Chapter 31: Unleashing Inner Energy

"Master, I have something to ask you," I began, aware of my master's plans but also in need of his guidance to address the predicament I faced.

"Hmm? It's rare for you to approach me so earnestly. Tell me, what is troubling you?" my master inquired, his curiosity piqued by my serious demeanor.

Without hesitation, I retrieved the space ring from my pocket and presented it to my master. "Master, it's about this. I received this ring from a friend, but I realized that I cannot use it without mana. As you know, I can absorb mana, but I am unable to channel it externally."

"You didn't tell him?" Uncle Dawnson interjected, casting a doubtful glance at my master.

"Shut up! It just occurred to me now," my master responded, attempting to dismiss Uncle Dawnson's remark and cover his embarrassment.

Clearing his throat, my master adopted a more serious tone. "Listen, William, I was planning to teach you this later, but it seems I must explain it now." Although my master's tone shifted, I could sense his uneasiness around Uncle Dawnson. As his sole disciple, I chose to overlook it and focused on attentively listening to what my master had to say.

"You know that as warriors, we fortify our bodies by infusing mana particles into every part of our being during cultivation. Through this process, we develop stronger bodies compared to mages. It may appear as if the mana we utilize disappears within our bodies, but that is incorrect. The mana does not vanish; it permeates every cell within us. You may not have noticed it, but if you concentrate deeply, you can feel the energy resonating within you."

I closed my eyes and attempted to attune myself to my own body. Just as my master had described, I could indeed sense the energy coursing through me. However, it required intense focus to discern its presence.

"Do not be disheartened. Currently, you are only a one-star warrior. Once you make a breakthrough, I will teach you how to harness that energy," my master reassured me.

"Master, I am already a two-star warrior," I interjected, eager to learn more.

"I know you are eager to learn, but... Wait. What did you say?" My master's face contorted in shock as he stepped closer, gripping my shoulder.

"I said I am now a two-star warrior," I reiterated, surprised by their reactions. In comparison to geniuses like Anna and Thomas, my breakthrough seemed quite unremarkable.

While I contemplated this, I failed to notice the astonishment on Uncle Dawnson's face, which mirrored my master's own shock. For mages, such breakthrough speed might be considered above average, but it was far from rare. However, for warriors, it was simply unbelievable. Unlike mages, warriors focused on training their bodies—a process far more arduous than gathering mana particles for advancement.

Training one's body required immense dedication, with no shortcuts available. It was time-consuming compared to a mage's training. Nonetheless, the rewards were significant, allowing warriors to become virtually unbeatable among mages of the same level.

Regaining his composure, my master composed himself. "Since you have achieved the rank of a two-star warrior, I can begin teaching you. To control the energy within you, you must establish a connection between the two star cores in your body."

I swiftly attempted to connect the two star cores. After my breakthrough, a second star core had formed within me. The first star core resided in my right hand, while the second had emerged in my left. Warriors had the choice of condensing their star cores in different locations during the breakthrough. I opted to concentrate the first star core in my hand to enhance my punching power. Naturally, other parts of my body also strengthened with each breakthrough, but the area where the star core was condensed would exhibit greater strength than the rest.

"Begin by establishing the connection between the two stars within your body. This connection is crucial, as you will rely on it to control the energy within you. Once you sense the connection, focus on it and allow your body to do the rest. You should feel the energy flowing through this connection," my master instructed.

Following my master's guidance, I closed my eyes and directed my attention toward the connection. Calming myself, I focused on my two-star cores. As I concentrated, the pathway between the two star cores gradually revealed itself—a pathway that linked my right arm and left arm.

Following my master's instructions, I allowed the energy to travel freely along this pathway, avoiding any disruption. Initially, nothing seemed to happen. However, with patience, the energy within me began to stir. Finally, I felt an intense surge of energy emanating from both of my hands.

Opening my eyes, I witnessed a thin, white film-like layer enveloping both hands. Without my master uttering a single word, I knew—I had succeeded.