Chapter 46

Murmur! Murmur!

As I walked through the academy hallway, the murmurs of student conversations filled the air. Everyone seemed to be talking about the conflict between the A-class students, their whispers and murmurs creating a slight tension and curiosity. As I approached my classroom, the chatter intensified, confirming that the conflict was the hot topic of the day.

"Did guys hear that some of the A class students got suspended for fighting in the hallway?" A girl said to her group of friends.

"Yeah, I heard. And it looks like B classes are also getting swooped in." A guy replied.

"Really?"

"Yeah, when the fight happened, they were close to B classes, and because of that, the nearby students also got caught in that fight."

"Will they fight with us?" a guy asked anxiously.

"Hahaha, what are you scared of? We are at the bottom of the ranks; they won't fight with us." Laughing, he said proudly that he's a bottom ranker.

'It seems the conflict is escalating,' I thought as I walked to my seat, carefully hearing discussions around me as my interest piqued.

Just as I settled in, Lui approached me. "Where have you been, Jadel? It's been two weeks since you last came to class," he asked, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity.

'Concerned? Why is he concerned about me?'

I looked at Lui and noticed a distinct change in his presence. 'This guy, his presence has changed completely.' I thought, observing him closely. "You're not taking the rank assessment?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ah, no. There are only a few months left until we become second years, so it's not necessary." Lui replied, his eyes studying me intently. "But I could ask you the same question, right?"

"Mmm, I don't know what you mean," I responded, feigning ignorance.

"Ah, it's nothing." Lui said with a smile, taking his seat beside me.

A few minutes later, Ms. Elisa entered the classroom with her usual energy and cheerful smile. "Oh, you arrived, Jadel. It's good to see you." She said, her eyes sparkling with genuine warmth.

"Yes," I answered simply.

"Good, now let's take attendance," Ms. Elisa continued, her smile unwavering. After taking attendance, she moved on to the lesson of the day.

"Today, we'll continue our discussion on mana," she began. "Specifically, we'll explore a technique to increase both speed, power, and strength by enhancing our mana control. This technique is known as Core Acceleration, a safer and more manageable variant of the Core Release."

'I didn't know there was a weaker version of Core Release'

She started explaining. "Mana is the life force that flows within us, a mystical energy that can be harnessed and directed through rigorous training and mental discipline. The Core Release technique involves unleashing all the mana in the core suddenly, giving a massive but risky boost in power. This sudden surge can increase one's capabilities by two or three sub-ranks, but it's a double-edged sword. If the user lacks high control, the berserk mana can damage the mana veins, potentially crippling the body.

Core acceleration, however, is a weaker but safer alternative. Instead of releasing all the mana at once, this technique involves running the mana through your veins at a faster rate. It doesn't overload the mana veins, thus minimizing the risk of injury while still providing a significant boost to your abilities."

She continued, "To perform core acceleration, you must first calm your mind and focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply, feeling the mana gathering in your core. As you exhale, visualize the mana flowing through your veins, but at a controlled, accelerated pace."

Ms. Elisa demonstrated, her posture straightening as she took a deep breath and her eyes closing momentarily. "With each inhale, draw more mana into your core. With each exhale, direct this energy to specific parts of your body, letting it flow faster than usual but still under control. For speed, focus on your legs; for strength, direct the mana to your arms; and for overall power, let it flow through your entire body."

The class watched intently, with some students already closing their eyes and mimicking her movements. "It's crucial to maintain control," she emphasized. "Unlike the sudden and explosive nature of core release, core acceleration relies on steady, enhanced circulation of mana. Practice regularly to build up your mana reserves and improve your control. Over time, you'll find your abilities growing stronger and more refined."

After her explanation, Ms. Elisa turned to me. "Jadel, could you come up and demonstrate for the class?"

"Huh, me?" I asked, a little flustered.

"Yes, please perform the core release." She requested.

'Why does she have to say, please? She's an instructor, and I'm just a student here. She's too good for a teacher.' I thought as I stood up.

"Jadel is a master of this technique," she told the class, "a feat even I and most hunters can't achieve. So watch carefully."

Inhale!

Taking a deep breath, I began the demonstration.

「Core Release: 40 percent」

Slowly, my veins started to bulge across my body, and I could feel the mana coursing through them. The pressure I exuded was palpable, causing some students to shift uncomfortably in their seats. Ms. Elisa's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't ask me to stop.

As the mana swirled around me, my body began to glow with a light blue hue, the energy crackling in the air. The students watched in awe as the display of power unfolded, and the room filled with an almost tangible sense of my mana's intensity.

Ms. Elisa finally signaled for me to stop, and I gradually released the technique, the glow fading and the pressure dissipating. Returning to my seat, I couldn't help but notice the mixture of awe and apprehension on my classmates' faces.

"Thank you, Jadel. That was an excellent demonstration. Now, let's all get to work on mastering core acceleration."

***

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***

As the lesson ended, the class suddenly filled with the murmurs of the students. I gathered my things and slipped out of the classroom. The hallways were now crowded with students, their laughter and conversations echoing through the hallway.

Suddenly, Lui caught up to me just as I was about to leave the building. "Jadel, wait up!" he called, jogging to match my pace.

"What's up?" I asked, glancing at him.

"I just wanted to say that was impressive,what you did back there. Core Release... I don't think anyone else in our class could manage that," he said, his admiration evident.

"Thanks," I replied curtly, not entirely comfortable with the attention.

"Are you heading back to your dorm?" he asked, keeping up beside me.

"Yeah," I said, nodding.

"Mind if I walk with you?" He asked, his tone casual but his eyes betraying

'Then what are you doing now?' even though I thought that I didn't say anything.

"Sure," I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral.

As we walked through the academy grounds, the sky began to darken, with the first stars appearing in the twilight. The path to the dormitory was lined with ancient trees, their leaves rustling softly in the evening breeze.

"Today's lessons ended quite late." he said, looking at the sky.

"So, where were you these past two weeks?"

"Just... dealing with some personal matters," I said vaguely, not wanting to delve into the details. "What about you? You seem different."

Lui chuckled softly. "Yeah, I've been training a lot. Trying to get stronger, you know? The recent conflicts have made me realize how unprepared I am."

"I see," I said, nodding. "It's good to be prepared."

We walked in silence for a few moments, the sounds of the academy fading into the background as we neared the dormitory. The moon had risen higher, casting a soft, silvery light over the path.

"Jadel," he said suddenly, his voice serious. "Do you ever feel like... there's more to all of this? Like, there's something bigger we're supposed to be a part of."

Hearing his words, a chill went down my spine. I stopped and looked at him, surprised by the intensity in his eyes.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know," he said, running a hand through his hair. "It's just a feeling I've had lately. Like we're on the brink of something huge. Something that could change everything."

I considered his words, the strange sense of foreboding creeping into my heart. "Maybe you're right," I said, remembering the things that were going to happen in the future. "But even if we don't know what happens in the future, we have to always prepare for the worst."

"Prepare for the worst, huh…" he smiled, relief evident in his expression. Suddenly, I felt a prickling sensation wash over me—the same sensation when I first saw him. But it ended as soon as it came. "Yeah, you're right."

As we reached the dormitory, Lui hesitated before speaking again. "Jadel, would you mind training with me? I want to learn more about core acceleration and maybe do some sparring too. I think it would really help me improve."

I paused, unsure. "I don't know, Lui. I have a lot on my plate right now."

"Please, Jadel," he persisted, his eyes earnest. "You've mastered these techniques. Training with you would mean a lot."

I sighed, realizing he wouldn't give up easily.

"Alright, fine. I'll train with you."

His face lit up with gratitude. "Thanks, Jadel. You won't regret it."

"Let's meet tomorrow morning at the training grounds," I said. "We'll see how far you've come."

"Sounds good," he agreed, a determined look in his eyes.

As we parted ways and I headed to my room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Training with Lui might be exactly what I needed to clear my mind and focus on what lay ahead.

"And I could check his progress. He is one hell of a monster."