Vaden stood among a group of trainees, each one as tense and anxious as he was. In front of each one of them loomed an undead skeleton, a ghastly figure that clattered ominously as it shifted on its feet. The sun barely penetrated the dark canopy above, casting long shadows that danced across the forest floor. The skeletal warrior held a rusty sword that seemed as though it had tasted blood long ago. As it lunged forward, Vaden's instincts kicked in.
The skeleton was not just a mindless enemy; it was stronger and faster than the undead wolf he had faced during his test. Vaden's heart raced as he barely managed to sidestep the initial thrust. Whipping around, he struck back, but the skeleton's agility allowed it to dodge with an inhuman grace, its laughter echoing hollowly in the air.
Vaden's perception wavered; the movements were too swift, too unpredictable. He felt overwhelmed, struggling to catch glimpses of openings in the creature's defenses. Each clash of metal against bone sent shockwaves through his arms. He had learned much from the other instructors about wielding a sword, but now it felt as if their lessons had slipped from his grasp in the heat of battle.
**Breathe, Vaden. Focus,** he chided himself. He drew upon the teachings he had gathered so far, remembering the importance of movement and agility. He needed to be fluid, not reactive. With resolve, he regained his footing, his senses sharpening as he began to adapt to the skeleton's rhythm.
Swerving to the left, he feinted a strike high, then delivered a blow low, but the skeleton pivoted and countered with a swift slash that grazed his side. Adrenaline surged as pain ignited, yet in that moment of contact, Vaden felt a fire ignite within him—a desire to overcome his limitations. He remembered the critical principle: **Control your body; channel the energy within.**
As the skeletal warrior pressed its advance, Vaden began to draw from the ambient mana surrounding him, letting it surge into his movements. He concentrated on using every ounce of energy available to him, working to fill the mana core that would eventually form within him. He focused on anticipating the creature's attacks, his strikes growing more intentional with each exchange.
Gradually, his rhythm matched that of the skeleton, and he found clarity amid the chaos. He circled around, dodging its blows while unleashing calculated strikes. **Focus on the mana!** Vaden centered himself, allowing the energy from the environment to flow through him as he unleashed a powerful swing aimed at the skeleton's torso.
With a crack of bone echoing through the air, his sword met its mark, and the undead creature staggered back. Vaden pressed his advantage, letting out a fierce battle cry as he swung once more.
In one final strike, he poured everything into the blow, and the skeleton shattered, its limbs scattering in all directions like fallen leaves. As silence settled in the clearing, Vaden stood panting, a mix of triumph and exhaustion washing over him. He glanced at the other trainees, who were equally weary but seemed impressed by his victory.
Just then, Kevin approached the group, his expression a mix of sternness and approval. "You've done well, but this is just the beginning. Understanding your strengths in battle is crucial, but remember—the knowledge you acquire is just as important as raw power."
Kevin surveyed the trainees briefly before continuing, "Now that you've faced the undead, it's time to discuss something equally vital: the mana system of warriors and knights in this world."
With each trainee's attention now riveted on him, Kevin's voice turned instructional. "The mana system begins with what we call the beginner stage. Each of you has the potential to develop a mana core during this stage. As you absorb mana from your surroundings, you will fill this core until you feel a breakthrough, which will allow you to progress to the next rank."
He paused, allowing the information to sink in before continuing, "You will learn to control your mana and use it to enhance your physical capabilities during this initial stage. Your focus will be on building the foundations necessary for your growth."
"Once you've mastered the basics, you will enter the intermediate rank, where you will learn to augment yourself with elemental mana. At this stage, you'll start to manipulate the elements to attack more effectively, enhancing your strikes and crafting elemental techniques that suit your combat style."
Kevin's tone shifted slightly as he elaborated further. "At the advanced rank, you will be able to use your elemental affinities to greater effect in battle, combining them in creative ways to give yourself an advantage. This is where many warriors begin to showcase their unique styles, utilizing fire, water, earth, and air to craft powerful attacks. Each element has its strengths and weaknesses, and learning to adapt will be key to overcoming diverse challenges."
Vaden listened intently, imagining manipulating the elements in combat, envisioning flames dancing along his sword or creating barriers of water. The thought sent a thrill through him.
"Once you reach the master rank," Kevin continued, "you will awaken your aura sword. This is not just a weapon; it's an extension of your mana core and will resonate with your elemental affinity. When you fight with your aura sword, your strikes will be infused with the very essence of your mana, enhancing your power exponentially and allowing you to channel your energy effectively."
"Aura sword?" Vaden asked, curiosity piqued. "Is it something everyone can do?"
"Almost every warrior has the potential to awaken an aura sword at the master rank," Kevin explained. "However, it requires immense dedication and a profound connection to your mana. It's not merely about strength; it's about understanding your own energy and how to wield it."
The group absorbed this new information with a mix of awe and determination. Vaden felt a burning desire to reach this level. He envisioned himself standing tall, wielding an aura sword that flickered with an elemental glow.
"After the master rank is the grandmaster rank," Kevin went on. "At this stage, you will have the ability to create an elemental mana zone. This is a battlefield advantage where your elemental powers are amplified, allowing you to dominate the fight. It requires profound mastery over your mana and skill in combat."
"And… what about the saints?" one of the trainees interjected, clearly intrigued.
"Saints currently exist in our world," Kevin replied, his tone serious. "They are rare and powerful individuals who guide and protect the balance of mana. Their abilities far surpass any typical warrior, but their numbers are limited. Reaching this level is something that only a select few ever achieve, as it demands unparalleled dedication and extraordinary talent"
Kevin continued, "The rankings for mages are different from warrior classes. They range from 1-star to 7-star and depend highly on how well a mage understands and can manipulate the elements. Each increase represents a deeper connection and skill with elemental forces."
Vaden considered this whole system, trying to fit himself into it. He knew that his own path would require intense training—not just physical, but also mental. "What does our training involve?" he asked, shifting the topic.
"Your training will encompass physical exercises to improve your speed, strength, agility, as well as meditation to enhance your mana control and absorption," Kevin said with a nod. "Meditation is crucial; it allows you to connect with your mana core, helping you expand your capacity and control your elemental affinity."
Kevin's gaze sharpened, "I will teach you not just to wield a sword, but to become one with your mana, forging your path to becoming a true warrior."