That night, while Caelan was still icing his sore arms, Master Aldric appeared at his door again. This time, he wasn't holding a box but a small cloth bundle, the kind that hid something precious. He unwrapped it carefully, revealing a gleaming mana stone, its surface alive with shifting blue light, the kind that pulsed rhythmically like a heartbeat.
Caelan's eyes immediately went to the stone. His mana pool was already larger than it had ever been, thanks to the relentless training and his ability to push through to the Third Circle. But the 4th Circle—true mastery—was still beyond his reach.
"What's that?" Caelan asked cautiously, watching Aldric with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. He had no idea what Aldric might be planning.
Aldric held the stone out in one hand, his eyes unwavering. "A mana stone. It's not just any stone, though. This one will help you break through. You're on the cusp of reaching the Fourth Circle, but you're lacking the last bit of refinement to make it stick."
Caelan frowned. "A mana stone? But I thought I had to do it on my own. Isn't that what this whole process is about? Mastering my own power?"
Aldric nodded slowly, his expression serious. "That's true. But you're not simply 'using' this stone. You're absorbing it—channeling its energy through your body in a way that will allow you to unlock the next stage. It's not a shortcut. You're still going to have to put in the work. The stone will help you focus your mind and body, but the true progress comes when you're able to harmonize it with your breathing technique."
Caelan's eyes widened as he took in Aldric's words. "Breathing technique?"
"Exactly. The method you've been practicing to refine your mana control. If you can harmonize the mana stone's energy with your breathing, you'll break through into the Fourth Circle. This stone is just the key that unlocks the door—but you still have to walk through it."
Caelan turned the stone over in his hand, feeling its cold, smooth surface. It seemed deceptively simple, yet the energy it emanated was almost overwhelming. It was the kind of power that could crush a man if he didn't know how to wield it.
"Can I really control it?" Caelan asked quietly, more to himself than to Aldric.
Aldric gave him a knowing look. "You've already proven that you can control your mana, Caelan. This will be the final step—the bridge between the Third and Fourth Circles. But you'll need to focus. The stone's power is volatile. If you let it control you, it will consume you. But if you harness it, it will become a part of you."
Caelan met his mentor's eyes, the weight of his words sinking in. He had always relied on his determination, on his relentless work ethic. But this was different. It wasn't just about effort anymore—it was about balance, control, and trust in his own ability to adapt.
"Alright," Caelan said, his voice steady. "Show me how."
Aldric smiled, a rare flash of approval in his eyes. "Sit down. Focus on your breathing. In and out. Let the air fill your lungs, and with each breath, pull the stone's energy into your core. Don't force it. Let it flow, naturally."
Caelan did as instructed, sitting cross-legged on the floor. He closed his eyes and began to breathe deeply, focusing on the slow, steady rhythm of each inhale and exhale. The mana stone sat before him, glowing softly in the dim light. As his breath deepened, Caelan began to feel a faint pull toward the stone. It was subtle at first, like the soft whisper of wind, but it soon grew stronger, tugging at his senses.
He inhaled, focusing on the stone's rhythm, and with his exhale, he felt the energy of the stone flood into his body. It wasn't a forceful thing. The energy didn't overwhelm him. Instead, it was like a gentle current, flowing through his veins, merging with the mana already inside him. For a moment, he felt the space between his breaths stretch, the world around him fading into silence as the mana within him expanded, thrumming in response to the stone's energy.
His breathing steadied as the mana settled within him. It was as if he were no longer just a man, but a vessel for this raw power. It was strange—like a pulse in his chest, a beat of life that synchronized with his own heartbeat. He could feel it surging, yet he remained calm, guiding it with each breath.
Aldric watched in silence, his arms folded across his chest, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—pride, perhaps, or approval. Caelan's breathing technique was far from perfect, but Aldric had known the boy had the potential. Now it was unfolding before him.
Caelan felt a sharp, sudden jolt as the stone's power fully merged with his mana, sending a rush of energy coursing through his body. The effect was immediate. His body felt lighter, his senses sharper, and his mana surged, now flowing more fluidly than ever before. His mind, too, seemed clearer. He could feel the boundaries of his magic expand, and his connection to it deepened.
In that moment, something clicked. The Fourth Circle was no longer an abstract concept. It was within his grasp. Caelan's mana pool expanded further, but now, more importantly, he could feel a new kind of control. His mana was no longer just an extension of his will. It had become a part of him—fluid, responsive, and under his complete command.
Caelan opened his eyes and looked up at Aldric, his breath steady but his heart racing with excitement.
"I did it," he said softly.
Aldric nodded, his expression approving but still thoughtful. "You're not there yet. The Fourth Circle doesn't simply grant you more power. It changes the way you interact with your magic. You've learned to control the flow of energy within you, but now you must learn to shape it, bend it, and direct it with precision. This stone didn't just help you reach the next level. It gave you the foundation. What you do with it next... is up to you."
Caelan stood, feeling the shift within himself. "Then I'll make it count."
Aldric's gaze grew more intense, the moment of approval fading into something more serious. "Listen, Caelan," he said, his voice a little graver. "You've been pushing yourself to the edge, but you're not ready yet to face someone like Commander Veyon. He's a 5-Star swordsman—someone with decades of experience, mastery over both his sword and aura. If you go into that fight without reaching at least the Fourth Circle, you won't survive. You'll be on the ground before you even have the chance to strike. The difference between the Third and Fourth Circle isn't just power—it's the control, the precision, and the ability to keep up with someone of Veyon's caliber. Without it, you'll be nothing more than a speed bump in his path. Don't let that be your reality."
Caelan nodded, the weight of Aldric's words sinking in. "I won't let it happen."
Aldric gave him a long look before turning to leave. "Good. But remember, power isn't the only thing that matters. You must learn how to wield it with precision. When you face Veyon, you must be more than just strong—you must be ready. Focus on the breathing technique. Focus on mastering the control. Only then will you be able to stand a chance."
As Aldric walked away, Caelan turned back to the mana stone, feeling its gentle pulse of power still within him. He had come this far, and now, with the Fourth Circle finally within his reach, he knew that the path forward would demand more than just his strength. It would require everything he had.