The afternoon sun beat down on Hunter Academy's training grounds, the clock ticking past 2:00 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025. The Low District's distant hum faded as Leo stepped onto the dirt field, his renewed E-Rank card tucked in his pocket. It had been a week since his first training session, and the ache in his muscles had dulled into a steady burn. The ring, hidden under his sleeve, pulsed faintly—a secret he guarded closely. After days of grueling practice, he felt different, stronger. The voice in his head had tied his mana growth to the ring's power, and today, he'd test how far he'd come. He wouldn't mention the ring—not to Korran, not to anyone.
Master Korran stood by the mana-dummy, his scarred face set in its usual scowl. "Back again, huh?" he grunted, eyeing Leo. "Thought you'd quit by now." "Not a chance, sir," Leo replied, rolling his shoulders. "I'm here to get better." Korran smirked. "We'll see. Punch the dummy—let's check your mana." Leo stepped up, took a deep breath, and swung. The dummy's screen flickered—1.8 mana output. "Up from last time," Korran said, surprised. "Still low, but progress. Again." Leo nodded, throwing another punch—2.0. "Nice," Korran admitted. "Focus that energy—don't waste it."
Other students watched, their whispers cutting through the air. "Look, the Blank's at it again," Ryn scoffed, tossing a fire orb in his hand. "Waste of space," Tala muttered, her shield glowing faintly. Leo ignored them, his mind flashing to past fights. He recalled Usopp's slingshot precision from the dungeon and Shinji Ikari's gritty resolve against the thugs. Maybe he could tap into those basics now. "Sir, can I try something?" he asked. Korran raised an eyebrow. "Go ahead, but don't embarrass yourself."
Leo closed his eyes, picturing Usopp's steady aim. He grabbed a small stone from the ground, mimicking a slingshot motion. To his shock, the stone glowed faintly as he flicked it, striking the dummy's chest—2.5 mana impact. "What was that?" Korran barked, stepping closer. "Just… a trick I picked up," Leo lied, heart racing. "Impressive for a blank," Korran said, narrowing his eyes. "Keep it quiet—don't need others copying junk." Leo nodded, hiding his relief. The ring stayed secret, but the skill felt natural, like a muscle memory.
Next, he moved to the endurance course. "Lift that bag, run the laps," Korran ordered, pointing to a 25-pound weight. Leo groaned, "This is heavier than last time!" "Quit whining—move!" Korran snapped. Channeling Shinji's determination, Leo hoisted the bag, his arms trembling but holding. "Come on, you got this!" Korran shouted. He managed four laps, collapsing breathless. "Better than before," Korran grunted. "Mana's tied to grit. Rest, then again."
In the combat drills, Korran swung a padded stick. "Block this," he said. Leo raised his arms, taking the hit. "Ouch! Give me a heads-up!" he yelped. "No warnings in a fight," Korran retorted. "Try again." Leo focused, recalling Shinji's defensive stance, and blocked the next swing, countering with a weak jab. "Not bad," Korran said. "Guard up—again." They sparred, Leo's movements growing smoother, his mana hitting 2.2. "You're improving," Korran admitted. "But don't get cocky."
Later, they tried meditation. "Breathe deep, focus inward," Korran coached, sitting beside him. Leo tried, his mind drifting to the ring. After thirty minutes, he felt a tingle—2.7 mana. "That's solid," Korran said. "Do this daily. Mana grows with discipline." "Sir, how do I push past this?" Leo asked. "Fight low-rank monsters, meditate, eat mana-food if you can," Korran replied. "Blanks start small—build slow." Leo nodded, careful not to mention the ring. "I'll keep at it," he said.
As the session ended, Ryn jeered, "Still a blank, huh?" Tala laughed, "Nice try, loser." Leo clenched his fists but stayed silent, the ring's pulse a hidden strength. He'd grown—mana up, skills budding—and he'd keep the ring's secret until he was ready.