Ch 20 : Mana Core Enhancements

Heavenly Runes are the cornerstone of magical enhancement, each rune imbuing a mana core with unique properties that significantly amplify a magus's abilities. The runes categorized under Mana Reserve are crucial for expanding the core's capacity, allowing it to store a greater volume of mana. This increased storage capability provides magi with the potential for more extensive and sustained spellcasting, which can be a game-changer in prolonged magical engagements.

Another category, Mana Potency runes, enhances the strength of spells. By infusing the core with these runes, magi can amplify the impact and effectiveness of their spells, making them more formidable and efficient in combat or other magical applications. This enhancement can turn the tide of battles and make even routine spells significantly more powerful.

Mana Recovery runes focus on the replenishment of mana. These runes improve the rate at which mana is recovered from the surroundings, ensuring that a magus can quickly regain their magical energy. This feature is especially valuable for those who engage in intensive spellcasting or find themselves in extended magical duels, as it allows for quicker recovery and continued performance.

Mana Control runes refine a magus's precision and accuracy in spellcasting. By mastering these runes, magi can minimize the wastage of mana, ensuring that every bit of magical energy is used effectively. This control is essential for high-stakes situations where efficiency and precision are paramount.

Lastly, Elemental Affinity Boost runes enhance a magus's connection to specific elements. These runes improve both the understanding and effectiveness of spells related to the associated elements, making it easier to harness and manipulate elemental forces. Mastery of these runes can lead to a deeper comprehension and a more potent application of elemental magic.

Together, these runes represent the vast potential within a mana core, offering magi the tools to shape their magical prowess and adapt their abilities to their needs and goals.

The basics of heavenly runes primarily enhance a single aspect of a mage's abilities. In contrast, advanced runes offer multiple enhancements. Each magus tier has its own set of runes, and the most potent Tier 1 rune is only on par with a basic Tier 2 rune.

To advance to a higher tier, heavenly runes must be meticulously engraved onto the mana core. The precision of these carvings reflects the mage's level. For instance, achieving 10% completion of the rune carving represents the first layer of a tier. A grimoire is essential for both refining the mana core and visualizing these runes, serving as a guide for mages on their journey to greatness.

As the announcement echoed through the library, Elder Lisa reminded, "Students are expected to leave the library in 10 minutes."

Auron glanced at the clock, realizing he had spent more time than anticipated. "I'll continue this tomorrow. Besides, we'll cover it in class too," he thought, closing the book. He then headed to the cafeteria to enjoy his dinner.

The cafeteria was nearly empty as most students had already retreated to their rooms. Auron, sitting alone, ate his meal. Though the food was good, it didn't compare to his mother's cooking. He felt a pang of homesickness, even though he was well past his teenage years. There was a comfort in remaining somewhat childlike, a respite from the complexities and deceptions of the adult world.

Upon arriving at his room, Auron heard laughter from within. He saw Alice and Thyra chatting with his new roommate—a boy with striking white hair, a slender frame, and a soft voice.

"This is Eliot, your roommate," Alice introduced with a smile.

"Nice to meet you. I was just at the library, reading some books," Auron said, though he couldn't help but think Eliot seemed unusually delicate for a boy.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. Alice and Thyra have already told me about you," Eliot responded warmly.

After some light conversation, Thyra and Alice left for their rooms. Auron and Eliot extinguished the candles on the chandelier and prepared for bed, anticipating the day ahead.

That night, Auron delved into the new abilities of his Celestial Codex. He had successfully established a stable connection with it and could now meditate on heavenly runes with ease. By simply focusing, the Celestial Codex would present the runes to him. Recently, Xiao Yu had completed the second phase of the Celestial Soul Harmonization Art. Named to reflect its purpose of connecting with the Celestial Codex and strengthening the soul, this phase, called Codex Synchronization, allowed Auron to contemplate heavenly runes in depth. He spent a few hours cultivating his soul before going to sleep.

The next morning, Auron woke early and prepared for his first day of classes. His schedule included a morning session on mana core refinement and heavenly runes, followed by an arcane arts class focused on spellcasting for conjurers, and finally, a body harmonization class designed for augmenters.

"This is the class, right? It says Class 1A," Auron asked, just to be sure.

"It should be. Thyra and Alice are already inside," Eliot replied, glancing through the window. They entered the room and sat beside their friends.

"You guys are really early. Too excited to learn magic, huh?" Eliot teased.

"Yeah, of course! I can't wait until I become a powerful magus, firing off spells," Alice said with enthusiasm.

"Heh, commoners. Always dreaming about excelling past nobles," a smug voice interrupted from the front of the class.

"What do you know?" Alice snapped, her expression turning sour. "I've got good fire affinity and comprehension. I can always strive to be a great magus."

"Well, whatever. It's not like you have a grand legacy or the resources to make that happen," the noble boy replied nonchalantly.

"Who is that annoying brat?" Alice muttered under her breath.

"Don't provoke him, Alice," Eliot cautioned. "He's Cedric Stoneforge from one of the noble houses of the Gloom Wood Valley Region, House of Stoneforge. They're a baron household. He may act arrogant, but he's already reached the first layer of Tier 1 magus last month. He might even be at the second layer now."

"You seem to know a lot, Eliot. Are you a noble too?" Auron asked, surprised.

"No, I'm just a commoner. But my father is a merchant and picks up information about the noble families from time to time. That's how I know," Eliot explained.

"What a spoiled brat," Alice muttered. "He only got this far because of his background. If we had the same start, I'd be way ahead of him."

Before Alice could rant further, the door opened, and the teacher entered the room, bringing the class to a sudden silence.