Chapter 69: Difficult Choices

Chapter 69: Difficult Choices

Chapter 69 - Difficult Choices

No, there were no shortcuts. To replenish his reserves, Kai had to absorb the motes of elemental mana one by one.

He expelled about a tenth of his neutral mana to make room for attuned motes. Then he began patiently gathering Nature mana which was the most abundant in the garden. If he kept it close to his body, it would naturally get absorbed after a while. To speed up the process he couldusing Doras wordsimpose his will on the mana.

How the heck do I do that?

You need clear and focused intentions. Imagine exactly what you want to happen and will it into reality. Believe it is the only possible outcome. Dora explained again.This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.

All his senses and thoughts were focused on the task. He gritted his teeth staring intensely at the minuscule green particle in his hand. Pinning his will against it.

You dont need to tense your muscles. Its about your mind and will, not your body.

He knew Dora was only trying to help, but the frustration of the task, mixed with her vague instructions, was starting to make him moody.

The Nature mote finally joined his internal mana. It had taken around 30 seconds, several times faster than waiting for his body to absorb it passively. The problem was he was only working on a single mote at a time. At this rate, it would take a lifetime to replenish his reserves.

He had used hundreds of mana specks to make the seed grow. It was far easier to gather as many as he could control and keep them close to his skin, but Dora insisted this method was better in the long run.

Good try. Youre improving.

That was the same time as the last three. Maybe a bit worse.

Relax your body, you only need your mind. Dora continued with a pleasant voice.

Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves and use Meditation, Kai pushed the exasperation out of his mind.

With a quick scan of Mana Sense, he found a green mote twirling in the grass at his side. When his hand moved to intercept it, its carefree and vibrant dance came to a standstill, struggling against his will. It was only a question of time before he won, but it took too long.

This isnt working.

Kai relaxed his grip, letting the Nature mana move freely within an inch of his skin.

Come on, we can be free together.

He imagined the tiny green mote joining the mana flow of his veins, happily swirling inside his body. Its movements turned hesitant.

Be free with me.

With a fluid motion, the mote flew into his skin. A grin spread on his face. How long did it take?

Just 20 seconds. It seems you found your method.

Now that I know what to do, I can probably cut it down to 15 seconds.

Why didnt you tell me there was an easier method? Kai glanced at Dora. Finding out for himself was satisfying, but he would have liked a warning that there was a better approach.

There is no best way to go at it. Just methods that suit you and methods that dont.

Dora waved her hand through the air summoning a swarm of Nature mana, it danced around her hand before taking a sharp turn and joining her mana veins.

I didnt want to confuse you. I planned to bring it out in a few lessons if your progress stalled. Imposing your will on mana is considered the easiest method. Its simple and straightforward and, more importantly, it works with all elemental types of mana. To get better at it, you only need to refine your will.

Gathering another flock of Nature mana, Dora made it dance between her fingers before it started flowing into her mana veins with joyful twirls.

Persuading mana to join you is an advanced technique. You need to understand what the mana wants and offer it in a convincing manner. To improve, strength isnt enough, you need a different understanding for each element.

Both are viable options. You need to find which suits you best and keep in mind the method you choose doesnt need to be the same for each element.

Kai looked fascinated at her demonstration. He wanted to ask how long it was going to take to learn that, but he stopped himself.

As long as there is a way, Ill get there. No matter how long it takes.

Come on, we still have an hour before lunch. Enough time for one more spell.

A few rays of sunlight seeped through the shade of the trees as they got to work. While he learned how to refine his technique, Dora gathered a horde of Nature Mana around him to help him.

Dont get distracted, just focus on your task.

With her help, he easily converted enough mana for another Nature spell. Dora led him to a wilting silver hibiscus. The plant had seen better days: its red flowers with silver pistils sadly flopped downwards, while the leaves had a sickly green color.

Following his teachers instructions, Kai prepared to cast his mana. He could just chuck his Nature mana inside the plant, it would work but it wasnt very efficient. The clearer and more targeted his intentions were, the more effective his spell would be. Scanning the plant, he discovered some critters must have feasted on many of its roots.

He needed to speed up the plant's healing process and help it absorb more nutrients to make up for what it lost. Gathering his mana in his hand, Kai focused on what he wanted his spell to do and let go of its mana.

The vibrant green mana left his hand and spread through the plants, particularly around its roots. In a few seconds, its flowers gained new life, while the leaves became a healthy green color. It reminded Kai of one of those hours-long footages sped up to a few minutes. By the end of it, the hibiscus looked much better.

He turned to Dora, who was carefully examining the plant with a critical eye. There is still room for improvement, the roots could have used more care, but its a good first try. You did well.

Running (lv89>93)Swimming (lv89>93)Meditation (lv72>75 Max)Herbology (lv70>74)Awareness (lv68>71)Acting (lv55>56)Processing Plants (lv49>54)Swordsmanship (lv36>45)Mana Sense(lv49>54)Mana Manipulation (lv22>27)Inspect (lv17>20)Alchemy (lv16>19)Empower (lv11>16)Runes (lv3>7)Stay the course on your current path. You wont gain new significant benefits, but youll deepen the insight into your path. Determined to have a serene and calm mind, follow a path to give you better control of your disruptive emotions. Having touched the mysteries of the Essence of the World, delve deeper. Attune yourself to elemental mana types surrounding you.

Too late to back out now.

What is it, Kai? There are still a few minutes before dinner is ready. Dora looked over her shoulder with an interrogative expression.

Ehm I got offered the elemental magic skills and decided to discard Processing Plants. He said all in one breath, staring at the woman to see her reaction.

Okay, go ahead. Just be careful of the side effects. She continued to cook.

Kai remained standing awkwardly by the door. Is it really okay?

Putting down a wooden spoon, Dora turned towards him. Kai. She sat down at the table and gestured for him to do the same.

Almost tripping on his feet, Kai grabbed a chair. His fingers began tapping on the wood nervously.

Every teacher would like to see their pupil follow in their footsteps, but its your life. She softened her tone. Im sorry if I made you feel pressured. It wasnt my intention. You should choose whatever makes you happy. If you want to stop learn alchemy, you just need to tell me, and well focus on your interests.

Kai felt his eyes itch a little. Okay He muttered in a tiny voice.

Damn, idiot. Is that all you can say?

but I still want to do alchemy. He hurried to add.

Dora smiled, there was no need to say anything else. Come on, its better if you get it over before dinner. Trust me, you dont want to abandon a skill with a full stomach.

Kai nodded weakly.

*Ding*

Do you wish to discard Processing Plants (lv54)? Be aware this choice is irreversible.

It was the highest-level skill he ever abandoned.

Yes.

Vertigo hit him immediately. His face fell flat upon the polished wood of the table. He would have fallen over if Dora hadnt helped him in his seat.

Dont worry, its going to pass soon. She patted him on the back.

Kai didnt have the strength to put a thought together, much less answer her. After a few seconds, it gradually got better. A feeling of dizziness remained, but he was slowly regaining control of his limbs.

He thought the worst was over when a wave of nausea made him retch. He quickly staggered out of the kitchen.

Are you fine? Do you need help? Dora asked worried.

Im, A new retch interrupted him. Fine!

As soon as he stepped on the grass outside, he fell kneeling on the ground. Thank the spirits his last meal had been several hours ago. That was the only reason he didnt vomit, but he could feel the acrid taste of stomach acid in his mouth.

He laid on the ground for several minutes.

And it wasnt even an orange skill

Dinner is ready! Doras voice called from inside.

Leaning against the wall of the house, Kai recomposed himself as best he could, dusting off his clothes and passing a hand through his short hair. His balance was messed up and the idea of eating anything made him retch again.

Im coming.

With the most dignified appearance he could manage, he went back to the kitchen trying to walk straight. As soon as he stepped inside, Dora offered him a glass filled with a cold transparent green liquid.

Take here. This will help.

Kai eyed it suspiciously. The briefest glance with Mana Sense, and the lemony smell, confirmed it was not a potion. It easily went down his throat, getting rid of the terrible taste in his mouth and helping his belly settle down.

Dora put a plate of boiled vegetables and plain rice in front of him. Better to keep it light.

He wasnt even upset, the worst symptoms were gone, but a sense of wrongness still pervaded him. A piece of himself was missing and there was no getting used to that.

One bite at a time, Kai swallowed everything. Will it be a problem to practice Alchemy, now that I dont have Processing Plants anymore? He still felt a bit guilty, no matter what Dora said.

Dont worry. The Alchemy skill mainly focuses on the brewing process, but it also coins bits of everything else that goes through creating a successful concoction. Preparing the ingredients will be harder and your hands wont be as dextrous, but your muscle memory isnt gone. Youll need practice more, especially with new ingredients and techniques.

A weight was lifted from his mind. There was one more choice to make.

Which element should I choose?

Dora smiled. The one that you like more.

Kai groaned.