I've been training relentlessly for two days straight, trying to master the flash spell. After countless failed attempts, I've finally started to get the hang of it though I wouldn't say I've perfected it yet.
Magic in this world operates on a fundamental principle: converting raw energy into something usable within the body.
This energy is absorbed and stored in the core, where it mixes with the lingering residue that forms mana.
But simply having mana isn't enough to use it, one must guide it through the veins, shaping and controlling its flow until it takes the form of a structured magic circle, Once the circle is fully formed, the spell is cast.
Take the flash spell, for instance.
When I activate it, I can feel the mana coursing through my veins like a burning current, forcefully surging toward my fingertips.
I have to bend that energy, compress it into a tight, focused shape, and form the proper magic circle that dictates its function.
But every time I do it, the sheer intensity of the spell blinds me along with my opponent. To counter this, I've had to start wearing protective glasses during practice.
Worse still, the repeated strain of channeling raw mana through my body is taking its toll.
My hands are suffering the most each time I cast the spell, the mana discharge causes searing pain, as if my flesh is tearing from the inside out.
The recoil is brutal, leaving my hands sore, sometimes even burnt. And the spell's mana cost?
Ridiculous. Each use drains so much of my reserves that if I weren't careful, I'd collapse from exhaustion.
If a normal person trained the way I did, they would have died long ago whether from sheer mana depletion or the damage inflicted on their own body.
But I'm still here. Still standing. The only reason I can push myself this far without dying is simple I'm immortal to some extend.
My immortality isn't without its drawbacks. It takes around four seconds for my body to regenerate, but the process isn't free it consumes mana to heal.
If I take too much damage in a short period of time, I could end up completely drained before my body can even recover.
During my training, I also decided to test out my Blessing of the Mirage of a Thousand.
The moment I activated it, I felt something different dark mana. Unlike normal mana, which flows like a steady current, dark mana wrapped around me like a warm embrace from a cold body, a contradiction that somehow felt… natural.
As if it had always been a part of me, just waiting to be awakened.
With this power, I managed to create a statue of myself a perfect replica that could repeat my words exactly.
It wasn't a shadow clone in the traditional sense, as it didn't act independently.
Instead, I engraved my voice into it, commanding it to repeat whatever phrase I wished. A lifeless copy, but an incredibly useful one.
When I used the blessing, it was unlike anything I had experienced before. It didn't feel like I was casting a spell or forcing mana through my veins it was as if my body already knew what to do.
Like I had been using it my entire life. No learning curve, no resistance, just pure instinct.
That's why blessings are so overpowered. They're not spells that need to be learned or refined they're skills, abilities etched into the very essence of the soul.
Some people in the world prefer to keep their blessings hidden, like a trump card, saving them for crucial moments when they can make the most significant impact.
Others, however, choose to wield their blessings openly, especially if their abilities are powerful enough to inspire, lead, or create change without fear of being countered.
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Today marked the fourth day since I started attending classes, and it was finally time for my first non-practical lesson.
Since Our homeroom teacher hadn't bothered to teach us anything on the first day, so this would be my first real experience with a proper theory class.
'Mana Application'
This class is a joint session combining students from classes D and C.
Most students come to The Lock to develop their abilities through combat, which means the majority of lessons focus on real battle scenarios, body training, and magic refinement.
Theoretical lessons are rare almost seen as an afterthought but for a mage like me, they are absolutely essential.
Understanding Mana Application isn't just about learning how to cast spells it's about controlling, refining, and manipulating mana efficiently.
Without a strong foundation in theory, even the most talented mages would be stuck wasting more energy than necessary, burning through their reserves before they could even finish a proper fight.
Professor Leinward, a renowned researcher with numerous accolades to his name, was the one in charge of today's class.
From what I had heard, he was the creator of the first self-sufficient magic barrier, a revolutionary invention in the field of defensive magic.
The moment I laid eyes on him, I could see why people called him a genius. Professor Leinward looked like a mad scientist straight out of a game.
A middle-aged man with messy black hair, sharp, almost fanatical eyes, and an unsettling grin that made him look like he was always on the verge of a groundbreaking discovery… or a complete mental breakdown.
'Or Maybe Both , who Know?? I Don't Thos.'
The professor began explaining the lesson, writing key points on the whiteboard as he spoke.
"Wind is the embodiment of movement, pressure, and raw kinetic force. Unlike the other elements, wind lacks a tangible form it is unseen, yet ever present. "
"Wind magic governs the manipulation of air currents, pressure differentials, and even sound waves. It can be used to accelerate movement, generate slicing gusts of compressed air, or create vacuum pockets to suffocate enemies."
"Fire is more than just flames it is the mastery of heat, energy, and combustion. Fire magic governs the control of temperature, allowing a mage to generate searing flames, superheat metal, or even drain heat to create cold."
"Water is the essence of adaptability, existing in multiple states liquid, solid, and gas. Water magic grants control over moisture in the air, bodies of water, and even the fluids within living beings. It is an element of both destruction and healing."
"Earth is the foundation upon which all things stand. It represents strength, endurance, and unshakable will. Earth magic governs the control of rock, metal, minerals, and even gravity itself. Unlike the other elements, earth magic is not about speed it is about absolute power."
"Light is more than just illumination it is the element of truth, speed, and divine radiance. Unlike the other elements, light magic does not have a physical form but exists as wavelengths of energy that interact with reality. Light magic governs visibility, illusions, and even the very concept of speed. "
"Darkness is not merely the absence of light it is the force of consumption, secrecy, and dominion. Unlike light, which spreads and reveals, darkness constricts, hides, and devours. It is an element tied to gravity, space, and the unknown. "
Students from both classes listened intently, taking notes and following along.
Ring!! Ring!!
Just as he finished his explanation, the bell rang, signaling the end of the session.
Without delay, the professor packed his things, gathered his materials, and left the room.
I remained for a moment Waiting For a certain student to leave.
As Soon As he step out, I began to trailing Him Far enougth for Him, to Not notice.
It Getting Dark Ouside.
The dormitory Is divide To.
At the pinnacle stood Zenith Quarters, a sanctuary reserved solely for the top 10 students in the academy Of each Year.
It's towering structure loomed over the campus, a symbol of prestige and excellence.
Only those who had clawed their way to the very top of the academic ladder could call it home.
It was whispered that the rooms there were lavish, the views breathtaking, and the privileges unmatched.
To live in Zenith Quarters was to wear an invisible crown, a mark of distinction that set its residents apart from the rest.
Below it, nestled among the trees, was Elysium Hall. This dormitory was a haven for Class A and B students, those who had proven themselves worthy but not quite reached the zenith.
Its halls were filled with the hum of ambition, the air thick with the scent of books and determination.
Yet, Elysium Hall had a peculiar rule: even those from Class D, the lowest rank, could secure a room here if they offered something of value to the academy.
Whether it was talent In Something or resources, the price of admission ranged from 50,0000 to 800,000 rile, a sum that could either be a fortune or a mere token, depending on who you were.
Then there was Zephyr Hall, a place of balance and opportunity. It was free for Class C students, a reward for their steady progress and hard work.
But for those from other classes, the doors were not entirely closed.
For a fee ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 rile, anyone could secure a spot within its walls.
Zephyr Hall was neither as grand as Zenith nor as exclusive as Elysium, but it carried a quiet dignity.
And finally, at the base of it all, was Ember Hall where I'm staying at.
It was the most humble of the dormitories, a place where anyone regardless of class or status could find shelter.
Its walls were worn, its rooms simple, but it had a warmth that the other halls lacked.
The current person I'm following is staying at Zephyr Hall.
[Status Window]
Name: Cedric Von Helmut
Title: The Noble Marionette
Race: Human (100%)
Class: Mage/Swordsman
Talent Grade: 5 High Star
Current Mage Level: 1 Mid Star Mage
Strength: 6
Stamina: 7
Durability: 10
Mana: 40
Intelligence: E
Affinity: Water
Blessings (1): Blessing of the Wave]
"It was finally time to put my plan into action." As I muttered those words to myself.
I made my way to the northern park, which, ironically, was located south of Zephyr Hall.
The park was quiet at this hour, the lamps casting long shadows over the cobblestone paths.
I moved quickly, keeping to the edges of the trees, until I reached the towering wall that separated the park from the restricted section of the academy.
'This is where my blessing comes in.'
Channeling my mana, I activated the Blessing of the Mirage of a Thousand dark mana flowed through my veins, warm yet cold, like an embrace from the void itself.
In an instant, I conjured illusory bricks, creating a makeshift staircase against the wall. Unlike real bricks, these constructs were weightless, existing only as phantasmal footholds that disappeared moments after I stepped off them.
With each step, I ascended higher, the wind brushing against my skin as I climbed over the wall with ease.
The academy's security measures were formidable, but illusions were meant to deceive the senses, not just sight, but perception itself.
Unless someone was actively scanning for mana distortions, no one would notice my method of infiltration.
'Tonight, my plan begins.'
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