1.21.2 Training

The classification of magical properties into distinct Schools of Magic provides a structured framework for understanding the diverse manifestations of Mana, Michael read. Among these, the five primary Schools are Elemental, Darkness, Light, Space, and Array each representing unique domains of mana.

With the exception of Space and Array, these foundational Schools are further subdivided into specialised branches, each focusing on the mastery of specific forces. Elemental Magic, for instance, is grounded in the manipulation of natural elements: fire, water, earth, and air. A proper mage synergises these forces together to achieve a myriad of effects.

Light Magic draws upon the forces of Life, Spirit and Infusion. It primarily facilitates healing processes, and to imbue crafted artefacts with magical properties.

Given their practical relevance to agricultural contexts, Elemental and Light Magic (Life element to be more specific) are the focus of this course. They present farmers with potent tools to augment crop yield, and mitigate environmental risks.

The exclusion of Darkness, Array and Space in this course is not to discourage the aspiring mages to pursue them. These Schools are simply far too dangerous to dabble with, without proper supervision.

He read through the entire passage. Michael learned that magic was not just about channelling the mystical energies, but also your imagination and your intent. If you did not intend for something to happen, it would not happen, no matter how much power you drew upon. And if you could not imagine something, you could not do it.

However, once a spell was cast, its course was set. Though, there were hints in the book suggesting the possibility of working around that rule. 

The book didn't say how. With a sigh, he closed to follow the instructions of the book.

Every School of magic had a dinstive tune. He reached with his mind for his Magicore. Michael felt for the tune of Life, listening with his soul.

When he found the right rhythm, Michael took hold of it, and with his willpower he directed the life energy down his arms and into the withered grass he held in his hands. He wanted the grass to continue living, it was not dead yet, but close.

The blades, once parched and lifeless, responded to the energy flowing from him, absorbing it like sand did water. Gradually, the yellowed blades of grass rejuvenated, their hue turning green once more. 

"I … I did it," Michael Exclaimed. He was having a difficult time believing his own words.

That day Michael transitioned to Level two [Practitioner].

***

Two days later;

Michael stood beneath the towering trees, gazing up at the clusters of beehives perched high among the branches. The time had come. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the task ahead.

[Flight.]

Michael flew up at the direction of the closest hive he targeted. When he was close to the hive Michael used the spell that had taken him two days to master.

[Insectbane.]

A pulse of red energy washed out of him, reaching up to the hive. The bees stormed out of it and flew away from the pulsing energy. Michael quickly grabbed the honeycomb and fled with everything he had.

Contrary to his fears, the bees did not harry him.

Once he was back to the pavilion he extracted the honey into a pot.

Michael cleaned his wounds with warm water and lathered honey over them. Hopefully this would deal with the infection and help with the healing process.

***

One week later;

The honey had done wonders for his wounds. In just seven days, any signs of infection had disappeared, and even the wounds were almost completely healed.

During that time, Michael had mastered the spells [Condense Water] and [Windlash].

Michael could cast about five [Windlashes] before running out of mana. [Condense Water], however, was dreadful. It took all the mana he had, just to condense, a few drops of water.

Yet these limitations of spellcasting did not sour his mood. For he had advanced to level 5 [Practitioner].

After learning the fact that he could barely condense a few drop of water from the atmosphere through his reserves of mana, Michael was worried that he could never learn the spells that was significantly powerful. But reading the contents of the book sedated his worries.

There were three ways to increase someone's mana supply. The easiest way was to use up your supply of mana to almost emptiness. That process prompted the Magicore to expand by a fraction of a fraction.

The second method was painful, but easy to accomplish. He simply had to drain the entire supply of his mana, leaving nothing behind. The process resulted in terrible pain like acid running through his veins. The second method was ten times faster than the first one.

The book cautioned, however, never to use the second method more than once a week unless he wanted to damage his Magicore.

The third method was to consume a coral stone. The increase in mana reserve depended on the quality of the stone used.

He read the description of the stone. His eyes widened.

The book was describing Cnidariaum. Hadn't he buried one near the cabin? If that could increase his mana supply, why not use it? It wasn't as if he had any way of selling it.

Michael found the spot he had buried the coral stone and dug it out. "This thing will really increase my mana supply?"

Well, he wouldn't find out unless he tried, would he? Michael reached out with pure mana and rushed the stone that sat in his hand with it.

Power surged into him, and an overwhelming avalanche of it. His eyes bulged.

Michael panted like a dog once the unfathomable power stopped flowing into his system.

"I ... wasn't ... expecting ... something like ... that."

Michael inspected his Magicore to see if it really worked.

If he compared his current mana supply with his previous reserve it would be like comparing a glass of water with an entire lake.

Michael's jaw dropped. "No... fucking way."