It started as suspicion, then after a while, it became much more.
Even in my past life, I often pondered on the subject. However, it seemed that my line of thought was so unconventional that no one else seemed to reason that way.
Everyone had a set pattern, and the people I could reason with were already down that path.
‘Is it possible to have more than one Magic Core?’
It was a simple question that kept ringing in my head. Unfortunately, I could not prove or test this theory since the elements needed for it to succeed were non-existent. In essence, the theory was fated to fail before it even started.
However, upon my rebirth and after forming my Mana Core, everything became perfectly clear. It was indeed possible!
The white Core Grade is the basic foundation, and from it, other Grades are formed, as they are layered over it, like Onions. The white Core remains the innermost layer, while others flow from around it.
As multiple layers form, concepts such as specialties begin to exist in the mana of a Magic-User.
Magic-Users become more attuned to a particular specialty or field as they advance in their Core Grade. As a result, they’re unable to practice advanced magic in other fields.
I felt that was wrong.
If I was to become a true Magic-User, I wanted to be able to use any and all forms of magic at my disposal, and not be bound by my own core which was a restriction.
Then, in order to achieve this, there was only one option… one path to take. Forming many Mana Cores!
By forming multiple cores, a person would be able to have more than one specialty. The possibilities were endless!
That was when I started researching.
That’s right! My three years of magic training weren’t merely restricted to Alphonse’s teachings. I conducted personal sessions and finally… after so much time invested in research and personal discovery, I found it!
“With this… I finally proved my theory!” I grinned widely.
White Mana Core Grade is the foundation.
Other Core Grades form the layers.
However, as other core Grades start to form, even though power drastically increases, specialties arise.
These three factors were immutable truths when it came to the concept of magic.
However, a loophole existed, and I was fortunate enough to discover it after tireless efforts in research.
“If I establish my White Core Grade, then I no longer need to taint or advance it with another Grade. Instead, by leaving the foundation as it is, pure… I can begin forming another Magic Core somewhere else!
White Grade is the accumulation of mana particles in the body. It is pure, without any special elements.
As time goes on, the mana becomes mixed in with other elements which results in specialties.
By separating the two, I discovered that there was no point in tainting my first mana core with any element, since it was meant to remain a pure core while I formed others.
The reason I was never able to succeed in proving the multiple Mana Core theory in my past life was that the Magic-Users who were competent at the time all had at least a yellow mana core, already tainted with another element.
What I actually required was a pure white Core in order to produce another independent Mana Core.
Since the only ones who had such cores were little children, there was no way I was ever going to succeed. Because… after the culmination of my research concerning this topic, one fact was absolute.
“Only white Core Grades can ensure the effective creation of another Mana Core!”
Why?
Because, mana particles in the body naturally flow toward the core and expand it, making it grow over time.
To create another core, one has to redirect the flow. I was able to intentionally speed up my Awakening process since I knew how to direct the flow of my mana, but it would be even more difficult to do so for a second core while already possessing a first since the core would draw in the mana particles like a magnet and try to expand.
I have to admit, I reached a block when I realized this, and nearly gave up on my endeavor.
But, in my slump, a memory returned to me… an experience that had occurred two weeks after my birth.
The Priest who was in charge of my naming ceremony and Quickening ritual had sent a pure wave of mana into me which resonated with my mana particles and quickened them, allowing for a faster absorption rate at the time.
“BINGO!” I screamed the moment I grasped what this meant for me.
I felt nearly foolish for letting months slip by me, yet failing to realize something so simple.
Using my already formed core, I could quicken the mana particles in my body and use their energized state to form another core!
While emitting mana, a core can not absorb mana at the same time. It would be like pushing and pulling simultaneously, which isn’t possible.
Therefore, by constantly releasing pure mana throughout my body, I would constantly be quickening my mana particles, while increasing the formation rate of my second Mana particle.
The process was fast, unbelievably fast!
I had actually made so much progress that it began to materialize. Yes! That was when I realized that it was absolutely possible.
“I can make more mana Cores. Not just one or two… but as many as my body can handle!”
The best part about this was that the more mana Cores I had, the easier it would be to make a new one since the quickening process would be more effective and the formation rate would in turn be faster.
That was how I started… and in barely two years… I formed my second Mana Core.
It would have taken a lot less time, but since I had to focus a lot on training, as well as keep up my study, learn noble etiquette, and take many lessons for my education, I had barely enough time for myself.
Still, I relentlessly kept at it. And so, here we are… the moment of truth.
Two hundred more, fifty more… one more…
SHIIIIIIINNNNNGGGGGG!!!