Chapter 124 - Thunderstruck

"Good morn-Oh! You're actually up and ready!", Savina exclaimed as she busted into my room.

"Yup. I woke up bright and early so we didn't miss the first day of class", I lied to Savina with a smile on my face. In reality, I didn't sleep at all thanks to Voxea and my new cultivation method.

After the little stunt Voxea and I performed during the Evaluation ceremony, she decided now was the time to teach me an "advanced cultivation formula".

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"So my darling apprentice, are you ready to begin the advanced cultivation techniques?", Voxea asked me with a smile.

"Sure...but why are we on the roof again?", I asked while watching Voxea draw a complicated magic circle onto the roof of the academy's dormitory. Thankfully she was using her aether and a giant ice needle for this, as opposed to just carving directly into the stone. I did not want to deal with any vandalization charges this early into the year.

"Do you remember what the Evaluation Array showed you?", Voxea asked me as she kept drawing out the circle.

"Yeah, it said-".

"No no, I said 'showed' you not 'tell' you. I added the vocalization bit for binders, I left the part for maji untouched", she explained as she finished drawing the circle, "Done".

"You mean the giant crystal in the middle? What of it"?

"If you had paid closer attention my dear acolyte, you would've noticed a mapping of your aether channels being shown in it".

"You mean those things I had to clear out the first time? Why's that important"?

"While all maji have aether channels in them to facilitate the flow of aether and the use of magic, not all of those channels are in use. Much like how we all have physical or mental differences, the way one maji's aether flows can differ greatly from another's. Even the affinity of the aether in said channels varies too", Voxea explained to me as she floated towards me.

"That part I understand, but what does this have to do with 'advanced' cultivation"?

"Aether, when left alone, tends to flow however and wherever it pleases. The problem with that is that it can end up building up in random channels or overstress weaker parts. Additionally, one could end up building up an affinity of aether they're incompatible with. It won't physically hurt you, but it will make it harder to practice magic later on. However, if a maji makes use of a cultivation technique, they'll be able to dictate how the aether flows through these channels. This control can help increase your abilities greatly and lay the foundation for future growth", she explained as she pushed me into the center of the circle.

"Neat, so what's this formula that's suppose to help me?", I asked while walking.

"Well I was originally going to give you my technique, 'Frozen Empress Method', but the fact you have Lightning Affinity means I had to change my plans. This formula is known as 'Storming Blizzard Mantra', it's a technique that will allow you to use lighting, ice and arcane spells more easily as well as increase your thinking capabilities", she said gleefully, "I learned of this formula when I spent a year training with the Storming Pavilion. Lovely fellows, a bit airheaded".

"Alright that's cool and all, but how do I start this formula? I get the spell circle, but now what? Meditation? More aura manipulation"?

"Close. I'm going to communicate with you the mantra and you'll just have to repeat and ponder on it while standing in this circle", she said while floating backwards.

"Okay...why are you floating away from the circle"?

"No reason, just start", she said while still backing away.

I gave her a withering stare before heaving a deep sigh. Following her instructions, I began to practice the Storming Blizzard Mantra. As I recited the mantra in my heart, I began to hear a sound ringing in my ears.

Instinctually, or due to Voxea's tutelage, I recognized this hum as being the sound of aether becoming active and taking on Affinities. I could hear the familiar sounds of Ice and Mystic, but now there was a new sound mixed in, which I guess was Lighting aether.

As I kept reciting the mantra, I began to feel my internal aether flowing in different and new directions. I could feel my power increasing as I cultivated this new formula...and then I got struck by lighting.