Forging New Paths: Mastery and Innovation{2}

As the sun's rays bathed the room in a gentle glow, Nathan opened his eyes, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. The name he had chosen for his newly developed mana intake method, "Gravitas Amphibian Mana Intake Method," encapsulated its essence—drawing mana like an amphibian absorbing moisture through its skin. With this method in his arsenal, Nathan felt a newfound confidence in his journey of mana manipulation.

Exploring the capabilities of his newly developed method, Nathan realized that the Gravitas method allowed him to intake mana at an impressive rate, four times greater than his previous breathing method.

The power of this new technique not only increased the amount of mana he could draw but also improved the speed at which he could absorb it into his body.

One of the most significant advantages of the Gravitas method was Nathan's newfound control over the revolutions and rotations of his core stars and mana circles. This level of control granted him the ability to adjust the intake of mana according to his needs, allowing him to conserve energy when necessary or intensify his mana absorption when training or in combat.

Additionally, Nathan realized that the Gravitas method provided a solution to a common challenge faced by mana manipulators—the ability to cultivate and store ambient mana during sleep.

By applying the technique while resting, he could absorb the ambient mana around him and store it within his body, effectively extending his training time and accelerating his progress.

His experimentation with the technique also revealed an unexpected benefit. The continuous mana tempering process had transformed his skin, making it tougher while retaining its natural flexibility.

Nathan's skin had become remarkably resilient, resisting even the edge of a knife without leaving a mark. This physical transformation was a tangible reflection of the changes he was undergoing through his mana manipulation practices.

As Nathan realized the sun had risen while he was lost in his thoughts, he decided to catch up on some much-needed sleep. Resting on his bed, he allowed his exhausted body to recuperate, drifting into slumber for several hours. Upon waking, he recognized the need to wash away the traces of his intense practice session from the previous night.

Nathan made his way to a refreshing bath, letting the water cleanse his body and wash away the blood that had accumulated during his determined efforts.

Emerging from the bath, he felt a renewed sense of vitality and readiness to face the challenges that lay ahead. The Gravitas Amphibian Mana Intake Method had opened new doors for him, and Nathan was determined to explore its potential to the fullest.

After cleansing himself in the bath, Nathan's determination led him straight to the training grounds. He summoned Barch, ready to put his newly developed Gravitas Amphibian Mana Intake Method to the test in a sparring session.

Facing each other with wooden sparring swords in hand, Nathan and Barch engaged in a fierce exchange. Nathan's eyes bore an intense focus as he simultaneously employed both the Gravitas method and his original breathing technique. The clash of their wooden swords echoed through the training grounds as they sparred, their movements precise and calculated.

For hours on end, the two combatants sparred without faltering. Nathan's mana management techniques allowed him to fight tirelessly, his mana supply seemingly inexhaustible.

Even after seven hours of intense combat, Nathan didn't feel the usual strain on his mana reserves that he would have experienced before.

This realization marked a significant breakthrough—he had discovered that his Gravitas method, when combined with his Equilibrium breathing, provided him with a distinct advantage in mana efficiency during battle.

As their sparring session came to an end, Nathan recognized that in the early stages, the mana intake from the Gravitas method exceeded his mana consumption, granting him an edge over his opponents. However, he understood that this advantage might diminish as he advanced to higher stages of power, where mana consumption would outpace mana intake. Nonetheless, he was pleased to have uncovered a strategy that could give him an upper hand in battles.

Having gathered these insights, Nathan wiped away his sweat and changed into fresh attire. He then set out with Winston to the carpenter's shop to collect the tools he had commissioned for paper-making. The tools would be pivotal in initiating the production of paper, a venture he was eager to embark upon.

With the tools in hand, Nathan and Winston made their way to the location where his acquired slaves were residing. He planned to show them the warehouse that would serve as their workspace for paper production, providing them with a clear understanding of the process and environment they would be working in.

The warehouse, situated outside the city and adjacent to a stream, was a spacious and practical setting for paper-making. Nathan's intention was not just to utilize their labor but to provide them with the opportunity to learn valuable skills and engage in meaningful work. The stream's proximity would facilitate the necessary water supply for the paper-making process.

Guiding the slaves to the warehouse, Nathan took the time to explain the workflow and steps involved in paper production. He demonstrated his commitment to their well-being and development by ensuring they understood the process thoroughly.

This endeavor was not merely about production; it was an investment in their future and the prosperity of the Rosefruit Trading Company.

Nathan's actions reflected his multifaceted approach to leadership—striving to combine efficiency with empathy, and innovation with inclusivity. As he shared his vision for the paper-making venture with his slaves, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the possibilities that lay ahead.

Having gathered the slaves at the warehouse, Nathan commenced a practical demonstration of the paper-making process. He walked them through each step, showcasing the materials and tools he had meticulously prepared for this purpose.

Starting with the collection of specific green plants known for their soft fibers, Nathan demonstrated how to peel off their barks and soak them in lime water to remove impurities.

He explained the significance of the lime water mixture and the role it played in preparing the fibers for paper production.

With thorough instruction, Nathan guided the slaves in turning the soaked fibers into a pulp using stone mortars and pestles.

Once the pulp was prepared, he showcased a specialized mold he had created for the purpose.

He pressed the pulp using a wooden plate to extract excess water, highlighting the importance of achieving the right consistency.

As the process continued, Nathan's expertise was evident in his attention to detail and the sequence of steps. He carefully placed the pressed and molded pulp onto a large wooden board, ready for drying. The board was then set out in the sun, allowing the paper to dry naturally over several hours.

Once the paper had dried, Nathan displayed the finished product to the slaves and Winston, a tangible representation of their collective effort. He provided them with clear instructions on each stage of the process and encouraged them to practice and refine their skills.

Satisfied with the progress and knowledge imparted, Nathan left the warehouse to return to the castle as night fell. While walking, he engaged in a conversation with Winston, seeking his thoughts on the paper-making endeavor.

Winston expressed his admiration for the innovation, highlighting its potential to revolutionize communication and documentation due to its cost-effectiveness and practicality.

Nathan chuckled at Winston's observation and expanded on the advantages, including the ease of carrying, storing, and disseminating information. He emphasized that the paper's versatility could extend to administrative purposes, making record-keeping more efficient.

As Nathan made his way back to the castle, his mind was occupied by the upcoming training session with his father. The anticipation of delving into the sword manuals and the prospect of mastering the techniques of his royal lineage loomed large in his thoughts.