Chereads / Bound Beyond the Soul / Chapter 4 - Beginning to get started

Chapter 4 - Beginning to get started

Satisfied with all the information gathered she wanted to start exercising. Although she can't handle her previous technique at the moment, she can handle warmups to start the process of getting her in peak condition. She will make this a part of her daily routine and as she recovers, she will increase the difficulty as she goes. Doing the same routine of exercise and recuperating three months passed in the blink of an eye. She now has toned muscles and ample flesh on her bones, finally satisfied she decided it was time to open her mana veins. During those three months of training Shiyana contemplated and compared numerous times of the different methods of practicing and realized they're all extremely similar at their core. The only differences would be the route of circulation of the chosen power. Of course, certain practices require different attributed powers but at their core they're the same. Shiyana had a feeling that it wasn't necessarily just the talent and attributes holding the magicians, cultivators, etc. back but their mind set. It's almost like they subconsciously hold themselves within the barriers of what's been taught to them. Sure, some have tried breaking past those barriers but without the proper knowledge how can they pass that hurdle with ease. What if having an attribute or not having an attribute does not equate to not being able to learn a different one? Of course, it doesn't mean there aren't those that can't break past those limits, it's just that for various reasons they aren't widespread.With countless questions and answers swirling within her head her soul began to buzz and heat up. And just like that there was a pop and a warm aura rushed and soothed her soul. Feeling around she realized her soul has become sturdier and… increased? Perplexed, Shiy just decided to accept the blessing and focus on using her newfound knowledge to open her veins up.Most wouldn't have dared to try a new method to open their veins, but Shiy was willing to take the risk. She's already died twice so if this kills her then she hopes that bitch of a "god" lets her have her eternal rest. But if this turns out how she thinks it will, then she will have more confidence to continue to break past barriers.Sitting cross legged she began to feel the different energies in the air, she noticed the different concentrations of them and began to draw them into her body following the path she had designed. Next will be the tough part, she will face the pain of breaking through every blockage in her veins and meridians. After going through inhumane torture in her past two lives she's ready to add one to this life. Steadying herself she began to start running the energies through her body, the moment it entered she bit her lip in pain. With cold sweat running down her back she began to push through.One… two…. three…. And so on, every blockage was worse than the other, but the results were already starting to show. Her muscles and bones began to strengthen themselves as the power constantly washed them trying to pass through every blockage. Her body began to have a black sludge appear, but Shiyanna was too focused on getting this done in one go. She'd rather not split this into multiple sessions, although she can handle pain it doesn't mean she enjoys inflicting pain onto herself, she's not a masochist. The hours began to tick by and by this time the sun had long set.Seeing that she was about 80 percent done she was motivated to finish this. The pain at this point was mind numbing, untrained people would have long quit. Pushing through these last blockages were the worst, she had to slowly chip at them with the energies swirling in her body threatening to tear her body apart at the slightest mistake.After four hours she could finally see the finish line and began to push through the final barrier. The energies vigorously began to hit the blockage.

 

*crack CraCk CrrrrrrrrACK * 

"AGHHH"Unable to hold it in, Shiyana screamed and vomited a mouthful of blood before passing out in utter exhaustion. Thankfully she lives at the edge or town with no neighbors near to hear her scream. During her rest her body began to repair itself at a heightened speed.Shiy didn't awake until the next day and after smelling the absolutely rancid smell coming from her body, she was sure that's what had awoken her from her slumber. Throwing herself into the bath and taking at least five baths scrubbing her skin red only then she was satisfied.  Starving, she ran to the kitchen to fill her stomach, looking at her results and could wait until later.After eating her fill Shiyanna lay contentedly rubbing her stomach and she decided to check on her results. She's unsure if she's able to measure her level due to it being a new technique but she can only infer until she is able to get a definite answer. Looking Inside she sees that there is what seems to look like an endless void flowing along the route she had just cleared.Upon closer inspection she couldn't see any signs that show a measure of level, but Shiyanna can definitely feel a change in herself. Leaving her only confused she went over the information on the mage grading system to see if she missed something.According to what she knows, the way mages tell their level is by the number of rings they have, and each ring has three barriers between them.The grading system for mages are:Elementary Mage: 1 ringApprentice Mage: 2 ringsMagician: 3 ringsAdept Mage: 4 ringsSaintly Mage: 5 ringsOverlord mage: 6 ringsMaster Mage: 7 ringsEminent Mage: 8 rings Each having the three barriers of early, middle, and late stage in between each level characterized by the number of stars circling the rings. Each class having their own characteristics and ability to wield higher tiered spells.As one progresses, they begin to have an extended life and unchanging or youthful appearance at some point. Of course, there are different forms of practice each having their own grading system but, in the end, reaching the same result. Of course, mages aren't the only path of power in this world and that's not even touching the different classes but it's what's available to her now so she will utilize what she can from it.Seeing that she didn't fit into the category exactly she didn't stress it and took it as a stronger sign that she will start her own path in this life without being forced to fit into a specific mold. Of Course, that doesn't mean she wants to be the only one to walk this path but at this current time she has little bark to her bite so until she can fully protect herself, she'll hold off on directly sharing this path with others. Instead, she'll release information under a false name and slowly look for companions to join her on this journey. Now officially on the path to becoming strong she wants to slowly build her reputation within the Black Hall. She knows her books will either be hit or miss but for sure her recipes will hit. For now, though she only wants to publish books and she'll publish recipes when she feels like it. She'll write her first book on element recognition and go in depth into one element, that should allow someone who has fate to have more insight. Who knows what surprises it could provide.