Pathways in cultivation in most cases is what creates diversity in the world of mages, fighters, and beast-men. A war mage is clearly different from a creation mage even though they both possess the same element, just the same as a guardian having a different skill set from a slayer. In some cases, talented individuals practice two to three paths, as long as it's compatible with their elements or fighting style.
For someone like Lucien who has always considered magic as a means of destruction, he had long made up his mind to join the war mage class and mix it up with the slayer path to help strengthen his physical capabilities as well. In the Fotia academy, there were the creation path, illusionary path, slayer path, guardian path, seeker path, warden path, forge master path, and finally the illusionary class. All these are classes in the institution led by professors who mastered these paths in their youthful days.
Pondering deeply on his decision based on the paths, Lucien held the mana crystal tight and sat on the bed. He felt a warm feeling escape the fist-sized blue crystal, crawling up his arms.
The word refinement may sound complex and amazing but in reality it quite simple. Within the body of humans, magic beasts and beast-men are magic circuits that ensure the proper flow of mana through the body. This magic circuit is sealed tight when a child is born, making it quite difficult for them to cast spells. The mana crystals are of various grades, as an item used for cultivation, it opens up the various mana circuits around the body, allowing the body to absorb mana from their surrounding.
Lucien could feel the warm feeling spread across his body. When the mana around him invaded his body at first he felt like he was been stung by a thousand bees but soon the pain vanished and it was replaced with pure pleasure.
"Damn…." Lucien muttered as his vision blurred and he instantly fell asleep.
..............................
Bang!
Lucien rolled off the bed and fell hard on the ground. His head struck the ground, jolting him awake as he sprang on his feet in a crouched position, waiting to lunge at any foe out there.
"Good Morning, Lucien Raizen… Do remember your first class begins today… Do well to prepare quick and leave or you may end up missing the class" The Crux said causing Lucien to yelp in surprise.
He spotted the colorless crystal on the ground and was left confused at first. Only after pondering for a while did he realize that this is the E-grade mana crystal he held onto in his sleep. It has lost its glow since all its contents have been drained. Considering this, Lucien checked himself out a bit, probably hoping to see a difference but he saw nothing, he couldn't even feel anything different about himself.
Dashing into the bathroom Lucien quickly took his bath while covering his most vital organ. The fact that the Crux was observing him in his sleep means it can observe him while he's bathing.
He wasn't going to let anyone see his junk!
.................................….
About thirty minutes later, Lucien dashed out of the room, racing towards the nearest teleportation pod. He wore a red sleeveless hooded robe with the empire symbol boldly placed on it. While there were many others like that, Lucien preferred the sleeves one and asked Crux if he could replace all the other school attire's with their sleeveless versions.
Grrrr!
His stomach screamed out for help but Lucien had to endure the pain. Since the corridor was almost as good as empty he concluded he should be amongst the last set of people to wake up. Although he felt the tension loosen when he realized there were a few more students in a similar situation like him, it didn't make him slow down any bit.
Xiu!
Lucien dashed through the corridor at top speed, making a sharp right turn as he desperately tried to remember the castle layout. While he ran, Lucien didn't fail to notice he was slightly faster than usual and his body felt a bit lighter than normal. He knew it was the effects of the wind element and he loved it.
Making the final turn, Lucien spotted a couple of students standing at the teleportation circle. He could see the magic array etched on the stone platform slowly light up.
"Hell no!"
Lucien's screams caught the attention of those on the platform, causing them to look in his direction. What they saw was a silver-haired kid with white eyes, wearing a sleeveless mage gown dashing towards them. The youth may not have noticed it but the wind was gradually gathering beneath his feet and those watching soon noticed that his feet were barely touching the ground and his footsteps could be hardly heard.
Bzzzzz!
A buzzing sound could be heard and a bright silver light engulfed them. It was a sign that the teleportation array had been activated. Before they were transported to the class a cool breeze blew past them.
Bam!
Bzzzzz
When the light faded, these students found themselves in a massive hall too big for a class. This was contrary to their expectations since they weren't expecting a practical class to come first.
Oh well!
The students stepped off the platform, planning to leave but then they heard heaving breathing. Turning back, they saw Lucien kneeling on one knee while breathing heavily.
"Isn't that the person running towards us? I don't remember seeing him reach us" One of them said with a face filled with disbelief and shock!