Later that day….
As the evening sun cast long, golden rays across the courtyard, Merlin sat cross-legged in his modest room, the soft hum of mana surrounding him like a comforting blanket. The events of the day played through his mind as he closed his eyes, the echoes of clashing blades, crackling spells, and the weight of teamwork reverberating within him.
He took a deep breath, centering himself. "What did I truly learn today?" he thought.
The first memory that surfaced was of the maze itself—how he and Nia had worked together to overcome the traps and challenges. Her reliance on her earth affinity and his quick thinking had brought them through situations that could have easily led to their downfall.
Lesson one: Trust and adaptability.
Merlin realized that while he often preferred to act alone, trusting in Nia's strength had been essential. Her shield was as much a barrier for him as it was for her, and her resilience had been a source of stability in chaotic moments.
Next, he thought of the Sagittarius Automaton. Its mastery of lightning and earth mana had pushed him to the limits of his abilities. He had used techniques he wished to keep hidden, but they had been necessary to secure victory.
Lesson two: Strength must be tempered with wisdom.
Revealing some of his secrets was a calculated risk, one he had decided was worth taking to ensure success. However, he reminded himself to tread carefully in future battles, knowing that too much exposure could invite unwanted attention.
The thought of the other students came to mind—the twins, the fiery swordsman, and the earth knight. Each of them had showcased remarkable skill and teamwork. Watching them fight had been a lesson in itself.
Lesson three: There is always something to learn from others.
Though he was younger and less advanced than the others, observing their techniques gave him valuable insights into how he might refine his own approach to battle.
Finally, Merlin reflected on the Elders' presence and their watchful gazes. Elder Fergus and Elder Magnus were clearly assessing more than just their raw power; they were judging their ability to adapt, think, and survive under pressure.
Lesson four: Every trial is a test of character, not just skill.
The maze had been more than a challenge of mana and might—it had been a crucible to forge bonds, discipline, and resolve.
With these thoughts solidified, Merlin began to channel his mana, guiding it through the pathways of his body with precision. His Lightning Vein Body Augmentation technique hummed to life, faint sparks dancing across his skin as he refined his control. Slowly, his breathing deepened, his focus sharpening.
The day had been long, but he felt a sense of fulfillment. Today, he had grown—not just as a mage but as a person. "Tomorrow," he whispered to himself, "I'll be even better."
And with that resolve, Merlin lost himself in meditation, the room glowing faintly with the soft light of his mana.
****
As Merlin emerged from his meditation, he felt a subtle yet profound change within him. His mana, which had always felt like a storm just beneath the surface, now flowed smoother and with greater precision. The chaotic energy of his lightning affinity seemed to hum in harmony, as if tamed by his will and honed through the day's trials.
He opened his eyes, a faint flicker of lightning dancing within them before subsiding.
"The Rolling Thunder cultivation technique," he mused, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Myrddin's memories were proving to be more valuable than he'd initially realized. The technique had not only bolstered his mana reserves but had also subtly refined its quality, compressing the raw power into a more potent and stable form.
Placing a hand on his chest, he closed his eyes briefly and focused inward. His mana core, though still in the 2nd Circle Novice Realm, now shone brighter and more defined, the energy within rolling like a controlled storm. The Rolling Thunder technique worked in cycles, emulating the rumble of thunder, each repetition tempering his mana further.
"Even without actively focusing on it, the technique supports growth during meditation and reflection," he thought. It was a passive yet powerful advantage, one that set him apart from others in his realm.
This refinement wasn't just a boost to his power—it enhanced his control, allowing for smoother execution of spells and techniques. The awkwardness he had felt earlier during the Thunder Steps was now a distant memory. He could already sense that his movements would be more fluid and his strikes more precise the next time he practiced.
"If this is the result after just one day, what will it be like after a month? A year?"
The thought filled him with anticipation. Yet, he tempered his excitement with discipline. Power without control was dangerous, and haste could lead to ruin. He resolved to approach his cultivation with patience and diligence, just as Myrddin's memories had taught him.
Standing, Merlin stretched, the crackle of lightning briefly sparking along his limbs. The day's events had been exhausting, but he felt invigorated, his body and mind stronger than they had been that morning.
"Tomorrow will bring new challenges," he said quietly to himself. "But I'll be ready."
With that, he prepared for rest, the steady rhythm of the Rolling Thunder cultivation technique continuing to resonate within him, guiding him toward greater heights.