Next day
As they approached the outskirts of the high mana zone, a heavy stillness settled over the forest. The air shimmered faintly, as though veiled by an invisible curtain of energy. The leaves of the nearby trees seemed to hum, their movements unnaturally synchronised, and the ground beneath them faintly pulsed with mana.
Ronan couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. The air tasted sharp, almost metallic, and he felt his skin tingle with an unfamiliar sensation. Mr. Alden, with sharp, weathered eyes, slowed his pace and glanced back at him.
"Ronan," Mr. Alden began, his voice steady but edged with caution, "a high-density mana zone is no ordinary place. It's both a trial and a teacher. The mana absorption rate here is drastically higher, and you'll feel a significant gravitational force pressing against you. Your key to survival and growth is mana control. And maintain a mana barrier to protect yourself from the gravitational force."
Ronan nodded, though his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "But… I have limited mana, I may not be able to maintain the mana barrier for long," he admitted hesitantly, his voice faltering.
Mr. Alden's expression softened. "Your concern is valid, but there's something you must understand. Mana here is almost infinite. That's why it's called a high mana zone. You'll never run out, but reckless absorption can harm your core. Overloading it can cause permanent damage. That's why the academy has set up protective barriers in nearby shelters. Return there periodically to stabilise."
Ronan swallowed hard and nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "Understood."
Minutes later, they arrived at the boundary of the high mana zone. The air grew heavier with every step. The sky above seemed brighter, as if the clouds were saturated with light, and faint trails of pure mana swirled visibly in the atmosphere like ethereal ribbons.
Mr. Alden stopped, his gaze sharp. "This is it," he said. "Proceed carefully. The moment you cross, you'll feel the difference."
Ronan hesitated, his heart pounding, took a deep breath, then stepped forward.
As soon as his foot breached the invisible boundary, an immense force slammed into him. He fell to his knees, the ground beneath him solid but unyielding. His palms pressed hard against the earth, trembling as if trying to anchor himself.
"What… What is this pressure?" Ronan thought, his mind reeling. The weight on his body felt like a mountain had settled on his shoulders. Every breath was a battle.
"Focus!" Mr. Alden barked, though there was no malice in his voice. "Surround yourself with your mana, Ronan! The more control you have, the freer you'll move."
Ronan gritted his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut, his brows knitted in fierce concentration. Mana stirred around him, thin streams weaving into shape as he tried to mould them into a spherical shield. Each time it took form, it shattered like fragile glass, scattering into useless wisps.
What the hell am I doing wrong? His frustration grew with every failure, his breath ragged, his body trembling under the crushing weight of the zone.
Calm down, Ronan. Think. You can form a barrier—so why is it breaking now? His inner voice pushed against the rising panic, but agitation gnawed at the edges of his focus.
From a short distance away, Mr. Alden watched him struggle. Ronan's shoulders rose and fell with laboured breaths, sweat beading on his skin. Concern flickered across the mentor's stern face as he stepped closer, ready to intervene.
Ronan's mind raced. My mana is too shallow… Even if I make a barrier, this constant pressure will grind it to pieces. The mana here may be infinite, but my absorption speed isn't. Then—how do I counter it? How do I survive this?
His eyes snapped open as a thought struck him. Abandoning the collapsing sphere, Ronan shifted tactics—pulling his mana into a thin, overlapping layer that clung to his skin like a second body.
Mr. Alden was about to call out to Ronan, but suddenly Ronan stopped making those round barriers and crafted a thin, overlapping layer that adhered tightly to his skin like a second layer.
From behind, Mr. Alden watched in quiet astonishment. "Interesting…" he mused to himself. "Most novices try to create a thick shield, but Ronan's instinct is different. A thin layer like that minimises energy expenditure, but it's risky. He still needs refinement."
Ronan forced himself to his feet, though his legs trembled under the pressure. His thoughts raced. As soon as he stood up, the thin mana layer broke, and he fell on his knees.
Mr. Alden knelt beside him, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "You're learning, Ronan," he said, his tone steady but kind. "Don't be discouraged by failure; it's the first step to mastery. Rest a moment, then try again. This zone isn't here to defeat you. It's here to forge you into something greater."
Ronan looked up at his mentor, his chest heaving. Despite his exhaustion, a spark of determination lit his eyes. "I'll get it right," he said, his voice quiet but resolute.
Mr. Alden smiled faintly. "That's the spirit."