Devourer of the Stars.
I have heard the name for the first time. It was not mentioned in the novel, nor was it mentioned in any of the records or libraries.
It was something that was completely new to me.
But at the same time, there was a sense of greatness in there. I felt a sense of greatness that was important.
“Master,” I began, curiosity brimming. “What grade is the Mana Accumulation Art that I am using?”
The old man shook his head, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “What do you know about the grading system? Do you know how the mana accumulation arts are even graded?”
I hesitated, trying to recall what I knew. “From what I understand, mana accumulation arts are graded based on their effectiveness and the power they can help a cultivator achieve. They are typically categorized as Common, Rare, Unique, Legendary, and Mythic. The higher the grade, the more powerful and complex the technique.”
Master nodded thoughtfully. “That is the general classification used by most people. However, this grading system is limited in many ways. It does not account for the unique compatibility between an individual and the technique, nor does it consider the potential for growth and adaptation.”
I frowned, trying to understand. “So, how should we judge the value of a mana accumulation art?”
“By its results,” Master replied simply. “The true measure of a technique lies in its ability to help the practitioner achieve their goals. The grading system is a guideline, but it is not absolute. What works best for one person might not work as well for another. You yourself are the perfect example of that, are you not?”
I nodded, starting to grasp the depth of his words.
Master continued, “First and foremost, while in general higher grade arts mean they are stronger, the origin of grading stems from something humanoid. Can you see what it is?”
I thought for a second; then, the realization hit me. “The art of the grade is strictly linked to the nobility. In this world, the higher the art you practice, if it is a legacy, that would mean the higher rank you are in noble circles.”
Master smiled, pleased with my deduction. “Exactly. The grading system is intertwined with the nobility. It is a hierarchy that reflects the social structure of our world. The higher the grade of the mana accumulation art, the higher the noble rank associated with it. This is how it typically goes, as you may already remember:
Rare – Barons
Unique – Viscounts
Epic – Dukedom Families / Counties
Legendary – Royal Families, Country leaders, Special Practitioners
Mythic – Literal myths, Heroes of the Past, Gods?”
I absorbed the information, understanding the broader implications. “So, the grading system isn’t just about the power of the technique but also about maintaining social and political structures.”
“Precisely,” Master said. “The nobility uses these techniques to solidify their power and status. However, this does not mean a lower-grade technique cannot surpass a higher-grade one in the right hands. The true potential of any technique lies in the practitioner.”
I understood what Master was coming at. “So you mean the art that I am going to be practicing can not be classified as, in essence, it has not been recognized by any nobility.”
“Heh… You are good at picking up between the lines,” Master replied, a smirk playing on his lips. “Especially considering your special case, the grading of the arts will not be important at all. You need to fit the art to yourself, as you cannot practice any art just as it is given to you.”
Hearing this, I had a question. “Then how did you teach me? How was I able to form the first star so quickly?”
The old man smiled. “You haven’t completely finished it yet.”
I looked at him, puzzled. “What do you mean, Master?”
“You’ll see soon enough,” he replied. “Now, I want you to draw mana from your core and circulate it.”
Nodding, I focused on my core, feeling the star within. I began to draw mana from it, attempting to circulate the energy through my meridians. But as the man started to flow, a searing pain shot through my body.
“AAAARGHK!”
I gasped, my vision blurring as the pain intensified. My muscles spasmed, and I fell to the ground, convulsing.
“Focus, Lucavion!” Master’s voice cut through the haze of pain, but it was barely enough to keep me conscious. “Do not let the pain control you. Control the mana!”
I tried to focus tried to push through the agony, but it felt like my entire body was on fire. The mana, which had initially felt empowering, now felt like it was tearing me apart from the inside. My mind raced, struggling to grasp onto anything that could help me control the torrent of energy.
“Remember, the mind commands the mana!” Master shouted, his voice a beacon of guidance amidst the chaos. “You are in control!”
With every ounce of willpower I had left, I focused on calming my mind. I visualized the starlight, trying to direct its flow more gently through my meridians. Slowly, the pain began to subside, replaced by a steady warmth. My muscles relaxed, and the convulsions ceased.
Gasping for breath, I opened my eyes and looked up at Master. He was watching me closely, a mixture of concern and approval in his eyes.
“Good,” he said, his voice softer now. “You managed to regain control. That was the first real test of your willpower and your ability to command the mana.”
I nodded weakly, still feeling the residual pain. “Why did it hurt so much?”
“Why do you think?” He asked. “It is because, while I had used my mana to guide you, when you were drawing your mana into your core, you did rather an unorthodox thing.”
I looked at him, puzzled. “What do you mean, Master?”
He sighed, his expression growing serious. “Your meridians are reversed and messed up. The mana that you are going to use will be different. Imagine if the whole world is using mana that constantly rotates to the right. The mana you need to use is something that rotates to the left. But there is no mana that naturally turns left.”
My eyes widened as the implications sank in. “So, my meridians need to change?”
“Exactly,” Master replied. “You need to train using your mana so that your meridians adapt to the unique flow of energy you require. Right now, your mana is going berserk in your meridians, and that is what is causing you such pain.”
I sat up straighter, trying to process this new information. “So, how do I make my meridians adapt?”
Master’s expression softened slightly. “It will take time and effort. You must continue to draw mana, circulate it through your meridians, and endure the pain. With each attempt, your meridians will gradually adapt to the new flow of energy.”
He paused, looking at me with a mixture of concern and determination. “This is not an easy path, Lucavion. The pain will be intense, and the process will be grueling. But if you can endure it, you will emerge far stronger than anyone who follows a conventional path.”
I nodded, a newfound resolve filling me. If the pain is what I need to endure for the sake of getting stronger, that is fine with me.
Since no physical pain can amount to the pain, felt deep in the heart.
“I understand, Master. I am willing to endure the pain and the challenges. I will do whatever it takes.”
“You brat. Everyone says such things with a moment of motivation. Come at me with results.”
His words were harsh, but I could see the intention behind them. He was pushing me, challenging me to go beyond mere words and show my resolve through action. Also, this old man. He was smiling so much for it to look scolding.
**********
At night, I was lying on my bed, but no sleep entered my head.
‘I did it, Garret, Mateo, Felix, Elias…..’
The faces of those guys did not leave my head at all. For some reason, I was feeling a little different.
‘I did it, Clara.’
I could not help but smile a little.
‘I wish you were here to see this…To think that I had such a physique.’
It was unbelievable. The amounts of things that I had learned in just one day…..It was utterly nonsense.
‘Bruce and Lucavion.’
Who was I? That question that I had asked myself. It was now finally answered.
Bruce, the part of me that remembered the novel Shattered Innocence and the world outside this one. The one who was forced to understand the complexities of human nature and the weight of expectations.
‘Maybe that was why I felt this connected to Elara.’
The protagonist of the novel. While she was flawed and her path was filled with countless different cliches, her situation was similar to the one I had as Bruce.
A prodigal child who was forced to train to be the best at everything. A child who could not show any weakness. That was what Bruce was.
On the other hand, Lucavion, the noble son cast aside by his family, struggles to find his place and prove his worth in a world that seems to conspire against him.
Together, they formed who I am now. A blend of experiences, memories, and realizations that had shaped me into someone who could navigate the harsh realities of both worlds.
As I lay there, reflecting on everything, I felt a sense of peace that had eluded me for so long. The pieces of my life were starting to come together, forming a clearer picture of my path forward.
From the moment that the memories of my life as Bruce returned, I was feeling an itch. An itch on my hand.
‘Sword. I need to put my hands on a sword.’
My hands were itching to hold a sword.
———————–
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