Dark Ascension

12

With his newfound ability to read and understand the ancient book, Arthur's journey into the world of magic deepened. The book's pages were filled with complex spells, intricate rituals, and profound theories about mana manipulation. Arthur's days were now a blend of rigorous practice, strategic planning, and cautious exploration.

One crisp morning, Arthur ventured deeper into the Elden Forest, his mind buzzing with thoughts of the altar they had discovered. He had a plan to harness its power more effectively, and he needed to test his theories in solitude. The forest was serene, the air thick with the scent of pine and the soft hum of mana.

As he approached the glade, he felt the familiar tingle of energy coursing through the air. The ancient stone altar stood as a silent sentinel, waiting to be used. Arthur closed his eyes and took a deep breath, focusing on the mana around him. He visualized it as a flowing river, guiding its current with his mind.

He placed his hands on the altar, feeling the cold stone beneath his fingertips. Slowly, he began to channel his mana into the altar, using the techniques he had learned from the book. The carvings on the stone glowed faintly, resonating with his energy. Arthur could feel the power building, amplifying his own mana.

"Focus," he whispered to himself. "Control the flow."

He directed the energy into a simple spell, creating a small barrier around the altar. The shimmering shield flickered but held steady. Arthur smiled, pleased with his progress. He could sense the potential of the altar, the way it could enhance and magnify his magic.

As he practiced, Arthur's thoughts drifted to his family. He envisioned ways to use this newfound power to protect them. He thought of defensive wards, hidden barriers, and traps that could be placed around their home. Each scenario played out in his mind, his strategic thinking shaping his plans.

Arthur's focus was interrupted by a rustling in the bushes. He turned, his senses alert, and saw a small creature emerge. It was a rabbit, its fur white and soft. But what caught Arthur's attention was the faint glow of mana around it. The rabbit was a magical beast, albeit a small and harmless one.

An idea sparked in Arthur's mind. He had read about the ability to draw chi from living beings in his past life. Perhaps he could combine that technique with mana manipulation. He approached the rabbit slowly, extending his hand.

The rabbit didn't flee, sensing no immediate threat. Arthur placed his hand gently on its back and closed his eyes. He focused on the flow of mana within the creature, feeling its life force intertwined with the ambient mana. Carefully, he began to draw the chi from the rabbit, blending it with his own mana.

A strange sensation filled him, a merging of energies that felt both invigorating and unsettling. The rabbit remained still, seemingly unaffected. Arthur channeled the combined energy into his barrier spell, reinforcing it. The shield around the altar glowed brighter, its edges more defined.

Arthur opened his eyes, marveling at the enhanced barrier. "It works," he whispered, a mixture of excitement and caution in his voice. He released the rabbit, watching it hop away into the underbrush.

As he practiced this new technique, Arthur felt a growing sense of control over the mana and chi. He realized that this ability could be a powerful tool, but it also carried risks. Drawing life force from living beings could be dangerous if not done carefully. He vowed to use it sparingly and responsibly.