Shoutout to Bruh_Vista for beta-reading and providing extensive feedback for this chapter!
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Markus approached his Master's room tentatively, his steps uncertain. Ever since his Master had achieved a breakthrough into the Core Formation realm, Markus had sensed a subtle change in his countenance and an indescribable aura about him.
As he crossed the imaginary threshold ten feet from his Master's door, a heavy aura enveloped him, making each step increasingly difficult and the air denser.
'This is my Master's mana domain,' Markus confirmed silently, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. As a mage ascends to the Core Formation realm, they become more like beings of mana - ethereals. Eventually, the mana in and around the mage becomes an extension of their body, controlled involuntarily with the ease of breathing. Markus' Master was currently struggling to gain control over his substantially expanded mana domain.
