章節 9: Discovering the Power Within.
The sun had barely risen when Kiyoshi found himself seated on a large, flat stone in the centre of the clearing. The soft rustle of leaves and the occasional call of the birds—but Kiyoshi's focus was elsewhere. Today, Ceng-tae had promised to teach him more about magic, and despite the physical training he'd undergone, he felt excited.
Ceng-tae stood a few feet away, arms crossed, watching him as he sighed. "Before we begin, you must understand that magic is more than just power . It's an extension of who you are if your will and intention."
Kiyoshi nodded, though his nerves fluttered in his stomach. He had felt similar strange energy surges within him before—during training, in moments of frustration—but he had never fully understood what it was.
"You have an unknown gift," Ceng-tae continued. "Two distinct magic types flow through your veins, though... anyway, let's start. There are a few simple steps that you'll have to go through: breathing slowly, feeling the energy around you, visualizing the result, and, of course, patience and control."
Kiyoshi hesitated but followed his instructions. He lowered his body to the ground, sat, and crossed his legs, his eyes closing as he inhaled deeply. As he tried to focus, he could feel a flutter in his stomach, an unsettling sensation that made it hard to keep his thoughts clear.
"Breathe in slow," Ceng-tae's voice cut through the haze, which clouded Kiyoshi's mind. "You're not trying to force it. Just let the mana come to you naturally."
Kiyoshi nodded slightly, his shoulders dropping as he exhaled slowly, cantering his attention on the strange energy he felt in his core.
"That's it," Ceng-tae said, encouraging him. "You're doing great. Keep your focus on that energy, and when you're ready, imagine what you want to create. Picture it as clearly as you can."
Kiyoshi stared down at the faint glow emitting from his palms, eyes wide with confusion. The flow of mana felt weird, yet still familiar.
"You're getting the hang of it," Ceng-tae said with a calm demeanour. "But remember, it's not just about summoning mana. You have to feel where it comes from."
Kiyoshi blinked and looked at Ceng-tae. "Where it comes from?"
"Yes," Ceng-tae nodded. "Mana doesn't just appear out of nowhere. It starts here." He placed a hand gently over his stomach. "This is where it begins—the core of your power. Your stomach is where the mana is moulded. From there, it flows through the rest of your body."
Kiyoshi raised a brow, still unsure. "My stomach? That's… strange."
Ceng-tae chuckled. "It might sound strange, but that's how it works. Try to feel it. Close your eyes and focus inward. Don't think about your hands or your arms. Think about your center—your core. Let the mana form there before you guide it outward."
Reluctantly, Kiyoshi closed his eyes and took a deep breath in. At first, all he could feel was the steady rhythm of his own heartbeat. Then, deeper within, he sensed it—a faint warmth, like an ember which nestled in the pits of his stomach. Slowly, the warmth grew, and with it, a pulse of energy.
"There," Ceng-tae encouraged. "Feel that? That's your mana. Now, you must shape it."
Kiyoshi focused on that sensation, the warmth spreading through his body like the glow of a hidden fire. He visualized it growing stronger, more defined, until it was no longer just a flicker but a tangible force. From his stomach, the mana flowed through him, weaving itself into veins and filling his entire body.
As he opened his eyes, the glow in his hands was no longer faint. It was bright, vibrant, pulsing with mana. A slow grin spread across his face.
"I did it," he whispered, the awe in his voice unmistakable.
Ceng-tae's smile widened. "Now you understand. Mana isn't just something you control—it's something you feel. Something that lives within you, now try and make that mana take form."
Kiyoshi attempted what Ceng-tae instructed, but for the moment, nothing happened. Kiyoshi frowned, focusing harder, gritting his teeth in frustration, but just as he was about to give up, he felt a sudden surge—a rush of heat that spread through his chest and down his arms. His eyes snapped open as a shimmer of light appeared in the air before him.
There, floating just inches above his hand, was a small flickering dagger made from his mana. It wasn't perfect—the blade wavered as though made of smoke, and the handle was barely visible but there.
Kiyoshi stared at it, breathless. "I… I really did it." He marvelled at the sight, his voice filled with disbelief. "It's real."
Ceng-tae smiled, "Not bad for a first attempt. You're beginning to see your potential. Don't rush it."
The dagger flickered again before dissolving into nothingness, the mana dispersing into the air. Kiyoshi let out a frustrated sigh. "It's harder than it looks."
"It always is at first, but with time. You'll learn to control it without even thinking. Remember, controlling your magic is about more than just manifesting it. You need to hone it, sharpen your will."
Kiyoshi looked at his hands in disbelief. He didn't want to make that sensation he felt before.
"Let's try again," Kiyoshi said, his voice steadier this time, and he was eager to give it another shot.
Ceng-tae nodded, "This time, focus on your control. Don't rush it. The more you strain, the more your mana will resist. Let it flow naturally."
Kiyoshi closed his eyes again, taking a deep breath. This time, when he felt the mana begin to rise, he didn't try to force it. Instead, he let it build slowly, imagining the same dagger with more clarity and intent. The heat spread through him once more, and when he opened his eyes, the dagger appeared again in a more refined state.
Ceng-tar's smile grew slightly. "Better. You're learning."
For the next few hours, they continued the practice. Kiyoshi manifested several different objects—small at first, like the dagger and a shield—but gradually larger and more complex as he grew more comfortable with the process.
Ceng-tae eventually called for a break, allowing Kiyoshi to rest. "You've done well, but remember, this is just beginning. It seems you're as to create anything your mind can actually imagine."
As Kiyoshi wiped his face with his sleeve, he noticed movement from the corner of his eyes. His gaze flickered toward the edge of the clearing, where, standing quietly among the trees, was Celosia. As always, she never ventured any closer to them; she just observed from afar.
She didn't say anything—just watched silently.
Kiyoshi turned back to Ceng-tae, curious about her weird behaviour, but decided not to bring it up. His focus returned to the training, and he could improve even more.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Kiyoshi sat back and fished the skin, his mind buzzing with everything he had learned. He could only feel grateful to Ceng-tad for everything he had done for him.
──⊱◈◈⊰───⊱◈◈⊰──⊱◈◈⊰──⊱◈◈⊰──
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票