New Plan In New World II

Oh man, what should I do now. My second divine skill is locked and even though I've created my mana core something feels off. Magic and martial arts—they're so different. Honestly I think being a mage suits me better. After all I've got the Human Sage ability and not many people choose the path of a mage. Most go for martial arts and I get why. You need to train your body to absurd levels to gain power as a martial artist. Strength endurance agility—those are their main focuses. But it's different for mages. For mages intelligence, mana and control are everything. It's funny in a way. Martial artists struggle with becoming mages because it requires an entirely different set of skills and yet here I am locked out of advancing as a mage. I can't seem to reach the mana heart level. What should I do.

I hear footsteps approaching and I look up. It's Sir Joseph.

He asks what's the matter. You look confused. Is there an issue.

I quickly shake my head and smile. No sir no issue. I was just thinking about what kind of martial art I should learn next.

He lets out a loud laugh. Hahaha don't worry kid. You've already done more than most of the other students. They're still trying to create their core through breathing but you've managed to do it in one go. You've even started your breathing training. Because of that I won't teach you any normal martial art. As my first student you'll learn a high-tier martial art.

He pauses for a moment his eyes serious. The top ten students will get this training. And if they awaken their mana heart they'll receive powerful high-tier magic to help them grow. Students ranked from eleven to thirty will learn mid-tier techniques and the rest will receive low-tier martial arts or magic.

I blink feeling a rush of excitement and nerves. What could this martial art be.

Sir Joseph continues the martial art for the top ten is called Celestial Body Art. For the mage students it's Arcane Flow Manipulation. The Celestial Body Art focuses on the fundamentals improving your body's strength stamina and speed using mana stored in your core. It's an art meant to take you from a beginner to a ranked warrior. The exercises enhance the body while drawing power from the mana core. Arcane Flow Manipulation is designed for beginner and intermediate mages. It focuses on controlling the flow of mana in your body and the environment around you boosting the power and efficiency of your spells. It's an essential skill for any mage looking to fight in battle.

I can hardly believe it. Celestial Body Art is a jackpot. Who would've thought I'd get such a powerful martial arts manual from the start. I can't lie though. I'm a little jealous of the mages who get to learn Arcane Flow Manipulation. Still this martial art is too good to pass up. It's perfect for building a strong foundation and even C-rank Awakened can use it.

I let out a quiet breath. The martial art allows you to channel mana into your core then use it to strengthen your muscles and blood vessels. It's designed for close combat with thirteen strike poses and six footwork stances. An all-around art for body cultivation and mastering the basics.

He demonstrated the martial arts infront of me 13 strike 6 footwork with complete harmony it's perfect.

Sir Joseph steps forward looking me in the eye. If you manage to achieve even a low level of mastery in this martial art quickly I'll teach you another high-tier manual.

His words catch me off guard. The entire class falls silent. I can feel everyone's eyes on me their shock mirroring my own. Before I can respond someone scoffs loudly.

He's just an orphan bastard sir. It takes at least a week to learn the Celestial Body Arts before you can even hope for a breakthrough.

I turn to see who spoke. It's Rudrad Witsman that arrogant brat from the Witsman family. From what I remember he was always sucking up to Sawan Rosford. But despite his attitude his talent in magic was impressive. In the past he reached the mythical rank before being killed by Rudra a martial artist and hero from the Riva continent. Now seeing him here his arrogance makes a lot more sense. He's just a kid barely ten or eleven years old yet he's already acting like this.

I clench my fists. It's time to show him what I'm really capable of. Time to show him the power of the Human Sage ability.

Alright Human Sage I think to myself. Show me how quickly I can learn the Celestial Body Arts.

I step forward taking a deep breath. The air in the training hall feels alive with energy. Footsteps echo off the stone walls and sunlight streams in through the high windows casting warm light across the floor. I can feel the eyes of the other students on me as they struggle with their own mana training. But I focus on one thing. Sir Joseph watching me from the side. I can sense his gaze the weight of his expectations.

Let's see how far you've come Austin he says. Show me the first three strike poses and the corresponding footwork.

I nod feeling my body relax even as it hums with energy. I close my eyes for a moment centering myself. My mana core pulses warmly in my chest and with every breath I can feel the energy flowing through me. It courses through my veins spreading to every muscle bone and nerve. It's an exhilarating feeling like a river of power surging within me.

When I open my eyes everything around me seems sharper. The light the sounds even the air itself feels more vivid. I shift into the first stance planting my feet firmly on the ground. My body feels coiled like a spring ready to release.

With a sharp exhale I snap into motion. My fist shoots forward like lightning and my feet follow in perfect sync. It's a smooth powerful step forward giving my strike momentum.

I can feel the strain in my muscles but it's not overwhelming. It feels right like my body is responding perfectly to the mana flowing through me. I move seamlessly into the second pose lowering into a deep stance as my arm swings out in a wide arc. It's a sweeping strike powerful and controlled. Again my footwork is precise balanced and swift.

Good Sir Joseph mutters though I can hear the surprise in his voice. Very good.

I move into the third pose thrusting my fist upward with all my strength. My feet move in quick succession carrying me forward like a blur. I can feel the air parting around me as I complete the strike the power surging from my core into every inch of my body.

I pause breathing deeply but steadily. My body feels different stronger. My muscles are denser my blood flows smoother and even my bones feel sturdier.

Sir Joseph smiles raising an eyebrow in approval. You're not just a quick learner Austin. You're a genius among geniuses.

The words send a rush of pride through me but I push it aside. This is just the beginning. The Celestial Body Art is meant for warriors who have mastered both their body and their mana. Its thirteen strike poses and six footwork stances are designed to push the body to its limits cultivating strength and control.

But for me this isn't just about power. It's about precision. Every strike every step feels like I'm unlocking a new part of myself. I can feel my body changing with each movement. Sweat beads on my forehead but I don't mind. It feels good like I'm growing stronger with every passing second. My senses sharpen further and the mana within me responds to the physical exertion refining itself.

After finishing the third sequence I straighten up. My breathing is steady but my mind is buzzing with excitement. I glance at Sir Joseph who nods in approval.

Keep practicing he says. The more you practice the more your body will merge with the mana. Soon these movements will become as natural as breathing.

I nod in return determination burning in my chest. I know mastering the Celestial Body Art will take time but I have the drive to perfect it. Sir Joseph sees that too. His eyes are full of approval but there's also something else. He knows I'm just getting started.

You're impressive kid he says quietly almost to himself.

And with that I return to my training. My body moves through the motions again this time more fluidly more naturally. The Celestial Body Art is powerful and with every strike and step I can feel myself growing closer to mastering it.