"Yes," Ice said, a smile spreading across his face. "The training altar is like a tool that helps us focus and channel our energy. The more time we spend meditating with it, the stronger we'll become."
Sara nodded, clearly eager to get started. "I can't wait to level up and learn even more techniques," she said.
"Just remember," Ice said, his tone becoming serious, "our training won't be easy. The higher we go, the more difficult our challenges will become."
Sara looked undaunted, her determination unwavering. "I know," she said. "I'm ready for it."
Ice clapped her on the back. "Good," he said. "That's the spirit. We'll both work hard and keep each other motivated."
The two friends looked at each other, a silent understanding passing between them. They were both determined to push themselves to their limits and reach greater heights in their mage training.
"Come on," Ice said. "Let's go find a quiet spot to meditate and get started."
Sara nodded, and the two of them left the center of the village, heading towards a more secluded area where they could concentrate and meditate without disturbance.
They found a spot in the forest that was relatively quiet and free of disruptions, and sat down on the soft grass to begin their meditation.
Ice shut his eyes and focused on his breathing, clearing his mind and letting his energy flow through him. Beside him, Sara did the same.
For a while, the only sound was the steady, rhythmic breathing of the two mages. They sat stock-still, completely focused.
Ice could feel the energy within him surging, like a living thing begging to be released. He had to concentrate and control it, to channel it through the training altar.
Beside him, Sara was doing the same. Her breathing was slow and steady, and her facial muscles relaxed. She looked peaceful, almost in a trance.
Ice focused on the energy within him, trying to guide it towards the training altar. He could feel the connection between them strengthening with each breath he took.
The energy within him began to respond to his concentration, flowing through him like a river. He could feel it building up, ready to be channeled and released.
He held his hand over the training altar, closing his eyes and focusing on it. A soft pulse of energy left his hand and shot into the altar, causing it to glow even brighter.
Ice opened his eyes and looked at the training altar, satisfaction filling him as he saw the increase in power. It had clearly responded to his energy and absorbed it, increasing its own power and his own.
He looked over at Sara, who was still meditating, her eyes closed and her breathing steady. He could see the energy building up within her as well, waiting to be channeled and released.