Chapter 6: Long Time No See?
It had already been a week since the Awakening Ceremony. Jek had successfully reached Level 2, while Mike had advanced to Level 3.
"Cultivating is really hard!" Jek sighed in frustration.
"Maybe that's why we're supposed to hunt monsters and absorb their crystals gaining some experience, and it's way easier than sitting and meditating all day testing your comprehension.
The real problem is... how do we even fight them?"
Yeah we have our new skills but fighting in the wild is dangerous, only by understanding your skill also has some benefits. Mike explained calmly, "but monster crystals are more potent. You can even learn new skills from them if you're lucky."
"And don't worry," he added with a reassuring grin.
"Tomorrow's the exam. We'll finally get a chance to enter a gate. That's our chance to collect monster crystals... and maybe even some rare herbs."
Monster crystals were formed when wild animals absorbed mana over many years, evolving into dangerous magical beasts. Mike and Jek had been preparing in their dorm, aware of how deadly these beasts could be.
Only prestigious academies had regulated access to beginner-friendly gates. For most, like their rival Shan, the only other option was hunting in the wild if you had money for bodyguards.
But cultivation, though slow, was safe. Mastering your skills was the real key.
"Let's just practice our skills to the fullest," Mike suggested, his voice firm.
Mike and Jek not only practicing their skills they also learn practical combat techniques to fight.
Some students use man made weapon to enhance their skills, like bow, sword, and axed
Take Jek's skills, Way of Nature, which Jek had just mastered, involved an arched hand movement that pulled mana from the ground with a stomp, sending a shockwave like a miniature earthquake. Perfect for someone with Jek's raw muscle.
This skills enhance through training he even use a shackles to make it more effectives
Mike's skill, Crystalline Current, was more unique and easy because of his understanding.
It was a rare path like the first known wielder of the crystal mana heart. Despite that, Mike had already mastered Current Surge, which unleashed a freezing splash of water.
Mike also comprehend new skill Crystal Sword, which transformed water into a gleaming blade of crystal.
These ability improved more, because of his native skills Crystallization, where it enhance the freezing characteristics and its durability.
Even though his not using some equipment, his skill Crystal Sword is the best alternative.
"Maybe our preparation is enough..." Mike murmured, more to himself.
"You're already Level 3! What are you even worried about?" Jek laughed.
"Most students barely reach Level 2. You're a Tier-1 with two mastered skills!"
"Still… I need to do more," Mike replied with determination.
"I have to secure a high ranking in-tomorrow's exam."
"You're overthinking it, bro. Come on, let's go outside and get some fresh air. You need rest."
..
Meanwhile, at the prestigious Blue Eagle Academy…
Blue Eagle Academy, one of the most promising Colleges, with the most produced mages in the history.
They scout talented mages, rare mana heart awakeners, and even those students that awakened naturally without the help of mana orbs.
This only happened to awakeners with great mana and monstrous talent. In cases, they awakened early and were taken by these prestigious colleges.
A young girl sat quietly in the courtyard, her presence radiating warmth like a fiery phoenix with a sacred glow.
Her beauty was delicate, her figure slender and refined like porcelain.
"It's already been three months since I entered this academy," she whispered softly, a trace of sadness in her eyes.
"I wonder how he's doing... Maybe he's awakened a powerful mana heart by now."
"He's one of the most talented people from your school," her friend Auline said, trying to reassure her.
"Don't be sad."
"After tomorrow's exam, I'm sure you'll see him again."
Auline, lively and confident, was one of the academy's most promising mages and the girl's closest friend.
They are one of those students who awakened early than the others, they have to go on college because of these.
Back at the training ground…
The field buzzed with excitement. Students trained with intense focus, some meditating under trees, and others practicing movement techniques.
Many had reached Level 2. The exam was only a day away.
Bang!
A loud crash drew everyone's attention to the center of the field. A crowd quickly formed.
Of course, it was Shan, the school's most notorious show-off.
"Yes! I've finally reached Level 3!" Shan shouted proudly.
"And I've mastered my first skill, Breath of the Dragon!"
Shan proudly announce, together with his skills activating.
Roar!!
"Holy sh*t! That's insane. He's on par with Mike now!" a student gasped.
"On par? I'm stronger than him!" Shan snapped.
"Hey, hey, Mister Golden Grade," Jek chimed in with a mocking smile.
"Why the drama? You just hit Level 3. Mike passed that milestone a long time ago."
"Everyone starts laughing..."
"That's hilarious…" a student added.
"Guys, enough," Mike said, stepping in.
"This is drawing too much attention."
"Why? You're about to make a name for yourself tomorrow. Why go quiet now?" Jek teased.
"Tch. You musclehead," Shan growled.
"And you, Mike, my dear Mike, don't get too comfortable. You might be Level 3 now, but I'm taking first place in that exam."
"First place?" Jek scoffed. "Bro, that exam's happening in the city. The entire Province of Nasan will be joining, consisting of fifteen schools. You think you're the only genius out there?"
"Heh. Even so… Good luck, Mike." Shan chuckled arrogantly as he turned and walked away.
Mike's face darkened. He knew Jek was right.
The province was vast. There would be many powerful students and more advanced than Shan, maybe even stronger than him.
But Mike wasn't just aiming for a rank.
The girl in his heart was now studying in an elite academy. If he wanted to catch up with her, he had to shine.
"Shan's such a clown," Jek laughed, trying to lighten the mood.
But Mike remained serious.
"I need to head back. I've got to prepare." His voice was quiet but firm, and he turned quickly, heading toward the dorm.
"Come on, bro…" Jek called after him, confused by the sudden shift.