Chapter 94: Learning To Channel Mana

Chapter 94: Learning To Channel ManaThe days flew by quickly, and soon, it was Thursday.

It was a day of immense importance, carrying high stakes, as it marked the final day before the Exchange.

For this particular group of Knight class, the event held profound significance, as they all had a burning desire to achieve victory.

In the homeroom dojo, the nineteen Knights were seated on their respective mats, their eyes fixed intently on Master Von, who sat at the center, meditating in silence.

Today’s class was special, particularly when one considered the timing. It was a few minutes past 10:00 AM which was an unusual hour for homeroom.

This deviation stemmed from an announcement Master Von had made the previous night during dinner. He had instructed them to gather at the dojo before 10:00 AM on Thursday, declaring that no Electives would be held that day.

Instead, they would proceed to weapon training classes after homeroom, continuing until 2:00 PM or whenever their Instructors wished to stop.

Following that, they were free to either engage in self-training or rest in preparation for the big day ahead.

The Knights had eagerly anticipated this schedule and assembled as commanded, arriving well before the appointed time.

Many had taken the initiative to show up as early as 9:00 AM. Adrian, who walked in a minute before 10:00 AM, was not surprised that Master Von would keep them waiting despite setting a precise time.

It was his way, probably his test of patience as much as discipline.



As he joined the silent vigil, the minutes stretched on. Nearly ten minutes later, Master Von’s eyes finally snapped open and his gaze swept the room.

Every Knight focused on him, ready for the words that would set the tone for the trials to come.

"I’m glad all of you are looking strong," he said with a rare smile.

What followed next was a thirty-minute speech, Master Von’s words explaining to them. The importance of discipline and perseverance.

He spoke of the grind that forged strength, the sacrifices that built character, and the rewards that awaited those who never wavered.

"Your efforts are your foundation," he said. "No strike, no stance, no moment of sweat is wasted. Tomorrow, you’ll show the world what this class is made of."

He concluded with a rallying cry:

"Don’t be intimidated. I’ve heard beautiful reports from your instructors. This class is special and if victory is what you seek, then victory you shall claim. Be ready."

The Knights erupted in cheers, their voices a thunderous roar of self-belief.

Adrian, true to form, remained silent, and as the others filed out for the training grounds, he lingered, knowing Master Von expected him to stay.

The dojo emptied, leaving only the two of them.

"Adrian."

"Yes, Master Von," Adrian replied, rising to his feet.

Von’s eyes bore into him.

"You’ve mastered the movements of the Phantom Flow Technique. What remains is learning to channel your mana to wield it properly. Are you ready?"

"Yes, I’m ready."



Master Von nodded, gesturing for Adrian to sit across from him.

"There’s a vast difference between a Dantian and a Mana Core," he began. "A Dantian cannot release mana without a medium, unlike a Mana Core, which can freely emit mana, shaping it through will or chants to create effects... sometimes even altering reality. That’s why high-level Mages are so formidable."

Adrian listened intently, the explanation making perfect sense to him.

Von continued, "Martial Techniques predate the rise of Knights, refined over centuries. For the swordsmen, spearmen and all; their Dantian bonds with their weapon, channeling mana through it and Techniques ensure that mana is used efficiently, not wasted."

"But for us body trainers, do you know our weapon?"


The answer was obvious. "Our body," Adrian said.

"Exactly," Von said in approval. "You learn to channel mana through your body, attuning it until mana flows only through your flesh and bone. It becomes an extension of your will."

The concept thrilled Adrian.

"Now," Von said, rising, "I’ll teach you how to channel mana through your body."

The next five hours were a grueling immersion in mana manipulation. Master Von guided Adrian step by step, his voice a steady anchor.

"Feel your Dantian," he instructed. "It’s the wellspring of your mana. Draw it slowly, like pulling a thread, and guide it through your meridians; your arms, legs, torso. Focus is paramount. A single lapse, and the mana scatters."

Adrian closed his eyes, his breathing steady as he visualized his Dantian. He coaxed a trickle of mana, guiding it through his body’s pathways he had learned to feel.

The sensation was alien. It was warm and tingling, like liquid light coursing through his veins.

At first, it slipped from his grasp, dissipating like mist, and he gritted his teeth in frustration, but Von’s voice always cut through: "Again. Slower. Control, not force."

Hour after hour, Adrian refined his focus, each attempt bringing him closer.

Von demonstrated, his own mana flaring briefly, a faint aura enveloping his body as he moved through a Phantom Flow stance with effortless grace.



"See how it flows," he said. "Your body is the conduit. Let the mana amplify your movements, not fight them."

As the sky darkened, Adrian felt a shift. The mana obeyed, flowing smoothly from his Dantian through his limbs, a steady current he could direct.

He opened his eyes in exhilaration. "I’ve got it."

"Beautiful," Von said with a smile. "Now, integrate it with the Phantom Flow. Try it."

Adrian drew the mana again, letting it suffuse his body.

He sank into a Phantom Flow stance, his muscles humming with energy. With a sharp exhale, he threw a punch.

~WHOOSH!~

The air rippled as a gust of force distorted the space before him.

He ducked next, his body blurring with speed, the motion so swift it left an afterimage. Elation surged as he cycled through the technique’s movements, each strike and dodge amplified by mana.

His fists sliced the air with cracks and his steps were light but explosive. The power was intoxicating.

For over an hour, Adrian practiced, lost in the rhythm, until Master Von raised a hand.

"Enough."