The Guardian gods

31  Breakthrough

Mana, though not as useful to divine beings like myself, has proven to be a valuable resource for Ikem. While he still struggles to fully integrate mana into his abilities, he has shown remarkable success in other areas. This discovery has opened up exciting possibilities for our training.

As I delved deeper into the nature of mana, I observed striking similarities to divine energy. It possesses properties that enhance strength when focused on specific areas of the body. By honing his control and mastery of mana, Ikem has experienced overall physical improvements, allowing him to continue his combat training with me.

Initially, my superior strength enabled me to identify and address Ikem's weaknesses effectively. However, as he made progress and overcame those flaws, I realized that the power gap between us presented a significant challenge. Despite his unwavering determination, landing a hit on me has become increasingly difficult due to my heightened senses and speed.

The improvement brought about by mana was undeniably beneficial, as it allowed Ikem to withstand punches that would previously render him unconscious. Witnessing him remain standing after taking a blow filled me with joy. This marked a significant turning point in our training, shifting the dynamic from me solely defending to Ikem defending and fighting back while I assumed the role of the aggressor.

This change in approach imposed intense physical and mental stress on Ikem, pushing him to his limits and challenging him to adapt and grow at an accelerated pace. While I initially had doubts about its effectiveness, I had faith in Ikem's demigod nature and believed in his ability to persevere.

Over the course of the next month, I pushed Ikem to his limits, employing various techniques and strategies to test his resilience. At first, he struggled to adjust to the new demands, but with each passing day, he displayed remarkable progress.

Today, Ikem has achieved a significant milestone in his training. He has gained greater control over the flow of mana within his body, allowing him to direct it to specific areas for defense. This newfound control enhances his defensive capabilities, as he can harness the power of mana as a shield.

Today was a significant moment in our training. I could sense that Ikem was reaching his limits, both physically and mentally. However, he had yet to achieve what I had initially hoped for - the ability to make mana present when using his innate abilities.

The training session started off as usual, with Ikem defending while I took on the role of the attacker. Time passed, and ordinarily, I would have called for a break and allowed him to rest. But this time,I pushed him beyond his comfort zone, surpassing his expectations.

I could see the panic in his eyes as I launched a punch at his crossed guard, sending him flying through the air. He landed with a thud, visibly shaken. I waited patiently for him to regain his composure, taking note of his trembling hand, a clear sign that he would be unable to defend with them for some time. Seizing the opportunity, I swiftly closed the distance between us with a lightning-fast kick aimed at his thighs.

I sensed the residual mana within him flow towards the targeted area, acting as a makeshift defense. The kick connected, causing him to shift from his position. He endured the impact, displaying remarkable resilience. As I prepared to press on, I noticed his trembling leg, and with determination, he steadied himself by supporting his shaking leg with the other but he fell to the ground.

Opting not to rush, I approached his fatigued form with measured steps. He slowly raised his gaze, meeting my approaching figure. Though he struggled to stand, he could only watch as I drew nearer.

With our proximity, I observed his tired demeanor, my heart filled with a mixture of emotions. With firm resolve, I raised my clenched fist, intending to deliver another blow. His eyes widened in fear, and he shakingly raised his hand to defend, closing his eyes in preparation for the coming pain.

Just as my punch was about to land, I felt a surge of his mana flowing into the ground. In response, a wave of roots sprouted from beneath, shielding him from the imminent strike. I halted my punch, a wide grin spreading across my face.

Peering through the gaps in the protective roots, Ikem, still with his eyes shut, remained in a defensive position. It appeared that he had not felt the impact he had been bracing for. Opening his eyes, he beheld the roots that enveloped him, his expression filled with surprise.

He then looked at me, and upon seeing my smile, his own grin emerged. "Good job, boy," I praised him. Overwhelmed by the exertion, he succumbed to unconsciousness, a sense of accomplishment etched upon his face.

As soon as he fell unconscious, the roots guarding him retracted back into the ground. A broad smile stretched across my face, a testament to the progress we had made. "Finally, we can move on to the next phase of training."

Returning to the topic of wood manipulation infused with mana, it is clear that I am unable to exert control over it. My hypothesis is that the mana absorbed by individuals carries their unique imprint, making it resistant to external control. While I can manipulate the surrounding mana, the imprint on the mana absorbed by someone else prevents me from controlling it.

13:12

Observing the seamless return of the roots into the earth, I reflected on my earlier struggle to exert control over them while they shielded him. However, with his unconscious state and the cessation of mana flow, I felt a newfound sense of connection to these roots.

Mana, a mysterious energy, held the key to our training breakthrough. The more I delved into its intricacies, the more I discovered its remarkable qualities. As a divine being, I possessed the innate ability to manipulate the mana that surrounded me. On the other hand, Ikem's control was limited to the mana absorbed and refined within his own body.

One intriguing aspect of mana is its ubiquitous presence, unlike divine energy. When a significant amount of mana is expended, one can replenish it through meditation, actively absorbing the surrounding mana, or simply by sleeping, allowing for automatic absorption and a full mana reservoir upon waking.

Returning to the topic of wood manipulation infused with mana, it is clear that I am unable to exert control over it. My hypothesis is that the mana absorbed by individuals carries their unique imprint, making it resistant to external control. While I can manipulate the surrounding mana, the imprint on the mana absorbed by someone else prevents me from controlling it.

This imprint is significant as it indirectly influences the manifestation of innate abilities. When individuals use mana to activate their innate abilities, the imprint on the mana connects them to the element they manipulate, rendering it inherently uncontrollable by others. It establishes a distinct bond between the individual and the mana-infused element.

Additionally, I have observed a remarkable development in Ikem's progress. Although he may not be aware of it, his body is rapidly adapting to the presence of mana. This adaptation may go unnoticed by those lacking divine perception, but it is a testament to his growing affinity and synchronization with mana.

Mana, in its pure form, is an attributeless energy. However, it can blend seamlessly with elemental energy, creating the illusion of having attributes.

Initially, I was puzzled by this phenomenon. During my training, I would invoke different elements to merge with my innate element, but I never directly interacted with mana. It was only when I began creating elemental flowers that I noticed their ability to autonomously absorb surrounding mana.

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