Chapter 102 Mana Perception



The next morning came quickly or rather I was beginning to feel that way as I blinked my eyes open and saw the sunlight through the window.

"..."

Looking at the ground, I stretched my back, feeling the soreness from yesterday's adventure seep in.

Slowly, I lifted my palm to my face, observing the grey rune on my palm.

"Good..."

I muttered to myself as I stood up quickly and began preparing for the day.

Within a few moments, I found myself standing in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection.

Black jacket, pants and grey shoes, I looked as ordinary as ever.

However, I knew or rather felt that the Aura surrounding me had changed. When I just reincarnated into Leclentia, I was a bit lost and even scared, carrying an air of uncertainty. But now, I seem to have gained some power and confidence.

As I left the room, I could see many other students hurrying too, going about their business and heading to their classes.

One of them was a boy with brown hair and sleepy-looking eyes.

"Kai..."

Observing him from afar, I sent a small wave of Mana in his direction, intending to sense his power.

Swish...

Like a gentle breeze, my Mana enveloped him, but within seconds his own Mana tore through it like a blazing fire, making me raise my eyebrows.

So he had his guard up...

I quickly withdrew my Mana and mixed into the crowd of students, avoiding Kai's gaze, which was scanning the area for the source of the magical disturbance.

"..."

Entering the classroom, I noticed that I was one of the first here and quickly settled into my seat, taking out a G Rank Mana Core from my Spatial Inventory and secretly putting it to my mouth.

Although I used this training method indoors when nobody could see it, since it was believed to be deadly for humans, I didn't mind consuming it whenever I could.

All it mattered was that nobody caught me doing it.

...

Slowly, the class filled up with more students, each chatting and laughing with their friends.

Soon the protagonists also entered the room, each one excluding their own unique Aura and presence that spoke volumes about their strength.

For a second my eyes met with Rose's, and I quickly turned my gaze away, looking through the window instead.

There was no need to show others that I was somehow connected with her or else people like Theo would step up to challenge me, those fucking Lunatics.

"..."

I felt a few gazes on me and turning my head, I noticed that Evelyn and Rick, my teammates from the trip to the Wildlands, were looking at me with curious expressions.

They were probably wondering how I survived.

'So she didn't kill them...'

Looking at Evelyn, I grimaced slightly, noting another change from the original story.

I shifted my gaze to the front, waiting for the lesson to finally start, however, Robbin was nowhere to be seen.

Chatter...

The sound of students talking and whispering among themselves filled the room as they waited for their instructor to arrive.

It was as if I was back in middle school, where most people didn't know how to shut the fuck up.

Whoosh...

Suddenly, one of the windows burst open, sending glass shards into the air and everyone jumped in surprise.

"Good morning, my students..."

Robbin suddenly appeared on the edge of the open window with a smirk on his face. I could see half of the class shaking their heads.

"Today we will be learning to control Mana more efficiently..."

Dusting off his coat as if nothing happened, Robbin stepped through the window and landed gracefully on the floor.

As he walked to the front of the classroom, he glanced around the room as if sizing up his students.

His eyes lingered on me for a moment but since we had a silent understanding, Robbin quickly shifted his gaze away and started the lesson.

We could always talk afterward.

"As you know, Mana, the essence of magic that flows through all living beings, holds immense power and potential. It is the driving force behind spells, enchantments, and all magical abilities."

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.

"To truly harness the power of Mana, one must learn to connect with it on a deeper level. It is not just about channeling energy, but understanding its flow, its essence, and its resonance with your own being."

Robbin paced back and forth at the front of the classroom, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"To begin, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Clear your mind of all distractions and focus solely on the presence of Mana within you. Feel its presence, like a gentle current flowing through your veins."

The classroom fell into a hushed silence as the students followed his instructions, their expressions turning inward as they sought to attune themselves to their Mana.

"Now..."

Robbin continued, his voice soft but commanding.

"Imagine a stream of Mana flowing from the depths of your being, rising up through your core and branching out into your limbs. Picture it as a vibrant, shimmering light that courses through your body, connecting you to the infinite source of magic."

He walked around the room, his gaze sweeping over the students.

"Every individual has a unique signature in their Mana. It is as distinct as a fingerprint or a snowflake. Your Mana carries your essence, your desires, and your strengths. Embrace it. Feel its presence and let it guide you."

I repeated everything Robbin said, slowly but surely feeling my mind clearing up and making space for the practice.

Although I basically knew the concept, since this scene was within the game, pressing a button to complete it and doing it myself were two different things.

I followed the instructions, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath.

I could feel my heart rate slowing down and my mind becoming more focused as I imagined the stream of Mana flowing through me.

"Now..."

Robbin's voice continued, his words guiding us through the process.

"Visualize the Mana within you taking shape, forming intricate patterns and symbols that represent your connection to the magical energies around you. See it intertwining with your very essence, as if it were an extension of your being."

As he spoke, I let my imagination take hold, picturing the Mana as a vibrant, luminescent thread weaving through the core of my being, branching out like delicate veins to every part of my body. I could sense its energy, pulsating and alive, resonating with my own inner power.

"Feel the ebb and flow of the Mana..."

Robbin continued, his voice gentle yet commanding.

"Sense its rhythms, its natural cadence. It is a dance between you and the magic that surrounds us. Embrace it. Become one with it."

With each word, I could feel my connection to the Mana strengthening, as if a bridge was being forged between my consciousness and the ethereal energies of the world.

"Now..."

Robbin's voice echoed through the room.

"Open your eyes and let your perception expand. See the world around you, not just with your physical senses, but with the clarity of your magical attunement. Observe the subtle shifts in the Mana, the currents that flow through the air, the invisible tapestry that weaves all things together."

As I opened my eyes, I was greeted by a world that seemed somehow more vibrant, more alive. Colors seemed richer, and there was a certain luminosity to everything as if the very essence of magic infused every aspect of existence. It was as if I had gained a new set of eyes, capable of perceiving the hidden tapestry of Mana that lay beneath the surface.

"If you've done everything right, the world should look different to you now..."

Robin spoke and I noticed slight ripples in Mana around him as if he was a beacon of energy, radiating out into the world.

'He's S Rank for a reason...'

I muttered to myself, scanning the world around me with newfound wonder. If I've done this for long enough, I could gain a skill called 'Mana Sight' that would allow me to perceive the magical energies of the world with even greater clarity and detail.

Once mastered perfectly, you can even analyze enemy spells, and dismantle them before they could even manifest.

This was one of the reasons why I chose to stay in the Academy rather than drop out and go collect as many cheat items as possible.

Without a good foundation, even the grandest and most expensive buildings fall, the same goes for awakeners.

I was aware that defeating the Demons without these basic, yet crucial abilities would be impossible.

Accidentally, my eyes scanned over the place where Rose was seated. Without knowing how we made eye contact for the second time.

"..."

For a second we locked eyes, but soon she looked away, seemingly uncomfortable with the intensity of our gaze.

'Did she just check my Strength?'