Chapter 7 - Mana Training

After the newly awakened naive kids finish getting brainwash by the priest with his long boring speech, a figure approached Damon with a mix of delight and scrutiny. It was Ezekiel his father figure and mentor, a seasoned master of the elemental arts and once a mentor to many aspiring mages. With a nod of approval, he acknowledged Damon's achievement, his gaze fixed intently on Damon's eyes, searching for a familiar sign.

Ezekiel's eyes widened imperceptibly as he noticed the telltale silver ring encircling Damon's golden pupils, a rare trait passed down through generations of the Darth family. A knowing smile touched his lips as he silently acknowledged the legacy that Damon carried within him, a legacy that mirrored that of his father before him.

Turning his attention to Elena and Hector, Ezekiel's keen gaze lingered on them for a moment, sensing the latent potential that lay dormant within each of them. In that fleeting moment, a decision crystallized in his mind - perhaps it was time to take on new apprentices, to nurture and guide them maybe they will be of help to Damon in the future.

With a gentle pat on Damon's shoulder, Ezekiel addressed him in a voice filled with care and wisdom. "Well done, Damon. You have shown great strength and resolve in your awakening. But now, it is time to bid farewell to the magic circle and rest. You have been through a significant trial, and it is important to allow yourself time to recover and reflect."

Damon nodded appreciatively, a sense of exhaustion beginning to weigh upon him as the adrenaline of the awakening began to wash away. With a grateful smile to his friends and a respectful nod to Ezekiel, he prepared to take his leave, knowing that the journey ahead would be long and arduous, but filled with promise and potential.

As he made his way out of the town hall, Damon's mind buzzed with thoughts of challenging monster and adventures that awaited him on the path to become the strongest. Little did he know that this day mark the beginning of a legend the will be spoke about for ages but for now he is just a weak kid. With his ability unlock marked not just the end of one chapter, but the beginning of a new and transformative phase in his journey towards unlocking the true depths of his power and potential.

Five days had passed since Damon's awakening, and a sense of frustration clouded his expression as he sat before Ezekiel, his eyes betraying a mixture of confusion and disappointment. Beside him, Elena and Hector mirrored his somber mood, their gazes fixed intently on their mentor as they awaited an explanation.

"Why can't I use my ability now, if I was able to wield it during my awakening?" Damon's voice carried a tone of earnest inquiry, his brow furrowed with uncertainty.

Ezekiel look at Damon with a knowing gaze, understanding the young mage's impatience and desire to harness his newfound power. With a deep breath, he began to clarify the complexities of their power. "Damon, what you experienced during your awakening was a surge of mana bestowed upon you by the universe itself. In that moment, your connection to the elements was heightened, allowing you to tap into your power with ease."

He continued, his voice measured and calm. "However, as days passed, that initial surge of mana has dissipated, leaving you without a stable wellspring to draw upon. To truly harness your abilities and wield them freely, you must first form your mana core."

Elena's eyes widened with realization, while Hector leaned in attentively, absorbing Ezekiel's words with keen interest. The mentor's next words carried weight and significance as he unveiled the hierarchy of mage ranks, each one symbolizing a milestone of mastery and power.

"The world of mages and warriors are structured by ranks, from F to SS, with each tier representing a level of proficiency and strength," Ezekiel explained. "To freely wield your abilities and solidify your place as a mage, you must first attain the F rank by forming your mana core. It is a crucial step on the path to unlocking your full potential and ascending the ranks of mastery."

Damon listened intently, a newfound determination flickering in his eyes as he tries to absorbed the significance of Ezekiel's words however he is still confused so he silent contemplates.

Elena's voice broke the thoughtful silence that followed Ezekiel's explanation, her curiosity piqued as she leaned forward slightly. "How do we go about forming our mana core, uncle? It seems like it will be hard say she asked.

Damon and Hector nodded in agreement, their attention fully captivated by their mentor's words. Both of them shared Elena's eagerness to delve deeper into the mysteries of mana manipulation and unlock the potential that lay dormant within them.

Ezekiel met their gazes with a hint of approval, acknowledging their inquisitive spirits. "To form your mana core, you must first attune your senses to the mana that permeates the air around you. It is a subtle energy the is all around us, but with practice and focus, you will learn to detect its presence and flow."

He continued, his voice steady and instructive. "During your awakening, the magic circle and the priest guided the mana through your meridians, showing you the path to unlocking your power. Now, it is your turn to take control. Through intense concentration and focus, you must guide the mana through your meridians with precision and intent, shaping it into the core that will become the foundation of your abilities."

Ezekiel then elaborated on the crucial decision of where to locate their mana core. "You have the choice to place your core in your lower dantian, middle, or upper regions of your body. This decision is deeply personal and should be made with careful consideration, as the location of your core can influence the danger level when you attempt to break to the next rank."

"In addition," Ezekiel cautioned, his tone grave, "it is imperative that you keep the location of your mana core a closely guarded secret. Revealing this information could leave you vulnerable to those who seek to harm you. Let discretion be your shield, and let your core be your hidden wellspring of strength."

After his explanation Ezekiel tell the three eager kids to each go to a different room to start their meditation to sense mana and begin the process of forming their mana core. Damon and his friends ran to the room to start they could not wait to wield their power as they wish. Watching them rush away Ezekiel advice them one last time not rush and focus then he put all his attentions on the to rush in the rooms should any goes wrong.