The grand hall echoed with the lingering words of the apostles as the teachings of magic settled within the mind of Alex.
Alex's mind was immediately filled with questions regarding the foes he will face: monsters.
"What are monsters and are they the only foes I will face?"
The Apostle of Lightning replied sensing Alex's slight trepidation regarding the subject. "Monsters are being born from excessive mana. They can be of varying types including mutated animals transformed by untamed mana or monsters that suddenly appear due to the increase of untamed mana in the surrounding. And while you will need to face a high number of monsters in the dungeons, it is not something you can do alone. You will need to unite and train humanity to be able to face the numerous dungeons that will emerge. And monsters are very likely to appear even outside of dungeons."
Comprehending what was said to him, Alex seemed to be startled by what the Apostle said. He hurriedly interrupted the Apostle, saying:
"I was a regular person just a day ago, I have no redeeming qualities, I have had no real friends till now and you want me to form a team of people and train them. Also, how am I supposed to unite humanity?"
The Apostle of Lightning replied to Alex noticing his worries: "Do not fret, we have made sufficient preparations to facilitate you in your task. As for making a team, just choose talented individuals you see for each element and we will impart our inheritances upon them after determining their character and potential. You will need to unleash the limitless potential within you to embody the qualities you desire, for it is solely within your power to shape your path to greatness. Only you define what you are and what you wish to become."
Hearing this, Alex calmed down and found the Apostle's words encouraging, as well as, true to an extent.
After pondering for a bit Alex asked:
"What are dungeons and how are they formed?"
"Dungeons," the Apostle replied. "are the areas which are highly concentrated in mana. The area with excessive untamed mana is transformed into a spatial pocket by the world itself as a self-defence mechanism."
Alex still curious about the subject asked:
"Can't the dungeons be destroyed and how can we enter a dungeon?"
"Dungeons as part of the world cannot be directly destroyed by us. The most efficient thing you can do is make it to the deepest part of the dungeon and by using a technique we will teach you to guide the untamed mana into crystalline form. This will cause the dungeon to dissipate within a few days."
"What should I do with the crystalline mana?"
"You can slowly assimilate with the crystalline mana to increase your mana quantity."
Alex knew that such a method should have a drawback, as there is no free lunch in the world.
"Will this cause me any harm?"
"While for normal people, it might act like poison but due to your connection with the elements, your body will take the untamed mana and try to expand your mana pool after purifying it. This will result in decreased mana concentration, but it is temporary and will return to normal within a short while. But be cautious, as the more untamed mana you absorb, the longer it will time it will take for the mana concentration to return to the original value."
The conversation continued for a while after which Alex took a few minutes of respite for his brain to catch up with all that has been told to him. He found his thoughts consumed by the intricate connections between mana, mutated animals, mages, and monsters. Eager to find answers, he sought out the Apostles. The Apostle of Nature and the Apostle of Healing came toward him as the other apostles left to make some preparations.
Alex's was filled with a thirst for knowledge. His voice trembled slightly as he articulated his inquiries, his words a reflection of the curiosity that he could not hide.
"How do mutated animals harness mana?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and interest. "And what distinguishes them from monsters?"
The Apostle of Nature, whose presence radiated tranquil wisdom, spoke first. "Mutated animals, young seeker, have been touched by the influence of mana and they have harnessed the power of mana," he explained, his voice carrying the soothing melodies of the natural world. "The infusion of mana into their bodies has caused them to undergo physical changes, enhancing their abilities and granting them extraordinary physique. They are born with these gifts, their bodies adapted to the presence of mana, which strengthens them and enables them to thrive in their respective environments."
As Alex absorbed the knowledge, he marvelled at the harmony between mana and mutated animals. The relationship between the two fascinated him, the idea of mana bestowing both power and purpose upon the creatures it touched.
"And monsters?" he inquired, his curiosity extending to the darker side of this connection.
The Apostle of Healing, whose compassionate aura embraced Alex, spoke gently. "Mutated animals who have succumbed to the corrupting influence of untamed mana are called monsters, but remember that there are various types and this is one of the many," she explained, her voice carrying a mix of empathy and caution. "Excessive exposure to mana's uncontrolled forces distorts their forms and unleashes destructive powers. Unlike mages and mutated animals, monsters have lost their connection to the harmonious flow of mana. They become consumed by their newfound abilities, driven by a primal instinct to cause chaos and destruction."
The distinction between mutated animals and monsters became clearer in Alex's mind. While mutated animals benefited from mana's touch, their bodies enhanced and their abilities honed, monsters were cursed by the overwhelming surge of untamed mana, losing themselves in a maelstrom of power.
Alex's voice carried a hint of intrigue as he directed his question toward the two apostles. "I find myself wondering, what distinguishes humans as mages? Why is it that we are uniquely designated with this title and possess the innate capability to harness the power of magic?"
A subtle exchange of knowing glances passed between the apostles, their eyes reflecting a shared understanding.
"Humanity, young seeker, carries within them a unique affinity for mana," the Apostle of Nature explained, his voice blending curiosity and wisdom. "It is a connection that runs deep, woven into their very essence. Humans possess the inherent ability to draw upon mana's energies, shaping and manipulating it to manifest the elemental arts."
The Apostle of Healing added, her voice resonating with warmth and understanding, "Within the human soul lies the potential to perceive and embrace the flow of mana, to understand its complexities and harness its power. Mages, as humans who have awakened this innate potential, have the ability to traverse the delicate boundaries between the physical and the mystical, wielding magic as an extension of themselves."
As the answers unfolded, Alex's understanding deepened. He realized that mages were not conduits of mana but intricate vessels capable of perceiving and harmonizing with its subtle currents. They were the bridge, the catalysts through which mana flowed and found expression.
"Is there a deeper reason why humans possess the innate ability to tap into the power of magic? What makes us uniquely capable of harnessing these elemental forces?"
The Apostle of Nature responded to Alex's question. "Ah, the enigma of mage hood," he mused, his voice carrying the whisper of the wind through ancient forests. "Though we, the apostles, are not bound by the limitations of humanity, we have observed and studied the intricate connection between humans and magic."
"The innate ability of humans to tap into the power of magic is a wondrous phenomenon," continued the Apostle of Healing, her voice resonating with a celestial warmth. "It is believed that within the tapestry of existence, humans possess a unique balance of qualities that make them catalysts for the elemental forces."
"Their mortal form, though fragile, harbours immense potential," added the Apostle of Nature, his voice laced with the melody of blossoming flowers. "Humans possess a curious blend of intellect, intuition, and a spirit of exploration. This combination allows them to traverse the realms of magic and establish a profound connection with the elemental fabric of reality."
"The human soul is a vessel capable of embracing the harmonious dance between mana and the elements," concluded the Apostle of Healing, her voice carrying the resonance of celestial healing. "Their capacity for introspection, their boundless imagination, and their yearning for understanding enable them to wield magic with purpose and finesse. It is in this union of mortal nature and ethereal potential that the essence of human mage hood thrives."
As Alex absorbed the wisdom of the apostles, he marvelled at the notion that humans, with their mortal limitations, possessed a unique capacity to transcend and commune with the forces of magic.
A thought emerged within Alex's mind, a realization born from the depths of his newfound comprehension. Mutated animals, gifted with enhanced bodies honed by mana, possessed a physical prowess that far surpassed that of mages. They compensated for their limited ability to manipulate mana with superior strength and resilience. It was a balance struck by nature, a delicate equilibrium that underscored the grand tapestry of existence.
The teachings of the apostles continued for a week, Alex felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. He understood that his journey would not be one of effortless mastery but a relentless pursuit of knowledge, tempered by challenges and hardships. The road to becoming a formidable mage stretched before him, with seven distinct stages and three sub-stages within each, representing the progression of his magical prowess.
The names of these stages echoed in his thoughts, resonating with the weight of aspiration and accomplishment: Novice, Adept, Maestro, Grandmaster, Sage, Luminary, and Archmage. Each stage held its trials and revelations, demanding unwavering dedication and unwavering resolve.
With newfound clarity and an unyielding determination, Alex set his sights on the pinnacle of magical prowess. He was determined to ascend through the stages, surpass all expectations and become something that many only dreamed of. The path would be arduous, the challenges formidable, but he embraced them with unwavering resolve.