Even though it was a one sided beatdown, I can still feel that my control has gotten a bit better, and the casting speed of my ice creations got a bit lower.
To take things into perspective, before this training, I needed about nine seconds to cast a complete ice wall -about 2 meters in height- now I need around eight. It may not sound like much, but in a high speed battle, even a fraction of a second may be the thing that decides the winner.
After finishing training, both my mother and I got into a sitting position to start the mana breathing.
Mana breathing is a technique where a person takes mana into their system and also mana veins that allow them to strengthen them further and to keep more mana inside. Expanding and strengthening the mana veins can be accomplished not only with the breathing technique but also through potions or elixirs, but if knowledgeable alchemists do not do them, they can do more damage than good if they are ingested in quantity.
Even though not many people use less expensive potions, there are still people who use them. May it is because they can't stand the arduous training regime, or they just want momentary gains instead of long term, or even maybe they don't have the required talent.
As we are already sat down, we both close our eyes and focus on feeling the mana through the air.
`Ahh, such a refreshing feeling.`
Ignoring the euphoric feeling that it brings, I then seriously focus on my breathing which is one long breath and two short ones immediately after.
After about half an hour of mana breathing, I feel like something is unlocking inside of me. I focused on this feeling hastening my mana breathing, and then I heard a sound in my brain.
"Clank."
"Congratulations on your minor breakthrough." Says, my mother.
"Thank you, mother."
I reply, smiling since I came to a step closer to being at the top. I also check my status window.
--- Status ---
Name: Michael Dacre
Age: 15
Rank: E+
Strength: E+
Agility: E+
Stamina: E
Intelligence: E
Mana: E --> E+
Charm: A+
--- Profession ---
Swordsmanship lvl.2
Mage lvl.1
--- Techniques ---
Draconic sword art:
(A powerful and versatile sword technique made by Nathaniel Dacre, an ancestor of the Saint household.)
Ice Domain:
(A technique that allows the user to create a domain of ice. The more mana is used, the bigger the domain and the more skills the user can create.)
------------
It seems that I made a breakthrough, and I can't help but smile. It also appears to be that I was close to breaking through, judging by the fact that it only took me one training session to advance. Or maybe my mother is a genius in training. Shit, maybe even both.
"Don't let it get over your head. It will only get more difficult for you to advance further from here. Still good work. I expect you to come here tomorrow and every day for the next two weeks. Now, go and get ready for lunch."
"Yes," I answered, still smiling.
I head straight to my room, where the maid has already prepared my bath. I lay there and let all the tiredness wash away.
Whenever I'm alone, I can't help but drift off to various thoughts, mainly concerning my future. I know that I want to get stronger, and I have already decided on that, but how should I live my life in this new world? Should I, once I'm somewhat stronger, leave this kingdom and explore the other ones?
I seriously consider this idea because even on earth traveling the world has always been a dream of mine, and now that I have the means, shouldn't I focus on it more and maybe even enjoy this journey with friends or just my sister if she would want to follow me?
Okay, okay, enough of these long term thoughts, let's just focus on finishing the four years at the academy and just enjoy my time there.
I get up from my bath and dry myself wearing some casual clothes, or at least casual to me.
I lay on my bed and watched the window.
"Still raining, huh," I say before closing my eyes and falling asleep.
*********************
A couple can be seen sitting inside a luxurious office, coupled with the sound of the rain in the background and the dimly lighted room, it gives an eerie yet mysterious kind of vibe. If someone from earth saw them, the only word to describe this couple would be a power couple.
"Did he break through?" The handsome middle aged man asked the woman.
"Yes, he did. It seems he is getting closer to advancing to D rank." Said the equally beautiful woman sitting across from the man.
"Good. We can't let our previous mistakes be repeated this time." Said the man. His voice had a mix of anger and sadness in it.
"Yes. Never again." Responds the woman looking straight into the eyes of the man.
*********************
Yet again, the knocking door wakes me up from my sleep.
"Master, lunch will be ready in about half an hour." Said the maid as I let her inside my room.
"Thank you. You can go now." I respond to her. She bows, and then she leaves my room.
I get up and head straight to the bathroom to wash my face and also wash away the drowsiness.
"Let's visit Liz," I say to the beautiful reflection in the mirror.
Yet again, changing my clothes to a more formal setting.
"How many times will I change clothes today," I mutter to myself.
I get out of my room and head to my sister. As I walk the long castle corridors, I spot a different maid and ask her.
"Is my sister in her room?"
"Yes, young master," she replies.
I nod and head to her room. Hmph, this maid seems to be addressing me differently even though we are alone. Maybe the other maid, Emily, wants to get on my good side by calling me 'Master' when alone. I think she is hoping for some rewards when I inherit all this.
That's something that is not uncommon since many maids have risen into more prominent positions by having a better relationship with their masters, be it head maid or maybe even an official concubine.
Finally arriving in front of my sister's room, I knock on the door and say.
"Liz, it's me. Can I come in?"
No answer came. She just opened the door and hugged me.
"Come on, I told you you don't have to knock. Just come inside." She said, still hugging me.
Letting go of the hug, she takes my hand and pulls me inside her room. Seeing her room up close I can't help but think of a phrase I saw once back on earth, 'La vie du chateau,' which denotes a life o luxury.
Truly her room was impressive, from the pieces of furniture that adorned the room even to the marbled floor.
I take my sit in one of the armchairs, which is close to the fireplace. She sits across me and says,
"Black or white?"
"I'll let you take advantage today, so I'll choose black," I say, laughing, and she kicks me under the table.
`Let the games begin.` I say in my mind.