Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 250: The Cave [2]

"I managed to take out both eyes of the first Frostclaw bear I fought."

"So?"

"I also managed to land a deathly damage on 2nd and 3rd Frostclaw bear."

"So?"

"If not for that unexpected arrival of 4th and mage frost claw bear I might have managed to win."

"But you didn't."

"Argh, I know that master, you don't have to tell me," I shouted in frustration as Yato said what I already knew.

Signing Yato said "Look, end result is all that matters. It doesn't mean a damn thing if you lost in the end."

'I know that you don't have to tell me, mister,

Genius.' I remarked inside of my head.

Yato's stern gaze bore into me, his words carrying a weight of experience. I couldn't deny his logic, but frustration still lingered within me.

"Your achievements in the battle were commendable," Yato continued, "but dwelling on 'what could have been' won't change the outcome. Learn from it, adapt, and be better prepared for the next encounter."

I sighed, realizing the truth in his words. The path of survival demanded resilience and the ability to glean lessons from both victories and defeats.

"Fine, what's next then?" I asked, determined to turn my frustration into motivation.

Yato grinned, seemingly satisfied with my response. "Next, you have to maintain the mana coating for more than 10 minutes, I have seen your mana coating and you bearly even managed to hold for 5 minutes."

My determination surged as Yato set the next challenge. "I'll do it," I declared, determined to prove my capability.

Yato nodded, "Good. Begin your Mana Coating and focus on sustaining it. Remember, it's not just about the duration; maintaining its effectiveness is crucial."

I took a deep breath, recalling the intricate process of enveloping myself in a protective layer of mana. I closed my eyes, visualizing the flow of energy and the ethereal shield forming around me.

Minutes passed, and I could feel the strain building. The initial confidence wavered as the challenge intensified. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead, and my muscles started to protest against the sustained effort.

Yato observed silently, his stern expression conveying both expectation and scrutiny.

"Focus. Strengthen your resolve," he advised, his voice cutting through the internal struggle.

Summoning newfound determination, I harnessed the lessons learned in our magical training. The mana coating responded, resilient and enduring. The initial discomfort transformed into a state of controlled concentration.

As the seconds ticked away, Yato's silent encouragement spurred me on. The metaphorical clock reached the critical ten-minute mark, and I felt a surge of accomplishment.

Yato nodded approvingly. "Well done. Mastery of Mana Coating is a fundamental skill. It enhances your defences and opens avenues for strategic manoeuvres. Remember, in this world, adaptability is your greatest weapon."

I let out a relieved breath, feeling the strain dissipate. The triumph of surpassing my previous limit fueled a renewed sense of determination.

Yato, however, wasn't done. "Now, we move on to refining your combat techniques. Your physical and magical prowess should complement each other seamlessly."

***

It's been two days since my failed attempt to hunt that Frost Claw Bear's pack.

After continuously training for two days, I think I'm starting to get the hang of using Mana Coating now.

You see when I channel mana into a specific part of my body, it feels as if a surge of strength courses through it.

However, when I use Mana Coating, it feels like I am encased in an exoskeleton that enhances both my defence and offence.

Nevertheless, utilizing Mana Coating depletes my already small mana pool much more quickly than using spells or normal martial arts.

For now, I could sustain 15 minutes of mana coatings before running out of mana.

However, Yato has pointed out that I'm still making excessive movements and wasting my mana.

Yato's voice echoed in the cave, cutting through the rhythmic sound of water droplets. "Efficiency is key. Precision in movement conserves mana. Refine your technique, and you'll extend the duration of your Mana Coating."

With Yato's guidance, I focused on streamlining my movements. Each gesture became deliberate, conserving mana while maintaining the protective shield around me.

"Good, better," Yato remarked, acknowledging my progress. "Remember, the purpose is not just endurance but effectiveness. A well-executed Mana Coating can be the difference between life and death."

"Rest for now," Yato said as he gave me a few minutes to catch my breath. Drooping on my knees I gasped for breath, I was so close to going to unconscious stats.

Looks like 15 minutes is my limit before I break through to the [D-] rank.

If I want I could break through with the herb that I received from Jonathan but that would take at least one or two days before I go through because I was forcefully trying to break through.

Well, all I could know was to wait. When I go back to the academy then I will try to attempt this.

"Lucas, let's take a walk," Yato said as he gestured for me to follow him. I was exhausted to my core but I could not say no to him, so I stood up and followed him outside of the cave.

Yato led me through the pristine snow, the cold crunching beneath our feet. Despite the exhaustion, the breathtaking view of the Western mountain range invigorated my senses. The sunrise painted the landscape in hues of pink and orange, casting a warm glow over the icy terrain.

We walked in companionable silence, the occasional sound of falling snowflakes punctuating the quiet. Yato's presence exuded a calm assurance, and for a moment, the harsh training regimen seemed distant.

After a while, Yato broke the silence. "Lucas, do you know the history of the western mountain range?"

I gave him a confused look and asked "Is there any history of Western mountain range?"

From what I knew there shouldn't be any special about the Western mountain range aside from the fact that there is a barrier in the east continent borders so demons could not come from this side.

Yato stopped and turned back at me with his eyes wide, this would be the first I had seen him surprised.

"were you leaving under a rock all this time?"

"W-What do you mean?" I asked nervously.

"Even little kids know this." Yato shook his head and said," This is the place where the first war against demons had taken place."

'WHAT?'