"I understand that this is quite a revelation for you, Ryan. It's a lot to take in," my father, Sam, said with a gentle worried smile.
"It's okay, Father. I understand!" I replied with a smile.
I now comprehend why he didn't reveal anything about himself earlier. I shouldn't inquire about it at the moment; let's take it slow as he discloses it himself.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ryan. I've heard a lot about you from your father," Uncle George added.
"Nice to meet you too, Uncle George. And, Sir Durden, it's good to see you again," I greeted, attempting to maintain my composure.
Uncle George continued, "I'm here in the town for a short visit actually. The Central Academy has been observing the developments of all the magic guilds in the kingdom, and we're considering some collaborations with the guilds for magical research and training programs."
"That sounds promising. The more knowledge we can share, the better for everyone," my father commented.
"However, it isn't the only reason I'm here personally!" Uncle George said with a smile.
"What do you mean, George?"
"You see, I came here to check Ryan's abilities, and by the look of it, I made the right choice coming here!" he said.
This man, my uncle, can see my mana flow. Just how powerful is this guy?
"Excuse me, Uncle. What is your cultivation base currently?" I want to know. Is he...?
"Oh, I have reached the White stage, my boy. I'm trying my best to go further, but my old bones can't take it anymore. Haha!" he replied with a gentle laugh.
The White staged mana core. The final stage of cultivation for all the species in this world. This is the first time for me to see a white-cored mage. Come to think of it, I didn't sense his mana flow, so attaining the highest rank gives you the ability to hide your mana flow from others too. He's got to be one of the top mages on this continent now. If my uncle is in the White stage... man, just how many monsters does that Central Academy have?
"Ryan, your mana flow is quite impressive. I can sense a unique quality in it. Your control and manipulation are beyond what is typical for someone at your stage," Uncle George explained.
"As an official in the Central Academy, I've been observing the magical potential of individuals for many years, and it's not often that I come across someone with such a natural affinity for all four natural elements. You are certainly a wind mage and fire mage, but your mana hasn't fully awakened yet, and your mana core has a certain purity and versatility that is remarkable in the flow of mana," he continued, examining my mana flow with a discerning gaze.
I felt a mix of pride and curiosity. It was one thing for my father to appreciate my abilities, but to have an experienced mage like Uncle George acknowledge it added a new layer of validation.
"Thank you, Uncle George. I've been fortunate to have good guidance from my father and opportunities to explore my magical abilities," I replied modestly.
"You don't have to be so formal, kid. Haha!" He said as he continued, "As I mentioned, I'm here not only for official matters but also to spend some time with you, Ryan. I'd like to see your magic in action. How about we have a little demonstration?" Uncle George suggested, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"A demonstration? Sure, I'd be happy to show you what I've learned," I can't miss the chance to fight a White-staged core mage now, can I? So, of course, I agreed happily.
...
We moved to the training grounds behind the guild where I usually used to train. It was the only spot at that time where normal students aren't allowed. So, with that assurance, I can just show my skills without fear.
My father, Uncle George and Mr. Durden stood at the stage like structure near the storage room.
'Okay, Ryan. Show me the mastery in your manipulation of Wind and Flames first."
As he said, I used my wind blade technique by willing mana to all my ten fingers and shot them at the dummy targets placed far away in the training grounds. And with flames, I managed to compress their explosive power to medium and manipulated it in the form of an arrow to once again attack from a long range.
"Uncle, I can show you more, but I need you to face me in a battle for that. Is it okay with you?" I asked him with a smile and in a way he couldn't refuse.
"Ryan, can't you just show him without any fighting?"
"It's okay, Sam. I'm interested in fighting my nephew as well. I agree with Ryan!" Uncle said as he walked towards me, using his mana to pull a wooden sword from the storage located behind where my father and Mr. Durden was standing. It was like some kind of levitation spell.
Seeing him do such things makes me want to fight him even more.
As the wooden sword came into his hands, "Are you ready?" He stood in a stance I had never seen before.
I willed my mana to my legs to evade his first attack and find openings. "Yes, I'm ready!"
As the battle started, the training ground was silent except for the swift movement of our actions. He wielded the wooden sword with finesse, displaying a level of mastery that indicated years of experience.
He has experience, but so do I. Even with a newly developing body, I have the memories of my past life, as Gladius Agroth.
He was certainly using mana to amplify his senses as he thought utilizing mana to reinforce his blade would hurt me, while I focused on my wind manipulation, creating blades to deflect and counter his attacks.
The wind moved in sync with my thoughts, allowing me to effortlessly block and dodge his strikes. I noticed the intensity in Uncle George's eyes as he analyzed my movements.
This guy is good.
"Your wind manipulation is impressive, Ryan. But let's see how you handle this!" Uncle George exclaimed as he infused his wooden sword with mana.
Suddenly, the wooden sword emitted a faint glow, indicating an enhancement of its properties.
He is getting serious now? Heck, I might as well give my all.
"Impressive. It seems like I will have to take you just a bit more seriously."
I could sense the change in the mana flow around his sword. It became more unpredictable and carried a denser force. It was clear that Uncle George was skilled not only in traditional combat but also in mana-infused techniques. Exactly how I was fighting.
I adjusted my strategy, focusing on both wind manipulation for defense and flame manipulation for offense. The wooden blade of mine was strong enough to attack him head-on with almost most of the times I deflect his attacks, but he soon gains control over the fight back and attacks me.
I sent controlled bursts of flames towards him while maintaining the wind blades as a defensive shield. The flames danced and weaved in intricate patterns, creating a challenging scenario for Uncle George to navigate. And that was my chance to counter him while defending myself.
However, I was also running low on my mana reserves as I reinforced my whole body while fighting him. And as the battle continued, it became evident that my uncle's rank as a mage was a significant factor. He still had mana left with him, and not only that, he anticipated my moves, dodging the flames and finding openings to close in for attacks. Despite my efforts, he managed to land a few hits with his enhanced wooden sword.