Chapter 13: [Blood maniption]


    The morning air felt cool on Zeke''s skin, as he made his way through the forest. The sun had not yet fully crested the horizon, casting a soft glow over the world. Despite the early hour, he was awake and alert.


    He had spent all of yesterday buried in thick tomes on magic theory. Now, as Maximilian stood before him, he knew it was time to put that knowledge into practice.


    "Zeke," Maximilian said, his voice stern. "From now on, youll have to get up at this time every day. That way, we can train for three hours before your sses start."


    Zeke nodded. He was determined to do whatever it took to prove himself worthy of the trust Maximilian had shown him. His father had taught him the belief that with hard work and dedication, he could ovee any obstacle. It was time to put that theory to the test.


    "Listen up, my boy," Maximilian began, his kind eyes fixed on his student. "From now on, our mornings will be dedicated to training in Blood Magic. You''ll still attend your morning sses at the academy for now. After lunch, I''ll take you out of the school to get somebat experience against monsters."


    Zeke''s brow furrowed in confusion. "Why do I have to fight monsters instead of training my spells?" he asked.


    Maximilian chuckled. "Because the stress of actualbat puts a great deal of pressure on the mind and body. That pressure is the best way to stimte progress for mages, in my opinion. Stress is a fantastic learning aid, you see."


    Zeke nodded, trying to wrap his head around this logic. All of a sudden, he realized why his Blood Core was about to evolve so early. The bullying, the separation from his family, and the painful loss of Lilly: All of those eventsbined put immense pressure on Zeke. He felt like he was suffocating each day sinceing here. If stress was really as beneficial as Maximilian imed, then Zeke wouldn''t be surprised if his other cores were close to evolving too.


    "And in the evenings," Maximilian continued, "you''ll continue to study magic theory, just as you did yesterday. If everything goes ording to n, you will be able to learn the spell in time."


    Zeke nodded, steeling himself for what was toe. The path ahead would be difficult, but with Maximilian''s guidance, he was confident that he could ovee this challenge.


    I understand but why are we out here? he asked in confusion.


    Good question! I want you to run ap around this small forest every morning before we start our lesson. It often helps to get the juices flowing before trying to practice Magic, Maximilian said. Ill meet you back at the mansion in half an hour at thetest.


    Zeke thought the old man was joking at first, but Maximilians face remained serious. With a hesitant nod, he started the trek around the forest. Just about half an hourter, apletely exhausted Zeke met up with Maximilian inside the training room of the mansion.


    The old man smiled at his disheveled state, patting Zeke on the shoulder. Now, I am certain that your teachers taught you next to nothing when ites to Blood Magic as well. We''ll have to work extra hard to make up for that. Let''s start with the most versatile spell of any Magic school  Maniption.


    Despite his state, Zeke''s eyes lit up with excitement. He had long since wanted his tutors to teach him proper blood magic spells, and now that wish was finallying true.


    "[Blood Maniption] is exactly as the name suggests, the ability to control blood," Maximilian exined. "At lower levels, it can be used to speed up the functions of organs and muscles by increasing the blood flow. It can also be used to stem the bleeding from wounds. It''s a very useful spell to have in your arsenal, especially whenbined with other blood magic spells."


    Zeke nodded, taking in every word. He soon realized how he was supposed to integrate the power of his Mana to control the flow of blood. It turned into a painful lesson as the practice began revolving around stopping the Blood from a fresh cut. Maximilian would slice open a thin cut on his arm. Zeke''s mission was to stop any drop from escaping the wound and subsequently close it shut.


    Usually, such practice could only be done a very limited number of times, but Zekes perfect affinity made him appear tireless. The hours passed by as he worked on his control. It was painful work, but with each passing minute, Zeke''s control became firmer.


    As the three hours of training came to an end, Maximilian stood before Zeke, a proud smile spreading across his face.


    "That was truly impressive, my boy! Not only your determination to push through the pain but your progress as well," he said, his voice filled with amazement. "I would have stopped much sooner if you werent making such tremendous strides. This level of advancement is nothing short of astounding. It took me almost a week to advance my own [Fire maniption] to that level."


    Zeke beamed with pride, feeling a sense of aplishment wash over him.


    "If you can keep up this speed of advancement, you''ll graduate from being an apprentice in no time at all, Maximilian praised.


    Zeke nodded, basking in the sense of fulfillment only a job well done could bring. He knew that he still had a long way to go, but this had been a great start.


    "Its time for breakfast, otherwise you wont be in time for sses," Maximilian said as he patted Zeke on the back.


    Soon after, Zeke set off for his sses, his mind racing with excitement. His good mood didnt hold for long, however, as the morning sses were especially dry today. Compared to the Magic lessons he had with Maximilian, these were a slog to get through.


    During a particrly boring ss, he tried to increase the blood flow to his brain, curious to see what would happen. To his surprise, a change urred immediately. He felt more clear-headed. Even, the material of the ss seemed toe more easily to him as well.


    As the day went on, Zeke''s excitement only grew. His mastery in [Blood Maniption] improved steadily. Thanks to his increased brain function, he had no problem following along with the sses while working on his Magic at the same time. It wasnt that he was getting smarter per se, but focusing on two different things had be vastly easier.


    He couldnt wait to share this discovery with the old man. Finally, thest ss of the day ended, and Zeke could be seen sprinting across the academy grounds momentster.


    "Maximilian, you won''t believe what I learned today!" Zeke eximed as he burst through the door into the old mans study. "I figured out how to use [Blood maniption] spell to increase my thinking speed!"


    Maximilian nodded approvingly, a small smile ying on his lips. "That''s impressive, my boy. But try not to overdo it. Once you feelfortable, you can try improving different parts of your body at the same time."


    Zeke took in Maximilian''s words. He knew that mastering [Blood maniption] would take time and dedication, but he was determined to seed.


    "Only when you can freely turn on and off all the enhancements to your body at will, you will be considered to have mastered the apprentice level of the spell," Maximilian continued. "But don''t let that be your only goal. Keep pushing yourself to learn and grow as a mage. The journey to true mastery is never ending."


    Zeke nodded, feeling grateful for Maximilian''s guidance. He spent the entirety of his lunch trying to find ways to improve his skill in [Blood maniption]. Meanwhile, Maximilian had been preparing something, and now he called Zeke over to join him.


    The boy made his way over to the other room, curious to see what Maximilian had been up to. When he entered, he saw that there was a set of light leather armor and a backpack on the table, as well as a staff. The staff was made of wood, but the ends on both sides were reinforced with metal.


    "Put on the armor," Maximilian instructed. Lets see if it properly fits you.


    Zeke obeyed, putting on the armor. The leather was incredibly flexible and he could put the entire set on in only a few moments without any help. When he was fully d in leather, Zeke picked up the weapon and gave it a few test swings. His movements were clumsy as he had never held this type of weapon before. He couldn''t help but wonder why Maximilian had chosen it for him.


    "Why this weapon?" Zeke asked.


    "Its a good fit for you," Maximilian said with a smile. Zeke looked down at the staff and then back at Maximilian. He didnt feel like this was a good fit for him. He would much rather have a sword. Maximilian chucked upon seeing Zekes unconvinced expression.


    "Body type Cores passively improve the body over time," Maximilian said. "There are three kinds of Body Cores: Blood Cores, Bone Cores, and Flesh Cores. They are known to make the body stronger and more durable by permanently nourishing the blood, bone, and flesh respectively with a flow of attuned mana."


    Zeke nodded, understanding dawning on him. "So that''s why I''m a lot stronger than other kids my age, even with my build," he said, recalling how he had always been able to hold his own against Martin and his bully friends back in his vige.


    "Yes," Maximilian confirmed. "Your Blood Core will give you an edge, and as you continue to develop your skills and control, you''ll be even stronger. It''s important to bnce your physical training with your magical studies. Both are crucial to bing a well-roundedbatant."


    Zeke nodded, determined not to ignore his physical training in the future. He had always liked to be physically active, but it didnt reflect in his build at all. His arms were still as scrawny as they had always been. Nobody would ever call him muscr. He had always been among the most slender boys in his vige. It had always been something of a sore spot for him, as his father was built like an Ox.


    "With your increased strength, a blunt weapon like this staff will be the best choice," Maximilian exined. "And remember, the staff has a longer reach than almost every other weapon, giving you an advantage against untrained foes."


    Zeke had to agree with the logic behind those words. Feeling the weight of the weapon in his hands, he realized that he was going to have to fight actual monsters soon. A wave of nervousness washed over him, as his mind filled with images of dragons burning down viges, of nightmare creatures made from fire and darkness tossing around burning buildings like they were toys.


    "What kind of monster are we going to hunt?" Zeke asked, his voice tinged with anxiety.


    Maximilian chuckled at the look of worry on the boys face. "Don''t worry, Zeke. We''re not hunting dragons or Titans. Today, We''re hunting goblins."


    Little did he know that this announcement stirred the almost forgotten fear that still lurked in the boys heart. His first run-in with the green pests had almost cost Zeke his life. Now, he would be forced to face them once again.


    Great, Zeke said with a false smile on his face. Cant wait!