Early in the morning, Lily was already at the training field. Surrounding the field was an enormous garden that connected to other buildings. The first time she saw it, she was impressed, imagining how much effort must have gone into creating it.
The training field itself had yellow sand as its ground, with several areas separated by low brick walls. There was a section for training dummies, one for target practice, another for one-on-one combat...
As she observed, Lily yawned. She hadn't been able to sleep the night before, too excited about what was to come.
She was going to learn martial arts! Cool assassination techniques! It was basically every teenager's dream!
"Hello, Lily!" A voice greeted her from behind.
'Sigh… Erin…' Lily sighed internally as she turned around and greeted her back.
Soon after, Cielle arrived, offering the two of them a cheerful "Good morning".
"Girls, since you don't have any martial arts experience, we'll start with stretches and then move on to basic movements. This will help you eventually develop a flow and learn how to move your mana."
Hearing this, Lily grew nervous. She had already awakened and used her law before. However, since the human core was located inside the heart and hers had changed, she could no longer use the Law of Psyche. So how would she wield her new law? The first time she had used it, it had been purely instinctive.
At the same time, she couldn't ask for help. Even though Mikha hadn't explicitly warned her, she was certain her draconic heart was an absolute secret.
Biting her lip, she decided to push forward and face it head-on.
Cielle began demonstrating the movements, and both Lily and Erin were able to follow along accurately. By the time they finished, it was already lunchtime.
Dripping with sweat, Lily smiled. Did this mean she wouldn't have to use mana yet?
"In the afternoon, we'll start working with mana. I'll begin with the basics of mana and laws, followed by the process of breathing techniques, and then move on to the theory of mana absorption and flow." Cielle spoke like a true teacher.
Lily's hopes of avoiding mana usage were dashed, but she still admired Mikha's choice. Cielle truly was a good instructor. The many complicated terms swirling in Lily's head weren't a nightmare, as she trusted Cielle to explain them well.
Before she could devise a plan to handle the upcoming challenges, Erin approached her. "Let's have lunch together?"
Although she wanted to say no, for some reason, Lily agreed.
When they returned from lunch, Cielle was waiting for them under a parasol, reading a newspaper. She looked up and waved at them.
Thus, training resumed. At some point, Cielle had acquired a wooden pointer.
"Isn't it lovely? I'll use it if you so much as lose focus for a single second," she said with a gentle smile.
Shivers ran down both girls' spines.
"Yes, ma'am!" they shouted in unison, sitting down on the sand. The sun wasn't too harsh, so it didn't bother them much.
"Good," Cielle said, remaining under her parasol. She clearly intended to keep her snow-white skin unblemished.
"Let's start. Mana is the life energy, the medium, and the catalyst of laws. It exists in the atmosphere, and all living beings absorb mana naturally through breathing.
Mana is the force behind all spells and martial arts because it's the only energy that can transform so flexibly according to the laws. However, mana in its natural state is extremely volatile."
Erin and Lily nodded, mentally noting everything.
"Therefore, cultivators developed a method to 'tame' it. After awakening, a cultivator gains the ability to sense, absorb, and transform mana into something called Qi, which is mana controlled by the user's willpower."
"But how are we able to control mana?" Erin asked.
"It's simple. Mana serves the laws, and as wielders of laws, we hold a fragment of their authority. Of course, our authority is limited, and we expand our control bit by bit."
An understanding "Ahhh" escaped the mouths of both girls.
"The foundation of cultivation is Breathing, named so because it's done through deliberate breathing. It involves consciously absorbing the mana in the air, moving it through the meridians—channels like veins that carry mana—to the core in the heart.
"The mana is stored there and can be transformed into Qi, enabling its use in martial arts and spells."
Lily was utterly amazed. This was top-tier knowledge! In her homeland, even the basic concept of mana was restricted to the wealthiest families.
"Finally. Stand up and spread your arms, girls," Cielle instructed.
Erin and Lily did as they were told.
"I'll teach you the theory of mana flow through the meridians. Close your eyes and memorize the pathways!"
Cielle stood behind Lily, who began to feel a tingling sensation traveling along specific routes in her body, forming a cycle that always led back to the heart.
So these were the meridians? She was fascinated.
"Pay close attention," Cielle said softly near her ear.
She repeated the process, and this time, Lily focused entirely.
'Here… then there… Got it!'
Cielle then moved on to Erin. However, Erin was far more sensitive and kept squirming. Irritated, Cielle tugged her ear, saying, "Hold still, you little brat!"
"Sorry… pfft!" Erin couldn't hold back her laughter.
After some time, Erin managed to complete the exercise as well.
Cielle sat down and massaged her temples. "That's all for today. I've selected cultivation manuals for both of you, covering important factors in cultivation. Head to the Cultivator's Hall near the library to pick them up."
"Okay, Master!" At some point, Lily and Erin had begun referring to Cielle as "Master."
After an intense day of training, Lily's initial excitement had faded, and she was surprised at how carried away she had been. Pushing those thoughts aside, she followed Erin to the hall.
As they walked together, the initial awkwardness between them was gone.
"What did you think of today's lesson, Erin?" Lily took the initiative to ask, finding Erin's face less unpleasant than before. After all, Erin might have been a victim, too. Maybe… she was just getting even for everything she had endured.
"I thought it was great. I'm so excited! I've never learned these concepts before!" Erin's eyes sparkled as she spoke.
In response, Lily grew pensive. Gathering her courage, she looked at Erin.
"Can I… ask you something?" Lily said hesitantly.
"Of course!"
"What happened in that place?"
Erin seemed a bit surprised but soon smiled. "But you already know what happened."
"What do you mean?"
"Why don't you ask her?"