In the final part of her explanation, Vanessa focused on the more practical aspects of the technique, providing Erik with specific instructions on how to begin practicing it.
She emphasized the significance of being patient and making careful progress. She reminded him that developing neural links was not a race but a journey that would last a lifetime.
Erik experienced a growing sense of resolve as Vanessa's words echoed throughout the empty room. This was his opportunity to improve his strength and significantly contribute to protecting the village and accomplishing his upcoming mission.
He expressed his gratitude to Vanessa wholeheartedly and assured her he would practice diligently, giving his undivided attention to mastering the village's top-secret technique.
<System, what do you think?> Erik asked.
[THIS TECHNIQUE IS SIMILAR TO THE ONE I CREATED, BUT HOW THE MANA IS WEAVED IS DIFFERENT, ALTHOUGH THE PRINCIPLE IS STILL THE SAME. SOME PARTS OF THE TECHNIQUE ARE GOOD AND CAN BE IMPLEMENTED IN YOURS, BUT MANY OTHERS ARE VERY INEFFICIENT. I WILL USE THE CURRENT DATA TO TRY AND MODIFY THE TECHNIQUE YOU USE, BUT IT WOULD BE BETTER IF YOU START PRACTICING AND LET ME ANALYZE THE MANA FLOW.]
<Understood…>
"Do you think you can do it?" Vanessa asked.
"Yes, I would like to try now… If you don't mind giving me pointers."
"Sure… go ahead…"
Erik sat down in a lotus position with his eyes closed and his facial expression intent. He was utterly engrossed in the activity, and as he went deeper into himself and his inner world, his mind became still. He pictured his neural links as pulsating strands of energy that entwined and connected with one another across the vast expanse of his mind.
In accordance with the instructions provided by Vanessa, he started to slowly and carefully direct the mana that was being channeled into his brain along these threads.
He felt the mana flow like a stream of liquid light down his neural links, illuminating his consciousness. It was unquestionably very different from the method taught in New Alexandria, and Erik immediately saw how much better it was. It was also similar to the technique made by the biological supercomputer, but there were also differences. It was just easier to do some of the things.
Erik would experience jolts of discomfort or the beginnings of a headache every once in a while. He would pause momentarily, readjust the mana flowing through him, and proceed with increased caution. This was a delicate process, and rushing it would only cause more problems than it would solve.
He noticed that he was getting better at the technique as he spent more and more time honing his skills through practice. The room he was in was completely silent, except for the faint sounds of nighttime life outside.
Vanessa, who had been keeping a close eye on Erik, occasionally provided some words of instruction. Her words were authoritative but full of encouragement, and the look in her eyes conveyed both approval and concern.
"Erik, remember, this technique is not just about forming new neural links," she began, her gaze focused on him. "It's also about maintaining and strengthening the ones you already have. Overworking your mind could lead to problems, a risk we cannot afford."
She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "You should also be aware that forming these neural links consumes a significant amount of mana. Make sure you're well-rested and properly nourished before each training session."
Vanessa then leaned back, her eyes scanning Erik's face for understanding. "And lastly, remember that this is not a race. It's a journey. It's about learning to understand your body and brain crystal more deeply. Don't rush, and don't push yourself too hard."
After Vanessa finished her remark, she stood up and walked away. Before leaving the room, she gave Erik one last look, a combination of stern caution and quiet reassurance. After that, she walked out the door. "Take care of yourself, Erik," she said, her voice softer now. "We're all counting on you."
Even though hours had passed, Erik continued to be unaware of the passage of time. The only things he was conscious of were the intricate dance of mana that was taking place inside of him, the birth of new neural links, and the growing sense of power and potential that came with it.
Eventually, he opened his eyes, breaking his concentration. The room around him seemed sharper, more vibrant, as if he saw the world with new eyes. He felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him, but it was coupled with a sense of accomplishment.
His first attempt to perfect the method was fruitful in all respects. He had previously been unaware of the potential of this method and the incredible opportunity it presented; however, now he was aware of both.
<System…>Erik thought, directing his query to the System within him, <Did you manage to get something out of that technique?>
[YES. I HAVE ANALYZED THE TECHNIQUE AND ACQUIRED A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF IT. I WILL IMMEDIATELY BEGIN TO IMPLEMENT THE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE EXISTING NEURAL LINK FORMATION TECHNIQUE.] The System's reply echoed in his mind, clear and assertive.
The young man, however, concluded that it was pointless for him to continue practicing the technique because the one that was made for him by the System was superior and enabled him to create more neural links simultaneously.
Erik resumed his training by switching techniques. His focus remained glued to the invisible pathways of his mind, mapping and tracing the intricate network as it expanded.
His focus was laser-sharp, yet a faint glimmer of exhaustion was in his eyes. The world outside seemed to fade away into a mere murmur. Nothing mattered but the technique, the links, and the precious mana they held.
After that, he experienced a peculiar sensation that was somewhat analogous to a switch being turned on inside his head. It was subtle but significant.
Two new neural links suddenly materialized from the ether, and their pulsating energy gently integrated with the one he already possessed.
When Erik finally realized what had happened, he felt a thumping sensation in his chest. The feeling of exhaustion gradually setting in felt more like a far-off concern at this point. Elation and eagerness in the face of whatever lay ahead immediately followed it.
He did nothing but remain motionless for a while as mana flowed through him and exhilarated him.
Even though he continued to experience fatigue and his body continued to ache as a result of the day's activities, the newly established neural links and the possibility of even further development served to fuel him.
After what seemed like an eternity, he finally took a break from his strenuous workout and leaned back, smiling contentedly to himself.
The accomplishment served as a validation of his hard work, and it instilled in him a revitalized sense of mission in life. The impending trip to Lumisgrove appeared less intimidating to him now because he was confident he was prepared enough to meet any challenges he might encounter on the way.
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