Ch.17Mana Cultivation Method

Se-erin looked down at a book.

[Blue Sky]

Blue Sky. It means the blue-colored heavens. Having diligently studied reading, Se-erin could now understand words of this level.

The place where Se-erin had borrowed Blue Sky was the library. Befitting a mana cultivation method that any Blue Wing member could learn, it was available in the library for anyone to borrow.

It wasn’t hidden information. It was also mentioned in the [Blue Wing Manual] that all new members were required to read.

Se-erin sat down on the floor and opened the book.

The first chapter of [Blue Sky] explained what mana is.

A special power that all living beings possess. That is mana. Se-erin skimmed through the lengthy explanation written at the beginning.

In truth, it was difficult to read because unfamiliar characters appeared frequently.

‘Hmm… it’s similar to muscles.’

Mana increases in total amount the more it is used. Growing faster after depleting it to its limit and then recovering. Simply put, mana was similar to muscles.

This explained why mana cultivation methods, which resembled internal energy techniques, didn’t use breath control methods for energy accumulation.

It wasn’t necessary. Qi and mana were fundamentally different powers. There was no need to absorb it. A power that grows on its own could be increased through effort.

Internal energy techniques and mana cultivation methods had many similarities. No, they were more than just similar. They seemed like techniques that had developed differently from the same root.

That’s why Se-erin’s understanding of mana cultivation methods was exceptionally high.

Flip- Flip-

Unnecessary explanations were pointless. Se-erin immediately turned the pages to find the section with body diagrams.

“Oh…”

As expected. The structure of the body diagram Se-erin remembered differed from the one shown here.

Se-erin narrowed her eyes and began to thoroughly examine the contents of the book.

All she needed to know was the direction of the pathways within the body. Where they connected from and to, how to move mana more efficiently.

Se-erin compared the information of the cultivation method in her mind with the mana cultivation method called Blue Sky.

From that day, Se-erin began creating her own mana cultivation method. After finishing her training routine, she would immediately return to her room, open the book, and scribble with a pencil.

‘The starting point is the same…’

The starting point of mana is the same, and once used, mana cannot be recovered. Mana cultivation methods had evolved to minimize the waste of this used mana.

At least, that’s what the content of Blue Sky that Se-erin was reading suggested. Improved mana efficiency meant having more reserves. The author of the book particularly emphasized this point.

Se-erin also considered this aspect important.

The small girl’s hand struck the air. Her straight extended arm carried a fierce strength that didn’t match her delicate appearance.

Mana is truly a mysterious power. It allows even such delicate arms to exert strength far exceeding that of an adult man.

‘If the tribal warriors had known how to use mana back then…’

Se-erin shook her head. What happened has already happened. Useless hypotheticals were a waste of mental energy. Right now, completing this mana cultivation method was the priority.

‘Wait. I will grow stronger and surely avenge my brothers…’

Se-erin’s training continued day and night. Her efforts quickly manifested in an increase in her total mana.

She could strengthen her body with mana throughout the training routine without getting tired. However, there was still too much wasted mana. Se-erin kept thinking.

She needed to establish an order for mana flow. Mana that starts from the heart and travels through the shoulders and arms to the fingertips cannot then flow to the legs. The mana would dissipate before that.

Se-erin began to segment the flow of mana. The mana that had been flowing in a straight line was cut off, directing different portions in different directions. It was a method to achieve more strengthening effects with the same amount of mana.

However, this method had a problem. As the mana was cut off, small shocks began to accumulate in her body. She could use it without issue the first few times, but as the frequency increased, a stabbing pain appeared.

“Ugh…”

Se-erin clutched her chest. Of course, there was nothing tangible to grasp.

In the midst of this hectic routine, a new mission was assigned to the trio of Se-erin, Theo, and Flora. The person who came to inform them about the mission was Karnok.

“New mission. It’s also the first mission you’ll go on without me.”

“C-Commander Karnok, aren’t you coming with us?”

At Theo’s question, Karnok smiled lightly. The only boy among the newcomers, yet the most fearful.

“I told you. The intensive management period is over. From this mission on, you three will carry it out with a senior who will lead you. It shouldn’t be a difficult mission, so there’s no need to worry too much.”

Saying that, Karnok handed each of the trio an envelope. Se-erin immediately tore hers open to check the contents.

Theo and Flora glanced at Karnok nervously, but he didn’t seem to mind.

“Hmm…”

Se-erin frowned. There were many difficult characters again. Still, she could grasp the context by combining the characters she knew.

Basic Information

Name: Rober

Age: 15

Origin: Presumed Japan

Past Life Information

Reincarnator Status: Presumed

Memory Recovery Point: About 1 year ago

Physical and Weapon Information

Physical Training: Training body through suspicious methods

Main Weapon: Throwing weapons

Additional Weapon: Katana (Currently seeking blacksmith capable of production)

Se-erin nodded as she confirmed the contents of the document.

The one who massacred her tribe also used a weapon called a katana, commonly used by Japanese reincarnators. Perhaps through this reincarnator, she might learn the whereabouts of that person.

Se-erin felt her heart pounding and slowly exhaled.

“The mission departure date is three days from now. Before that, I should introduce you to the person who will be carrying out the mission with you, right?”

As Karnok finished speaking, a man slowly walked over from a short distance away.

‘Is he closing his eyes?’

Se-erin tilted her head looking at the man. His eyes were so narrowly slit that it was impossible to tell whether they were open or closed.

“Nice to meet you, kids.”

His personality seemed decent enough. Se-erin waved back at the man who was grinning and waving his hand.

The man’s smile deepened. Meanwhile, Karnok continued with his introduction.

“This is Reynard. He’s a mid-level knight with two feathers. He’ll be your superior for this mission, so follow his orders well.”

Two blue feathers were attached to Reynard’s shoulder. One more than what Se-erin, Theo, and Flora had.

Se-erin’s gaze shifted to Karnok’s shoulder. Instead of feathers, Karnok had blue wings attached. It seemed that from the rank of vice-commander, they wore wing decorations instead of feathers.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Reynard. Looking forward to working with you on this mission.”

Se-erin examined Reynard’s waist. A thin, long sword and a shorter sword were hanging from scabbards on his left and right sides.

Feeling her gaze, Reynard lightly smiled and placed his hand on his swords.

“First time seeing a dual swordsman?”

Se-erin nodded. Though she had met many swordsmen before, this was her first time seeing someone like Reynard who carried more than one sword.

She wanted to see his swordsmanship.

Se-erin placed her hand on her sword and said:

“Would a… duel be possible, sir?”

Se-erin recalled the Blue Wing rules. When meeting a superior of higher rank, use the most respectful form of address. She remembered well and didn’t make a mistake.

At Se-erin’s question, Reynard’s gaze turned to Karnok. Karnok silently nodded.

“Well… it seems not just you but the others are curious too.”

Se-erin looked at Theo and Flora at Reynard’s words. They too were showing the same eagerness as her.

Reynard said:

“Alright then. Since we’ll be carrying out a mission together, it’s good to have some idea of each other’s swordsmanship… Shall we head over right away?”

Everyone immediately headed to the training ground. Karnok also followed, curious about the developing skills of the newcomers.

It was after all daily training routines had ended. The training ground, where members could spar with each other, was empty.

Shing-

Reynard, standing on the training ground, drew his swords. The long sword in his right hand, the short sword in his left.

Se-erin was the first to step forward at the sight. Theo and Flora suggested rock-paper-scissors to decide the order, but Se-erin ignored them.

“No, Se-erin!”

She didn’t know what rock-paper-scissors was.

“Hoo…”

Se-erin slowly caught her breath. Her opponent was far superior to her. Opportunities to freely challenge such a strong opponent were rare.

It was a good chance to test the effectiveness of the mana cultivation method she had been developing recently.

Watching her, Reynard spoke. He looked extremely relaxed.

“Come at me whenever you’re ready.”

Swish-

She began to step carefully. Like a wolf stalking its prey. Se-erin lowered her stance and her footsteps disappeared, as if passing over a snowy field.

Se-erin had realized something while developing her mana cultivation method recently. The techniques of the White Frost Tribe responded to mana.

She didn’t know why.

It just worked. Se-erin didn’t think about it too deeply.

Behind the small girl’s body, the form of a white wolf flickered.