Harry was thinking of ways to enhance his combat efficiency. He was certain about some classes he would take, such as Weaponry and Qi Manipulation.
He also remembered how much of a difference mastering battle techniques could make.
As he was thinking and about to make his decision, a message appeared on his badge. Upon checking, he realized it was from Aiden.
"Harry, you will have an extra class related to your soul cultivation once a week on Monday."
That settled it.
He didn't want to overload his schedule and lose all his free time, so he ticked the boxes for Weaponry, Qi Manipulation, and Battle Techniques.
He had no interest in smithing or pill forging. Although history intrigued him, dedicating an class wasn't worth it.
With that, he finalized his schedule.
The next day, when he met Tyler and Liam, he discovered they had chosen the same classes as him, with Liam adding Pill Forging and Tyler opting for History and Medic classes out of curiosity.
They received their schedules. Today they had Qi Manipulation, and the next day would be Weaponry.
"I'm curious what they'll teach us about Qi since we already know how to use it," Tyler remarked.
"Do you really think you know how to use it properly? Although I've only heard from my brother, there are many different ways to use Qi," Liam explained.
Harry was also curious because he only knew one way to use it: channeling energy through the body part he wanted to enhance. For example, concentrating Qi in his legs for speed or in his arms for a powerful punch.
After walking a bit further, they reached the training hall. It was a large, enclosed space with no training equipment.
All the students were eager to learn something new, but the teacher hadn't appeared yet. Harry and his friends stood at the front.
They heard a commotion behind them.
"Do you really think you, a mere servant and outsider, can compare to a noble like me? I am the prince of Whitestone City. You should do whatever I say if you want to live," a boy shouted, beating another who was lying on the floor.
Some students laughed, while others were shocked by such blatant bullying.
"Doesn't he fear being expelled for bullying?" Tyler whispered.
"Although the academy doesn't promote bullying, they don't take major action against it either. In most cases, the bullied don't complain because they and their families get threatened. These bullies only target the weak and get bullied by the strong. It's a cycle," Liam explained.
"Isn't it wrong? The academy should protect its students," Tyler exclaimed.
Realizing he had shouted, Tyler looked around but noticed no one paid attention as they were all watching the commotion.
"It's wrong, but with these conflicts, the academy can distinguish between the weak and the strong. I think they want students to become strong, hoping for revenge," Harry speculated.
While Harry reasoned, a person entered the room. He was a bald man in a black robe, around 5 feet tall.
He was their teacher.
Seeing a bruised student, the teacher sent him for medical attention. Standing before all the students, he introduced himself.
"I am Finn Davis, your Qi Manipulation teacher."
The students were silent.
"Let's start the class. Qi manipulation can be divided into different aspects. The basic way is channeling it through your body. You all know how to do this, but in reality, you're barely scratching the surface.
I assume you've heard of soul body cultivation, soul attacks, and mind attacks. Most of you can't use these, but what if you face someone with a soul body? How would you counter mind attacks?" Finn asked.
A student raised his hand, "We can attack before they use their psychic element."
"Correct, but what if it's a group fight and the psychic user is hiding?" Finn countered.
When no one answered, he continued.
"This is where the passive use of Qi comes in. We will train to use Qi around our minds passively. First, we'll start actively using Qi around our minds, then do it 24/7. It will only provide limited protection as we can't use all our Qi just for defense," Finn explained.
Harry was intrigued by this method to counter psychic attacks. If unprepared, this trick could prevent a swift defeat, allowing him to boost Qi around his mind.
"If psychic power is this easy to counter, isn't it mostly useless?" a student asked.
"Psychic elements, like fire, water, and earth, have varied uses such as beast contracts or telepathy. Even direct attacks can force opponents to use most of their Qi defensively, making them vulnerable. Never underestimate your opponent; it brings you closer to death," Finn quoted.
"Now, try to maintain a Qi barrier around your mind. If anyone struggles, ask me," Finn instructed.
Everyone began as instructed. While not difficult to envelop their minds in Qi, maintaining it was challenging.
Harry and his friends managed well. Some students couldn't maintain it for more than five minutes. Finn advised them to rest and try again repeatedly.
Tyler managed for half an hour, Harry for 45 minutes before it hurt, and Liam for an hour.
This was their only class for the day, so they practiced all day, increasing their time bit by bit. By day's end, Liam noted that although Harry initially lasted only 45 minutes, he nearly doubled his time faster than others.
Harry could now maintain it for one and a half hours, Liam for the same, and Tyler for 50 minutes.
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