As Alex again stood before the Council of Apostles, his heart brimmed with anticipation. The echoes of his conversation with the apostles still reverberated within his mind, but now he wanted to practice the techniques that will allow him to use magic. The council members, draped in their majestic robes, regarded him with a mix of wisdom and anticipation.
"Alex," spoke the Apostle of Fire, his voice carrying the weight of flames and infernos. "Now, we shall guide you through the intricate art of mana circulation, a fundamental aspect of a mage's journey."
Intrigue flickered in Alex's eyes as he listened intently. This was the moment he had been waiting for—the unravelling of the secrets behind the power that lay dormant within him.
The Apostle of Water stepped forward, her eyes shimmering with depths of knowledge. "Mana, young mage, is a constant and ever-flowing force within the world. It dances with the currents of water, envelops the earth, carries the breath of wind, and ignites the flames of fire. And mages have the ability to harness this energy, shaping it to cast spells and manifest the elemental arts."
She continued, "Within your own body, Alex, mana is always in motion, flowing along pathways known as meridians. These meridians intersect throughout your being, creating a complex network through which mana circulates. However, it is important to note that mana is most concentrated in a specific region, a place where your future mana core will reside."
Curiosity stirred within Alex as he wondered about this mysterious mana core and its purpose. What wonders would he be able to do once he could tap into its potential?
The Apostle of Earth stepped forward, his presence grounding and solid. "The formation of a mana core is a significant milestone for mages, representing the attainment of the Maestro stage," he explained. "At this stage, mages develop a deeper connection with mana, allowing them to form a mana core within their bodies. This core acts as a reservoir, storing mana and providing a focal point for its circulation."
The Apostle of Light pointed to his chest, just above his heart, and said, "The core of mana is concentrated within us, residing near the heart, where it forms a future mana core. It is within this core that mana is stored and harnessed for our spells and abilities."
A vivid description of the area where the mana core is formed unfolded before Alex's eyes. Deep within his chest, nestled near his heart, he envisioned a radiant sphere of pure mana. It pulsed with a soft luminescence, mirroring the rhythm of life itself.
"The mana core, Alex, is not merely a storage vessel," the Apostle of Wind chimed in. "As you progress through the stages, beginning from the Grandmaster stage, your mana core undergoes a transformation. It evolves from a mere container into a generator, producing mana in addition to storing it."
The Apostle of Curse shrouded in an aura of enigmatic darkness, added, "As you progress through the stages, from Grandmaster to sage and beyond, your mana core evolves. It becomes a wellspring of power, infusing your spells and abilities with raw elemental energy."
Understanding dawned upon Alex, realizing the council's wisdom and the magnitude of the transformation that awaited him. A surge of excitement coursed through his veins at the thought of him reaching such heights.
The Apostle of Water stepped forward once more. "In the early stages of your journey, Alex, the council has placed a seal upon your mana core," she revealed. "This seal serves to protect you from the perils of mana poisoning and the overwhelming effects of sudden elemental comprehension. It ensures that your growth remains steady and controlled. Preventing your body from being overwhelmed by the sheer power of mana and avoid sending you into a coma from excessive strain on your mind and soul"
Alex realized the council's concern for his well-being. They had taken measures to safeguard him from the dangers that lurked within the depths of untamed mana. It was a humbling realization—a reminder of the unexpected dangers that lay on this extraordinary path.
The Apostle of Light, bathed in a celestial glow, continued, "To aid you on your path, we shall impart upon you a technique of great power and finesse. It is a unique method known as Elemental Resonance. It will enhance your connection with the elements and refine your mana control," he announced.
Alex was filled with anticipation, ready to begin his journey as a mage.
"With Elemental Resonance, you will be able to sense the elements more keenly, attune yourself to their vibrations, and accelerate the quantity of mana within your body," explained the Apostle of Wind. "Furthermore, this technique allows for the concentration of mana, enabling your spells to be cast with greater strength and speed than those at your stage of mastery."
As Alex heard the words, even though he did not fully realize what was being given to him, the thought of mastering this technique sparked a fire within him.
The Apostle of Lightning interjected, his voice crackling like thunder, "Additionally, this technique grants you the ability to tap into the elemental currents, guiding your spells with more precision and control. It is a skill that will set you apart, enabling you to cast spells with unparalleled strength and accuracy."
The Apostle of Lightning continued after a momentary pause, "Are you ready to learn this technique?"
"I'm ready" Alex replied, still momentarily dazed and filled with anticipation.
The council members, in unison, began to demonstrate the gestures and incantations of Elemental Resonance, guiding Alex through each step with patience and precision. As he followed their lead, a sense of enlightenment filled him. The elements responded to his call, intertwining with his being, and acknowledging his growing potential. He felt a profound connection to the world around him as if the very fabric of reality recognized his destiny.
The council had bestowed upon him a powerful technique that would amplify his connection to the elements and elevate his magical prowess. It was a gift of immeasurable value—one that carried with it the weight of responsibility and the promise of great achievements.
After learning the technique the Apostle of Healing gave Alex a book.
The Apostle of Healing spoke her voice soothing Alex's mind with each word, "In this book, the technique to condense untamed mana into a crystal is described. Only those who have an affinity of space or curse can use this, so until you comprehend and unseal these elements, you must rely on someone else for this process."
Alex was stumped at how to comprehend these elusive elements and he hasn't ever met a mage, so he does not know if these elements are rare or not. After thinking for a while, he decided to think about it after exiting the Realm of Elements.
The Apostles explained that the crystalized mana be used by me to increase my mana quantity but it will cause anyone else to lose their ability to use mana for a long period of time and if a lot of it is absorbed it can cause the person to mutate into a monster.
After learning the techniques, Alex's heart swelled with gratitude and determination. He decided to use these techniques to the fullest and strive towards the goal set by the apostles.
As the conversation with the apostles concluded, Alex stood on the precipice of a new beginning. The teachings of the apostles, the revelation of the dungeons, and the gift of Elemental Resonance filled him with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The road ahead would be challenging, but armed with newfound knowledge and his determination, Alex had already set a goal for himself to become an Archmage and meanwhile fulfilling the duty bestowed upon him.