Raphaello and Lancer walked back to the shipyard after a day of hard work at Roger's forge. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink as they talked about the challenges they faced.
Lancer looked worried and started talking about the limitations they faced in the village.
- Lancer, I have to admit that we are limited in our search for information here. We know so little about this kingdom, and almost nothing about magic, everything I learned was in that brief moment in the village. We're in unfamiliar territory, and I confess I'm feeling lost.
Lancer placed a hand on Raphaello's shoulder, showing understanding.
- Raphaello, I understand. I've also felt a little lost since we got here. It seems like you are the only one who is able to act and make decisions, while I feel useless and unable to deal with this situation.
Lancer and Raphaello were two young men who had fled the territory of a master who had enslaved them throughout their childhood, since they were 7 years old. Only at the age of 15 did they gain their freedom by escaping to the lands of Jericho. They had no knowledge of the world outside their oppressor's territory.
- Demand for coal always increases during winter as people need to stay warm. And I know how to create a furnace to produce high-quality charcoal.
From his first visit to the blacksmith Roger's workshop, Raphaello realized the vitality of coal in the life of that community. Every house had chimneys, and merchants traded coal that seemed to be supplied exclusively by Baron Jericho. All inhabitants acquired coal to carry out their daily tasks.
Lancer was intrigued by Raphaello's revelation. Since they arrived in the village, Raphaello had changed considerably, demonstrating knowledge in areas that were previously unknown to him.
Raphaello smiled, revealing a spark of confidence.
- I was determined to find a way for us to stand out in this place, and by observing people, I learned a lot. However, I faced a dilemma as there is no suitable market in this village where I can apply my knowledge. It was then that I realized that coal could be the key.
To obtain coins quickly, Raphaello thought of several ideas, but nothing he knew seemed to be applicable in these unknown lands. It was only after hearing Gerald's speech, which warned about the arrival of winter, that he began to observe details related to the season that could provide him with a source of income. After visiting the blacksmith and Bugree's shop, he left that day with a single plan, the most viable for acquiring resources.
- But when did you consider working for the blacksmith?
- The moment I saw the Ignis frigoris scroll in Bugree's store I planned to work for Roger in order to increase our income.
Raphaello observed the moon high in the sky, realizing that night was about to fall. He saw this as an opportunity to share with Lancer a plan to strengthen his abilities, especially his Qi cores.
With a sigh, Raphaello revealed what he had in mind:
- Starting today, Lancer, we will begin to cultivate our Qi cores daily, seeking to become stronger.
A sigh escaped Lancer's lips, laced with a hint of dejection. It was evident that he was aware of the limitation of his mana core, as Bugree had mentioned at the beginning. Lancer's age should have already provided him with an amateur-level mana core, and this weighed on his mind.
Raphaello, noticing Lancer's discouragement, approached him and touched his shoulders, comforting him.
- Don't let discouragement shake you. Strength is not a one-way road, and Qi is not just tied to the level of your mana, as Bugree suggested. It is a reflection of your inner energy, the essence of your strength.
As Raphaello spoke, the nighttime glow of the stars seemed to focus on them, as if the universe itself was listening. It was a moment of inspiration, where the belief in the power within was like a flame that illuminated their hearts.
Raphaello guided Lancer through a series of simple exercises, starting with controlled breathing. He explained how meditation and deep concentration were key to tuning in to inner energy. As they practiced, Raphaello used his own connection to Qi as an example, demonstrating how internal energy could be channeled and strengthened.
The night unfolded as the two friends explored the first steps of Qi cultivation. The darkness was punctuated by the brightness of stars, as if the universe was bearing witness.
Lancer, following Raphaello's initial example, attempted to cultivate his Qi for an hour, but soon realized that his initial efforts were limited. When he finished, he noticed that Raphaello was still immersed in his Qi cultivation, demonstrating impressive dedication.
Exhausted and recognizing his own limits at that moment, Lancer made the decision to end his practice and go to sleep. He knew he needed to rest, as the next day awaited him with twice as much work, carrying sacks of grain, as Raphaello would be away. It was a necessary choice to regain energy and face the challenges that lay ahead.
An hour had passed since Lancer completed his Qi cultivation, and Raphaello had also reached the end of his own session. Although he was exhausted, Raphaello felt that he still had a considerable reserve of mana within him. Determined to push his limits, he made the decision to exhaust this remaining mana energy, knowing that this would also contribute to the increase in his Qi.
Even in exhaustion, Raphaello was willing to push his own limits in search of growth and strengthening of his magical and energetic abilities.
He decided to train on a board again increasing and decreasing his temperature. After casting 4 times, increasing temperature for one minute and decreasing temperature for 1 minute, his mana was depleted. After that he finishes his training and goes to the straw where he slept exhausted and falls asleep.
Deciding to continue his training, Raphaello again chose a board as his target, seeking to control the temperature, increasing and decreasing it in a controlled manner. With determination, he cast his magic four times, increasing the temperature for a minute and then decreasing it for another minute each time. However, he soon felt his mana running out, signaling the limit of his magical energy.
With his training ended due to exhaustion, Raphaello meekly retired to the pile of straw where he usually slept. He was completely exhausted and, with no more strength left, fell asleep immediately. It was a well-deserved rest after his tireless efforts to improve his magical abilities.