"Mizar... are you absolutely certain about this?" Ridley voiced his concerns, his worry evident in his eyes.
As a friend, he deeply cared for Mizar's well-being, and the thought of engaging in a potentially harmful activity troubled him. Unlike Vanta, who had prior experience with the membrane, Mizar and Ridley were venturing into uncharted territory. Not only would they be exploring the membrane's capabilities, but they would also be using magic spells against each other for the first time.
Taking a moment to consider Ridley's apprehension, Mizar paused and offered a reassuring smile.
"I understand your concern, Ridley, and I appreciate your care for my safety. It's fine, we'll do it carefully and start with basic spells, I don't want anyone to get hurt."
Mizar's words carried a genuine sense of determination and understanding. They were fully aware of the potential risks involved, but they also recognized the importance of pushing their boundaries and honing their skills. Their intention was not to inflict harm but rather to foster growth and mutual understanding.
Ridley, though still apprehensive, gradually found solace in Mizar's reassurance and unwavering trust. With a deep breath, Ridley nodded in acceptance. "Alright, Mizar. If we proceed with caution and keep each other's safety in mind, then I'll support you in this endeavor. Let's take it step by step and ensure we learn and progress together."
Vanta understood Ridley's concerns and recognized the weight of his worries. In an attempt to assuage those fears, he stepped forward and addressed Ridley directly. "Ridley, I understand your hesitation, but let me assure you that using the membrane for our practice is actually safer for both of us.
Without the membrane, we lack any protective gear, leaving us vulnerable to potential injuries. The membrane's ability to absorb damage will greatly reduce the risk of harm during our training."
Vanta's conviction in the membrane's protective capabilities stemmed from firsthand experience. He had witnessed the membrane withstand considerable damage during previous duels, demonstrating its resilience and ability to shield its wearer from harm. This visual evidence, combined with Vanta's unwavering confidence, aimed to alleviate Ridley's concerns.
As Ridley gazed into Mizar's eyes, he could see a glimmer of hope and anticipation. Mizar's plea was unspoken yet heartfelt, silently urging Ridley to trust in their shared vision and venture into this new realm together. Ridley's heart softened, his apprehensions yielding to the undeniable bond of friendship and the genuine desire to support and encourage Mizar.
With a deep sigh, Ridley's hesitation melted away, and he nodded in agreement. "Alright, Mizar. I trust in your judgment, and if you truly believe in the membrane's ability to protect us, then I'll put my faith in it as well. Let's proceed with caution and look out for each other."
In that moment, Ridley's trust in Mizar and the strength of their friendship triumphed over his initial reservations.
Vanta convinced him once more by explaining how membrane can absorb incoming attack. He red the content of the book, and summarized into a few points.
The membrane possessed a unique spell absorption capability, allowing it to convert magic spells back into mana and subsequently absorb it. However, the process of conversion varied depending on the nature and solidity of the spell being absorbed.
When encountering more substantial spells, such as a stone bullet, the conversion process took longer. The membrane had to meticulously break down the spell's composition, unraveling its magical structure and transforming it back into raw mana. The denser and more intricate the spell, the more time it required for complete conversion.
As for the seemingly unlimited mana supply emanating from the membrane, it stemmed from a combination of factors. Firstly, the membrane's inherent affinity for mana enabled it to extract and gather ambient mana particles from the environment with remarkable efficiency. This ensured a constant influx of mana for conversion and absorption.
Additionally, the membrane's structure possessed a unique capacity for mana storage. Its intricate network of pathways and reservoirs allowed for the accumulation and retention of vast amounts of mana. This built-in reservoir provided a sustainable and seemingly limitless source of mana for the user.
Furthermore, the membrane itself had a natural ability to regenerate and replenish its mana reserves over time.
As it absorbed and converted spells into mana, the membrane simultaneously tapped into the ambient mana present in the atmosphere, continuously restoring its own energy reserves. This inherent regenerative capability further contributed to the perception of an almost boundless mana supply.
Combined, these factors—efficient mana extraction, ample storage capacity, and inherent regeneration—culminated in the membrane seemingly providing a virtually unlimited source of mana, granting the user a sustained and reliable wellspring of magical energy.
With their decision firmly made, Mizar and Ridley sought out an appropriate venue to carry out their duel. After some searching, they discovered Letto's private training facility, known for providing an affordable and safe environment for beginners to engage in duels and sparring.
As they entered the venue, they were greeted by a spacious training area, designed with safety as a top priority. The facility boasted various safety measures, including padded floors and walls to cushion impacts, strategically placed barriers to prevent accidents, and trained staff members overseeing the dueling sessions to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
"Wow... this place is absolutely awesome!" Mizar exclaimed in awe as he surveyed the surroundings of the venue. The facilities managed by Letto and his family exuded a sense of excitement and possibility.
Impressed by the venue's offerings, Mizar couldn't contain his enthusiasm. The space was thoughtfully designed to accommodate various training needs, from dueling to sparring and everything in between. Its well-maintained equipment and spacious layout provided an optimal environment for honing their skills.
As Mizar took in the sights, Letto, the venue's manager, approached with a friendly smile. "Here, gear up," Letto said, offering them the necessary equipment for their duel. With expertise born out of experience, Letto ensured that Mizar and Ridley were properly equipped to ensure their safety and enhance their performance.
Mizar gratefully accepted the gear, recognizing the importance of donning the appropriate protective equipment. As they geared up, he couldn't help but appreciate Letto's dedication and commitment to providing a top-notch training experience.
Understanding the importance of proper protective gear, Mizar and Ridley equipped themselves with the necessary equipment. Alongside their usual gear, they adorned the membrane, recognizing its invaluable role in providing an extra layer of protection during their duel.
The combination of Letto's training facility, specifically designed to minimize risks and enhance safety, and the utilization of the membrane, ensured that Mizar and Ridley's well-being would be safeguarded throughout their duel. With their safety guaranteed, Ridley felt more at ease, knowing that they were taking all necessary precautions to minimize any potential harm.
Ridley looked at Mizar, a newfound excitement brimming in his eyes. "Alright, Mizar, let's do this duel. With the venue's safety measures and our protective gear, we can focus on honing our skills and pushing each other to new heights. I trust that we'll have a thrilling and safe experience."
"Ready when you are pal" As the duel commenced, Ridley assumed a defensive stance, preparing himself for Mizar's first move.
"Haha! I'm born ready!" With a swift motion, Mizar conjured a fireball, launching it towards Ridley. The fireball sailed through the air, driven by Mizar's control over his mana.
Mizar, drawing mana from his membrane, channeled it through his open mana circuit—a pathway that facilitated the flow and manipulation of mana within his body. This allowed him to harness his internal magical energy and shape it into a fireball spell.
Mizar's display of basic magic served as a reminder of the fundamentals they had learned at the academy. The art of spellcasting involved focusing one's mana, imbuing it with intent, and releasing it in the desired form or effect. The magic they had honed through their training formed the foundation for their current abilities.
Eager to demonstrate his progress, Mizar repeated the attack twice, each time increasing the size of the fireball. The intensified spell showcased his growing control over his mana and the ability to shape it to his will.
As Mizar unleashed his attack, Ridley swiftly reacted, activating the membrane to its full potential. The membrane, true to its nature, seamlessly absorbed the incoming energy, transferring it into Ridley's being. The absorbed energy seamlessly merged with his mana reserve, enhancing his magical potential.
A surge of power coursed through Ridley's veins as the absorbed energy blended with his own mana. The membrane acted as a conduit, allowing him to harness the absorbed energy and convert it into a resource for his magical abilities. With this additional reserve at his disposal, Ridley felt an amplified connection to the mana within and around him.
The absorbed energy served not only as a protective shield but also as a means to bolster Ridley's magical prowess. The fusion of the absorbed energy with his own mana reserve provided him with an expanded well of power to draw upon during the duel. This newfound reserve granted him a heightened sense of confidence and determination, fueling his desire to succeed.
With the absorbed energy now a part of him, Ridley prepared to retaliate, channeling his enhanced mana into a formidable counterattack. The absorbed energy had become an integral component of his magical arsenal, empowering his spells with an intensity that surpassed his previous capabilities.
Emboldened by the absorbed energy coursing through him, Ridley launched his counterattack with precision and strength. The combination of his skill, the membrane's protective qualities, and the additional energy imbued his spells with a potent force.
The duel reached its climax, as Ridley's counterattack overwhelmed Mizar's defenses, resulting in Mizar's defeat. The absorbed energy had played a crucial role in tipping the scales in Ridley's favor, demonstrating the effectiveness and versatility of the membrane in both defense and offense.
With their roles now reversed, Ridley took the offensive, launching an attack with the aid of the membrane. He directed a punch towards Mizar, who swiftly transitioned into a defensive stance, relying on the membrane's protective capabilities. Ridley's punch, empowered by the absorbed mana, carried a formidable force.
In a fierce exchange, Mizar found himself on the defensive, attempting to withstand Ridley's onslaught. However, the combined strength of Ridley's attack and the absorbed power proved too much, overwhelming Mizar's defenses.As the duel came to a close, Mizar conceded defeat. but from outside the duel venue, an observer had been silently watching their intense duel.