Chapter 20 Part 1 of 1 (Patreon)

“With the addition of research practices, knowledge from Earth and the advanced knowledge in the library, we’ve reduced the time it takes for one to reach Body Like Stone from several months to a series of pills and treatments. In a week a person can reach Body Like Stone. Or they could take a more relaxed approach and do it over several weeks,” Melissa Bouchard said to the small group.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of all the healers and the alchemists or the hours of testing and trialling.”

“Across Alva we have been making breakthroughs in tempering, in training, in spells. I wanted to ask you about the mana and body cultivation training theory,” Tanya said.

“The idea to temper the body and one’s mana channels at the same time?”

“Yes, we know that tempering the body with an attribute gives them a much higher control and resistance. Though it only changes their mana gathering potential slightly. Comparatively.”

“I think that it is possible and we have been doing testing in that area. The biggest thing is process. One needs to temper their body at different times with certain attributes. The only time this doesn’t matter is when one tempers their foundation. One can temper with poison, fire, water, metal, any kind of attribute. We have continued with the poison tempering because if one was to temper with fire then it would be a moot point if they gained the fire body title. With tempering focused on not only the attribute but with mana we have seen that there is an increase in the mana gathering capacity of the patient.”

“Are you talking about the trials with the elemental hub formations?” Tanya asked.

“Precisely. We’ve run into some issues though. The body is tempered with the attribute while the mana system is tempered with the mana. The problem is that with attribute heavy mana entering the body the impurities spread through the mana system creating mana clots.” Melissa said.

“So the two systems are in the same space but they’re not crossing over with one another.”

“Yes.”

“So we need a way for someone to draw the mana in through the gates and then the attribute into their bones and muscles. Its like how air is needed in the lungs, but a bubble of air in one’s veins could kill us.”

“Yes. With the complications it is easier to keep the two cultivation systems separate for now,” Melissa said.

Tanya nodded, taking a sip of her drink she looked around the large room. People were meeting and talking with one another.

“Things have really accelerated after Rugrat pushed forward practical application. Instead of just looking to increase their skills, everyone is diving into the information.” Melissa said.

“Before it was always Erik and Rugrat supplying information. Now Alva is making more advancements than they could. They were the spark.”

“Hundreds of Expert crafters I heard that there are some people that are already trying to tackle master level plans,” Melissa said.

“They’re trying,” Tanya shrugged. “With blueprints they can do as many revisions as they want before they start. Knowing that if they work together they can still reach the master level, the crafters have become even closer. Woodworkers, formation masters, and smiths are as inseparable as Alchemists and healers.”

“I dislike war, however much it is warranted. Everyone is so driven, it's creating incredible things.”

“War is normal in the Ten Realms. It’s a fact we need to accept.”

“Before I would have argued with you. Now, after being out there. Having safety and security, it is such a luxury to have. Too few take it for granted. Why your classes on defensive and offensive pure magic are so popular.” Melissa smiled.

“And your body cultivation training sessions.”

“Touche, just doing my part to make sure that our soldiers have every possible advantage.”