Chapter 76 Chapter 18.5 - Small but not small help
Maya's demeanor shifted noticeably as she led Astron to a particular spot within the high-tech training facility. Her previously easygoing nature gave way to an aura of focused determination. It was as if a different person had emerged, a more serious and authoritative side of Maya.
"Stand here," Maya commanded, pointing to a designated spot on the training floor. "We'll start with the very basics of mana control."
Astron obeyed, positioning himself where Maya indicated. His curiosity was piqued by the sudden shift in Maya's demeanor, and he was eager to learn from her.
Maya took a deep breath, her gaze locked onto Astron. "Mana is the essence of all things supernatural. It's the energy that flows through our world, and as Hunters, we harness it to perform incredible feats. In this facility, you can see small particles of mana essence scattered everywhere." She gestured to the faint, shimmering particles that seemed to dance in the air around them.
"In normal circumstances, a mix of various mana types is present in the environment," Maya continued. "These mana particles respond to our own supernatural energy, and Hunters can manipulate them using their specialized [Skill] or through direct comprehension."
Astron nodded, absorbing her words. He watched as Maya extended her hand toward the particles, and they seemed to gravitate towards her, forming a swirling cluster around her palm.
[Skill] are pre-designed techniques that manipulate mana in specific ways," Maya demonstrated, her voice confident. "If you possess the right [Skill], you can channel mana through it and perform feats without worrying too much about the fine control. The [Skill] does the work for you."
Astron's analytical gaze was fixed on the display. He observed how the mana essence responded to Maya's control, forming patterns and shapes at her command.
Maya's hand motion shifted, and the mana essence dispersed into the air once again. "But what if someone doesn't have the appropriate [Skill]?"
Maya's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Ah, that's where true mana control comes into play. Without [Skill], Hunters need to learn how to manipulate mana directly. It's like shaping a high-tech gadget with your hands. You need to understand the nuances of different types of mana, their flow, and how they interact."
Astron's gaze sharpened further as he focused on Maya's explanation.
Maya's expression turned serious again. "No, it's not easy. It requires a deep connection to the supernatural elements, an innate sense of the mana's rhythm, and the ability to guide and shape it with precision."
Astron watched as Maya's hand extended again, this time with a different gesture. The mana essence responded, swirling around her fingers in intricate patterns.
'What a precise control.'
Astron's expression shifted into a mixture of understanding and determination as he continued to observe.
Maya glanced at Astron before continuing her explanation. "And that's not all. [Traits] like space control or specific elemental affinities give Hunters a natural edge in controlling mana. But for those without such [Traits], it's a challenging but rewarding journey."
"I see….." Astron nodded his head. He was absorbing the knowledge as he was absorbing the demonstration Maya was making.
"But, it is not every time traits are blessings." Maya continued her words. "There are certain times when developing a trait is a lot harder than simply controlling mana, or there are certain traits that make people unable to comprehend and use other types of mana as well."
Maya's words intrigued Astron. He listened intently, his analytical mind processing the information.
"For example," Maya continued, "there are [Traits] that grant individuals enhanced physical attributes – strength, speed, durability – but they may come at the cost of being unable to manipulate external mana effectively. Their bodies become a conduit for raw power, but they lack the finesse for complex magical manipulation."
Indeed, this was the case, as Astron knew a bunch of such characters with such abilities. There was a certain madman who went around the world and constantly challenged other people to make sure that he was the strongest.
"On the other hand, there are [Traits] that enable individuals to tap into specific types of mana that they wouldn't be able to use otherwise. Take healing magic or light mana, for instance. These [Traits] give unique access to mana that's generally inaccessible to most Hunters."
Astron's eyes narrowed slightly.
'That's why I couldn't use fire mana to imbue my arrows.'
This was the reason why he was unable to use the environmental mana to simply generate a fireball or imbue his arrows with natural elements like other people could do, and that was why he was having such a hard time.
"These types of traits are the ones that mostly make people have a hard time since the type of mana they are using are mostly different; they can't instinctively learn how to control their mana. I assume that was the case for you as well."
Looking at her like that, Astron easily saw why Maya was the first-ranked student. Even though all that knowledge was actually general knowledge, for Maya, it should not have been important. But she still remembered all those details, which meant her memory was exceptionally good.
Her analysis was spot on, and she did it from just one fight.
'She is quite good at observing as well.' Astron nodded his head in response.
"As expected, that red-colored mana was not a type I could use; that means it should be your trait."
Maya's lips curled into a pleased smile, knowing that she was having a chance to guide someone from the zero.
'It is as if teaching a newborn baby how to walk. It is too much fun.'
Maya couldn't help but notice how attentively Astron was listening to her. His focus never once wavered. The gloomy aura surrounding him was slightly dispersed as if he genuinely enjoyed listening to her words.
'What a weird guy you are, Junior.' She shook her head inwardly and shifted her focus back to their training, ready to guide him through the next steps.
"We'll begin with the basics of mana control," Maya started, her voice steady. "Since you're unable to sense other types of mana naturally, I'll show you how to manipulate raw mana without attributes. You will first learn how to condense your mana."
Astron watched closely as Maya's expression became focused. She extended her hand, and a faint shimmering aura began to form in her palm. It was a beginner's manifestation, lacking the refined control Maya usually displayed.
"See this?" Maya said, her voice calm as she manipulated the raw mana. "This is unattributed mana, the foundation of all magical energy. It's like the canvas before the painting."
Astron nodded, his eyes working as his trait [Perceptive Insight] was peering through the essence of her manipulation.
"Now, watch as I condense the mana," Maya continued. The shimmering aura began to gather and concentrate, forming a denser, more tangible form. "With practice, you can shape and direct the mana just like you would mold clay."
Astron's gaze remained focused on the shifting energy in Maya's palm.
Maya's next move demonstrated her control over the mana even further. She manipulated it to form a thin thread-like structure that extended from her palm. The thread wavered in the air, a testament to Maya's skill in controlling the mana's shape.
"Now, manipulating magical power is about finesse," Maya explained. "You can use it to remove objects, grab things, or even affect the environment around you. It's like having an invisible extension of yourself. Swordsmen use this as an extension of their Sword Aura to form ranged attacks, or they will simply condense the energy on themselves. From the looks of it, you know how to clad yourself in a mana and improve your weapon, correct?"
"Indeed."
"But, the way you are doing is immature. You are doing what you are doing without a clear goal, nor do you know the necessary procedures."
Astron nodded, absorbing her assessment. He recognized that while he had been able to manipulate mana in certain ways, there was a lack of refinement in his control.
That was what he was trying to improve so hard, after all, and that was proving to be hard without clear guidance.
"Now, give it a try," Maya instructed, her gaze encouraging him.
Astron closed his eyes and focused on his inner mana essence. He tried to shape it without any specific goal in mind, just as he had done before.
However, this time, he was met with frustration. The mana seemed elusive, slipping through his attempts to control it.
'This is a lot harder than I thought.'
He understood the reason why people were this jealous of geniuses when it came to mana sense. After all, the former Astron was someone who didn't have access to any mana, and the one from Earth came from a world without mana.
Therefore, it was natural for him to not understand and grasp it on the first attempt.
Maya's observation was keen, and she could see Astron's struggle. She stepped closer, her expression open and unguarded. "Astron, watch closely."
With a fluid motion, Maya extended her hand towards a nearby object, a small stone on the ground. Her mana surged and condensed around her fingertips, forming a subtle but visible aura. The aura reached out and gently enveloped the stone, lifting it from the ground.
"See this?" Maya's voice was calm, her movements controlled. "I'm setting a clear intention and guiding the mana with purpose. It's not about forcing it, but about understanding its flow."
The stone floated in the air, suspended by Maya's manipulation of mana.
"Now, I want you to try it," Maya encouraged, taking a step back to give Astron space.
Astron took a deep breath and focused once more. He pictured the stone in his mind, visualizing his mana extending towards it. Slowly, he tried to guide his mana towards the stone.
But again, his efforts fell short. The stone remained unmoved, and Astron's brow furrowed in concentration.
Maya stepped closer again, this time moving even closer to Astron. She extended her hand, reaching out to touch his arm from behind.
FLINCH
Astron flinched slightly at the unexpected contact.
'What is this woman doing?' He immediately thought. No matter what, in his mind, Maya was not someone who would touch others carelessly, and he was also 'uncomfortable.'
However, Maya was in her serious mode, focused on guiding him. Ignoring his initial reaction, she applied more pressure, her touch firm as she guided his arm.
"Astron, feel the mana's flow. Let it become an extension of your intent."
Despite his discomfort, Astron felt a faint, tingling sensation where Maya's hand touched him. Her touch seemed to guide his focus, helping him attune to the mana's energy.
'Tch….What the hell am I thinking?' Seeing that Maya was dead serious about helping him, Astron felt ashamed a little. The fact that he was judging her actions while she was trying to help him was not something he deemed good.
"Focus on the stone," Maya's voice was insistent. "Feel the mana responding to your will. Guide it like an artist crafting a masterpiece."
Following her words, Astron also didn't care about the distractions around him and did as he always has done.
He closed his eyes and focused his senses once again. With Maya's strong and unwavering guidance this time, he could feel the faint pull of mana, like a gentle current tugging at his senses. He focused his intent on the stone, picturing the mana flowing towards it.
And then, it happened. The stone trembled slightly, lifting a fraction of an inch off the ground.
Maya's serious grip on his arm loosened as she put a smile on her face, seeing the thread of mana connecting him to his stone. Her smile was 'warm' and 'encouraging,' which was constantly twitching.
"That's it, Astron. You're starting to connect with the mana's flow. You are finally taking the first step."
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