I hate breaking my training schedule, but when something takes priority, it must be addressed.
I’ve spent the entire morning trying to coat my hands. As long as I don’t need to use my brain for anything else, it’s not a problem. I need to improve the speed, fluidity, and make it as natural as breathing.
I do the same thing over and over: coat my hands in a fine layer of mana—just enough to endure a blow—then dissolve it. Repeat for hours. It’s a huge benefit to have such a vast mana pool.
Still doing the same thing for hours, I’m starting to feel more comfortable, so I try adding a bit more mana to the construction. It needs to be durable and flexible, without wasting mana by making it too thick.
I noticed that when I use too much mana, the structure loses flexibility, making it hard to move my fingers properly.
All day doing the same thing, taking only a short break to eat and relax my mind. All the stress falls on my brain. I’m grateful for the Cold Mind skill—it’s proving more useful than I expected.
The next day, after encountering that problem, my grandmother gave me some good advice. She suggested layering the mana more finely around finger joints and other flexible areas where mobility is crucial.
I welcomed her advice, but putting it into practice is a headache. Trying to use finer mana for joints and denser mana for rigid areas is mentally exhausting. Just attempting it in one hand is making my brain feel like it’s going to explode. I don’t even want to think about what it’ll take to apply it to my whole body.
After continued practice, I finally became comfortable using it on one hand. I only have a few hours left before bed, so it’s time for a new challenge. Supposedly, tomorrow should be my last day without hunting.
I try slowly connecting my Imra to the mana, but it’s impossible from every angle. I can’t filter it in gently like raindrops, and forcing it in like a rushing current doesn’t work either. I keep trying without success.
“What am I missing? I’m visualizing my mana as water—there has to be something I’m not seeing.” Thinking it over, I realize my mistake.
I need to create a path for it to flow. It’s true water erodes whatever it touches, but it’s easier if you give it a channel.
I try to open a small path in the center of the mana structure on my hand. At first, I can’t do it without destroying the whole thing. After almost two hours, I manage to create tiny channels. The problem is, my mind can’t take it—no matter how I try, my brain feels like it’s going to burst.
“This is another level of construction... I need to acquire a skill soon. That’ll increase my chances of pulling it off.”
I give up for today. Tomorrow I’ll return with a fresh mind and renewed motivation.
My training with Grandma is almost over, so I decide to show her my progress—leave her with a surprise before she lets me train alone.
“Grandma, this is my new progress. Try not to be too surprised,” I say with a laugh. That weird look she gives me returns—I deserve it.
I start forming the new mana construction I practiced yesterday in my hand. After a few seconds, it forms, and I can see her eyes slowly widen.
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“Kid, seriously… you're a monster.”
Me? Why? What did I do now… Before I can respond, she keeps talking.
“Those kinds of constructions aren’t for your rank. Normally, you only start using them at Sapphire rank. And here you are trying it as an Amethyst. Sure, I see many flaws—but this is an impressive first step.”
I feel proud hearing her words. Praise like that doesn’t come often, and it feels refreshing to know my effort is paying off.
“Now I understand why it’s so hard. I’m giving everything I have just to use it on one hand—and I still can’t insert my Imra.”
“Yeah, it’s a real pain at first.” After thinking for a moment, she continues. “It’s better if you just practice lightly and focus on flexible and thick mana for now. Once you gain a related skill, you can start trying that new method little by little. Don’t try to run before you’ve learned to walk properly.”
Reluctantly, I accept her advice. She’s only looking out for me—I know that.
She leaves, and I keep practicing. Today’s the last day before I can go back to monster hunting. I need to make the most of it. I can feel a skill forming bit by bit.
My effort these past three days has paid off. In the final hours of training, a notification flashes in my mind.
Do you want to learn the skill: Malleable Mana (II)?
It’s a Rank II skill? I didn’t expect that. Overcome with excitement, I accept it without even checking with my family.
I feel the knowledge rushing into my mind. It’s such a pleasant feeling—having that understanding flood my body and head.
“Let’s see how this skill works.”
It’s a massive change. Everything becomes easier—I can apply thicker and thinner zones of mana in different areas. It feels like my mind had always been capable of this.
Now that I’m more comfortable with it, I can cover both hands with an icy mana coating. Finally, it’s a skill I can use in real combat. The only downside: for now, I can only apply it to my hands. I’ll have to keep practicing to eventually coat my arms and whole body.
I check my other skills too. I gained two levels in Cold Mind and one in Pseudo Domain. My status is now:
Maki – 8 years old – Basic Amethyst Rank
SKILLS:
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Sword Reinforcement (II) – Level 8
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Pseudo Domain (II) – Level 5 → Level 6
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Lightning Step (II) – Level 5
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Focused Spherical Formation (II) – Level 4
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Malleable Mana (II) – Level 1
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Cold Mind – Level 8 → Level 10
At one point I thought: eight skills is a lot. Now I realize—it’s not. If I get two more, I’ll hit the limit. The good news is that leveling up will unlock more slots.
I keep practicing until bedtime. Tomorrow, I’ll give Grandma a big surprise.
I wake up earlier than usual, excited to show off my progress. I arrive at the training room a bit ahead of schedule. Now that I have the skill, I need to resume training my other abilities.
I start forming ice spheres. I can make five or six regular ones without issue, and two or three concentrated ones depending on the moment.
I feel like I can press more mana into a sphere, but I’m afraid of losing control. I have to be careful—I don’t want to injure myself with my own spell.
Grandma arrives right on time, as usual. But something’s different—her expression shows worry, or maybe frustration.
“Good morning, Grandma. Did something happen?”
She smiles calmly as she sits down. “I know how eager you are to go hunting again, but unfortunately, you won’t be able to, Maki. There’s been a problem.”
A problem? Is it related to the goblins? I don’t push the issue—I wait for her to speak.
“It has nothing to do with goblins, if that’s what you’re wondering.” Was I that obvious? Can Grandma read my mind?
“The baron will be arriving a few days earlier than expected, and we need to have everything ready. You’re an important part of that, being the only child of this town’s lord with a similar age to the baron’s children. You’ll need to spend a lot of time with them.”
Huh? I don’t want that. I don’t say it out loud—just stay quiet, waiting.
“Don’t make that face. It’s a good opportunity to interact with other noble children your age. Prepare yourself to welcome the baron and his children with us tomorrow. Train as much as you can today—I don’t know how much free time we’ll have during their five-day stay.”
Five days? That’s a lot... Well, no matter. I have to give it my all to not cause trouble for my family.
“Alright, Grandma. I’ll do my best not to embarrass you.”
She leaves without being able to train with me—and I couldn’t show her my new skill either.
Tomorrow will be my first interaction with other nobles... I hope everything goes well.