Breakthrough

During the following hours, Ferrax taught Kibi some basic notions of mineralogy. This mainly involved the names of the main minerals, their physical characteristics, and the places conducive to the development of different metals. Nevertheless, Kibi noticed that Ferrax was reluctant to give him detailed information about the metals. He decided to ask the question, as doubt began to gnaw at him. He feared that he had chosen the wrong teacher.

"Master Ferrax," Kibi began cautiously, "I've noticed that you don't give me much detail about the metals themselves. Is there a reason for that?"

Ferrax looked up from his work and fixed Kibi with a serious expression. "Kibi, there is a reason why I haven't given you all the details about the metals yet. Forging is not just a matter of theoretical knowledge. It is primarily about feeling and understanding the materials you work with. If I gave you all the information right from the start, you might rely solely on theory without truly developing your intuition and connection with the metals. This would inevitably cut off your path to the pinnacle of forging. It would allow you to quickly increase your skill level, but you would never develop your own understanding of forging with this approach. Too many geniuses have fallen because their masters were unaware of this phenomenon."

Kibi listened carefully to Ferrax's words, understanding that his master had a very specific reason for this teaching method. However, unanswered questions remained in his mind, and he felt the need to express them.

"I understand, Master Ferrax," Kibi replied, "but how can I develop this intuition and connection with the metals without any basic theoretical knowledge? I want to make sure I'm progressing in the right direction."

Ferrax nodded, recognizing the legitimate concerns of his student. "It's important to find a balance, Kibi. For now, focus on practical experience. Work with the metals, feel their vibrations, observe how they react under different conditions. Use your senses and your magic to establish this connection. Once you've developed a solid base of practical experience, we'll gradually introduce theoretical knowledge to reinforce what you've learned through observation and intuition."

He continued: "Think of it as a journey. You can't learn everything all at once. Each step of your learning prepares you for the next. For example, today you learned to use [Metal Sense] effectively. However, you're not able to use it fully with your current capabilities. This can only be learned by taking one step at a time instead of flooding you with knowledge directly."

Kibi nodded, feeling a bit more clarity in his understanding. "I will do my best, Master Ferrax. Thank you for your advice."

With a smile, Ferrax patted Kibi's shoulder. "I know you'll succeed, Kibi. Your determination is one of your greatest assets. Never forget that patience and perseverance are essential in the path of the blacksmith. Now, you can go. You've exhausted a large part of your magical power to feel the [Dawn Iron]. Besides that, I've taught you essential knowledge for several hours. Your mind clearly needs some rest."

Kibi felt a mix of relief and gratitude towards Ferrax. His master's explanations gave him a new perspective on his learning and reassured him about the teaching method used.

"Thank you, Master Ferrax. I will rest and return tomorrow afternoon with even more determination," said Kibi, bowing respectfully before leaving the mine where he had been for several hours. The brightness of the sun dazzled him for a moment as he exited. "I finally have a new way to distinguish myself from my classmates. If I take care of forging, it will allow my friends to specialize in other elements that I wouldn't have time to undertake."

Kibi left the mine and headed towards the camp where his friends were training. When he arrived, he was greeted by Phaistos, Freya, and Miki. Phaistos seemed particularly focused, his eyes shining with a new determination. He decided to let a bit of his magical power escape to scan his friend. He realized that with the beginning of mastery he had acquired thanks to [Metal Sense], he seemed to be able to control his magical energy more easily. He discovered by doing this that his friend had finally managed to break through to the intermediate stage of his light element.

Excited by this discovery, Kibi hurried to congratulate his friend. "Phaistos, that's incredible! You've finally broken through to the intermediate stage of the light element! Tell me, how did you do it?"

Phaistos, visibly excited, began to narrate to Kibi how he had finally managed to breakthrough.

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Earlier in the day, Phaistos was sitting on the translucent stone that had seen him fail his breakthrough a few days earlier. He was still not psychologically recovered from his combat dream, but his spiritual core was in good condition. One could even say that his understanding was now higher than the first time he had attempted a breakthrough.

Phaistos felt that the moment had come to attempt his breakthrough again. He took a deep breath, recalling the encouraging words of his friends. He knew that failure was part of the path to mastery and that he should not let fear prevent him from progressing.

He closed his eyes and focused, letting his mind sink into a state of deep calm. He visualized his spiritual core, a luminous sphere gently pulsating at the center of his being. Slowly, he began to channel the energy of the light element towards his core, feeling each ray of light harmoniously blend with his essence.

Time seemed suspended as Phaistos concentrated entirely on his goal. He felt the soothing warmth of the light spread throughout his body, purifying his mind and strengthening his determination. The lessons learned from his previous attempt resonated in his mind, providing him with the keys to overcome the obstacles.

Just as he was about to feel the barrier of his understanding break down, his mental state began to waver. Scenes from his dream returned to his mind. He decided to slow down his breakthrough because he didn't want a repeat of the previous time. He began by calming his mind, reminding himself that it was just a dream. He also used the surplus of light energy he had and directed it towards his brain in the hope of soothing it.

Gradually, his mind stabilized, and the troubling images began to dissipate. Phaistos felt a new clarity emerging within him. With this newfound tranquility, he resumed the process of his breakthrough, this time with increased mastery and serenity.

He felt the barrier of his understanding weaken under the continuous pressure of his energy. With one final concentrated effort, he guided the light through this barrier, finally breaking it and releasing a wave of luminous power. A brilliant sphere of pure light appeared before him, symbolizing his successful breakthrough.

Phaistos opened his eyes and gazed at the luminous sphere with a smile of satisfaction. He knew he had overcome not only the challenges of the breakthrough but also the mental obstacles that had previously held him back.

"This is truly a blessing in disguise. Normally, at the pace of my progression, it would have taken me another week to eliminate the residual traces of using [Basic Combat Strategies]. This stroke of luck will allow me to resume reading that manual tonight. It seems that the light element has a healing potential that I should not forget," thought Phaistos.

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"Wow, I hope you'll learn some healing spells. That way, if I get hurt, I can always count on you," said Miki.

Hearing this, Kibi decided to share his recent experiences and the plan he had in mind for their group. "Today, I found an instructor who has agreed to take me on as an official apprentice. He has also opened the path for me to learn forging under his guidance. This gave me an idea that each of us should specialize in a particular field. That way, we can cover each other's weaknesses. Of course, if any of you want to learn forging, we can learn it together. However, my teacher explained that those with an affinity for the metal element are naturally more gifted in forging than others."

Freya, intrigued by Kibi's words, replied, "That sounds like a good plan, Kibi. Specializing in different fields could make our team more versatile and powerful. What other fields do you think we should explore?"

Kibi replied, "Honestly, I don't know many other specializations yet. However, I've heard about other things like alchemy, the creation of magical formations, etc. However, I think we should specialize in elements that we like, we'll surely be much more effective that way. I think we should try to ask the instructors what paths we can explore. I propose that in a few days, we clarify all this."

Zara quickly responded, "I agree with you, it sounds like a good idea. Anyway, I learned medicine and alchemy on our planet. I think I'll continue here."

However, Miki, Freya, and Phaistos mentioned that they didn't have a clear idea yet about a possible specialization. Nevertheless, Kibi's plan seemed smart and reasonable to everyone. This would help create an even deeper camaraderie among them.