R-a - Volume 4 - Chapter 56

R-a - Volume 4 - Chapter 56

(Expect the next Chapter in 3 days.

It will be the first of a 3-in-5 challenge, 3 chapters in 5 days. If we succeed, we'll attempt a 4-in-5 next)

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‘Alright.’ Micheal thought, staring down at the paper in front of him.

‘Let’s look over our options.’

He began to scan through his memories and copy down the information about the Mana Breathing Methods he recalled.

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—- Ibrium Raptor Mana Breathing Method —-

Rank: A+

Description: Specialized Mana Breathing Method developed by the Great White Pack of Raptorians found on the 5th Layer. Focuses on the development of the Mana Heart, resistance to extreme temperature, and regenerative properties.

Note: Possessing a Raptorian Physique advances the Rank of this Mana Breathing Method to S

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—- Blank Rune Mana Breathing Method —-

Rank: A-

Effects: Unique Mana Breathing Method historically developed by the late Rakkonian Great Wizard Emomne found on the 2nd Layer, focused on the advancement of one’s Mana Circles. Focuses on growing Mana capacity, Mana density, and Mana sensitivity.

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—- Black Rose Mana Breathing Method —-

Rank: S+

Effects: A Mana Breathing Method developed by the Thorne Duchy found on the 3rd Layer. Allows specialization in either Mana Heart, Mana Circles, or dual development. Focuses on advancing Mana density, granting unique properties to one’s Mana, and strengthening one’s Soul.

Note: Possessing the Physique of a Void Noble (Thorne variant) advances the Rank of this Mana Breathing Method to SS

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‘Hmm…’ Micheal looked through the detailed notes that followed each Method’s description, studying the operations of each technique and comparing them in his head.

‘Many of the high ranking Mana Breathing Methods can only show their worth if the person using it has the correct Physique.’

It made sense when he thought about it. The most developed techniques were typically developed by people for their own bloodline or families, going back generations. There would always be imperfections when it came to adapting them for human use.

‘What else do we have…’

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—- High Mountain Mana Breathing Method —-

Rank: SS

Effects: An ancient Mana Breathing Method developed by the Mountain All-King of the 6th Layer. Focused entirely on developing a Mana Heart. Greatly enhances physical strength, physical stamina, physical endurance. Vastly strengthens resistances to energy-based attacks. Vastly strengthens the Soul.

Note: Practicing this Mana Breathing Method weakens one’s Ability to perceive Conceptual Powers. Complete practice of this technique grants the ‘Mountain Lord’ Physique. Possessing the ‘King of the Mountain’ Physique elevates the Rank of this Mana Breathing Method to SSS

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—- Wild Spring Mana Breathing Method —-

Rank: SS+

Effects: A Mana Breathing Method created by the Fae, found on the 5th Layer. Specializes in development of Mana Circles, greatly enhancing Mana density and capacity, enhances connections to various ‘Nature’ related Conceptual Powers.

Note: Requires a Physique related to any ‘Nature’ Conceptual Power to practice this Mana Breathing Method. Possessing the ‘Body of a Fairy Queen’ Physique enhances the Rank of this Mana Breathing Method to SSS+

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‘Sophia is considered a ‘Lesser Faerun Human by my Divine Scan.’ Micheal paused as he read over one particular Mana Breathing Method, his eyes lighting up.

He made a mental note of this before returning to review the others.

‘I can count out all the Mana Breathing Methods that focus only on Mana Heart development.’ Micheal nodded, crossing a line through several.

‘Let’s also cancel out any Methods that have requirements I can’t meet.’

‘And then, after that, let’s bring up only the highest level of Mana Breathing Methods.’

After crossing out dozens of individual Mana Breathing Methods, Micheal finally settled on a final group of 4 that matched his goals.

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—- Twilight’s Call Mana Breathing Method —-

Rank: SSS

Effects: An ancient Mana Breathing Method developed by the Imperial Lineage of the Shade Empire, discovered on the 6th Layer. Specializes in development of Mana Circles, vastly enhances Mana density and Mana capacity, strengthens connections to Conceptual Powers related to ‘Shadow.’

Note: Requires user to possess a Physique and be willing to sacrifice that Physique to form a ‘Twilight Shadow’ Physique. Grants weaknesses to Fire, Light, and Abilities or Powers related. Grant’s extreme resistance to Shadow, Darkness, Cold, Curse, and Poison Abilities or Powers related.

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—- Echoes of the Eternal Mana Breathing Method —-

Rank: SSS

Effects: A Mana Breathing Method created by Archmage Aoiles after his study of the Well of Eternity, found on the 6th Layer. Specializes in development of Mana Circles, vastly enhances Mana density and capacity, enhances connections to Conceptual Powers related to ‘Infinity’ and ‘Eternity.’ Grants unique properties to one’s Mana.

Note: Practicing this Mana Breathing Method requires an exceptionally strong Soul. High risk of death if the user fails to meet this Method’s requirements. Practicing this Mana Breathing Method will modify one’s Physique over time, relative to the Concepts of ‘Infinity’ and ‘Eternity.’

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—- Heaven Seeker’s Mantle Mana Breathing Method —-

Rank: SSS-

Effects: A Mana Breathing Method created by the Great Explorer Mono Uvalt, obtained on the 5th Layer. Specializes in development of Mana Circles, greatly strengthens Mana density and capacity, and enhances connections to Conceptual Powers related to ‘Space,’ ‘Exploration,’ and ‘Discovery.’

Note: This Mana Breathing Method requires repeated travel and exploration to operate at full level. Requires an exceptionally strong Soul to operate. Grants resistance to Heat, Cold, Disease, and any Powers or Abilities related. Practicing this Mana Breathing Method will modify one’s Physique over time, relative to the Concepts of ‘Space,’ ‘Exploration,’ and ‘Discovery.’

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—- True King Mana Breathing Method —-

Rank: SSS

Effects: A Mana Breathing Method created by the Transcendent King Augorian Doom, found on the 6th Layer, after his death to the Titled Deity Navir. Can specialize in either the development of Mana Circles or of a Mana Heart, or both. Greatly strengthens Mana density and capacity, enhances the user’s body, and grants unique properties to one’s Mana. Enhances the user’s willpower. Enhances the user’s regenerative properties.

Note: This Mana Breathing Method requires an unbreakable will. Requires an exceptionally strong Soul to operate. Practicing this Mana Breathing Method will modify one’s Physique over time.

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‘These are my best options.’ Micheal concluded.

There were only 2 Rank SSS+ Mana Breathing Methods discovered by Dark Void, both of which were impossible for Micheal to use. The first required Micheal to be a Dragon, while the second required a Bloodline that was impossible for Micheal to obtain.

The final 4 Micheal decided upon were a mix of 3 SSS Rank Mana Breathing Methods, and 1 SSS- Rank.

The SSS- Rank Mana Breathing Method, Heaven Seeker’s Mantle, was the best Method Micheal possessed that also would enhance his connection to the Concept of Space. The remaining three SSS Methods were ones that would strengthen his Mana Circles to the highest level, while also not possessing impossible requirements.

‘Hmm...’ Micheal thought, pondering quietly.

After thinking for a few minutes, he went back and spent the next 40 minutes reading through each Mana Breathing Method for a second time, and eventually a third time, making absolutely certain he wasn’t missing anything.

Only when he finished that, confirming his options, did he begin to compare the final 4, trying to decide which to practice.

Each Mana Breathing Method had its pros and cons.

‘Heaven Seeker’s Mantle is the best for maximizing Kyrui’s Inheritance. Its requirements to travel and explore can be met simply by traversing through the 7 Layers.’ Micheal reasoned.

‘The only problem is its Rank.’

SSS- compared to SSS.

‘Each increase in grade signifies noticeable differences in final output.’ The quality of one’s Mana Breathing Method had a significant impact on overall growth.

‘I have to plan for the future.’ Micheal shook his head.

Heaven Seeker’s Mantle came with a whole host of other benefits, but none of that would matter if he wasn’t strong enough to survive the end-times.

‘Alright. Cross that one out.’ Micheal returned his focus back to the three remaining methods.

‘The next one I’ll disqualify…’ He paused for a moment before nodding to himself.

‘Twilight’s Call.’

Twilight’s Call was an incredibly powerful Mana Breathing Method, but the price he would have to pay was far too steep.

‘A weakness to Fire and Light is not something I can afford.’ Even though this Mana Breathing Method gave a whole host of incredible resistances and would allow him to draw upon the power of Shadow, it wasn’t enough.

‘The Angels are beloved by Light, while the Promethean are loved by Fire.’

Two separate Tribes of Deities specialized in those Concepts. A weakness to either one would prove fatal for Micheal’s future. Micheal didn’t even need to consider the rest of the perks that came with this Method to know it wasn’t for him.

‘Not to mention… practicing this Mana Breathing Method will make me an automatic enemy of the Shade Empire.’

It was something he wouldn’t have to worry about until much later, but it was still something to consider. The Shade Empire were one of the few groups capable of clashing with the Tribes of Deities on the 6th Layer. There was no reason to become enemies with them at this time.

‘That leaves me with two different choices.’ Micheal circled the remaining two.

The True King Mana Breathing Method.

The Echoes of the Eternal Mana Breathing Method.

‘Both Methods require an exceptionally strong Soul, which suits me perfectly. Both grant unique properties to Mana. The True King Method will enhance my body as well as my Mana, while the Echoes of the Eternal will endow my Physique with the Concepts of ‘Infinity’ and ‘Eternity.’

Micheal found himself at a brief impasse as he compared the two final techniques, trying to make a decision.

‘The True King Method will ‘enhance my willpower’ while the Echoes of the Eternal Method will allow me to more easily draw upon the Concepts of Infinity and Eternity.’

The research notes indicated that ‘enhancing willpower’ came in the form of augmenting specific parts of its user’s Soul. In essence, it meant it was a Mana Breathing Method that would not only enhance his body but also his Soul, his most important Stat.

Micheal went back and forth for several minutes, thinking things over. He looked forward, to the future, determining which Mana Breathing Method would be most beneficial.

Finally, after nearly 30 additional minutes of planning, including a brief reprise where he killed a Shadow Seeker that respawned, Micheal made his decision.

‘Echoes of the Eternal.’

The True King Method was an excellent choice, but Micheal ultimately decided against it for two reasons.

The first: it was a Mana Breathing Method that could be used to form a Mana Heart or Mana Circles, or both. It wasn’t entirely specialized solely for Mana Circles. That didn’t mean there would be flaws if Micheal only used it for Mana Circles, but he would rather use a method focused entirely on Mana Circles, if he had the option.

The second…

‘The True King Method doesn’t enhance my ability to sense Conceptual Powers.’

Strengthening his body was important, but Micheal could already do that with Ki. The True King Method's ability to enhance his Soul was almost enough to make him chose it, but Micheal could achieve similar levels of growth simply by comprehending new Conceptual Powers.

What he most needed was Abilities and Powers that could be used to defeat veritable Gods.

‘The Echoes of the Eternal Mana Breathing Method is my best choice.’

Micheal wasn't trying to become a King.

He was trying to become a Godslayer.

‘There’s little information about the Concepts of ‘Eternity’ and ‘Infinity’ but I can surmise a great deal just from their names.’ Infinity, that which continued on endlessly, and eternity, time without limit. Both sounded like they had immense potential as far as Conceptual Powers went.

‘If Heaven Seeker’s Mantle was Ranked just a little higher…’ Micheal thought before shaking his head, confident in his choice.

Echoes of the Eternal would maximize his growth potential while expanding his Conceptual repertoire.

He had made up his mind.

“Alright!” Micheal sat up, turning several pages over in his journal to a fresh page. He took several minutes to write down everything he remembered about the Echoes of the Eternal Mana Breathing record, from its practice operation to notations about how to best align or visualize Mana.

“Let’s get to it, then.”

His preparations were complete and he had all the time in the world, now, to practice.

Just like that, Micheal took his first steps on his journey to forming his first Mana Circle.

And, it just so happened that…

For the first time in both this life and the last…

Micheal finally found something he was talented in.

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