Chapter 5: Natural Talent

The Combat Training Wing of Celestia Academy was alive with activity. Students moved through the spacious arena, their movements sharp and precise as they practiced various forms of mana manipulation. The air crackled with energy, the hum of spells and the clash of techniques filling the room. At the center of it all stood Professor Aurora Jadestar, her navy blue hair flowing behind her as she observed her students with a critical eye.

Luciel stood among them, his focus unwavering. It had been a few days since his elemental affinity test, and the academy had thrown him headfirst into a rigorous training regimen. The system's screen flickered in his vision, a constant reminder of his progress.

[User: Luciel]

[Strength: 6]

[Agility: 7]

[Vitality: 5]

[Mana: 13]

[Divinity: 0]

[Awakening Completion Rate: 40%]

His stats had improved significantly since his arrival at the academy. The physical training in the Combat Training Wing had boosted his strength, agility, and vitality, while his mana had grown as a result of his relentless practice. But what truly set him apart was his Awakening Completion Rate, which had skyrocketed to 40%. The system's guidance, combined with his natural talent, had propelled him forward at an astonishing pace.

Professor Jadestar clapped her hands, drawing the students' attention. "Today, we will focus on practical mana control," she announced, her voice carrying over the noise of the training hall. "Mana is the foundation of all magic, and your ability to control it will determine your effectiveness in combat. Those of you with common elements will practice basic manipulation techniques. Those with rare elements, like Luciel and Arthuria, will work on refining your control."

She gestured to a series of training dummies lined up at the far end of the room. "Your task is to channel your mana into a focused attack. Precision is key. A scattered blast may look impressive, but it wastes energy and leaves you vulnerable. Focus your mana into a single point, and unleash it with intent."

The students nodded and moved to their respective stations. Luciel found himself paired with Aria, who grinned at him as they approached a training dummy.

"Ready to show off that light affinity of yours?" she teased, her green eyes sparkling with mischief.

Luciel chuckled. "I'll try not to blind everyone this time."

Aria laughed, but her expression quickly turned serious as she focused on her own training. Her fire affinity flared to life, a vibrant orange glow surrounding her hands as she channeled her mana into a concentrated flame. The training dummy shuddered as the flame struck it, leaving a scorch mark on its surface.

"Not bad," Luciel said, impressed.

Aria shrugged. "I've been practicing. Your turn."

Luciel stepped forward, his mind clearing as he focused on the warmth in his chest. The system's screen flickered, guiding him as he channeled his mana. The light affinity responded instantly, a brilliant golden glow enveloping his hands. He could feel the energy building, a powerful but volatile force that threatened to slip from his control.

"Focus," he muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing. He visualized the mana condensing into a single point, a beam of light that would strike the dummy with precision. The glow intensified, and with a sharp exhale, he unleashed the energy.

A blinding beam of light shot from his hands, striking the training dummy with pinpoint accuracy. The dummy disintegrated on impact, reduced to ash in an instant. The room fell silent as the students turned to stare at the display.

Professor Jadestar's eyes widened in surprise. "Impressive control," she said, her tone thoughtful. "Light affinity is notoriously difficult to master, yet you've already achieved this level of precision in just a few days."

Luciel lowered his hands, the glow fading as he caught his breath. "Thank you, Professor. I've been practicing."

Aria stared at him, her jaw practically on the floor. "Luciel, that was… incredible. How are you progressing so fast?"

Luciel shrugged, a faint smile on his lips. "I guess I just have a knack for it."

The system's screen flickered again, updating his progress.

[Mana Control: Improved.]

[Awakening Completion Rate: 42%]

[Mana: 14]

Professor Jadestar stepped forward, her red eyes studying him closely. "Your progress is remarkable, Luciel. But remember, talent alone is not enough. You must continue to push yourself, to refine your control and expand your understanding of mana. The path of an Awakened is one of constant growth."

Luciel nodded, his determination unwavering. "I understand, Professor. I won't let up."

As the lesson continued, Luciel threw himself into his training with renewed vigor. He practiced his mana control relentlessly, pushing himself to refine his techniques and explore the limits of his light affinity. The other students watched in awe as he progressed at a terrifying rate, his skill and confidence growing with each passing moment.

By the end of the session, his stats had improved once again.

[User: Luciel]

[Strength: 6]

[Agility: 8]

[Vitality: 6]

[Mana: 15]

[Divinity: 0]

[Awakening Completion Rate: 45%]

Aria walked over to him, her expression a mix of admiration and disbelief. "You're a monster, you know that? I've never seen anyone progress this fast."

Luciel grinned. "I'm just getting started."

After the intense mana control training session, Luciel and Aria made their way to the next class: Practical Combat Training. This class focused on martial arts and physical combat, essential skills for any Awakened, as magic alone was not always enough to secure victory in battle. The Combat Training Wing was vast, with multiple arenas and training grounds, but today's class was held in a spacious dojo-like hall. The floor was covered with soft mats, and the walls were lined with weapons racks and training dummies.

The instructor for this class was a tall, muscular man with a stern expression and a scar running down his left cheek. His name was Instructor Kael, a former soldier who had fought on the front lines against the demons. His reputation as a no-nonsense disciplinarian was well-known among the students.

"Listen up!" Kael barked as the students gathered in the center of the room. "Magic is a powerful tool, but it's not the only one. In combat, your body is your weapon, and your mind is your greatest asset. Today, we'll be focusing on hand-to-hand combat and basic martial arts techniques. Pair up and spread out."

The students quickly formed pairs, and Luciel found himself partnered with Aria once again. She grinned at him, cracking her knuckles. "Ready to get your butt kicked?" she teased.

Luciel smirked. "We'll see about that."

Instructor Kael demonstrated a series of basic strikes, blocks, and footwork, his movements fluid and precise. The students watched intently, mimicking his actions as best they could. Luciel's system screen flickered in his vision, analyzing the techniques and providing subtle corrections to his form.

[Martial Arts Technique: Basic Strikes and Blocks.]

[Form Correction: Adjust stance for better balance.]

Luciel adjusted his stance, feeling his body respond to the system's guidance. His movements became more fluid, his strikes sharper. Aria noticed the change and raised an eyebrow. "You're getting the hang of this pretty fast," she said, her tone impressed.

"I've got a good teacher," Luciel replied, nodding toward Instructor Kael.

The training continued, with Kael moving from pair to pair, offering corrections and advice. When he reached Luciel and Aria, he watched them spar for a moment before stopping them. "Not bad," he said, his tone gruff but approving. "But you're still too stiff, Luciel. Loosen up. Let your body flow with the movements."

Luciel nodded, taking the advice to heart. He focused on relaxing his muscles, letting his body move more naturally. The system's screen flickered again, providing further guidance.

[Form Correction: Loosen shoulders and hips for better mobility.]

As Luciel adjusted his form, his movements became even more fluid and precise. Aria struggled to keep up, her strikes and blocks becoming less effective against his improved technique. Finally, Luciel managed to land a clean hit, his fist stopping just short of her chest.

"Point to Luciel," Kael said, nodding in approval. "Good control. Remember, the goal is to subdue your opponent, not to harm them unnecessarily."

Aria groaned, rubbing her arm where Luciel had tapped her. "You're getting too good at this," she muttered, though there was a hint of pride in her voice.

The training session continued, with the students practicing various techniques and sparring with their partners. Luciel's progress was noticeable, his natural talent and the system's guidance allowing him to quickly master the basics. By the end of the class, his stats had improved once again.

[User: Luciel]

[Strength: 7]

[Agility: 9]

[Vitality: 7]

[Mana: 15]

[Divinity: 0]

[Awakening Completion Rate: 47%]

As the class wrapped up, Instructor Kael called the students together. "Good work today," he said, his tone slightly less gruff than usual. "Remember, physical combat is just as important as magic. A well-rounded Awakened is a dangerous one. Keep practicing, and don't get complacent."

The students nodded, some looking exhausted but satisfied. Luciel and Aria walked out of the dojo together, their spirits high.

"You're really something, you know that?" Aria said, shaking her head in amazement. "I've never seen anyone pick up martial arts that fast."

Luciel shrugged, a faint smile on his lips. "I guess I just have a knack for it."

Aria laughed. "A knack? More like a superpower. At this rate, you'll be giving the upperclassmen a run for their money."