In Alderick's firm grip, the sword resembled a common, iron-like blade, but its presence is commanding the attention of the room. The cold, metallic sheen of the weapon glistened in the ambient light, casting an almost hypnotic allure. It was a simple yet menacing instrument.
Still grappling with the enigmatic purpose of the sword, Richard found himself suddenly jolted to reality as Alderick made a swift, unexpected movement. The blade, as sharp as a winter's frost, materialized dangerously close to Richard's neck, merely an inch away. The sensation sent shivers down his spine, as he became acutely aware of the sword's terrifying potential, capable of slicing through him like warm butter.
— You're still a considerable distance from becoming a proficient mage — Alderick's voice resonated with a blend of mentorship and concern, the seriousness etched across his features. Richard's countenance mirrored the gravity of the situation as he contemplated the necessity of self-defense in the absence of magic. He nodded solemnly in agreement with his professor, acknowledging the importance of this unanticipated lesson.
"I've been wondering how to improve my casting speed, but this seems like a reasonable solution." The intrigued boy mused, a spark of enthusiasm lighting up his eyes. Finally, he felt happy and relieved because he found a solution to the problem that had been bothering him for a while.
The boy's hand grasped the sword's hilt, fingers brushing against the supple leather wrapping. He tried to clutch it firmly, but the sword's weight proved to be more than Richard could manage for extended periods. As he raised the sword, his arm trembled in the effort to keep it steady.
The boy's attempt at appearing poised while holding the sword brought a hearty laugh from Alderick. It took him on a journey back through the corridors of his own memories, to the very first time he held a sword, evoking a sense of nostalgia. As he observed the young man's unsteady grasp on the blade, he couldn't help but wonder if there was more to this student than met the eye. In many ways, he reminded Alderick of his own youthful self, brimming with potential yet lacking the innate talent others possessed.
Alderick chided himself for jumping to conclusions based on raw talent alone. He knew from personal experience that being the most gifted among his peers had never been his forte. Yet, despite the odds, he had managed to carve out a distinguished path for himself. The realization dawned upon him, and he decided that he would not underestimate this aspiring young mage, for there might be a wealth of untapped potential just beneath the surface.
— How should I use this? Should I just swing it? — The boy's evident lack of familiarity with any form of martial arts was clear to see. Throughout his life, he had consistently ranked among the physically less capable individuals, a trend that persisted from his kindergarten days to his college years. The extent of his martial training, if it could even be called that, was limited to the occasional yoga session he indulged in with his friends.
Alderick felt sorry for the boy, being alone in the world it's already hard for a commoner, but to a mage who needs almost countless amounts of resources to progress, it's almost as a fate sealer.
His hand reached a ring in his middle finger, then Alderick grabbed a shabby book. A nostalgic smile rose in the professor's face, looking at his old friend.
— This serves as a personal reward for you, Richard. It contains some fundamental principles of swordsmanship. — His face was filled with a mixture of emotions, as if he were embarking on a new chapter in his life. In this fleeting moment, a surge of inspiration washed over him. Without a word to Richard, the professor simply vanished into thin air, as if he had never been there to begin with.
Alone in the room, Richard stood bewildered, his gaze darting around in search of any trace of his mentor. It dawned on him that the man who had been his teacher for an extended period possessed extraordinary skills that had previously eluded his perception.
It took a considerable amount of time for the boy to regain his composure. He glanced down at the weighty sword in his grip, a tangible reminder of the challenges ahead. Richard couldn't help but reflect on all the areas he needed to improve. The burden of his limited magical talent weighed heavily on his mind, posing one of the most substantial hurdles he would have to surmount.
"I can't afford to dwell on this, I need to dedicate my time to studying and surpassing it." Richard sighed, his concern evident in his voice.
The journey back to his room was a winding path of contemplation for Richard, filled with a torrent of thoughts about how to accelerate his magical development. It was imperative that he establish a comprehensive plan, as the alternative was being relegated to insignificance once more. As he reached his dorm door, he pushed it open almost unconsciously, and, with a sense of purpose, he entered. Seated on the floor beside his bed, he immersed himself in the process of schedule crafting.
"With what should I start my day?" He meticulously considered the allocation of his time and resources, striving to optimize his training regimen for maximum effectiveness. Every minute detail, from the choice of study materials to the timing of practice sessions, was scrutinized and adjusted as he laid the foundation for his path to improvement.
Considering the time, Richard started his afternoon training, a regimen that encompassed both magic absorption and sword practice. His limited knowledge of both of these areas made him realize he needed to look up relevant literature before he could dive in.
He reached for the "Manual para Acumulação de Mana" and began to immerse himself in its teachings. The manual elaborated on the fundamental principles behind mana absorption, elucidating the process through which mages draw and store magical energy.
It outlined the key elements of focus, mental clarity, and the synchronization of one's mana vessels within the body, providing a comprehensive understanding of how to harness mana effectively and efficiently.
As Richard delved into his magic absorption training, something quite remarkable unfolded before his eyes. He could feel the subtle shifts in the world around him, a phenomenon he had only recently known of in theory. This was his very first experience with the Mana Convergence.
As he focused on absorbing the mana, a soft, ethereal glow began to envelop his body. It was a gentle light, shimmering with a hue that felt uniquely his. This magical aura was a direct manifestation of the mana's presence within him. It surrounded him, creating an almost otherworldly ambiance in the room.
Moreover, intricate patterns and symbols started to materialize on his skin, like glowing tattoos etching themselves onto his arms and hands. They danced with luminosity, representing the unique energy signature of the absorbed mana. It was an enchanting sight, to say the least.
Intriguingly, even the room seemed to respond to this mystical exchange. The air seemed to quiver, and there was a sense of energy in the atmosphere. It was as if the world itself acknowledged the magic coursing through him, creating a connection between Richard and the very essence of his surroundings.
Richard marveled at this phenomenon, realizing that he was not just learning about magic; he was becoming a part of it, and it, a part of him. It was a profound moment in his journey of discovery and mastery of the arcane arts.
A sensation of warmth coursed through Richard's veins as the mana began to flow through him. He could sense that something deep within him was undergoing a gradual transformation, yet, despite his persistent efforts to comprehend the change taking place within, Richard found himself unable to secure a clear and definitive answer. It was as if a mysterious puzzle was unfolding, piece by piece, and he couldn't quite grasp the full picture.
While Richard lacked certainty, an intuitive feeling told him that with each passing moment of mana absorption, he inched closer to unraveling the enigma. It was as though the answers to the questions that had long stirred within him were tied to the very magic he was absorbing. This realization motivated him to continue, for he was convinced that the more he delved into the arcane mysteries, the clearer the answers would become.
Time swept by, with the natural light gradually waning as evening descended. Richard had dedicated himself entirely to the absorption of mana, the sensation of uncovering a deep-seated secret intensifying with each passing hour.
However, as the night advanced, he encountered a barrier, a point where it felt as though he could no longer inch any closer to the elusive revelation he sought. It was as if he had hit an insurmountable wall, leaving him grappling with a frustrating sense of limitation.
Gazing upon the room bathed in the soft, moonlit azure glow, Richard was struck by a curious sensation. Contrary to the expected chill that often accompanied the night, he felt a gentle warmth enveloping him as he stood beneath the ethereal light. It was a feeling of comfort and serenity, as though the moonlight held a unique and comforting power over him.
Under the gentle embrace of the moonlight, a remarkable transformation took hold within Richard's very being. It was as though the silvery radiance infused new life into him.
His body seemed to resonate with a newfound vitality. Each breath he drew was notably steadier, and the mana coursing through his veins grew calmer, flowing with remarkable precision. The once-imposing barrier that had felt like an impenetrable wall was now gradually giving way. It was as if a veil was lifting, allowing him to peer into the profound secrets of magic.
However, the most astonishing part of this metamorphosis was the sensation that enveloped him. It was as though his body was being consumed by an inner fire, a radiant warmth that surged through every fiber of his being. This blaze of energy was transformative, changing him on a fundamental level.
As the ethereal warmth intensified, Richard's consciousness began to fade, and he felt himself drifting into the depths of this profound change. It was as if he was entering a cocoon of self-discovery, undergoing a metamorphosis that would lead him to a wholly new understanding of his place in the world of magic.