Pure Mana

After their meal, Bahrian and James went back to their rooms each saying goodnight just before they closed their doors.

James in his room summoned the system.

James stared intently at the red crystal in his palm, a glimmer of excitement flickering in his eyes. The prospect of gaining power and mastering this mysterious energy filled him with a sense of determination.

"Hey, system," James spoke with a mix of anticipation and eagerness, "what's the use of this Red Crystal?"

The system responded promptly, its voice echoing in James's mind, "Well, Master! This red crystal can be absorbed to resupply your used mana and also used as a medium for floating ships... this is also useful for maintaining formations."

A spark of realization ignited within James as he processed the information. This red crystal held potential beyond what he had initially imagined. It could be the key to unlocking new abilities and strengths.

"Hmm..." James pondered for a moment before another question formed in his mind, "System, how do I absorb this?"

The system's response was accompanied by a display of breathing manuals on its screen, illustrating the steps needed to harness the power of the red crystal.

James's expression shifted to one of determination as he absorbed the instructions. The prospect of unlocking his latent potential and harnessing the power of the red crystal filled him with a renewed sense of purpose.

"Alright," James muttered to himself, determination gleaming in his eyes, "System, show me all the breathing Techniques that are suitable for me."

Responding to James's request, the system swiftly filtered through a myriad of manuals, narrowing them down to just three options. These manuals were named the Mana Star Breathing Manual, the Ten Stars Breathing Manual, and the Endless Cycle Manual.

James carefully studied the descriptions of each manual, weighing their potential benefits in his mind. Then, he inquired about the cost of acquiring one of these manuals.

To his surprise, the system displayed a shocking price tag of 999 Celestial Gems for each manual.

"Daymm!! Too expensive!!" James exclaimed, taken aback by the exorbitant price. Despite the steep cost, he remained resolute in his decision.

"I'll buy this Endless Cycle Manual since it's always growing and has no end to it," James declared, determined to invest in his growth and development.

With a swift confirmation, the payment was processed, and the Endless Cycle Manual materialized on the screen.

With the Endless Cycle Manual in hand, James delved into its teachings with unwavering determination. He meticulously followed the instructions, focusing on fixing and arranging his veins, and opening up any blocked meridians within his body. As he absorbed the Mana crystal, he allowed its energy to flow through every inch of his being, storing it within his heart and dantian.

Hours passed, and James could feel a profound transformation taking place within him. His physique underwent a remarkable change, with his once slightly skinny frame now replaced by well-defined muscles and sculpted abs. To his surprise, he even noticed that he had grown taller, his height increasing by about 3 centimeters, now standing at an impressive 6 feet 1 inch.

James: (gritting his teeth) "Focus... Keep going..."

His body trembled with the exertion, but James remained steadfast, driven by an insatiable thirst for power and self-improvement.

James: (panting) "I can feel it... It's working..."

As the Mana surged through his veins, James experienced a rush of exhilaration, unlike anything he had felt before. It was as if every fiber of his being was awakening to its true potential.

James: (eyes widening in disbelief) "I'm getting stronger... I can't believe it..."

However, the intensity of the transformation soon took its toll, and James's vision began to blur as darkness threatened to engulf him.

James: (voice strained) "No... I can't... give up..."

With one final surge of determination, James pushed through the pain, clinging to consciousness with every ounce of his strength. But eventually, his body could take no more, and he succumbed to the overwhelming fatigue, slipping into unconsciousness.

James: (whispering faintly) "I... I did it..."

When he finally regained consciousness, James found himself lying amidst a bed scattered with black impurities. These impurities, expelled from his body during his unconscious state, served as a tangible reminder of the profound changes he had undergone.

James: (breathless) "What... What just happened?"

As he asked himself he saw that his body was also covered in a mud-like liquid, which was probably the Impurities that came out of his body, This Impurities protruded a very foul smell which prompted James to quickly get out and wash himself.

The next day, James eagerly approached Frederick with a determined look on his face.

James: "Frederick!"

Frederick: "Yes, Your Highness?"

James: "Let's head to the Red Crystal Mines at the Heisenport Military Reserve Regiment Academy."

Frederick's eyes widened with surprise at the sudden request.

Frederick: "The Red Crystal Mines? Of course, Your Highness. But may I ask why the sudden interest?"

James: "I've discovered something about the crystals, and I need to see them for myself. I want to confirm my theories."

With a nod of understanding, Frederick quickly got ready to accompany James on their journey.

Frederick: "Understood, Your Highness. Let's ride."

Together, they mounted their horses and set off towards the Heisenport Military Reserve Regiment Academy, James eager to absorb Red Crystal in the Mines and become the most powerful mage in the Kingdom.