It was night, and the academy grounds were cloaked in darkness, save for the occasional flicker of a lantern. I carefully left my room, moving silently through the corridors to avoid detection. My mission was to get out of the academy and into the void for some training with Smokeball.
As I approached the gate, my heart sank. There, sitting on a chair right beside the gate, was Headmaster Stormborne. His presence was imposing even in the dim light, and it was clear he was waiting for something—or someone.
He looked up as I approached, his sharp eyes narrowing with a hint of disdain. "Boy," he greeted, his voice dripping with bitterness. "Out for a midnight stroll, are we?"
I hesitated, trying to come up with a plausible excuse. "I... I couldn't sleep, so I thought a walk might help clear my head."
Stormborne raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "A walk? At this hour? And you thought you'd leave the academy grounds to do it? How convenient."
If anyone needs the explanation on how partial self-destruction works:
**Partial Self-Destruction**
Category: Skill
Theory: Unlike what a usual phoenix would learn, Ren learned it differently due to Blaze being his instructor, yet yielding similar outcomes.
The process initiates with the caster pulling their fire inside them in its "purest form"—signifying the maximum heat achievable with their current skill set. They absorb the fire, and as it commences burning the insides, the caster is directed to create a mana shield around it by absorbing the raw mana.
This technique is known as internal spell casting.
Once both spells are internalized, the caster needs to expel the shield in a compact form—similar to Ren's creation of a small shield mentioned in the chapter, formed in front of his outstretched index finger.
As you all know, the atmosphere comprises elements bound by infinite mana/raw mana, neutralizing each other until the caster/mage manipulates them with their skill.
Essentially, when the shield encounters the compact force—like Blaze ramming his head forcefully and swiftly into the small shield—it causes a disconnection of mana in the atmosphere from Ren's forthcoming element (the internal fireball).
Simultaneously, the shield bends and draws in kinetic energy, creating a vacuum upon release.
This impactful collision within the vacuum eliminates mana capable of neutralizing elements/spells, resulting in uncontrolled pace and consequential damage.
The severity of this damage corresponds to the caster's maximum strength. Thus, when they cast this spell, they internally disrupt themselves in a manner their veins cannot withstand, resulting in partial self-destruction.
join discord if y'all have anymore questions ~