Yuuto wiped the sweat from his brow as he prepared for the final hunt. Four of the Mana Leeches were down, but there was still one more lurking somewhere in the forest. He could feel his energy slowly recovering, but his mana remained low. Each spell drained him, and he knew that if he wasn't careful, he'd run out of magic before the final battle.
He took a deep breath and focused on the glowing screen in front of him. The Ascendant System had given him the tools to survive so far, but now, it was time to better understand how magic worked in this world. If he wanted to stand a chance in future battles, he needed more than just raw power—he needed control.
"Show me details on magic," he said aloud, willing the System to respond.
The screen flickered for a moment, and then a new menu appeared.
[Magic in Aetheria: Overview]
Mana Source: The fundamental energy required to cast spells. Every living being in Aetheria has a pool of mana, which can be used to manipulate the natural elements.
Magic Classes: Spells and abilities fall into various categories based on the nature of mana manipulation, including elemental magic, arcane magic, and forbidden magic.
Magic Level: As you grow stronger and increase your understanding of magic, your spells will become more potent, efficient, and versatile.
Current Class: None. Class selection becomes available at Level 5.
Yuuto stared at the display, absorbing the information. So, there are different types of magic… He scrolled down, focusing on the part that mentioned mana manipulation. According to the System, everyone in Aetheria had some form of mana, but the ability to use it varied from person to person. And magic is all about controlling that energy.
If that was the case, then his weakness didn't just stem from his lack of strength—it was his inexperience with mana itself. He had been using Mana Bolt like a blunt tool, not fully understanding how to control the flow of energy through his body.
Yuuto glanced at his hand, recalling the sensation of casting spells. The warmth, the crackling energy—it was all part of the mana flow. But every time he cast a spell, it felt rushed, unfocused. He was wasting energy, using far more mana than necessary.
"Alright, if mana is the key, I need to learn how to control it better," Yuuto muttered. He focused his thoughts, feeling the faint tingle of energy deep within his core. His mana was still low, but he could sense it, like a small flame waiting to be fanned.
[New Tutorial Unlocked: Basic Mana Control]
Objective: Practice focusing your mana. Successfully concentrate mana to restore it more efficiently and reduce spell costs.
Reward: +5 Mana, +2 Intelligence.
A faint smile touched Yuuto's lips. The System wasn't just a guide—it was actively helping him learn. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting his mind go blank as he focused inward. The world around him faded away, and all that remained was the faint pulse of energy inside him.
He visualized the flow of mana, imagining it like a river moving through his body. It started small, a trickle of energy swirling through his core. He focused on it, willing it to grow stronger, more controlled. The faint hum of mana responded, and Yuuto felt a small surge of energy filling his veins.
But just as quickly as it came, the flow broke, and his concentration wavered. The mana dissipated, leaving him feeling empty again.
"Not as easy as it looks," Yuuto muttered, clenching his fists in frustration. But he wasn't going to give up. He closed his eyes again, this time focusing on the feel of the mana rather than trying to force it.
Slowly, steadily, the flow of mana returned. He breathed deeply, letting the energy settle in his core. The more he relaxed, the more natural it felt. His body was a conduit for the mana, and he realized that trying to force it would only make things worse. Control came through patience and understanding, not brute force.
[Basic Mana Control practice complete.]
+5 Mana, +2 Intelligence.
Yuuto opened his eyes, a wave of relief washing over him. He felt stronger—his mana pool slightly fuller, his mind clearer. The energy within him didn't feel as unstable anymore. It was subtle, but he could already tell that his spells would flow more smoothly now, without draining as much mana.
Alright. Time to put this to the test.
Yuuto stood up and scanned the forest again. The last Mana Leech was still out there, and with his newfound control over mana, he felt ready to face it. He could sense his connection to the energy around him more clearly now, and he knew that if he could maintain that focus, he wouldn't waste any more mana unnecessarily.
As he ventured deeper into the forest, the oppressive atmosphere returned. The further he went, the thicker the air felt, as if the very environment was teeming with mana. The glow from the plants and trees intensified, casting eerie shadows across the ground. And then, just ahead, Yuuto heard it—the wet, slithering sound that signaled the approach of his final target.
The Mana Leech emerged from the bushes, larger than the others. Its black body shimmered with a sickly green light, and its mouth opened wide, revealing rows of sharp, needle-like teeth. Yuuto could feel the pull on his mana as the creature moved toward him, siphoning away his energy even from a distance.
But this time, Yuuto didn't panic. He steadied his breathing, focusing on the flow of mana within him. He wouldn't let it drain him—he would control it.
His hand glowed faintly as he called upon Mana Bolt once more, but this time, the energy felt smoother, more controlled. The bolt formed in his palm with ease, the mana flowing efficiently through him. He fired the spell, and the blue bolt shot through the air, striking the Mana Leech with precision.
[Mana Bolt: 15 Mana Cost. Mana: 40/55]
The leech screeched in pain, its body convulsing as it recoiled from the attack. But it didn't fall. It slithered forward with renewed aggression, charging straight at Yuuto.
He was ready.
Instead of wasting time with another Mana Bolt, Yuuto activated Quick Strike, dashing forward to meet the creature head-on. His body moved with speed and precision, and with a well-placed strike, he hit the Mana Leech in its vulnerable side.
The creature let out one final screech before collapsing into a pile of shimmering green mist.
[Quest Complete: First Hunt - Mana Leeches]
Reward: 25 EXP, Basic Spell: Arcane Bind unlocked.
Level Up! Yuuto has reached Level 2.
New Stats: Health: 120/120, Mana: 60/60, Intelligence: 16, Magic: 14.
A wave of warmth washed over Yuuto as he felt the surge of energy that came with leveling up. His body felt stronger, his mind clearer, and his connection to mana deeper. The System granted him new strength, and the promise of new abilities. He immediately checked the details of his newly unlocked spell.
[Spell Unlocked: Arcane Bind]
Description: Conjures magical chains to immobilize a target for a short duration. Mana cost: 20.
Yuuto smiled. Arcane Bind would be perfect for crowd control, especially when facing faster or more aggressive enemies. With this new spell in his arsenal, he felt more confident about his ability to handle the challenges ahead.
The quest was complete, and the threat of mana drain was gone. Yuuto leaned against a tree, his heart still racing from the fight, but a sense of satisfaction filled him. He had learned to control his mana, leveled up, and unlocked a powerful new spell. But more than that, he had survived the first day in Aetheria.
For the first time since arriving in this world, Yuuto felt like he was no longer just a lost soul. He was learning the rules, growing stronger, and carving out his path in this dangerous, magical world.
As he stared at the swirling sky above, he knew the road ahead would be long and treacherous. But with the Ascendant System by his side, and the power of magic at his fingertips, he was ready to face whatever came next.