The week passed in a flash with Kyle attending lessons during the day and going to the Arena at night. He had been making steady progress at forming his mana core, and he could now congest his mana into a spherical orb.
Professor Seraphina had informed them that today would be the day they would create their mana core.
The biggest improvement Kyle got through the week was in his sword mastery.
[Sword intent mastery: 11%]
He didn't know how or why; he just knew he was making progress in the understanding of the sword. None of his fellow awakened could stand a chance against him. He normally sparred against Instructor Harris, who could only beat him due to his superior stats.
'Finally!' Kyle exclaimed inwardly as he heard the bell signaling the history class closure.
It was finally time for him to take a step forward in his dream to become a mage. He couldn't help but take a look at his status to relish his improvements.
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Awakened: Lv MAX
EXP: 160/160
HP: 20 >> 30
Energy: 22 >> 28
Mana: Null
Agility: 20 >> 25
Strength:18 >> 23
Vitality: 10 >> 15
Stamina: 11 >> 14
Intelligence: Null
SP: 0
Inventory: 1* Tier-1 Mana core, 1*Egg.
[Elements]
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He has had massive improvements which were evident on his streak in the arena. His wins had been the reason his stats saw such a massive boost.
Kyle eventually got to the Mana-core awakening class and sat down near the front row.
Professor Seraphina, as graceful as ever, stood at the center of the room. Her deep violet eyes swept over the students, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
"Welcome, everyone," she began, her voice soothing. "Today, we will finalize the creation of your mana cores. You've all relearned to compress your mana. But forming a stable core requires a final step—binding your energies together with an external source."
She gestured towards the front of the room, where several crystalline orbs filled a container. They were mana cores obtained to provide the necessary energy to catalyze the formation of the students' cores.
"These mana cores," Professor Seraphina continued, "will provide the energy needed to bind your elemental energies together. Each of you will use one to complete the process. Once your core is formed, it will manifest around you briefly, revealing your elemental affinities. This is an easy process, so focus and let it flow naturally."
Seraphina went along to hand over one mana core to each student.
"Now, begin the process we've practiced. Close your eyes, center yourself, and focus on the Mana within you. This time, let the energy of the mana core in your hand merge with your own, binding your internal energies together."
Kyle focused on the void within him, the space where his mana core was forming. He had already prepared the sphere, but it felt hollow— an empty vessel ready to be filled.
With the way he had been taught, he began to draw the mana out of the orb and let it mingle with his.
Slowly, the two energies began to merge, conjugating into a unified force. The mana core became duller as its energy was absorbed until it eventually became empty.
Kyle felt a deep, resonant hum within him as his mana core solidified. It was a steady, pulsing presence, like a heart beating in time with his own.
He knew that this core was now a permanent part of him, a pool of magic he could draw upon at will.
Professor Seraphina's voice broke through the silence. "Now, as your cores stabilize, allow the energy to manifest around you. This will be a brief but powerful display of your elemental affinities."
Kyle opened his eyes just as the energy within him surged outward. Around him, arcs of lightning danced in the air, crackling with raw power.
Ding!
The room was filled with similar displays as each student manifested their elemental energies. Some were surrounded by swirling water or floating stones, while others radiated light or darkness.
After a few seconds; it all began to fade, the energy settling back into their newly formed mana cores.
Professor Seraphina smiled with pride. "You have all done very well. Each of you has successfully formed your mana core and connected with your elements. Your mana core will be your reservoir for mana and will evolve with every growth you experience."
"You would now be divided into wings, each tailored for your element. Tomorrow, being a free day; you'll be briefed on your new schedule." Professor Seraphina added. "You're dismissed. You can all go home. No more classes for today."
As Kyle left the classroom, he finally had the opportunity to check his system's notifications.
[Congratulations! You've formed your lightning mana core!]
[You've unlocked a new panel, 'Skills'!]
[You've unlocked skill points]
[You've unlocked Mana Points!]
[You've unlocked stat, Intelligence!]
[New quest: Learning is not attained by chance. Learn a lightning specific spell.]
[Rewards: 5 Skill points]
'Skills?! Quest?' Kyle had lots of questions to ask but decided until he reached the dormitory.
He quickly had a lavish meal at the restaurant for 20 credits. After all, he was rich! His comm which displayed '1045 credits' was proof of his arena successes. Though his odds of victory had reduced stupendously. He still made a lot with high bets.
Kyle enjoyed his meal before heading to his house, having his bath and then paying attention to the system. All these had required a great deal of self-control to prevent him from opening his rewards beforehand.
'Status!'
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Beginner Mage: Lv 1
EXP: 0/1000
HP: 30
Energy: 28
MP: 20
Agility: 25
Strength: 23
Vitality: 15
Stamina: 14
Intelligence: 20
SP: 0
Skill points: 0
Inventory: 1* Tier-1 Mana core, 1*Egg.
[Elements]
[Skills]
-Inventory
A space where time is paused and energy flow restricted is used for storing items by the host.
-Regeneration(Passive)
Gain 1 MP and 1 HP every minute when not in combat for thirty seconds.
-Inspect(Active) > Locked
Using MP, you can see some stats of people and objects five meters before you.
{This is a system-specific skill. Power and utility all depend on skill level}
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