Chapter 3: The Academy of Harmony
Days turned into weeks, and Eldor witnessed a transformation in Kim Sohu. Embracing his awakened abilities, he enrolled in the Academy of Harmony—a place where magicians and martial artists coexisted, bridging the gap between two distinct worlds.
Master Liang, his mentor and guide, stood at the front of the academy, surrounded by aspiring students. Today's lesson delved into the intricacies of power levels that defined both magicians and martial artists.
"Listen well, students," Master Liang began, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom. "Magicians, your power is measured by the circles you form around your heart. The more circles, the higher your power. The scale ranges from one to nine, with one being the beginning of your journey, and nine symbolizing mastery."
As Sohu listened, he observed the magicians in the room, each surrounded by a shimmering aura denoting their power level. Master Liang continued, "Martial artists, your strength is gauged by the dantians where you store mana. Similar to magicians, the scale is from one to nine. Today, I stand before you as a martial artist of rank 3."
The students exchanged glances, absorbing the complexities of the power system that defined their existence. Sohu, with his unique dual proficiency, felt a sense of responsibility to understand both aspects of this intricate world.
After the class, Sohu returned to his home, a newfound determination burning within him. As he practiced manipulating mana in his room, he marveled at the purity of his magical essence. The mana flowed through him with an unparalleled clarity, resonating with both magical and martial energies.
Sohu's focus shifted to creating circles around his heart—a fundamental skill for magicians. With a deep breath, he attempted to shape the mana into the first circle, the symbol of a beginner's journey. However, the mana eluded his control, slipping through his grasp like water.
Undeterred, Sohu persisted. Night after night, he practiced under the moonlit sky, trying to mold the mana into the delicate form of a circle. The purity of his magical essence held promise, but the elusive control over the mana remained just out of reach.
One evening, frustration etched on his face, Sohu gazed at the moon, seeking solace in its serene glow. As he closed his eyes, a whisper of wisdom from Master Liang echoed in his mind, "Harmony between heart and mana is the key."
Inspired by these words, Sohu approached his practice with a newfound perspective. Instead of wrestling with the mana, he sought to harmonize with it, to understand its innate flow. As his connection deepened, he sensed the mana responding, resonating with the beating of his heart.
With renewed determination, Sohu shaped the mana, creating a delicate circle around his heart. The shimmering energy reflected the moon's gentle light, a testament to his evolving mastery. Yet, he knew this was only the beginning—a single circle in a journey that spanned the spectrum from one to nine.
The next day, at the Academy of Harmony, Master Liang noticed the change in Sohu's aura. Intrigued, he approached his pupil. "You are progressing well, Sohu. Your understanding of harmony sets you apart. Keep honing your skills, for the path to mastery is one of dedication and self-discovery."
Encouraged by his mentor's words, Sohu continued his studies, navigating the intricate dance between magic and martial arts. The whispers of the Whispering Woods guided him, and the mysteries of his dragon-human lineage unfolded with each passing day.
As Sohu faced the challenges of the Academy of Harmony, he carried within him the purity of his magical essence, a testament to a power that transcended the confines of Eldor. The moon, a silent witness to his journey, bathed him in its glow, a symbol of the awakening that marked the beginning of an extraordinary destiny.