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SUMMARY: If you haven't read the prologue, read it first.

The blue mist coalesced into a thick ball. He welled up as much manna in his fist as he could. With a lunging step forward, Cless released the stored up energy, the ball of visible manna at the end of his fist sprang forward in a blue streak. The wall, however, stayed firm, showing no signs of cracking as it shrugged off the force of manna. He plunged his right hand forward, pulling his left back. This time he would use an open palm to exert manna. The manna force this time released in a wide wall, shaking the firmly constructed obstacle. He threw a series of open palm waves before slewing the wall with a concentrated manna force.

Cless built up a strong barrier of manna lining his forehead as he pulled back, loading his assault. He threw himself forward releasing the energy, crashing his head into the wall; the blow felt hardly anymore than a slap. A bit dazed, Cless stepped back to admire his handiwork. The wall still stood. This time, several cracks stretched across its face.

"Your form is good but you need exert more power, Cless."

He groaned, stretching his arms. "My arms are already getting heavy, mom. I don't want to waste too much of my manna in too little time," he sighed, turning to face his mom and trainer. "I need to work on my manna endurance."

"Remember Cless, the capacity of your manna acts almost like your body." She folded up the shop records and slid it into her handbag, folding her arms. Her long brown hair swayed to the side as she cocked her head. "The more you work the more your body grows. As the same, the more manna you use the more the capacity of the manna increased."

Cless glared back at the wall, taunting him by just standing there. If his mom was right, since she usually was, then it was a long process. He didn't feel like he could use any more manna than he had a few days ago. Maybe the Magi Center would let him stay in the training room for a little longer. His mom wouldn't need him back at the shop as it was closed.

"Get a quick drink before you try again. This time release more manna. Don't worry about running dry, you won't die instantly."

He flashed his mom a quick look as he sat down at the table. The training room's door swung open, letting fresh light into the dimly lit room. An Official Magus dressed in the usual white cloak with high color stood in the doorway. "Miss Julia Cravile and Cless Cravile, you have only fifteen minutes left."

"All the other rooms are occupied?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so, sir."

Cless blinked. He still wasn't used to it when they referred to him by that title.

"Thank you," his mom replied in his absence to answer. The Official Magus left them, closing the room back in its solemn state.

Cless brought the cup to his lip, the plain flavor hardly tasting well in his mouth. Despite the unfavorable taste, he felt the weariness in his arms get swept away in the wave of strength. He set the cup back down. "Should I use more manna when I use the manna blow, manna wave, or the manna barrier?"

"Mmm..." His mom pursed her lips, thinking.