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, and it's way easier than sitting and meditating all day.
The real problem is... how do we even fight them?"
"Cultivation only helps you absorb the mana in the air," 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 scripture was the real key.
"Let's just practice our scriptures to the fullest," Mike suggested, his voice firm.
Scriptures weren't just about absorbing mana, they also taught practical combat techniques.
Take Jek's scripture, Mountain Strength. Sure, it helped him draw mana from the earth, but it also had nine powerful movements.
The first one, 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.
Mike's scripture, Crystalline Current, was incomplete, only three movements were known from the ancient records.
It was a rare path left behind by the first known wielder of the crystal mana heart. Despite that, Mike had already mastered two: Current Surge, which unleashed a freezing splash of water, and 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.
"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 techniques!"
"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 the first movement of the Scorching Fire Dragon scripture, Breath of the Dragon!"
"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.