chapter, I began to practice in my room.
On the first attempt, of course, I failed. The mana wouldn't filter in. Instead, it burst outward—scattering my books and clothes. After tidying everything up, I tried again.
The second attempt failed as well. The ninth attempt, of course, also ended in failure. Up until the seventeenth attempt, I still hadn't succeeded, and the clock had struck 10 PM.
Looks like I'll have to continue tomorrow morning.
Morning came. As usual, I brewed tea while watching the students train in the courtyard. After that, I began my morning run around the field.
After running, I returned to my dorm to shower, then went to the cafeteria for breakfast. Unlike before, my appetite had returned to normal.
After breakfast, I went back to my dorm to continue practicing my mana training. But before that, I felt the need to check that mysterious book.
When I got there, I opened the book and flipped through the pages one by one. This time, the fourth page had new writing on it:
Did my suggestion help?
I didn't disappoint you, right?
Are you starting to trust me, even a little?
Hey, don't you feel like thanking me?
I'll help you little by little from now on, so don't worry too much.
Damn. There it is again. Talking like it's my mom or something.
But actually, I do feel a little thankful for the book's suggestions. I was confused and unsure of what to do, so having this book as training material really helped.
At first, I thought it was just some old book—but its contents are amazing. Somehow, the writing is very detailed in its explanations and easy to understand, even for someone like me. Even though I still fail to put it into practice—because of my own stupidity, perhaps. Maybe I'll feel truly grateful once I manage to succeed.
I started my training right after putting the mysterious book down.
The first attempt failed again. But on the third attempt, I finally managed to filter the mana into my body.
After that, I kept doing it repeatedly so that my mana core would slowly form.
I continued this for two days straight, until at last, a mana core formed inside my heart.
Time passed without me noticing. I went through my sixth day at the academy just like the previous ones.
In the morning, I made tea while watching the sword training session in the courtyard. Then I ran laps to improve my stamina.
After running, I returned to the dorm to shower, then went to the cafeteria for breakfast. Afterward, I returned again to my room to check on the mysterious book.
The fifth page that appeared yesterday contained the following message:
Hey, how's your training going?
Having trouble? Want me to help again?
But if I help too much, you won't grow. So for now, I'll just watch you hehe.
I'm always watching you.
For some reason, I felt a chill reading that message.
Just what are you? How can you see me when I can't even see you?
But I didn't dwell on it too much and chose to focus on my training instead.
The sixth page that appeared today read:
Looks like you managed to form your mana core, huh?
I'm happy to see it hehe.
It's like the little bird I raised is now flapping its wings.
Damn. Now they're mocking me by comparing me to a pet.
I closed the book with a slight tinge of anger and chose to continue to the next phase of my training.
After struggling for two days, I finally managed to create my mana core last night. Now, I can store a decent amount of mana in my body.
The final step is learning how to release the mana and shape it into power.
In this process, I tried to channel the mana from within my body and focus it on my palm—but failed. The mana scattered and dispersed into the air again.
My fifth attempt failed. So did my fifteenth.
Until midnight came again. My thirty-seventh attempt also ended in failure.
Maybe I should try again tomorrow.
The next day arrived. As usual, I followed my regular routine.
Now I was in the middle of my fifth training attempt, but still there were no signs of success.
The seventh page of the mysterious book now read:
Looks like you're having trouble again.
I really want to help you.
But you know, part of me wants to see you push yourself harder first.
You know, seeing you like this reminds me of a little boy.
He failed so many times when he tried, just like you.
It took him about three and a half years to master mana release.
But eventually, he was hailed as a legendary sorcerer.
So don't rush yourself.
That'll only damage your body, you know.
This time, the writing was long. It seems they really are paying attention to me.
But I just can't afford to take it slow. The new school term starts tomorrow. At the very least, I don't want others to look down on me.
That's why I have to train even harder.
Time passed so quickly. Without realizing it, night had fallen again. Yet, after forty-four attempts, I still failed. This is really very difficult for me.