Chapter 96 – The Foundation of Power

Alden Blackwood's POV

The Mana Theory classroom was vast, lined with intricate diagrams of mana circulation, elemental runes, and records of past magical breakthroughs. Despite its size, the room was already packed with students, all murmuring amongst themselves as they waited for the lesson to begin.

Alden took his seat, his black eyes scanning the large, rune-engraved blackboard at the front of the class. This was one of the most important subjects in the academy.

Mana wasn't just an energy source.

It was life itself.

And controlling it efficiently was what separated the strong from the weak.

With a heavy thud, the door opened, and a figure strode in.

Professor Lorian.

A middle-aged man with long, graying hair tied back into a loose ponytail. His robes were decorated with shimmering golden patterns that pulsed slightly with mana—proof of an enchantment. Despite his scholarly appearance, the faint callouses on his fingers and the way he carried himself spoke of real combat experience.

The chatter in the room died instantly.

Professor Lorian adjusted his glasses and surveyed the class.

"Today, we move beyond theory," he said, his voice smooth yet commanding. "We will begin the study of Mana Channeling Arts."

A ripple of excitement passed through the students.

Alden's gaze sharpened.

Mana Channeling Arts.

Just like Weapon Arts, they were specialized techniques—but instead of being combat-oriented, they focused on enhancing the body's ability to channel, control, and refine mana.

Lorian waved his hand, and a glowing diagram appeared in the air. It depicted a human silhouette with lines of mana pathways running through it like veins.

"Tell me, what is the difference between an ordinary mana user and a true expert?"

A few students hesitated before someone finally answered. "Their mana capacity?"

Lorian nodded. "That is one aspect. But the real answer is efficiency."

He gestured to the diagram.

"Your body has natural mana pathways, but most of you are using them inefficiently. Every time you cast a spell, reinforce your body, or enhance your weapons, you are wasting mana."

The students stiffened slightly at that, realizing what he meant.

"The reason top-ranking fighters and mages are so powerful isn't just because they have more mana. It's because they waste less."

Alden's eyes flickered with interest. He already knew this, but hearing it explained in such a direct way reinforced just how important it was.

Lorian continued, his voice unwavering.

"This is where Mana Channeling Arts come into play."

With another wave of his hand, the glowing diagram shifted. Now, instead of rigid lines, the mana pathways flowed smoothly, forming spirals and controlled loops.

"These arts train your body to circulate mana more efficiently—reducing waste, increasing control, and, in some cases, even strengthening your overall mana pool."

A spark of excitement ran through the class.

Lorian smirked slightly at their reactions.

"However," he continued, "learning a Mana Channeling Art is not the same as learning a spell. It requires discipline, constant practice, and in some cases, even physical conditioning."

He clapped his hands, and a list of three foundational techniques appeared in the air.

1. Flowing River Method – A beginner technique focused on smooth mana circulation, reducing mana waste by 10% at the early stages.

2. Iron Vein Forging – A method designed for strengthening mana pathways, reinforcing them to handle stronger mana flows.

3. Pulse Resonance – A technique that synchronizes mana flow with breathing and heartbeat, allowing for faster energy recovery.

Alden studied the names carefully.

None of these were particularly rare or powerful, but they were a foundation.

And the foundation was what mattered most.

Lorian crossed his arms. "You will begin training in one of these techniques today. By the end of the semester, I expect noticeable progress. If you do not advance, you will fall behind—and in this academy, the weak do not last long."

His gaze swept over the students, ensuring his words sunk in.

"Now, let us begin."

Alden exhaled slowly, his fingers tapping against the table.

He already had a decent grasp on mana circulation, thanks to his abilities, but formal training in a Mana Channeling Art could push him even further.

Step by step, piece by piece.

He would sharpen his foundation until no one could match him.

Alden Blackwood's POV

As the class dispersed to choose their Mana Channeling Arts, Alden took his time scanning the glowing list in front of him.

Flowing River Method.

A 2-Star mana art.

It focused on refining mana circulation efficiency, ensuring smoother and less wasteful flow throughout the body. Not a bad technique—it was the foundation of many higher-tier methods.

But that was exactly the problem.

It was only a foundation.

Mana Channeling Arts, just like Weapon Arts, were ranked from 1-Star to 5-Star, with higher ranks offering greater benefits.

And unlike most students who were starting from scratch, the main cast already possessed 5-Star Mana Arts.

Leonhardt Valerian had the Draconic Core Refinement Method, a technique inherited from his legendary bloodline, which strengthened his body using elemental mana.

Alicia von Rosenheim had the Phoenix Flame Circulation, an art that infused her mana with fire, increasing explosive power.

Seraphina Everfrost had the Glacial Flow Method, allowing her to reinforce her body with ice mana and drastically slow external damage.

Reynard Faulkner, Luca Ashenpaw, Sylvara Nightwhisper, and Elena Brightwind all had equally impressive methods, each tailored to their combat style.

Even though Alden had Voidstep and Eclipse Vision, his current lack of a proper Mana Channeling Art was a major disadvantage.

"Tch." He clicked his tongue, scrolling through the available options.

A 2-Star art was decent for normal students. It provided a necessary foundation.

But it wasn't enough.

Not for what was coming.

There was another option.

His black eyes narrowed.

In the Academy Treasury, deep within the restricted section, there was a rare Mana Art—one that didn't rely on elemental infusion like the others.

Instead, it focused purely on refining and amplifying raw mana to an extreme degree.

The Astral Vein Method.

A 5-Star Mana Art.

Alden had first encountered it in the game, hidden behind a difficult questline. It was an ancient technique once used by sages, capable of increasing mana capacity, control, and recovery speed at an accelerated rate.

But more importantly…

It suited him.

His abilities didn't revolve around elemental enhancements like the others. He relied on precision, endurance, and absolute control—and the Astral Vein Method was built for that.

The problem?

It was locked away.

Just like many rare resources in the Academy, only top students or those who earned enough merit points were allowed access.

Alden exhaled through his nose.

Looks like he needed to schedule another robbery soon.

—---

Inside His Mind—Kurenai and Shiranui

A voice echoed in his head, dripping with amusement.

"Another theft so soon, master?"

Alden rolled his eyes. "It's not theft if it's rightfully mine."

"That's not how that works," Kurenai, the crimson sword spirit, interjected, her tone exasperated. "You barely made it out of the last incident without exposing yourself, and now you're planning another one?"

"he has a point," Shiranui, the mischievous fox spirit, added with a chuckle. "But I must say, I do enjoy a good heist."

Alden sighed, rubbing his temple.

"Do you two ever say anything useful?"

"I tell you to be smart, but you ignore me."

"I tell you to be reckless, and you also ignore me."

Alden ignored both of them.

He glanced down at the Flowing River Method manual in his hand.

For now, he'd study this art and use it as a temporary foundation.

But once the opportunity presented itself…

He was getting that 5-Star Mana Art.