Zenmaster informs me that he is ready to evolve again. Apparently he didn't want to make everyone wait in the middle of monster territory for him to go through the evolution process. He is wandering off into the meditation pit; talking about the pit our friends in the pit trained all day too. It looks like they have a really good understanding of their martial arts.
(The Captain)What he isn't telling you is that we had a hard time today. That was the most we ever fought. Besides that we all grabbed a bunch of levels and even upgraded our skills. He didn't tell you about all the cores we gained today too and how he hogged most of them.
(His Elegance)What I want to do next is practice my magic spells enough to incorporate them into fighting with. I'm thinking of a traditional magic caster but for some reason my mind can't stop wandering towards some sort of elemental martial artist build, where I master the four elementals whipping elements out of my punches and kicks. I'll have to experiment with both and see how it makes me feel. I do enjoy fighting head on, but standing back and watching the battlefield might work for me too. Fighting with my fists might be a last resort option once I figure out how powerful I can be with magic alone. I'm also planning on messing with the DNA of one of these cores to see what I can make. Maybe I can have my very own Fungal Dragon, something lean but trim in build like a large cat with wings.
(Main Body)I wonder what Zenmaster chose for his evolution.
(The Captain) He said he was going to level up his martial arts to see if he could get some kind of special evolution for it being at level two. We just have to wait and see what he picked.
(Main Body)I look over to His Elegance and can find very noticeable traces of mana in the air around him. It looks like he is trying his hands in magic. Which reminds me I should practice my magic two. I start out by making an illusionary spell around His Elegance, the construct for this spell was simple it simply added a blurring effect around him making it hard to see anything in the area. I wonder if there is a way to make it so he doesn't get affected too with it. I'd probably have to modify the spell in a couple areas. But this should do the trick. Can you see fine?
(second body)Yes, now I can.
(Main Body) Looking at it now I think I can refine it from here to even just cover your arm and make it invisible, let's see if I can mask a fireball and turn it invisible.
(second body)I don't know what good that will do?
(Main Body)Well, I wanted to know if I could hide mana itself. As we work together to build this invisible fire ball I begin to notice that I can still sorta sense its presence. To my surprise Master Shikan darts over to us "Why is it that I can sense a concentration of mana over here."
Master Shikan's sudden appearance startles us, and I quickly dispel the invisible fireball spell, allowing the mana to dissipate into the air.
"Apologies, Master Shikan," I say, trying to conceal any traces of guilt in my voice. "We were just experimenting with some magic, trying to refine our skills."
Master Shikan regards us with wide eyes, a look of genuine surprise crossing his features. "Magic?" he repeats incredulously, his voice tinged with astonishment. "You possess the ability to wield magic?"
I nod, feeling a mix of pride and apprehension at his reaction. "Yes, Master Shikan. We've been practicing, trying to unlock our latent abilities."
Master Shikan takes a moment to collect himself, his expression shifting to one of contemplation. "This is unexpected," he murmurs, more to himself than to us. "To think that you, as a young mushroom, would possess such potential..."
His words hang in the air, the weight of their significance sinking in. It's a lot to process, the realization that we may be capable of tapping into the mystical forces that govern our world.
Master Shikan's gaze lingers on us, a mixture of curiosity and concern evident in his eyes. "Magic is a powerful force," he says finally, his voice solemn. "It can be both a boon and a burden, depending on how it is wielded."
I nod in agreement, understanding the gravity of his words. Magic was indeed a double-edged sword, capable of great feats but also carrying inherent risks if not wielded responsibly.
"Master Shikan," I venture cautiously, "do you have any guidance for us as we continue to explore our magical abilities?"
The dojo master considers my question for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "First and foremost, respect the magic," he advises. "Understand that it is a force beyond your comprehension, and approach it with humility and reverence."
He pauses, as if considering his next words carefully. "Seek balance in all things," he continues. "Magic is a tool, but it is not the only tool at your disposal. Do not neglect your martial training in pursuit of arcane power."
His words strike a chord within me, resonating with the truth of his wisdom. Balance had always been a central tenet of our training, and it seemed that it applied equally to the realm of magic.
"Thank you, Master Shikan," I say gratefully, bowing my head in respect. "We will heed your advice and tread carefully as we continue on this path."
With a nod of approval, Master Shikan turns to leave, his presence a reassuring anchor in the tumultuous sea of uncertainty that lay ahead.
As we return to our training, I make a mental note to delve deeper into the study of illusion magic, seeking to refine my skills and develop more sophisticated spells that can conceal our presence without arousing suspicion. Additionally, I resolve to explore other branches of magic, eager to unlock the full extent of my magical potential.