Mode
"This is a technique called 'mode', it isn't a spell, so you shouldn't have any issue learning it."
I watched my master's actions attentively, whilst doing my best to sense the movements of his mana.
Mana sensing... I had been able to do so since I had first awakened as a mage, but I felt significant improvement upon reaching the third layer.
I felt as if I'd be able to react if someone suddenly shot a spell at me from behind.
"It's not something someone at your level should be able to learn due to the immense mana consumption... but you won't have to worry about that, correct?"
From the sounds of it, 'mode' would be a perfect trump card for me.
I nodded my head and continued listening.
"Obviously, it would be great if you could maintain it at all times... but on top of the mana consumption, it also causes physical strain to the body, with prolonged usage even damaging mana circuits."
I frowned at his explanation, but it seemed as if he had more to say.
"But, the circulation technique I've taught you works excellently with mode, the regular strain you've placed on your mana circuits and body will allow you to use mode far more casually than most."
'So that was the reason, huh?'
Even though I disliked the circulation method, I did not doubt that it had some great use.
"Let me guess, the second level to the circulation technique would be to use it whilst using mode, right?"
So far, I had only been using the very first level of the technique, my guess was that mode would be the second.
"Good, you pick things up well."
He paused momentarily, before continuing his explanation
"Mode allows mages to increase their mana output, whilst also improving their physical attributes in accordance to their elemental affinities."
I felt the ground rumbling as the purple light emitting from my master's skin grew in intensity.
"Since you hold an affinity for fire and darkness, depending on which you prioritise, you will either increase your speed and strength through fire, or improve your stealth and precision through darkness."
Both of those sounded good, but I was more curious about something else.
"My own mode... well, it's rather special, even amongst archmages."
The rumbling stopped, but my master's presence had changed entirely.
A crimson red aura surrounded him.
The embodiment of five elements, ruin.
The presence was overwhelming, and I could not stand upright.
Thud.
I fell to the floor, feeling my throat constrict and my heart squeeze.
"Not bad, right?"
Barely hearing my master's words, I suddenly felt everything turn back to normal.
It took a minute for me to collect myself.
Keh! Kuh!
I coughed, clearing my throat.
"It's good."
Reading the movement's of my master's mana was confusing, but I felt that I had a basic idea of what to do.
"Yeah, this is a pretty good birthday gift."
I smiled, knowing that it would not be easy to learn.
Okay, 'not easy' wasn't the right way to describe this.
The fundamental idea was quite simple, but the precision required for execution was immense.
There were basically only three steps.
Step one, allow your mana to swell as much as possible without damaging your circuits.
This would cause circuits to be forcibly expanded, allowing for increased output.
But at the same time, it was incredibly painful.
The second step would be to allow the mana to 'leak', which had created the aura around my master I saw earlier.
This aura would then be absorbed into the body, allowing for temporarily increased physical attributes.
'It's a perfect technique for me.'
Like my master had said, most mages at my level would not have the mana reserves to maintain mode for even ten seconds.
But, well, I was the last person who needed to worry about such a thing.
Despite the natural compatability I had with mode, it was still difficult to execute.
If anything, my endless mana reserves made it difficult to precisely control my mana flow.
I was already used to swelling my mana circuits, but I needed to find the 'sweet spot' where my circuits were swelled to their limits but they were not at risk of exploding.
"Honestly, it sounds crazy."
Back home I had never seen this technique in use.
It wasn't that I thought Notoria mages were incapable of it, just that none of them had ever shown him.
Thinking of my family, I could only wonder about the Notary art.
It was still stuck at F rank, only providing me an improved memory.
Sure, it was useful, but I knew it had far more to offer.
I was genuinely starting to wonder if I should ask my master for advice on how to progress it.
Even if he wasn't a member of the family, I felt that even amongst archmages he was exceptional.
Couldn't he help?
'...Probably not.'
Honestly, I knew it was wishful thinking.
A technique developed by Solomon himself could no easily be understood even by an exceptional archmage.
"Let's just practice."
"Master. As you have requested, I have kept an eye on the disciple. His physical training has proceeded well."
Larry the undead mage spoke plainly without emotion.
Xerxes listened intently as the skeleton reported the progress of his student.
It was unfortunate that he could not teach him more, but he had his own things to do.
"Good, now, be excused."
Larry bowed his head before leaving the laboratory.
Looking at the flask on his desk, Xerxes seemed pleased.
"This should be sufficient."
Expanding his senses, he could feel his student training himself within the fortress.
He was already making good progress, practicing the swelling of his circuits.
"He's proceeding well..."
Honestly, Xerxes felt it was a shame that he had to leave his student again.
He would have enjoyed watching him grow further.
But at the same time, a teacher who nurtured their student too much would only serve as a hindrance.
As soon as Furio got a handle on mode, Xerxes intended to leave him.
Well, 'leave' sounded a bit harsh, he didn't plan on abandoning him.
But he expected it would be a while before he met him face to face again.
Opening a window, he leant on a balcony and looked to the sky.
"Right, need to work on cloaking his mana. Otherwise you god damn parasites will try get a hold of him, wont you?"
He spoke into the air in anger.
To him, gods were no more than conmen and scammers.
They searched for great talents and declared them as saints and saintesses, shackling them with blessings and grand titles.
He knew from personal experience, after all.
He had no intention of allowing his student to experience their tyranny, at least, not yet.
The fact that the Prince of the Sanctum was aware of Furio was already an issue.
Luckily, that 'god' was on terrible terms with the main gods of the continent, so he would not tattle about Furio to the rest of them.
Still, Xerxes felt uncomfortable.
The Prince was an unpredictable new god, his intentions were not something he had a grip on unlike most other gods.
"It's a fucked up situation."
The Prince bore the power of healing, a power which Xerxes desparately needed, meaning he could not move harshly against the Prince.
"Whatever, I have no choice except to move forward."
It was the same as always.
LOG 24 - THE PRINCE
A new god who stole the divine throne of healing from the previous goddess of healing. He is an unknowable entity who controls legions of powerful and terrifying knights. He is considered an enemy by many gods due to the nature of his ascension, but they have yet to take action.
