Despite his newfound enthusiasm for cultivation, he quickly noticed that his situation was no better than before. Indeed, in his vision, he saw hundreds of white and blue light spheres. The only thing that had changed since the first time was that he had the experience of failure.
Cautiously, he decided to attract only a strand of aqueous energy towards him. Other strands of energy followed, but they were stopped short by Phaistos's will. Just like the last time with the light energy, it took five hours before the strand of water energy managed to pierce his skin. After that, the strand of energy entered one of the magical circuits in his body. It completed a full circulation and found itself in his magical core.
Compared to the first time, there was no miraculous phenomenon. On the contrary, the phenomenon seemed mundane despite the unique situation it represented. The strand of energy entered the blue orb, and it seemed to grow even if the difference was measured in millimeters.
"It seems that I can keep the situation under control, I will try to gradually increase the amount of absorbed energy." In Phaistos's mind, a detailed plan to increase his power was forming. He planned to try to push his understanding of the water element to the maximum of the initial stage. "The cultivation experience I will gain from this should help me advance faster in my luminous path."
[143 : 00 : 00]
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[124 : 00 : 00]
At that moment, inside Phaistos, something special happened. His magical core, which had been calm like a gentle spring breeze until now, suddenly stirred. His spiritual aqueous affinity, which was previously a slightly larger orb than his light affinity, suddenly grew more than ten times its original size. Its color also changed to a deeper blue.
[Updating host information...]
[Phaistos Astraeus]
[Magic Power: 8]
[Combat Power: 13]
[Light initial stage - 15%]
[Water initial stage - completed - awaiting a breakthrough]
[Spiritual Origin: B-]
[Magical Control: E]
[Lineage: ???]
[Talent: ???]
"I've finally made it... If only I had better talent for cultivation." he sighed. "It's already been two days since I started training with the water element. The need to let my spiritual affinity rest between sessions extends the time required for me to progress. Fortunately, I've been able to spend some time training with my light affinity; otherwise, I wouldn't have known what to do."
"Nevertheless, at this rate, I should be able to become a rank 1 apprentice with the days I have left." Phaistos felt confident about this test. He just hoped that the rules wouldn't change in the last few days.
"In the meantime, I still have the two magic manuals to learn. Now that I've completed one of my elements, I can finally focus on them." Saying this, Phaistos approached the table where he had left the various manuals.
Given the progress he had made in mastering the water element, Phaistos first looked at the "Water Bubble" manual. The spell manuals were much easier to learn than the meditation manuals. To learn a spell, the apprentice or magician had to understand the logic of the spell and use their elemental affinity to successfully cast it.
"Spells are just physical representations of a possibility offered by your spiritual affinity, if I understand the idea correctly."
Despite this, there were still advantages to having the spell manual, as it provided a paved road for learning the spell instead of trial and error. The manuals contained explanations of the effects of the spells, and on the last page, there was a diagram that could be activated via magical power. By activating it, the magician could understand how to maneuver their magical power to successfully cast the spell.
Phaistos opened the "Water Bubble" manual and began reading attentively. The formation of the water bubble was described in detail in the pages, from the concentration of aqueous energy to the manipulation of it to form a stable structure. The manual also offered some suggestions for using the spell more creatively or practically. At the end of the manual, the diagram illustrated the precise movements his magical power needed to make to activate the spell.
"Alright, it's time to practice, because when I leave this place, I might not easily get my hands on these spells again." Saying this, Phaistos stepped back a few paces to avoid damaging these precious manuals.
With his eyes closed and the manual in his hands, he focused on the diagram described at the end of the book. He felt his magical energy circulating through his circuits. Gradually, he sensed the water energy responding to his call. He saw a water bubble forming between his hands.
As the water bubble began to take shape, it suddenly became unstable and exploded. "Damn... These are my only clothes." If Phaistos had one thing to complain about, it was that he had no way to change. His clothes had just dried after he got out of the fountain, and now they were soaked again.
Undeterred, he decided to try again. After all, he found it logical that he wouldn't be able to use divine powers so easily on his first try.
A small piece of water formed, floating in the air before collapsing once more. Phaistos did not give up. He was aware that mastering spells required training and time. He continued his attempts, adjusting his movements and thoughts with each try. Nevertheless, it was challenging to sustain the practice over time, as at his level, Phaistos could not cast many spells.
After several unsuccessful attempts, a perfectly formed water bubble finally appeared between his hands. Phaistos looked at it with pride and amazement. He had just accomplished his first spell.
However, when Phaistos considered throwing the water bubble against the wall, it immediately collapsed.
"It seems that the further the distance between me and the spell, the harder it is to maintain control."
As Phaistos prepared to start training on mastering the "Water Bubble" spell again, he suddenly felt a pain in his head and chest. He immediately understood what it meant. He had exhausted his entire magical power, which explained the pains in his mind and magical core.
Before continuing to train, he needed to replenish his magical energy. The fastest way to do this was to meditate. Phaistos decided on an attack plan; he would meditate using the "Dawn Vigil" technique until his magical core was saturated, and then he would train in spell casting.
Phaistos took a meditation position, closed his eyes, and focused on his breathing. He perceived the flows of magical energy gathering in his core, gradually filling it until it reached saturation. Each inhalation brought a new wave of energy, and each exhalation rid him of his fatigue and uncertainties.
Before continuing his training, he needed to replenish his magical energy. The fastest way to do this was to meditate. Phaistos then devised an attack plan: he would meditate using the "Dawn Vigil" technique until his magical core was saturated, and then he would train in spell casting.
Phaistos took a meditation position, closed his eyes, and focused on his breathing. He perceived the flows of magical energy gathering in his core, gradually filling it to saturation. Each inhalation provided a new flow of energy, and each exhalation rid him of his fatigue and uncertainties.
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Over the hours, Phaistos felt a gradual resurgence of his energy. He experienced a sensation of strength, an increased mastery of his luminous energy. Eventually, he reached a point where his magical core was overflowing with energy, ready to be utilized.
[100 : 00 : 00]
"It seems that when one's magical core is depleted, it takes an enormous amount of time to replenish magical energy. I need to avoid reaching such extremes," Phaistos said as he opened his eyes, feeling his magical core brimming with energy. He rose from his position, his muscles still stiff from his long meditation. His stomach growled with hunger, but fortunately, there was plenty of food in the room. After regaining his strength, he decided to resume his training in mastering the "Water Bubble" spell. This time, he was determined to successfully cast his first spell.
He raised his hands and took a position that was now familiar to him. The aqueous energy gathered between his hands and quickly transformed into a water bubble. Now, the real challenge began; he had to manage to cast the spell while maintaining its stability.
"Could I have a target to cast the water bubble at?" Phaistos asked.
[Request accepted] the mysterious voice responded quickly.
Suddenly, a wooden mannequin appeared in the middle of the white room.
Phaistos concentrated on the bubble, stepped back, and cast it at the mannequin. As soon as it left his hand, he could feel his connection to the bubble thinning. He had to use all his mental strength to maintain control over his spell, but eventually, it successfully landed on the mannequin.
As soon as he succeeded in casting his first spell, he felt a very slight difference in his magical control.
[Updating host information...]
[Phaistos Astraeus]
[Magic Power: 10]
[Combat Power: 14]
[Light initial stage - 25%]
[Water initial stage - completed - awaiting a breakthrough]
[Spiritual Origin: B-]
[Magical Control: E+]
[Lineage: ???]
[Talent: ???]
"One day, I will bring my magical control to the highest level," Phaistos promised himself.