As Merlin continued his training, an idea began to take root in his mind. He had always focused on his swordsmanship, but he began to wonder: what if he could extend his combat ability beyond the blade? What if he could use his own body as a weapon, incorporating his fists, elbows, knees, and shins into his fighting style?
This thought was born not just from a desire to diversify his techniques, but from a deeper understanding of his own potential. He already knew the power of his mana and his sword—so why not blend the two?
Fists, Elbows, Knees, and Shins: A New Form of Combat
Merlin started by applying his basic knowledge of the sword to his fists. The strikes, angles, and power of each attack became ingrained in his mind. He threw punches as though he were wielding a sword, using his body's natural lines and forms as weapons. Elbows followed next, sharp and compact, much like a sword's edge, making use of his body's flexibility and agility. His knees and shins came into play as well, imagining them as extensions of the same principles—sharp, decisive, and unyielding.
At first, the movements were clumsy, and Merlin stumbled through his training, adjusting his posture, tightening his core, and correcting his footwork. But soon enough, his body grew accustomed to the new methods. Every punch, every elbow strike, every knee thrust, and every shin kick flowed with more ease and purpose. His body was starting to move like a well-oiled machine, each part working in unison.
The Mana Pathways and Body Refinement
As Merlin trained, he unknowingly began to tap into his mana pathways in a new way. His physical strikes were no longer separate from his mana; instead, they became extensions of it. His focus on his body and its movements allowed the mana to flow through him differently. It was as though his body had become a conduit for his magic, blending both physical and magical energies.
The sensation was subtle at first. His mana swirled through his pathways, not just through his core or limbs but now reaching deep into his muscles and bones. His strikes became more powerful as his mana reinforced his physical form, pushing the boundaries of his flesh and increasing his physical capabilities.
It was in the midst of this newfound harmony that Merlin felt a shift. A wave of strength surged through him, starting in his core and rippling outward, as though his body had been tempered and refined. The moment he became aware of it, the breakthrough occurred. His mana pathways surged with energy, and his body responded, transforming the raw power into refined strength.
Breaking Through to the Flesh Realm
Merlin stood still for a moment, feeling the full extent of his power. It was subtle but undeniable. His body had broken through to a new level—into the Flesh Realm of body refinement. The transition from the Strength Realm to the Flesh Realm was something that no longer required conscious effort to maintain. His muscles were denser, more compact, and far stronger. His body felt more solid, more grounded, and his strikes had the force of a mountain behind them.
He could feel it in the subtle changes of his movements—the weight of his strikes was now heavier, his defense more unyielding, and his footwork smoother. The power that flowed through him was no longer just about raw muscle; it was a symbiosis of strength and control, a combination of mana and flesh.
Merlin smiled to himself, realizing that the path forward was clearer than ever. The breakthrough wasn't just about his physicality; it was a sign that he was integrating his magic and body cultivation at a deeper level. He could now push forward, not only as a mage but as a practitioner of body refinement.
A New Stage in His Journey
Merlin took a deep breath, feeling the pulse of his new strength in every fiber of his being. He could sense the flesh within his body shifting, reinforcing itself. His punches, kicks, and defensive stances had all become more powerful as a result. But the more he considered it, the more he realized that this was just the beginning. The Flesh Realm was only the second stage, and ahead of him lay more challenges and realms to conquer.
Still, he felt a sense of satisfaction. For the first time in years, he was making real progress—real, tangible progress. His mind and body had become a unified force, ready to face whatever the world would throw at him.
And so, with renewed determination, Merlin continued his training, knowing that the next step in his journey had already begun.