It’s been three months since I found this book, and despite everything, it was worth it. It allowed me to finally advance in my abilities. Right now, I’m learning how to coat a weapon in mana. The problem? I can’t release mana outside my body, which made me think this technique was useless to me.

  But the book had a solution. Instead of me trying to force mana out, it introduced a method using runes. These runes siphon mana directly from the user, though their effectiveness depends on their quality and the weapon’s quality. Since getting an expensive quarterstaff is impossible for me, I’m lucky that mine is just good enough to handle a low-quality rune.

  Another rune in the book mimics the mana-coating effect by channeling the energy inside the weapon itself. If this works, it should solve my problem.

  Two hours later...

  Ah, finally did it! I got both runes inscribed totally on my first try. Avoids looking at the trash can overflowing with failed attempts.

  Now to apply the runes to my staff.

  I carefully place my quarterstaff down and start transferring the runes onto it. It’s a slow process, requiring patience and precision. Since I don’t have much experience with rune-making or transferring, it takes me another two hours to finish. But at last, I can feel the staff siphoning my mana. Now, I just have to wait for it to fully charge.

  According to the book, once charged, the staff should remain active for at least five minutes, with a maximum of ten minutes due to the low-quality runes.

  Twenty Boring minutes later...

  It’s finally charged. Now, let’s see how long it lasts.

  I go through my basic training routine, this time with the mana within the staff active. It lasts around six to seven minutes before depleting. That’s decent long enough for me to practice the first technique.

  I’m also surprised that the staff doesn’t keep siphoning my mana while active. I assumed it would continuously drain me, but now I understand. Once charged, it simply holds the stored energy rather than pulling more from me. This means if I had a second quarterstaff, I could switch between them and extend my combat time. I should look into getting another one.

  Back on track-The First Technique: Cinder Fall

  This technique is simple but powerful. It’s a downward slam, either on an opponent or the ground.

  If it lands on an opponent, the flame type mana releases a shockwave, dealing internal damage.

  If it strikes the ground, the mana disperses outward, creating a force that knocks nearby enemies back.

  Now that my staff is properly infused, it’s time to put Cinder Fall to the test.

  Is what I would say if I did know how to make my mana change its type or element.

  At the very least, I can practice the motions without worrying about destroying my quarterstaff.

  Alright, I need to use the first form of the basics for this. I got this.

  Concentrating, I move through the first form quickly switching between different parry stances before suddenly slamming my staff into the ground. A burst of mana erupts forward in an explosive shockwave... but instead of an almost full AoE centered around me, the effect only spreads in front of me.

  "OW, OW, ow, ow ugh!" My whole arm aches from the recoil. "Jesus, that hurts!"

  I rub my shoulder, wincing, but push through and continue training. Unfortunately, having to stop every five to six minutes because of the staff’s duration limit is incredibly frustrating. And to top it off, I still need a live target to properly test the second part of Cinder Fall.

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  Hmm... I should check out those sparring centers. Maybe I can find someone willing to fight me.

  Later that Night...

  I start preparing my essentials first aid, water, food then double-check everything to make sure I don’t forget anything. It’s already too late to go out, though, and I still want to practice a bit more, so I decide to relax for the night.

  The Next Day...

  With my preparations packed, I leave home and head to a sparring center.

  Rejected.

  I try another. Rejected again.

  And another.

  Over and over, I keep getting turned away all because of my manashackle illness.

  Eventually, I do find a place, though its reputation is... questionable, to say the least. But at this point, I don’t have much of a choice.

  After entering, I manage to find a sparring partner. His name is Jason. And according to what I’ve heard, he’s an absolute asshole apparently, he enjoys beating up any new guys who walk in.

  Ugh. Whatever. I need this spar. Time to see what he’s got.

  The moment the match starts, Jason immediately puts distance between us, forcing me to approach. As I close in, he conjures multiple balls of lightning, each crackling with ominous energy. He isn’t just throwing them randomly I can tell he’s setting up a formation. Four of them are already floating around him.

  "Heh," he grins. "Take this, kid Lightning Nova!"

  The four lightning balls spin behind him, fusing into a fifth one in his hand. Then, in an instant, he unleashes a lightning laser straight at me. The power behind it is enough to paralyze me and knock me out of the match if I take a direct hit.

  I react fast, retreating immediately. But there’s a problem the attack is tracking me. It follows my movements with terrifying accuracy, forcing me to keep dodging while I think of a way out.

  Jason isn’t idle, either. While his attack chases me, he starts releasing water all over the floor except for the area he’s standing on. If I step in that water while he’s channeling lightning, it’s over. He’s forcing me into a tighter and tighter space, making it harder to avoid his main attack. And on top of that, he lashes out with electric whips, cutting off my escape routes.

  I carefully maneuver into position, taking two of his electric whip strikes on purpose. The brief paralysis locks up my body for a split second just long enough for the Lightning Nova to reach me.

  At that exact moment, I slam my quarterstaff into the ground Cinder Fall!

  A fiery shockwave erupts from me, nearly a full AoE blast this time. The force pushes me just an inch out of the lightning beam’s path, barely dodging it. But I’m not unscathed the attack grazes my arm as it passes, sending a sharp surge of electricity through me. My arm burns from the shock, leaving it half-numb and useless for the moment.

  Jason doesn’t hesitate he moves to cast another spell. But I don’t give him the chance. I hurl my quarterstaff straight at him, striking his arm mid-cast. His spell is interrupted, and the backlash sends a surge of mana through his hands, leaving them temporarily scorched.

  That’s my opening.

  I close the distance immediately, grabbing my staff as Jason desperately forms a mana shield at close range. But it’s too late I slam my staff down again.

  Cinder Fall!

  The fiery explosion shatters his hastily formed shield, breaking through his defenses. The shockwave strikes him directly, sending flames coursing through his body. His mana protects him from fatal damage, but the impact is enough to burn his insides and end the fight.

  I collapse onto the ground, landing on my ass, exhausted. Pain spreads through my entire body. That was intense.

  I was lucky. If Jason had fully mastered his technique, he could’ve instant-cast his spells, and I wouldn’t have stood a chance. And talking in battle? That’s just asking to get hit.

  This match lasted one minute.

  But it felt like three hours of training.

  Good Match, Jason

  “Damn, kid. For someone with Manashackle Illness, you used your limited abilities well,” Jason says, rubbing his temple where my attack had scorched him. “You’re already better than most people in this area. If only they took their sparring this seriously.”

  “You say that,” I reply, “but your slow casting shows that you don’t have much experience either.”

  “Of course I don’t,” he scoffs. “I’m still training my casting speed. But it’s decided you’re gonna be my sparring partner from now on. Everyone else here is too weak to even give me a warm-up.”

  “Sure, sure, whatever,” I say with a smirk. “I need it anyway.”

  After this, I plan to go back to training my forms. I still haven’t mastered Cinder Fall.

  “Damn, really?” Jason raises a brow. “That’s actually impressive. How long have you been training?”

  “If I’m honest, not that long only three months. Cinder Fall is the first technique I’ve learned, and I’m still working on it.”

  Jason whistles. “Three months and you’re already using a named technique? You’re not at the level of a prodigy, but you’re definitely above average in talent.”

  “Haha, thanks,” I chuckle. “If only I didn’t have this Manashackle Illness. It sucks ass, honestly.”

  Jason smirks. “Look on the bright side you’re finding a way around it, even if it’s unconventional.”

  “Thanks, Jason,” I say as I finish dressing my wounds. “I’ll head off now. I’m gonna be so sore tomorrow.”

  “Heh, I’ll see you when you visit again. I’m sure you’ll surprise me next time.”

  “Sure, sure. I’ll drop by for another match,” I say, grabbing my stuff. “But I’ve got work and all, so I don’t know how often I’ll be around.”

  Jason’s expression shifts slightly. “Work, huh? Then how about I offer you an opportunity?”

  I narrow my eyes. “Eh? An opportunity? Why?” I ask, skeptical.

  “Fair reaction,” he shrugs. “But honestly, it’s because you’re one of the only people here who can actually spar with me. As for the job how about becoming a trainer here? There aren’t many people coming to this place, so you’d have plenty of time to focus on your own training. Just make sure any clients that do show up leave satisfied, and you’ll be fine.”

  That… actually doesn’t sound bad.

  “I’ll think about it,” I say. “Can I get your number? I’ll call you if I decide to go for it.”

  “Sure, anytime.” He hands me his number. “But the sooner, the better.”

  I leave the sparring center, my body aching but my mind sharp. This match showed me my limits and I have a lot of them. My biggest weakness? Ranged fighters. Unfortunately, that’s almost everyone who can use mana. I’m definitely screwed in that department.

  But still… I improved. Even if just a little.

  When I get home, I start sorting things out. I’ve already decided I’m taking the job. But first, I need to prepare the necessary documents to quit my current one. There are still two weeks before I receive my monthly salary, so I might as well finish my time there properly. I also let my boss know about my plans.

  Two Weeks Later...

  The next two weeks pass as normal. I visit the sparring center once more for a rematch against Jason this time, I lost. But that’s fine.

  Finally, payday arrives. My coworkers even throw me a small farewell party.

  With my salary in hand, I call Jason and let him know I’m taking the job. All that’s left now is to bring the necessary paperwork, sign the contract, and officially begin.

  Things are finally starting to look up for me.

  I’m truly glad I found that book. It’s helping me advance more than I ever imagined.

  Chapter 1 End