Dungeon Salvation

Julius brewed a cup of coffee as he considered what his son had told him. Marco had asked to train with his friends occasionally, heaping praise upon Elias’ parents and their training skills. What intrigued Julius most, however, was the technique Marco had described—a technique that allowed a Beginner rank to do something that only Masters typically managed. If it were true, even Julius found himself tempted to learn it.

Contrary to popular belief, the power gap between high-level individuals was far greater than at lower levels, even among those with identical attributes. At higher levels, combat ability and Skills eclipsed the raw power of attributes. Mastery over one’s body and mana allowed for optimal optimization of those attributes, and Julius was one of the few who went to great lengths to do so. He needed to confirm his suspicions.

As he sipped his coffee and ate his breakfast, Julius considered his approach. The straightforward path seemed best—he would visit Elias' parents directly. He already planned on doing so soon anyways, because of Marco’s growing friendship with Elias. Now, he had an additional incentive.

Upon arriving at his son’s friend’s home, Julius couldn’t help but admire the architecture. The house was made of wood and stone, exuding a sense of simplicity while being impeccably maintained. Its design prioritized practicality and comfort, yet there was a subtle elegance to it.

Adjacent to the house stood the dojo—a spacious, open room divided by sliding doors, creating multiple training areas. The floor was lined with tatami mats, characteristic of spaces dedicated to the martial arts. Through the open door, Julius observed a man practicing, his movements a slow, deliberate dance.

Peter was a tall, well-built man with auburn hair and honey-colored eyes. As he moved, Julius sensed a strange vibration in the air, as though the world itself responded to his movements. Julius couldn't pinpoint Peter's mana type, but it was clear that he was affecting the world through his Spirit. Even a quick glance revealed the depth of Peter's skill, and Julius was impressed.

Marco had described a technique that aligned the mind, body, and spirit into a cohesive fighting style, allowing one to move in accordance to their mana type. However, this seemed even deeper—an approach Julius had only encountered a few times in his life.

As Julius entered the dojo and knocked on the door, Peter turned with a measured smile. "Hello, I don't believe we've met before."

"Ah, yes. I'm Julius, Marco's father. He mentioned his training here, and I was eager to meet you. I hope I'm not interrupting."

Peter raised his eyebrows in mild surprise, a complicated expression briefly crossing his face before he smiled warmly. "Please, come in, Julius. Have you had breakfast?"

"Yes, I have," Julius replied. "I just wanted to meet you. Since I didn’t have a way to contact you, I couldn’t give you a heads-up. My apologies."

"No problem at all," Peter said with a smile. "Marco is a good kid. It's a pleasure to meet you too. At least come in and have some tea."

As they sat and sipped tea, exchanging pleasantries, Peter sensed that Julius had another reason for his visit.

"So, how can I help you, Julius?" Peter asked, setting down his cup and looking Julius directly in the eyes.

Julius sighed. "My son spoke highly of your training and mentioned a technique you're teaching Elias. Marco is eager to learn it, and I was impressed by what he described. Normally, I’m cautious about letting others train Marco, but even from the brief moment I watched you, I could tell your style is remarkable. Honestly, I'm surprised you're not more renowned as trainers."

Peter chuckled wryly. "I wish someone would tell my son that. I've tried to impress upon him the value of this technique, but he doesn't seem to believe me. It's a family technique passed down through generations. I'm glad you appreciate it, though. As for fame, well, few outside of high-level circles value advanced combat techniques anymore. Most people focus on Skills and attributes, neglecting the art of true mastery."

"I know, right? I'm fortunate that Marco values swordsmanship so much; otherwise, training him would be a challenge," Julius said with a laugh. "Kids these days are becoming more unruly. Anyway, I'd be grateful if you could teach him this technique. Even if it’s not immediately useful for him, I'm sure it will be invaluable when he reaches the higher ranks and develops his own style."

Julius hesitated for a moment before adding, "And if you'd consider teaching me as well, I'd be honored."

Peter laughed lightly. "I'm glad you see the value in the technique, and I’m willing to show it to you. But honestly, I don't think it would be very useful for you. The technique is hard to learn after acquiring a mana type, especially at higher levels. It's something best learned early on. Even for Marco, it might be a coin toss as to whether he can master it. But as you said, the training will be beneficial regardless."

"It's fine," Julius replied with a sigh. "I suspected there might be a catch. Still, I'd appreciate it if you could at least demonstrate it. Who knows, maybe it’ll inspire me and help refine my own style."

"That's the spirit," Peter said with a laugh. "Do you want to start right now?"

"Sure, why not. Of course, I don't expect you to do this for free. Just let me know your rates."

"No worries," Peter replied with a grin. "Your son is friends with mine, and we’ll be seeing each other often. Let’s call it a favor."

"Thank you," Julius said, bowing slightly.

Peter surprised him by grabbing two training swords from a rack, handing one to Julius. He had expected unarmed practice, but this suited him better as a swordsman. He hoped Peter was skilled with the sword and not just accommodating him. It had been a long time since Julius had sparred with someone near his level.

"Keep your strength to level 10 attributes to start, no Skills," Peter instructed, his demeanor suddenly serious. A transformation came over him as he faced Julius, exuding a discipline born from a lifetime of dedication. Julius felt a growing respect for the man. Bowing slightly, he readied himself, letting all superfluous thoughts dissipate with his breath.

With a sharp crack, their swords met, launching into a swift and relentless exchange. Though limited to level 10 attributes, their skill and experience allowed them to perform feats that seemed beyond human capability. They traded blows at a rapid pace, neither gaining the upper hand. The dojo echoed with the rhythmic clash of their wooden swords.

As a Master, Julius’ every movement was an expression of his tier 6 Bloodshade mana. Normally, he kept this effect suppressed around others, but now he embraced it fully. He didn’t just wield Bloodshade mana; he embodied it, becoming a phantom in combat.

Those unfamiliar with his mana type often assumed it was a blend of shadow and blood mana, both tier 6 mana types in their own right. They were wrong. Like a shadow was cast by an object blocking light, Bloodshade was the shadow cast by blood—specifically, the blood of the one he loved. It was mana that demanded vengeance, a force driven by retribution, for what was paid in blood must be repaid in kind.

Julius’ strikes were powerful yet shrouded, exploding with force upon impact. Peter matched him, perfectly countering each move with precision. Despite Julius' fierce onslaught, Peter remained unshaken, his expression calm and unreadable.

Realizing he was being matched without Peter revealing his full potential, Julius surged with rage, fueling his strikes with renewed intensity. This was the essence of Bloodshade—a veiled rage, a bloodied dagger in the night.

As Julius delved deeper into his combat style, his attacks grew more brutal, slowly gaining an advantage. Peter’s seemingly unbreakable stance began to show signs of wear, while Julius’ resolve remained inexhaustible. Then, Peter grinned, and something shifted.

At first, it was subtle. Julius’ strikes still carried the same power, his movements just as swift, but they seemed to lose their impact. That’s when Peter revealed the true depth of his technique. Moments earlier, he had been like an immovable rock, but now he absorbed Julius’ attacks, growing stronger with each one. Julius couldn’t fathom what had changed.

Peter was still in tune with his mana—that hadn’t changed. The fact that an Expert rank could achieve such harmony with his mana was impressive by itself, signaling that Peter was on the verge of reaching the Master rank. But now, his fighting had taken on an ethereal quality, like a musician playing a melody from the soul. That’s when Julius understood; Peter wasn’t just fighting with his mind and body—he was fighting with his spirit. His actions transcended muscle memory, driven by an instinctive connection to his mana.

Immensely impressed, Julius stepped back, allowing his rage to subside. Bowing deeper this time, he spoke, "Truly an impressive technique, Peter. I've only seen something like this once before, a long time ago. You honor me."

The memory of his wife’s death resurfaced, briefly igniting his rage, but he kept it hidden. What he had witnessed back then wasn’t exactly the same as Peter’s technique, though the effects were similar.

“Think nothing of it,” Peter replied with a wave of his hand. “Anyways, if you want to learn it, the way is pretty obvious, I would think.”

“Obvious, sure,” Julius said with a snort. “I don’t know what this technique of yours is, but to achieve unity at your rank is unheard of. It is the domain of a Sage, Peter.”

To advance through the ranks, an adventurer had to undergo a series of transformative stages, each one deepening their connection with mana and refining their attributes and Skills.

To reach the Novice rank, one needed to establish a mana type, the critical first step in harnessing the energy necessary for more advanced levels. This initial connection with mana laid the foundation for all future growth.

Ascending to the Journeyman rank required activating one's attributes with mana, integrating it into the very essence of their being. At this stage, the bond between mana and attributes became so strong that the body transcended basic human needs. Those at this level no longer required food for sustenance, instead drawing energy directly from mana.

For the Expert rank, it was essential to give each attribute a specific direction or orientation. Attributes could no longer remain as raw potential; they needed to be purposefully channeled. This focus determined how one’s skills and abilities manifested, giving them a distinct character.

Upon reaching the Master rank, attributes needed more than just direction—they had to be perfectly aligned. This alignment ensured that all attributes worked in seamless harmony, not merely as individual strengths but as integral parts of a unified force. At this level, the individual also becomes fully attuned to their mana type.

At the Grandmaster rank, this alignment evolved into true harmony. Attributes didn’t just cooperate; they became synchronized, operating as a single, fluid entity. This deeper connection meant that attributes not only shared a common purpose but resonated with each other, enhancing their collective effectiveness.

Finally, at the Sage rank, the journey culminated in the complete unification of attributes. This was the pinnacle of mastery, where all attributes fused into an indivisible force. At this level, one achieved true unity, where mind, body, spirit, and mana existed in perfect oneness, transcending the limitations of individual attributes and becoming something far greater.

Peter’s remark about the way to learn his technique being obvious was true. To master it, one had to become so attuned to their Spirit that thought was no longer necessary to move their body. It was a daunting proposition, given the difficulty of achieving such a state. Julius had only touched this state on rare occasions in his long life—moments of clarity where mind, body, and spirit seemed to blend. But for him, these moments were always fleeting, stumbled upon rather than deliberately cultivated.

“Are you truly willing to teach Marco this technique?” Julius asked, knowing how most would jealously guard such knowledge. He hesitated to probe further, not wanting to seem ungrateful or intrusive. If Marco could learn even a fraction of this, it would be more than enough.

“To be honest, I don’t know,” Peter replied with a shrug. “The most important step in learning it is much easier to take before acquiring a mana type, and Marco already has a tier 2 mana, which complicates things. I’ll try, but I can’t make any promises. I’m only willing to give it a go because he seems to have a strong connection to wind mana.”

“Tell me about it,” Julius replied with a wry laugh. “He’s always had a strange fascination with the element. His mother… She was a wind mage.”

Peter remained silent, sensing Julius’ shift in mood at the mention of Marco’s mother. The moment passed quickly, and Julius regained control of his emotions. They continued to talk for a while, mostly about combat techniques, but eventually, Julius excused himself and left. Meeting Peter had given him much to think about.

Peter had proven himself to be an incredibly competent fighter. In a direct confrontation, Julius would still win—the difference in attributes and Skills between an Expert and a Master was vast. Still, Julius now felt comfortable entrusting Marco's training to Peter.

With Marco’s training in capable hands, Julius could finally return to the dungeon. He had been on the brink of achieving the Grandmaster rank for nearly a decade, and this might be his chance to make the leap.

It was time for him to train as well.

*******

Elias sat in meditation beside the Basin of Elemental Conflagration, as he had been for hours. Occasionally, he would get up and dance with an invisible opponent, or simply move in whichever way felt right. At times, he slipped into a trance, where the water mana, like an old friend, would whisper to him.

The whispers spoke of wonders, both great and small, hidden beneath the surface of the water and at the bottom of the seas. They conveyed the peace and tranquility of crystal-clear springs, where water bubbled up from the earth. The mana tempted him with all it could offer—dangers and beauty alike—the power it would share with him if only he would accept it. It took all his willpower to resist.

Each day, the feeling grew stronger, evolving in subtle ways, until Elias found himself actively suppressing the transformation of his mana. At first, it was easy, like resisting the urge to scratch an itch. But over time, the itch grew more intense, requiring nearly all his concentration to resist. Eventually, the sensation became akin to suppressing a sneeze, and Elias had to turn off the basin when he felt overwhelmed.

Despite everything, every time the source of water mana was removed, so too was the feeling in his Spirit. No matter how strong the sensation was, it vanished. Yet, it began to linger in him longer each time, taking more time to fade. With effort, Elias found that he could even amplify the sensation for a brief moment before it once again dissipated.

For days, he focused on extending the duration of this feeling, but progress was slow. Still, it came, and Elias refused to give in. He was so close he could taste success. Rising once more, he waited until the last possible moment before turning off the basin, just as he was about to lose control. Then, he pushed.

It felt like trying to mimic the waves of the sea by jumping up and down in a pool. It was futile. The overwhelming sensation that had gripped him moments ago slipped away, like a dream upon waking, leaving only faint impressions behind. But this time, instead of becoming frustrated at yet another failure, Elias let go. He allowed the feeling to flow out of him, as if drifting off to sleep. Unconsciously, he entered a meditative state once more, and at the edge of his consciousness, he sensed the dream returning.

Unlike the vivid truths whispered by the water mana, this new feeling was a seed of potential. It felt empty, like a child with no experiences to draw upon, yet it was pure. It carried none of the whispered suggestions of the waves or the raging momentum of rivers. This seed knew nothing of the treasures of the seas or the secrets hidden in the rain.

Instead, the seed sang of boiling waters that could heal wounds and freezing waters that could soothe weary muscles. It whispered of a young couple falling in love in a place of fog and mist. It spoke of promises made in the pouring rain, of washing away a young man’s tears and frustrations. It remembered every drop of sweat and tears shed as he pushed himself beyond exhaustion, day after day, for decades—for the seed had been with him all along.

For a moment, Elias saw tears streaming down the cheeks of a blonde woman as she held him close. He was crying too, but he paused, if only for a moment, when he saw her face. A single, glistening tear fell from her chin, landing on his forehead. Elias opened his eyes, a solitary tear tracing down his cheek.

Congratulations! Your mana has been attributed to water mana (tier 1).