Part 14 – The Final Pillar of Training
Ziar: "Alright, you've mastered the second pillar. Now only the third and fourth remain. After that, you'll learn spells and casting."
"Everything I say now, I'll write on the board. Watch, memorize, and learn."
"The first pillar was about controlling the energy around you and in your mind without destabilizing your body. The second was controlling the mana inside your body—which you've done. Now, the third and fourth…"
…Thank * the Church hadn't declared blackboards a demonic tool and banned them.
Ziar: "The third pillar is basically the first and second combined—but with a twist. When I attack you, you must control your inner mana and your mental calm like a shield. Stay firm until my attack ends."
Me: "…I'm about to ruin my life over this third pillar. Farewell to my second life—welcome to my third."
Ziar: "First—when the enemy attacks you, what do you plan to do on the battlefield? Second—my attacks are controlled, so don't worry."
Yeah, sure. You said it, and I believed it.
Ziar: "Anyway, let's begin."
And then he summoned magic.
It was the first time I'd seen someone in this world prepare to cast and attack with magic.
Whoosh
He dashed past me at full speed and struck me.
He repeated it several times. I barely managed to hold on until—
He cast a heavy spell.
And I blacked out.
When I opened my eyes, Sister Patolina was standing over me.
I expected to be In bed—not lying in the courtyard. But my teacher was Ziar.
I sat up.
Sister Patolina: "How are you feeling?"
I placed my hand behind my head.
Me: "Don't worry, I'm fine."
Ziar: "Don't worry too much. After two or three more hits, he'll get used to It and stop fainting."
Ziar, you cursed…
Three more tries. No luck. Every time the whirlwind spell came, I couldn't hold out—I failed.
Ziar: "Alright, it's noon. Your time's running out."
Me: "No, no—just one more time, Master. One more time!"
Ziar: "Fine. I'll test you one more time. Just don't beg—I hate begging."
"But before anything, remember—when I attack, instead of doing two things, focus on your body's energy. You know what I mean."
Me: "Yes, Master. Begin."
The attack started. I could handle the normal and fast strikes like before.
When the whirlwind spell came, I closed my eyes and focused. Just focused.
I didn't think about anything or anyone else.
When I opened my eyes, Ziar was standing in front of me, arms crossed.
Me: "Master… does that mean I succeeded? I mean—hooray—no, wait, I shouldn't celebrate too much. I'm just a quiet student."
Ziar: "Well done. I didn't expect you to succeed—but you did. Now only one pillar remains. After that, you'll learn how to cast spells. Then your real training begins."
…Later that afternoon…
Ziar: "Now, the fourth pillar. You must learn to channel mana through your body to move and cast spells."
"This pillar isn't too complicated. It's not as hard as the others. You can learn it quickly and execute it fast. Now watch and listen carefully—I'm going to teach you the simplest form of magic."
"Speed training means moving your body fast. It's like the first pillar, but this time, you must channel mana not just in your mind—but through your veins and body to succeed. I'll show you an example."
He moved so fast I couldn't even see him. It wasn't fake—wind magic was extremely rare. Even nobles didn't have It.
Ziar: "Alright, now it's your turn. Let's see what you can do."
This was my real test. I had to succeed.
I closed my eyes and tried to do it like the first pillar.
When I opened them again—I was standing In front of the monastery.
Ziar: "Why the * are you just standing there like a cow? Move!"
I tried again—this time I reached the other side of the garden.
I couldn't believe it—it worked!
But the problem was… I couldn't control it.
Ziar told me to come back again.
Ziar: "Hurry up! Get back and control your mana—or you'll be punished."
*If Ziar says punishment, I'm doomed. I have to control it. Cut the flow!
I managed it. Now I had to return to Ziar.
Ziar: "Alright, you've learned it. You struggled to control it, but that's fine—you're still a beginner."
Me: "…"
Ziar: "Anyway, now that you've learned what magic and mana are, and you've learned to control them, it's time to learn how to actually cast magic."
End of Part 14