Unveiling Mana Output

Professor Voss lifted a finger.

"First, Crown Channel—Mind Manifestation. Close your eyes and imagine the mana flowing from your core into your hands. Visualize it taking form, becoming a sphere of energy. If this method feels natural, then your mind is your strongest conduit."

She then gestured to her throat.

"Second, Throat Channel—Vocal Incantation. Speak it into existence. Call forth your mana, command it. Some of you may instinctively find that speaking enhances your control. Try something simple, like 'Manifest.' If this method comes easily, then your voice is your key to wielding mana."

She placed a hand over her chest afterwards.

"Third, Heart Channel—Emotional Surge. This is for those of you who feel deeply. Focus on a strong emotion—determination, excitement, even frustration. Let that feeling surge through your body and guide your mana outward. If you feel a rush of energy, this is your dominant channel."

Finally, she lowered her stance, grounding herself.

"Then Fourth, Root Channel—kinesthetic Conduction. Move. Clench your fists, push your palms together, or swing your arm as if striking. Let motion be the trigger. If your mana responds best to movement, then this is your conduit."

Professor Voss crossed her arms and observed them.

"Try all four. One will feel more natural than the others—that is your primary Mana Channel." She smirked slightly. "Now, impress me."

"Once you find it, focus on stabilizing your mana orb. Pay attention to its volume, pressure, and steadiness. These will reveal your mana reserves, quality, and control."

Some flickered weakly, others burned brightly, their colors varying across the spectrum.

Ava's mana orb was the first to appear.

A large, dense sphere swirled between her palms, its sheer volume radiating pressure. The moment it manifested, the air around her shifted slightly, as if drawn toward the powerful energy source.

Professor Voss's eyebrows lifted for a split second—an expression of brief but undeniable surprise. But as she observed further, her lips pressed into a thin line. The mana orb was unstable, its surface shifting violently like a raging typhoon, tendrils of energy lashing outward before retracting.

With a flick of her wrist, Professor Voss dissipated Ava's orb. "Impressive—add the fact that you are a Trilementalist, but inefficient control. "

A boy with glasses blinked, confused. "I thought bigger was better? And what's Trilementalist?"

The professor turned to the class, gesturing for their attention. "This is exactly why we're doing this exercise. Your mana orb reveals three things: Mana Quantity, Mana Quality, and Mana Control. And Trilementalist is a Mystian with three elemental affinities. This will be discussed with your afternoon class as well so let's focus on your Mana Orb and Mana Channel."

Everyone gasped with astonishment as they stared at the pale green hue of Ava's mana orb.

The professor raised three fingers.

"First, Mana Quantity. The larger the orb, the greater your reserves. Those with high mana capacity can sustain spells for longer durations or unleash more powerful techniques. Ava clearly has an abundance of mana."

She lowered one finger.

"Second, Mana Quality. This is determined by how dense or pressurized your mana feels. A well-refined mana flow results in stronger, more potent spells. Ava's orb is dense, meaning her raw power is high."

Her expression hardened slightly as she lowered the last finger.

"Third, Mana Control. This is the most important factor. A steady, well-formed orb shows a Mystian's precision in handling mana. An unstable orb, no matter how large or dense, will lead to inefficient casting. Ava's mana was chaotic—unrefined. It lacked proper control, meaning she would struggle with accuracy and energy efficiency."

Ava frowned, looking at her hands. "So, what does that mean for me?"

"It means you have potential," Professor Voss said. "But power without control is wasted potential. You'll need to refine your technique before you can fully utilize your strength."

She then gestured toward the class. "Now, analyze your partner's mana orb. Observe its size, density, and stability. This will give you insight into their mana capacity, strength, and control. Discuss your findings."

The students began examining each other's mana orbs.

It didn't take long before someone hesitantly spoke up. "Professor… some of our orbs look different. Mine is yellow, but my partner's is cyan."

Professor Voss gave a knowing smile. "Good observation. The color of your mana orb represents your Elemental Affinity."

A murmur rippled through the class as students began comparing their orb colors, excitement growing as they realized another layer of their magical potential was being revealed.

The professor folded her arms. "I want each of you to memorize your mana orb's color. You'll need this knowledge for your afternoon lesson—where we will discuss Elemental Affinities."

She said nothing more, leaving the students to ponder what that might mean.

Professor Voss scanned the room, watching as some students struggled to keep their orbs from flickering or wavering. "If your mana is unstable, don not panic. Control is something you refine through practice. However, those with naturally dense and steady mana often have an advantage."

She turned to a student whose orb was pulsing erratically. "What do you think this means?"

The student hesitated. "Um… I don't—that I have weak control?"

"Partially," the professor agreed. "But it could also mean your mana is highly reactive or emotionally charged. That's why understanding your conduit Mana Channel is important." She glanced around. "Now, I want you all to analyze your partner's mana by volume, pressure, and stability. Compare your findings and discuss what they might mean."

The classroom buzzed with excitement as students eagerly observed and interpreted their mana, some with newfound confidence, others with determination to improve.

In one side of the room, Ava furrowed her brows in frustration. She turned to Professor Voss.

"Professor, I… I can't determine Austin's mana orb. I feel it, but it's— I don't know how to describe it."

Professor Voss, intrigued, walked over and turned her gaze toward Austin. The moment she laid eyes on his mana, her breath hitched.

It wasn't because it was invisible—it was there, perfectly present. But unlike the swirling, fluctuating energy of the others, Austin's orb was unnaturally still. No ripples, no flickers, no shifting of form. Just a quiet, unmoving sphere, suspended like a void in space itself.

The professor's lips pressed into a firm line. Her brows furrowed slightly as suspicion flickered in her eyes.

"Austin," she said, voice carefully measured, "your mana—are you suppressing your mana output?"

Was I found out? Austin thought as he tried to tilt his head to act innocent, his expression blank. "No, Professor."

For a long moment, she studied him, searching for any sign of deception. But his mana didn't waver, and neither did his words.

After a pause, she let out a slow breath. "I see."

Still, something felt off.

As she looked closer, she noticed the color of his mana—or rather, the lack of a singular hue. At first glance, it seemed white, the mark of a fire affinity. But upon deeper inspection, strands of black intertwined with it, creating a shade of gray—though not entirely.

A frown ghosted over her features, but she quickly schooled her expression. There was no need to create unnecessary attention.

She straightened and nodded. "Austin, your mana orb is gray. Be sure to inform your Elemental Professor about this in your afternoon class."

Someone blinked. "Gray? What does that mean?"

Professor Voss merely smiled. "That is for the next lesson to reveal."

With that, she moved on, though a trace of curiosity still lingered in her gaze.