Chapter 14
The next morning, Erica begins Shin's training.
She fights him directly not to defeat him, but to observe him.
"I need to see your weaknesses," she says calmly. "Only then can I make you stronger."
As they clash, Erica quickly notices something.
"You lose balance when you attack," she says. "Your power is there, but your center is unstable."
Shin grits his teeth.
Erica explains his weakness in detail and immediately begins balance training.
For two months, Shin trains relentlessly.
Every day:
Four hours standing on one leg.
Four hours dodging attacks with his eyes closed.
Day after day.
His body adapts.
Shin becomes faster. His reactions sharpen. His movements grow precise. Dodging attacks becomes natural.
At the same time, his mana control improves. Shin begins to understand it. He knows how the free state works now but something is still missing.
One evening, Shin confronts Erica.
"We only have one month left," he says angrily. "We wasted too much time on balance training!"
Erica's eyes narrow.
"That training was necessary," she says firmly. "Without it, your body would never endure what comes next."
Before Shin can reply, Mira interrupts.
"Dinner is ready."
They eat together. As always, Mira's cooking is excellent.
"This is really good," Shin says honestly.
Mira blushes.
"Thank you…"
After dinner, Erica looks at Shin.
"Tomorrow, the real training begins."
Shin smiles for the first time that day. He goes to sleep filled with anticipation.
The next morning, Erica wakes him early.
"It's time."
Shin gets dressed and follows her downstairs. She leads him into a room that looks like a classroom.
Shin blinks.
"…A schoolroom?"
"You will learn," Erica says, "how to use magic strategically both for attack and defense."
She begins to explain.
"Magic attacks are formed by assigning mana to elements and shaping them through formulas. These formulas define the nature of the spell."
She pauses.
"Advanced magic formulas are not easy to execute."
She shows Shin all elemental magic formulas, explaining that there are also many non-elemental variations.
"I'll give you one week," she says. "Learn one complex magic. If you succeed, you are free to leave."
Shin's eyes burn with determination.
For a full week, he locks himself in his room.
He experiments. He fails. He tries again.
On the fourth day, a thought strikes him.
What if I create my own formula one that regulates mana usage itself?
He starts experimenting again.
He forms countless formulas.
Until one works.
Perfectly.
He then integrates elements into it.
It works.
Immediately, he rushes to Erica.
"I created my own formula," he says.
She stares at him.
"That's impossible. That requires extremely deep understanding."
Shin answers by demonstrating it.
Silence.
Erica's eyes widen.
"…Now I understand."
She exhales slowly.
"You still need to learn how to control it properly."
Shin nods.
"I will."
For the remaining three weeks, he trains with her intensely, refining his control.
On the final day, Shin prepares to leave.
He says goodbye to Mira and Erica.
"We wish you luck," Mira says softly.
Shin bows.
"Thank you. For everything."
He heads toward the meeting point.
Halfway there, he senses something.
He turns around.
"Mira?" he asks, confused. "What are you doing here?"
What is Mira plan?