Dawn's light gently touched the horizon over Delphi Outpost. Dewdrops on the leaves around the secret base began to evaporate into a faint mist. The atmosphere inside started to stir, yet it was still filled with the weariness from battle and an unseen apprehension. Ashwind Post remained a clear image in everyone's thoughts.
Inside the private room allocated by the Spark Faction, Leonardo da Vinci, whose fever had now almost completely subsided, sat cross-legged on the smooth wooden floor. His eyes were fixed on the "notebook bound in pitch-black leather" lying open before him. The light from an oil lamp in the corner illuminated the ancient golden runes on the pages, which seemed almost alive. The excitement of his discovery still sparkled in the eyes of this otherworldly genius.
He had made his decision. This genesis of knowledge deserved to be shared, starting with the two companions who seemed most receptive and in need of it.
A soft knock sounded at the door before Kiana and Ryu appeared as invited. Kiana, in her repaired leather armor, still showed signs of exhaustion, but her eyes were filled with curious anticipation. Ryu, in his dark samurai training attire, remained calm as usual, but his sharp eyes were silently assessing the situation.
"Thank you for coming," Da Vinci said with a faint smile. "I have something incredibly important to tell you. It might be... a crucial key to understanding the power we all possess."
Kiana raised an eyebrow slightly, while Ryu merely nodded, signaling Da Vinci to begin.
Da Vinci took a deep breath, as if preparing to impart great knowledge. "After studying this 'notebook'," he gestured towards the mysterious object before him, "I have discovered the 'mechanism' behind the power we call 'Awakening.' It is far more complex than we ever imagined."
He began to explain "Mana," the fundamental energy flowing through all things and within each of them. His voice was filled with the enthusiasm of an explorer who had discovered a new continent. "Imagine Mana as a great, invisible river. It resides all around us, and... within us as well. True 'Awakening' is when we can perceive, connect with, and control this stream."
Ryu frowned slightly, as if processing the new information with his sharp logic. Kiana's eyes widened a little, a glimmer of hope beginning to form in her heart.
"And the 'True Power' we manifest," Da Vinci continued, pointing to a sketch of the human body's energy structure he had copied onto a piece of animal hide, "is born from merging 'Mind Force' – which is determination, willpower, concentration, and most importantly, 'understanding' of what you wish to create or control – with 'Life Force,' which is the Mana flowing within your body."
He pointed to various spots on the sketch. "This notebook mentions 'energy convergence points,' or what I will call 'Elemental Cores,' within the body. These are like centers where each type of elemental energy resides, or is attracted and transformed. Mental and physical training can strengthen these Elemental Cores."
Da Vinci paused, observing their reactions, before explaining the categorization of the "main paths" of power described in the notebook. He spoke of "The Wisdom Weavers," which was himself, using understanding to transform Mana through the golden brush. Then, he looked directly at Kiana and Ryu.
"For both of you... this notebook calls those with powers like yours 'The Elemental Covenanters'." His gaze fixed on Kiana. "The notebook explains that you have a special 'bond' with Mana energy manifesting as various elements. You can attract, control, or form a pact with elemental energy, and transform your own Mana to possess the properties of that element."
Da Vinci's words struck Kiana deeply. "A special bond...?" she whispered, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and anxiety. "And... and will it help with... my power? The flames that... hurt me." Her hand instinctively clenched near her neck where the faint dark marks had been.
Da Vinci nodded with understanding. "I believe so, Kiana. This notebook also mentions the 'repercussions' that can arise from using intense elemental power or connecting with unstable elements. It might hold answers or guidance for controlling your power more stably."
He then turned to Ryu. "As for you, Ryu, your wind power is the same. Understanding the 'Wind Elemental Core' within you might help you control the wind currents more freely and powerfully."
Ryu remained silent, but his eyes were fixed on Da Vinci. His slightly furrowed brow indicated deep contemplation. The words "Wind Elemental Core"... stirred something in his memory.
Da Vinci saw the spark of thought in the young swordsman's eyes. "Perhaps... you have already sensed your own 'Elemental Core' without realizing it."
Ryu looked up, meeting Da Vinci's gaze. "I..." he began, his voice low, "I'm not sure... but when you mentioned the 'Wind Elemental Core'... it reminded me of an incident."
(A brief flashback of Ryu - an image overlaid in his mind)
The image of a small village nestled in a mist-covered valley, the village where he grew up and trained in the ancient samurai sword arts. He, younger and more hot-blooded than his present self, was training intensely on a steep cliff edge. The sound of wooden swords clashing echoed. A gentle breeze brushed past him.
One day... his village was attacked by a ruthless group of bandits. They were more numerous and better armed. He fought with all his might to protect his people, but with his limited experience, he was cornered. His body was covered in wounds. Despair began to eat at his heart. The sword in his hand felt as heavy as stone.
In the instant the bandit leader's sword was raised to end his life... he felt something different! The wind currents around him suddenly swirled violently. His body felt as light as a feather, and in that split second, he incredibly dodged the blade, simultaneously striking back with a speed that surprised even himself! His blade wounded the bandit leader, forcing him to retreat in shock. That wind current... it felt like a part of him in that moment...
(The image cuts back to the present)
Ryu briefly recounted the incident to Da Vinci and Kiana, his eyes still shining with contemplation. "At the time, I didn't understand what it was. I thought it was just luck... or survival instinct... but that feeling... it was very clear. As if 'something' had awakened within me."
Da Vinci nodded slowly. "That might have been your 'first touch' with your 'Wind Elemental Core,' Ryu. A critical situation and a strong will to protect might have been the 'trigger' for that power to manifest."
Kiana listened intently. She herself tried to recall the first time her fiery power had erupted. It usually happened when she was extremely angry or desperate...
"Alright," Da Vinci said, bringing them back to the present. "Theory is one thing, practice is another. I'll show you again."
He lifted the still-dull golden brush, closed his eyes for a moment, gathered his concentration, the "will" to create light, and the "understanding" of the structure of the small flame he envisioned. Then, he gently swished the tip of the brush in the air.
In that instant! A faint golden light, but brighter and more stable than before, suddenly flashed from the brush's tip! Forming a "golden orb of fire" the size of a thumb, floating steadily in mid-air, emitting a faint, warm glow.
"Do you see?" Da Vinci opened his eyes, looking at his creation. "I used much less energy from my body than before, but the result is more stable. This is the effect of correct 'understanding' and 'Mana control'."
He extinguished the orb of fire before looking at his two companions. "Now... it's your turn. Try to be calm, meditate, and try to 'sense' the 'Elemental Core' within your body. Don't expect to control it immediately. Just 'perceiving' it is enough."
Kiana and Ryu looked at each other for a moment before nodding and following Da Vinci's instructions. They both closed their eyes, trying to calm their minds. Amidst the silence in the room, only their soft breathing could be heard.
A considerable moment passed...
Kiana frowned slightly, small beads of sweat forming on her hairline. She felt a familiar "heat" building up in her core. It wasn't the searing heat like before, but a "concentrated" and "centered" heat, as if a "tiny sun" was hidden within. It was still turbulent and difficult to control, but she began to "perceive" its "origin" more clearly than ever before.
As for Ryu, he remained calm, but if one observed closely, the muscles on his face had relaxed. The tips of his hair swayed slightly as if a gentle breeze was passing through, even though there was no draft in the room. He felt a "lightness" pervading his body, and an "energy current flowing freely" like an unobstructed wind. He could "perceive" the "center" of that wind current... it wasn't at a single point, but a "balanced circulation" throughout his entire body, connected to every breath he took.
When they both opened their eyes, their gazes had changed. There was understanding, excitement, and a clear spark of possibility shining within them.
"I... I felt it," Kiana said, her voice still surprised. "It was hot... but... it had a 'center'."
"Me too," Ryu added. "It was like... a wind that has always been inside me, but I've only just truly 'perceived' it."
Da Vinci smiled broadly. "Excellent! That is the most important 'first step.' 'Perception' is the beginning of 'control.' This notebook has many more details about 'training' and 'strengthening' these Elemental Cores. We will study them together."
He looked at his two companions with hope. "This is just the genesis, Kiana, Ryu. Your powers have immense potential waiting to be unleashed. And I believe the knowledge from this notebook... will be the 'key' that guides us to it."
Dawn had now fully broken, chasing away the darkness, just as new knowledge was dispelling their misunderstanding of their powers. The journey to "self-understanding" and "power control" had truly begun, along with new challenges waiting ahead. And the "key to elemental power" that had just been discovered... it had ignited the spark of hope to blaze brightly once more in the hearts of the brave souls of Ashwind.
[End of Chapter 38]