It has been a week since Ace went to train in the Sacred Grounds along with the Regelion the Dragon Hermit, during that time back in Elderngard. "Okay that's enough." Said a woman infront of Isabella who was meditating while continuously channeling her mana. "Haah, I didn't know it would be so hard to keep a constant flow of mana in circulation in one's body." Said Isabella while panting.
"Well now I understand why during my first Spirit Assimilation, after it dissipated I was completely exhausted afterwards." Said Isabella, "Yes exatly. In most cases that is what happens when one hasn't trained their mastery of Spirit Assimilation. Since the mana and spirtual essence of your spirit fuses with your own mana and body, not having perfect control can lead to exhaustion. So before that you must first train to absorb that power slowly, channeling it in your body and control it. That's why mana manipulation training is quite efficient and meditation allows for training the mind." Said the woman.
"Thanks for the explanation Victoria." Said Isabella, "Well let's call it a day, oh before I forget try to occasionally talk with your spirit because I see that you already have quite the strong connection but it is best to be more in sync with your spirit as it also helps during the Assimilation." Said the blonde haired elf Victoria. "Yes! I'll keep that in mind." Said Isabella as Victoria went on her way.
"Now that I think about I've never really asked who you were Rotsgard. Sorry for being this selfish." Thought Isabella as she walked her way back to the villa. "Don't worry about it I'm but a warrior, a sword whose duty is now to support you and fight by your side so do not worry for that is not selfish in the least even though I am but a spirit, you talk to me as if I were any other person so simply to do what you do." Said Rotsgard as Isabella was happy to hear it. "In that case I'll continue to rely on you Mr. knight." Said Isabella as she was smiling.
And so months later, Isabella continued to train under Victoria. "Good let's continue jogging, and while we do that you will continue to channel your mana and spiritual powers." Said Victoria. "Yes" answered Isabella as they continued their jogging. And so as days passed and Isabella became more prominent in spirit arts as she also became a master-level mana user. "Good job this past year, it seems we can end the basic training and go into the more advanced part of your training." Said Victoria. "Spirit summoning, Garuda." Stated Victoria as she summoned her own spirit ally.
"This is Garuda, a high grade wind elemental spirit. During this part of your training Garuda will take you in the Spirit planes located deep in the Sea of Trees, you will have to make it back to Elderngard on your own but the Spirit planes are full of magical fauna and creatures so be careful. I'll be waiting for your return." Added Victoria. "Okay" responded Isabella as she rode on the back of Garuda. "I'll become stronger and when Ace returns I'll stand by his side." said Isabella having a very determined look in her face.
As Garuda dropped her off, Isabella's trial started. She encountered many magical beasts and creatures, she fought them off when some attacked her and left those who weren't harmful. As she made her way she felt how pure and potent the mana there was. And so she decided to keep doing her mana manipulation while also absorbing the mana surrounding her. After hours upon days within the Spirit planes and practicing her mana manipulation. She finally reached Eldengard after many weeks.
"Good job I see you've reached Sage-level huh? Quite the achievement." Said Victoria. "Yes thanks to you I managed to get stronger." Responded Isabella. "I knew she would breakthrough but to think she would reach sage-level at such an early state she is quite something." Thought Victoria as she launched a surprise attack at her which was instantaneously freezed on spot. "Not bad." Said Victoria with an uncomfortable smirk on her face, "I'll take that as a compliment." Said Isabella with a smile. And so three years later Dryad reappeared and with her was Ace.