Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 242: Western mountain range [2]

As the training neared its conclusion, Yato acknowledged my progress. "Impressive, Lucas. You've adapted quickly. Mana coating is a fundamental skill, and you'll replace it indispensable in various situations."

"Now it's time for the next part of the training," Yato said as he slightly bent his knees and raised his hands, assuming a combat stance.

Beckoning me with his finger, he yelled, "Now, come! Attack me while trying to maintain that form."

Attack? I was struggling to maintain the aura even when I was doing nothing! How can he expect me to move around and launch attacks?

Noticing the troubled expression on my face, Yato's smile widened. "Don't worry. I won't kill you."

Summoning my courage, I cautiously approached Yato, trying to maintain the mana coating as I moved. The icy ground beneath my feet added an extra layer of difficulty.

As I neared him, Yato effortlessly sidestepped my hesitant strike. It was clear he wasn't exerting much effort, yet my movements felt sluggish and uncoordinated.

"Speed, Lucas. You need to move faster. Let the mana enhance your agility," Yato instructed, his voice echoing through the snowy meadow.

I attempted to heed his advice, focusing on the agility aspect of the mana coating. With each subsequent strike, I could feel a slight improvement in my speed and control.

Yato, however, continued to effortlessly evade my attacks, his movements fluid and precise.

"Good, Lucas. You're progressing, but there's more to this. Let's take it up a notch," Yato declared a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes.

He began to move around, actively engaging me in a sort of dance. It was a challenging task to keep up, my attempts to strike him becoming a series of near misses.

"Fuck." I cursed as I began to focus on my speed, He was just too fast for me, I couldn't catch him like that.

Fwoosh—!!

In a burst of speed, I launched at Yato with my hands pulled back in preparation.

As soon as I closed the distance, I swiftly launched a straight jab directly at him.

Kwuish—!!

However, in a seamless motion, Yato tilted his head and effortlessly evaded my punch, allowing it to brush past his cheek.

Not content with stopping there, I quickly adjusted my approach.

My knees suddenly loosened, and in one fluid motion, I dropped to the ground.

From there, I quickly spun back my body on one foot to execute a reverse swift leg sweep using the momentum I gained from dropping on the ground.

Thwack—!!

"Argh!!"

However, at the last moment, just as my leg was about to make contact with his and I was going to sweep him off the ground, the protective mana layer enveloping my leg abruptly dissipated.

The sudden disappearance of the mana coating left my leg vulnerable, and Yato capitalized on it. With a deft movement, he countered my sweep, catching my leg mid-air.

"You almost had me there, Lucas," Yato commented, a playful glint in his eyes. He released my leg and stepped back.

I huffed, feeling a mix of frustration and exhaustion. "Why did the mana coating disappear suddenly?"

Yato grinned, "Ah, you've hit a common challenge. Maintaining the coating during dynamic movements requires continuous focus. It's not about applying it once; you need to sustain it throughout the action."

I nodded, realizing the nuance of the technique. It wasn't just about initiating the mana coating; it was about integrating it seamlessly into combat without disruptions.

"Let's go again. This time, maintain the coating, even during complex manoeuvres," Yato instructed, beckoning me to resume the spar.

Determined to overcome the hurdle, I readied myself for another round. We engaged in a series of swift exchanges, each movement accompanied by the effort to sustain the mana coating.

As the spar progressed, I found myself adapting to the challenge. The coating became more ingrained in my actions, providing a layer of protection and enhancing my strikes.

Yato continued to offer guidance, pointing out moments when the coating faltered and encouraging me to refine my control.

After what seemed like an intense dance on the snow-covered battleground, Yato finally called for a halt. "Not bad, Lucas. You've shown improvement in integrating mana coating into your combat style."

Breathing heavily, I acknowledged his words with a nod. The frigid air stung against my skin, but the satisfaction of progress warmed my determination.

"Here, have mana potion." Saying that Yato tossed me a small flask containing a shimmering blue liquid. Catching it, I looked at Yato with a mix of curiosity and gratitude.

"Drink that. It'll help replenish your mana and recover your energy faster," Yato explained, his gaze reflecting a genuine concern.

I nodded, uncorking the flask and taking a sip. The potion had a refreshing taste, and as it flowed down my throat, I could feel a surge of energy replenishing my weary body.

"Thanks," I mumbled, handing the flask back to Yato.

He smirked, "Training with me can be tough, but it's necessary for your growth. Now, let's discuss what you've learned today."

We found a relatively sheltered spot amidst the snowy meadow, sitting down to debrief the training session. Yato encouraged me to share my insights and observations.

"The mana coating is challenging, especially during combat. I need to maintain focus continuously," I began, reflecting on the difficulties faced.

Yato nodded, "Indeed. It's a skill that requires mental discipline. But you're adapting well. Anything else you noticed?"

"Aside from defense, integrating the mana coating into offensive movements enhances the effectiveness of my strikes. It's like an extension of my attacks," I added, acknowledging the versatility of the technique.

Yato grinned, "Precisely. Mana is a versatile tool, and how you wield it can significantly impact your combat style. Now, about the sudden dissipation during the leg sweep, any thoughts?"

I pondered the question, recalling the moment. "I lost focus during the dynamic movement. I need to refine the control to sustain the coating in fast-paced actions."

"Good analysis. Focus on refining that aspect in your next sessions. Remember, it's about mastery, not just proficiency," Yato advised, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement.

As we wrapped up the discussion, Yato stood up, signaling the end of our training for the day. "Rest up, Lucas. Tomorrow, we'll delve deeper into advanced mana manipulation techniques."

I nodded, appreciating the guidance and challenges that Yato provided. The snow-covered mountain, once a harsh environment, had become a transformative training ground under his mentorship.