The Hidden Challenge

Chapter 11 – "The Hidden Challenge"

The next morning, Hassan started his day with his daily routine at the "Sacred Temple." The training sessions followed intensively, and both physical and mental exercises were becoming more difficult day by day. However, his biggest challenges were the Mana Control classes. He always felt tense, as the flow of mana inside him was unstable, something he clearly realized during his first training sessions in these classes.

Mana Control Classes

Every time he sat in a Mana Control class, he was asked to try directing his magical energy toward specific targets and control the flow of mana precisely to reach the required goal. He had to focus, but his energy often leaked out uncontrollably, which reminded him of his first attempts where he was desperately trying to harness his mysterious power.

But things changed after several failed attempts. With the guidance of Instructor Eric and his constant advice about "balance," Hassan began to feel some progress. He focused on his breathing, entering into a deep meditative state, just like he had learned in the meditation classes, to calm his mind and contain the chaotic energy flowing inside him. This way, he slowly began to improve.

During one of the routine classes, Instructor Eric announced a new challenge for the students. This time it was a group test, where the classes were divided into small teams. Each team had to cooperate to solve a complex magical puzzle that relied on precise mana control, and any mistake in execution could lead to an unexpected flow of energy.

Hassan was chosen in a team with Ivan and Mirai, his new friends at the Sacred Temple. While he felt some pressure as he was now depending on them for this challenge, he realized that this was his moment to prove himself, after all the effort he had put into training.

The team began analyzing the puzzle, which required them to transfer a complex mana spell through a series of magical barriers. There was a need to direct the energy precisely and control it at each stage. Mirai led the team due to her quick understanding of spells, while Ivan helped her identify the critical points that needed greater energy focus.

Hassan's role was crucial in ensuring the steady flow of energy, and to achieve this, he recalled everything he had learned in the Mana Control classes. Relying on his recent training, he calmed himself, remembering Instructor Eric's words about "balance" and internal control. Thus, he was able to contribute effectively, which impressed his teammates.

After hours of continuous effort, Hassan's team succeeded in solving the puzzle, and when the results were announced, they received a high score, which excited the other students. This was a turning point in Hassan building his self-confidence and demonstrating his progress in mana control. He felt a sense of satisfaction and achievement, and saw respect and recognition in Ivan and Mirai's eyes.

But their joy didn't last long, as Instructor Eric gave a serious warning: "This is just the beginning. The challenges ahead will be tougher and deeper, and will test not only your physical and mental strength but also your ability to work together as one unit."

With these words, the day ended, and Hassan began to realize that the real challenge wasn't just in controlling the mana, but in how to use that power and work as part of a team. Nonetheless, he was ready to face whatever came next, determined to prove his worth in the Sacred Temple.

To be continued...