Master Lito stands in the center of a large circular antichamber, Saint Rani and I walk down the stairs through a massive stone archway. Brazers placed at intervals, holding flaming blue rocks that light up the room.
As we step I to the room, the air in the archway ripples. Noticing I paused, "It's a barrier that absorbs mana, and contains it within."
"So like a collection area of sorts?" I ask stepping through the archway, as pleasant tingle washes over me.
"That's exactly correct, it is required for the creation of a Core. It will also assist afterwards with creating pathways within your body." Master Lito gestures to a stone table with 4 wooden chairs around it. Lying atop the table is a thick leatherbound book. "This book will explain what a mana core is, as well as how to create it. Due to your traid mage status, your Core as well as pathways will need to be careful constructed."
The three of us having moved to the table. I pull the book open, and begin to slowly flip through the pages.
'When first forming a core, it will be taited with polution for the air. This is combated by cycling the mana within the core. This will cause any polution of the Core, to be excreted through the body's skin. There are 10 Ranks to Orb's all with different hue's of coloration. The first orb, and therefore the one you will create will be black in coloration. As you work your way through the polution of your mana, you will experience and increased capacity, as well as potency. The second stage of the core, will begin to lighten in shade. At the fifth cycle, your orb should be purple in color. This will further lighten as you reach the tenth cycle, until it reaches a shining blue hue.'
"So how exactly do I form this 'core' structure?" I look between Lito and Rani.
Lito nods, "To begin with you'll first need to learn how to sense and absorb mana, as well as how to consolidate it. Every person has their own unique mana core, it varies depending on the imagination. That brings me to why Saint Rani is here." Lito explain's gesturing to the Saint. "Due to your triad affinity, she is best suited to help you learn how to feel, and circulate mana. If you would Saint Rani," Lito faces her with a smile.
"It'd be my pleasure," Rani bows her head lightly, moving to my side, she sits on the chair next to me. Turning it to face me, she holds out her hands. "If you would take my hands, Sir Ezekiel?"
"Of course," I say reaching out and clasping her hands in my own, "So do you have the same affinities as me, is that why you're the best person to show me this?" I inquire closing my eyes as i try to sense what she's doing.
"Yes, we both have the same affinities to mana and light magic, however your spiritual affinity is leagues higher then even Elaine. Now focus on any sensation you feel, I'll begin to circulate mana into your left hand." Rani lets out a light sigh, pressing her mana into my body. The feeling of a soft warm glow spreads through my hand and up my arm slowly.
"There's a warm soothing sensation throughout my arm, like I just put my arm in sunlight." I comment, as the feeling spreads throughout my body.
"That's good, try and imagine that flowing from your right hand now," Rani smiles at me as our knees brush together.
I take a long slow breath, 'so just like meditation?' I contemplate for a time before imagining the warm soothing sensation pulsing through my left hand. Hearing a small gasp, I open my eyes, my hand illuminated with a soft white glow. I withdraw my hand from Rani's, "I didn't hurt you did I?" I ask in a panicked tone.
Rani sit's looking at her hand, with a soft look on her face, "You simply startled me a bit, that is a very pure light essence," Rani smiles lightly, "If you'd been born in this world you'd definitely be my competitor to be a Saint." She giggles lightly, "Let us continue until you can do it without having to focus as much."
"I'll be going then, we'll continue this practice for a few days before trying to start forming your actual core." Lito stands, swiftly leaving the chamber.
"That was a quick exit," I comment, opening my eyes I try and focus on that same sensation. A sudden pulse of energy flows through my body, I turn my gaze away taking a deep breath. I smile nervously at Rani, "...It's a bit hard to focus if you're staring at me that intensely,"
Rani's eyes go wide, she turns her face away with cheeks tinged red, "My apologies, I have to observe your mana flow."
I reach up, poking her cheek, "Mhm, you're acting like a kid who got caught stealing cookies." I laugh closing my eyes, focusing again.
At some point, Rani let go of my hands, "It's time for you to meet with Elaine, You're a little late but it shouldn't be a problem.
As we walk through the hall's passing by servant's and other high end dressed noble's who stand off to the side, bowing to the Saint. "Is it like this everywhere you go," I whisper to Rani, as we trail our way through the castle corridors.
"Why else would I sneak around?" Rani gives a mischievous grin over her shoulder, as we come into an deserted hallway. Rani reaches back grabbing my sleeve, "It's quite a lot of stress for a commoner, so I do what I must to relax when I can." They continue walking slowly through the halls.
"The design of this place is truly magnificent," I comment looking around the room. Unique vases filled with flowers dot the corridor alongside tapestries depicting different symbols and figures. The stained wood and glass giving it a unique feeling from the rest of the castle, "Is there a reason for the differing design in this corridor?"
Rani nod's lightly, "So you noticed, The spiritual trainers tend to have a fondness for nature and living things over what the mages or knight factions. This is deeply rooted in the origin of spiritual energy users, which are elves."
"Then I take it recently there's been improved relations with elves, was there hostility at some point?"
"Yes, the humans and elves have their tensions as the elves live from the forest, using magic and spirit arts to bend what already exists into being. While us humans, well we cut down and forcibly reform the things we need. It was ten years ago that the current King got a peace treaty signed with the elves. This allows us to use certain forest areas', while we stay away from theirs. Then there's discrimination in general over racial traits and features but that's a different dilemma." Rani responds as we come to a stop in front of a wooden archway to a large domed room. "This is where your spirit training will start, Good luck Sir Ezekiel." Rani bows, turning away she leaves quickly.
Walking into the room, I see Elaine and 4 others sitting in a circle in a meditative state. Silently I join them, revolving my spirit energy. Although this time I avoid reaching out into any more doorways. After quite some time, I open my eyes to see everyone around me staring in awe. "Is something wrong?" I ask looking down at myself I see a faint whitish blue glow permeating my body, "Ahem," I clear my throat awkwardly scratching the back of my neck. "It's nice to meet you all, My name is Ezekiel." I lightly bow my head down in greeting as Elaine's voice raises.
"What's the commotion about?" she asks walking into the room, her eyes widen as she sees the remnants of the faint glow on my skin. "Ah, Yes, Everyone meet our new practitioner, Ezekiel. He'll be joining us in between his knight expeditions and mage training. Treat him as you all wish to be treated."
I smile mischievously, "Thank you for your considerate words, Miss Elaine," I bob my head respectfully to her. I laugh lightly when she turns her face away.
"Everyone to your seats! It's time to go over soul bonds and summoning rituals." Elaine walks to the center podium as everyone sits around in a circle. "To begin with, I will guide Ezekiel through a summoning procedure. I want everyone to pay close attention and attempt to do so on your own.
"Awe why's he get the special treatment?" someone complains lightly from the crowd.
Elaine shakes her head, "No, it is not special treatment, it is due to the amount of spirit energy. If not guided right he could accidently open a portal to somewhere much more dangerous than any of our expeditions have ever managed to reach. That would be detrimental to the palace and the people of the city below if it were to happen. Now everyone focus up and pay close attention."
Elaine opens the tomb on the pedestal, beckoning me to read it. Walking closer I see a circular symbol drawn with lines through the center in various ways. "To begin with we will need to draw a circle with spirit crystal. It's a soft pliable mineral, that can regrow with time." We both move off the pedestal, and begin to draw. I take a few moments in between to re-examine the book and after some time we find ourselves done.
The other students gathered round nod their heads as they move from the book to the circle. Elaine stands up dusting off her hands, "Everything looks to be in workable order, go ahead and take a seat in the center."
Once I've done as instructed she smiles, "Now your going to sit in your meditation form. This time however don't avoid going into those door's. With one of these your return point is guaranteed, I will be joining you." Elaine states sitting with her back to me.
"There's no time limit?" I clarify as I close my eyes beginning to focus.
"No just imagine us both being sucked into the portal in your minds eye."