"Every lock fashioned by the divine carries a hidden language. Only the damned ever learn to read it." — From the Arcane Compendium, Vol. I
Magus Serina's eyes, sharp and dark as polished obsidian, swept across the students. She didn't seek enthusiasm—only compliance, the subtle shift of a spine that told her words had been understood. Each student, Kael included, gave a precise nod.
To her left stood Cyras Vale, posture effortless, presence calm yet commanding. Mana shimmered faintly around him like heat haze—unforced, natural power.
Beside Kael sat Dean Harcott, the quietest of them all. The noble bastard of House Harcott rarely spoke unless spoken to, his hands usually folded neatly atop his desk. Even now, he avoided eye contact, though Kael caught the faintest, encouraging nod from him.
The other two nobles, Aldren and Marise, mirrored the poise of their upbringing—measured, confident, unbothered.
Satisfied, Serina reached into her leather pouch and withdrew a beautiful stone. She set it into the carved socket at the centre of the floating table. The air thickened. The wall behind her didn't part—it turned translucent, then shimmered into a massive holographic screen. Words of power streamed across it, liquid and alive—the Divine Mana Technique.
A hush fell over the room.
The moment Kael looked at the technique, he felt it—they weren't words but concepts, the governing laws of existence written in the language of mana itself, tinged with the flavour of the divine. The technique seared itself into his mind as though the truth of the world had been laid bare.
A sharp crack sounded—like glass fracturing—as the imprint burned into a place in his consciousness he hadn't known existed.
[Compendium Alert: Mindscape has fully opened.]
The world around him dimmed. In that new mental space, the technique hovered in mid-air—glowing lines of living script suspended in emptiness. Then, from the void beside it, a book appeared, its cover shifting like shadow and ink. Pages fluttered open, and streams of energy poured from it, devouring the technique whole.
Kael understood instinctively that the book was the Compendium given form—and it was mesmerizing to watch.
He felt a powerful internal shift. The Compendium surged forward, no longer silent or orderly. It devoured. Ravenous.
It consumed every diagram and phrase with terrifying hunger, recording mana flows and mental sequences as if the script itself were sustenance. The pressure built behind Kael's ribs, a silent crush of thought too vast to contain. He forced his breath steady. The Compendium quieted, sated for now, but its echo lingered like pressure behind his eyes.
[Input registered: Divine Mana Technique absorbed. CP +50.]
Satisfaction flared—immediately followed by annoyance. Gaining CP without sacrificing himself was progress, but fifty points felt insultingly low for something of this magnitude.
Compendium, why are the points gained so low?
[Technique is locked and incomplete. Further advancement required to complete the cipher. More points will be accumulated as host progresses.]
Then he felt the divine mana. Recognition struck—a memory buried so deep it tasted of hate. It was the same energy that had once sealed him in these bindings, the power that had taken everything from him.
The predator within stirred—furious. It wanted to tear apart the lingering divine signature, to consume it whole. This wasn't a gift; it was a shackle.
Perhaps that was why every mage was forced to practice this "divine" art.
The predator isolated the divine sliver but did not devour it, fearing discovery.
[Compendium Alert: Without the sliver of divine mana, the technique cannot be used.]
I will not let them shackle me again. Rage burned cold in Kael's veins.
He didn't notice the others at first—how their gazes fixed on him, how they edged back instinctively.
The divine mana sensed the weak barrier the predator had thrown up to contain it. With effortless defiance, it slipped free and dove into the mindscape—straight to where the technique had been imprinted. But the Compendium had already devoured that data, leaving the mana confused.
From the book, a blank page tore itself free and wrapped around the divine wisp. It shimmered, turned green—the hue of life—and merged back into the book.
Kael stared, stunned.
[Compendium Alert: Divine Mana (Life) signature absorbed.]
Compendium, what does that mean?
[Mana conversion unlocked through Divine Technique absorption. Host may now channel Life Mana when required.]
It raised more questions than it answered. The most important one still remained.
Compendium, if you have the divine mana, can I still cultivate this technique? Previously, you mentioned that without divine mana, the technique cannot be used.
[Host can use the technique.]
"Kael?" Serina's voice broke through the haze, concern threading her tone. "Are you alright?"
He blinked, dragging his awareness back to reality. "Yes, Magus. My head… it's throbbing."
He looked to the other students. Dean had his head resting on the desk, and the others were rubbing their temples.
"That would be your mindscape opening," she said, expression softening. "It always hurts the first time. But to cast spells, it is a necessity for all mages."
"When will it stop hurting?" Cyras asked, his composure momentarily cracked.
"Give it some time," Serina replied calmly. She looked back at Kael. "I've never seen such a reaction before. Are you sure you're alright?"
He nodded faintly, keeping his expression calm. Inside, he was still reeling.
Serina turned back to the others. "This technique is called Divine for a reason," she said, sweeping her gaze across them. "But unfortunately, it is a gated technique."
Marise frowned slightly. "A technique deemed divine… and still limited?"
"Not limited in worth—limited by us," Serina said. "The technique requires mana accumulation that exceeds nine Mana Gates. Even our King—the strongest among us—cannot reach that threshold. That's why it becomes useless past the early stages."
She paused, letting the truth settle.
"Since you all have only one gate opened after the ceremony, the Divine Mana Technique will reveal only the method for the next. When the King reached his ninth, it offered him a way to open the tenth—a gate that does not exist for the living."
The class fell quiet. Aldren's practiced composure slipped for a moment. Marise's eyes widened slightly. Dean looked down, thumb brushing the edge of his notebook as if memorizing every word. Cyras remained still, gaze fixed on the runes, expression unreadable.
That was the caveat—the reason a divine technique was offered so openly. Humanity had long abandoned it, unable to perceive the very gates it sought to open.
But I have thirteen Mana Gates, Kael thought, the hidden knowledge of his reborn body a blade behind his calm eyes. If I can open them, what will this technique reveal?
Serina continued, voice softening.
"However, this method grants another boon. While following its instructions, you'll accumulate a trace of divine mana—a sliver that refines your existing energy."
Marise leaned forward slightly. "Even a trace is said to change the quality of one's mana."
"Indeed," Serina replied. "According to historical accounts, this method allows advancement up to the sixth rank. The King himself remains at the fifth. That alone explains the fascination."
Dean raised his head tentatively. "Magus Serina… if the process refines existing mana, could it—help with instability?"
His voice was quiet, almost hesitant, but Serina nodded approvingly. "In theory, yes. The Divine Technique smooths irregular flows. Though attempting refinement too early can cause collapse, so caution, Mister Harcott."
A faint smile touched Dean's lips before he looked away again.
Cyras finally spoke, voice calm and measured. "If such refinement truly works, the limitation may not matter. Power rarely cares for rules."
Serina regarded him with the same faint smile. "And yet, every rule you break leaves a scar. Remember that."
Kael stayed silent, processing every word as the Compendium whispered beneath his thoughts. The 'gated' limitation is about capacity. That, I can surpass.
He pressed the Compendium mentally. Can this technique channel the excess soul energy overloading me?
[Query initiated: Host's stored soul energy can be used with the Divine Mana Technique. Advised to attempt only in isolation.]
Relief steadied him. Finally—a method to release the pressure building within his core.
Serina's mana flickered, catching the room's attention again.
"Now that you understand its theory, we'll begin with the basics—the primary circulation pattern required for divine resonance. Listen carefully. Meditation position."
All the students closed their eyes and began meditating.
"Listen to my voice," said Magus Serina. "Focus on your opened Mana Gate, then feel the mana entering your body."
Kael focused on the gate in his left hand and searched for the mana. At first, he could only sense faint motion, but after several minutes, motes of energy began circulating through his veins. He could feel the pathways Lilian had healed carrying mana throughout his body.
He was so engrossed in the sensation that he almost missed Serina's next instruction.
"Now try to find your Aspect Shard. You should feel its instinctive pull."
Kael already knew where his was—within his mindscape. It took the others nearly an hour to locate theirs, but he stayed silent.
"Now the complex part begins," said Serina. "As you can see, mana flows from the environment into your body and leaves the same way. When it enters, guide it to your Aspect Shard."
Kael obeyed, though the instruction puzzled him. Guiding mana felt like trying to tell water how to flow—impossible at first. After several attempts, he managed to lead it inward, and the movement grew easier, as though mana itself wanted to reach his mindscape.
The moment it entered, manipulation became effortless. Kael guided it to the Compendium. Several pages flew open and began absorbing the flow.
[Compendium Alert: Multiple mana signatures recorded. Host can now channel multiple mana types through Compendium.]
Kael watched new pages forming, fascinated.
Compendium, is there any type of mana you can't record?
[Cannot be determined.]
He continued to feed mana into the Compendium. It separated and categorized each signature—a meticulous process.
Then Serina's voice reached him again.
"Now, as you can see, the mana you need remains while the rest dissipates. Use the remaining mana released from your Aspect Shard and run the Divine Mana Technique."
Kael frowned inwardly. The Compendium wasn't rejecting or releasing anything—it was storing it all. He kept channeling, watching the endless cycle of segregation, absorption, and recording. Every page had to fill completely before another could stabilize. The process was slow, painstaking.
Around him, the others had finished. He could hear soft movements as Dean and Marise shifted positions, their breathing steady. Kael remained motionless, his mind consumed by the intricate conversion. The Compendium continued silently, a vast, mechanical hunger.
Why is it taking so long? he thought, frustration rising. He was used to instant results. This slow absorption was torture.
Serina's voice finally broke through his trance.
"Well done, everyone," she said, satisfaction in her tone. "The flow should feel clean and directed now. The purpose of this first step is not only purification but also identification. This helps us determine which mana type you should specialize in. Every aspect can generate pure mana, which can then be converted into other forms. However, mana attuned to your aspect is always more efficient—this is why most mages specialize."
Kael didn't move. The Compendium was still cycling mana sluggishly without his full focus.
Serina walked past Cyras and stopped behind him. "Cyras Vale, tell the class—what type of ambient mana did your Aspect Shard demand, and how many unique types?"
Cyras opened his eyes, calm confidence in his expression. "Magus Serina, my shard drew four mana types: Light, Dark, Pure, and Mind. They were all present in the ambient flow, so I simply had to adjust to the rhythm."
"Excellent. A broad foundation," Serina said approvingly. She moved to Marise. "And you, Marise?"
"Just two types, Magus," Marise replied smoothly, though jealousy flickered in her tone. "Light and Earth Mana."
Serina nodded. "Aspects act as filters, determining what energy your body can utilize and what school of magic you're best suited for. Aldren?"
Aldren straightened. "My Aspect Shard required Earth Mana, Magus. One type. The rest was rejected." His face reddened slightly.
Kael listened, a cold realization settling in. They're so limited. Each student required only a few mana types—their cultivation paths narrow and rigid. The Compendium, meanwhile, was recording everything.
He checked the internal progress: the core pages were still filling, around eighty percent complete.
Serina stopped beside Dean, who was slowly opening his eyes. "Mister Harcott, what of your shard?"
"Three types, Magus Serina," Dean murmured shyly. "Fire, Pure, and Spatial Mana. It flowed easily once I matched the rhythm."
Serina's face brightened. "Spatial type! Remarkable. Report to me after class, Mister Harcott—I'll make special arrangements for you."
Kael caught the envy that rippled through the room. Spatial mana must be rare indeed.
"See?" Serina said. "The body is selective. Most mages specialize, but a few possess true adaptability. Kael, you were the slowest. What did your Aspect Shard reveal?"
The sudden attention felt like a spotlight. Kael forced his eyes open just as the Compendium completed its process.
A stream of iridescent mana—the culmination of multiple conversions—was released and directed to the impurities in his next Mana Gate.
He flipped through the Compendium's pages, stunned. Every mana type mentioned by his classmates was recorded—and more. At the core shimmered a type unlike any other: Arcane Mana.
He realized then that Dean's spatial ability must stem from conversion, not innate affinity. The Compendium's Arcane output was likely the base of all mana types.
Kael suppressed a flinch. He had to answer.
"Magus," he said evenly, "I believe my shard requires Life, Earth, and Pure mana, though the identification felt… delayed."
A necessary lie.
Serina's brow arched. "Delayed? It should be instantaneous once the flow stabilizes. Was your mana flow unstable, Mister Kael? Perhaps some lingering damage?"
Kael seized the excuse. "Yes, Magus. The flow felt sluggish and resistant. I had to stabilize the circuit before my shard accepted the mana. I only completed it moments ago."
Serina studied him carefully. "I see. Instability due to injury can impede even basic flow. While your classmates demonstrated the ideal pattern, your experience highlights a truth: power is useless without a stable conduit. This technique will serve you well, Mister Kael—just don't push too far, too quickly. Don't worry; mages attuned to Life Mana eventually correct their flows."
Kael nodded in compliance, silently thanking the Compendium for making him appear merely flawed instead of impossibly capable.
In truth, he thought, the Compendium's data shimmering in his mindscape, I didn't just absorb a few types of mana—I recorded every single one that entered my body.
[Compendium Alert: 19 Basic mana signatures recorded.]
So, the Compendium could absorb any basic type. He hadn't seen Mind, Space, or other complex variants yet, but he had a feeling that, just as with the divine mana, he could force conversion when the time came.
That knowledge, buried safely within the Compendium, was his true advantage. While others specialized in one element, he had just unlocked the foundation to wield them all.
The delay was worth it.
The lesson concluded not with applause, but with the quiet rustle of robes and the low hum of mana fading from the air. One by one, the students filed out—voices subdued, eyes bright with new ambition.
Kael lingered. The holographic script had long since vanished, but he could still see its afterimage in his mindscape—a phantom echo pulsing behind the Compendium's sealed pages.
He placed a hand over his chest, feeling the faint rhythm of the energy still circulating through him. It wasn't divine mana anymore. Not entirely. The Compendium had rewritten it—converted shackles into sustenance.
The others had walked away believing they'd learned a technique. He had stolen a weapon.
Arcane Mana… The name itself carried weight, as if the world whispered it with reverence and fear. If divine mana was the key of gods, then arcane mana was the cipher—the code that could unlock everything.
He glanced toward the empty chair where Dean had sat, then at the faint scorch mark Cyras had left on the floor with his overflowing mana. All of them were talented. Gifted. But bounded by rules the Compendium had already begun to erase.
The path ahead was clear: he needed to see what his stored soul energy could do when combined with the Divine Technique.
[Compendium Alert: 5 Days, 12 Hours, 11 Minutes until overload.]
His gaze shifted toward the window, where the crimson sun dipped below the academy spires. The next lessons would begin soon—and with them, more knowledge to feed the Compendium.
Kael's lips curved into a thin, measured smile.
Soon, he would feed the Compendium again.