Chapter name: Getting A Mana Core!

Sokyo, Shapan

Zetsu teleported to the same place he was in when he first came into this world. As he looked around, he could see where the battle with Koshi took place.

Suddenly a group of people entered the area, the group consisted of 3 people, 2 girls and a guy. Zetsu saw them and ran behind the destroyed skyscraper to hide.

I can’t deal with them right now, since I have no magic!

A girl from the group turned around her head and said:

“Guys did you hear that?”

“No…” the 2nd girl replied.

“I don’t sense any magic power, so I think you’re being a little paranoid here.” The guy added.

“Hey I am not paranoid!” The 1st girl shouted.

“Calm down jeez!” The 2nd girl shouted.

“Sorry.” The 1st girl said while calming down.

“Anyways good thing we found this Ultimate Scroll today.” The guy said.

“Yeah, but too bad it's for Ice elemental users.” The 2nd replied.

“Hey, at least we can sell it for a lot of money!” The 1st girl added with a cheer.

Huh? Didn’t Koshi learn a spell from one of those things?

“I am just glad I can pay my College expenses now.” The guy said.

“And I am glad that I can finally buy a MIM! Racing through the streets as the wind blows through my hair hahaha it will be great!” The 2nd girl fantasised.

“Instead of talking here for hours, shouldn’t we start moving?” The 1st girl asked.

“Yeah let’s head back to Nyoto.”

“Right!” The other girls replied.

They all used a Enhancement spell and ran off at a very high speed.

“Phew they are finally gone!” Zetsu exclaimed as walked back in front of the destroyed skyscraper.

What time is it?

Zetsu looked at his phone and it was 3:31 PM.

“Hmm where could he be?” Zetsu asked as a red portal appeared before him.

Kettei moved out of it and the portal disappeared.

He had grey spikey hair and grey eyes with 3 freckles on his left cheek wearing a grey cloak.

“Hey Zetsu, how are you doing?” He asked.

“I’m doing fine.” Zetsu answered.

“Ready for today?” Kettei asked.

“Uh yes.” Zetsu responded.

“Great then let’s go!” Kettei shouted.

Wait, I can ask him about that man from yesterday!

“Wait Kettei, I need to ask you something before we go.” Zetsu said.

“Sure ask away.” Kettei replied.

“Do you know Shin Hato is?”

“Yeah I know him. He is a dimension hopper from your world and works together with the Japanese authorities. He hates my guts for sure, so why are you asking me this?” Kettei asked back.

“Because he came to my house and caused a real problem, luckily it got resolved and he explained to me the history of dimension hoppers.” Zetsu answered.

“Hmm I see, but be sure to not get in his way. He used to be a kind person, but went rogue a few years ago. He hasn’t done anything bad yet, so we can't take measures yet.” Kettei elaborated.

‘Now are you ready to leave?” Kettei asked.

“Yes, but where are we going?” Zetsu replied.

“To a Mana Hotspot.” Kettei answered.

“Huh? What is that?” Zetsu wondered.

“Seems like I have some explaining to do, so listen well.” Kettei said.

Zetsu nodded.

More info about this world is never a bad thing.

“A few hundred years ago mana was unevenly scattered around the world. Some places would have tons of mana flowing through their lands and others would have little to no mana at all. Do you Understand?” Kettei checked.

“Yes, go on.” Zetsu replied.

“To fix this problem the people at the time made a tower simply called " The Mana Tower". It has the ability to absorb the mana around the world and distribute it evenly to all places, but since the tower is a human invention it is not perfect.” Kettei explained.

“So the mana hotspots are places where a bit more mana flows then normal?” Zetsu questioned.

“Indeed, it seems like you are learning very quickly.” Kettei answered.

“Haha I sure am, but what does the hotspot have to do with getting a "mana core” Zetsu asked.

“In order to get a mana core you have to let a steady flow of mana enter your body, until your body reaches max capacity. if you absorb more than your body can handle, you will die.” Kettei elaborated.

“Okay.. never mind learning magic then….” Zetsu said with a scared face.

“Don’t worry when your body is at its limit, it will tell you.” Kettei reassured him.

“Uh okay I trust you on that one, but where is the mana hotspot exactly?” Zetsu asked.

“It's 3 hours away from Nyoto.” Kettei replied.

“Nyoto?”

Those people from a while ago mentioned that place too and for some reason it sounds familiar.

“After Ishakai destroyed Sokyo 5 year ago we needed a new Capital, so we kinda destroyed the ancient capital Nyoto and turned it into a modern city.” Kettei clarified.

So that means Nyoto is the parallel version of Kyoto!

“Oh I forgot to tell you something extra. Ishakai is heavily weakened by the incident from 5 years ago now called "Battle of Sokyo". A lot of the original high schoolers brought here got killed in that battle now only 6 of them are left, but they are also the strongest ones. They rebuilt it to a small organisation and that is all the info I know.” Kettei added.

I did not hear anything about Shibuya. I should ask him about that another time.

“Anyway hold on to me Zetsu!” Kettei instructed.

“Why?” Zetsu questioned.

“Because we are going to hop over there, running would take way too long.” Kettei answered.

“Ah okay but we can't teleport right? Then how do we get there?” Zetsu asked.

“Stop asking questions and just hold on to me!” Kettei shouted.

“Okay, okay jeez.” Zetsu responded.

Zetsu grabbed Kettei’s shoulders from behind.

“Okay here we go!” Kettei exclaimed.

Kettei created a red square portal and entered it, as they seem to have arrived in a different place in the normal world.

“Woah! Where are we now?!” Zetsu said as he noticed a lot of green around him.

“It looks like we are in a park, surrounded by buildings.” Zetsu added.

“Oh yeah we are currently in Central Park, New York.” Kettei revealed.

“America! Wait, that means you have been here before?!” Zetsu questioned.

“Yup! But.... It's time to go now before someone sees us.”

“Hey, I want to see more! Don’t go!” Zetsu yelled.

Kettei opened another portal and this time, they arrived at an open space within a forest.

“Is this the place?” Zetsu wanted to confirm.

Darn it I wanted to see more of New York!

“Yes, here we will be getting your mana core. This is the Kireina Forest; it has a higher concentration of mana, meaning it's a mana hotspot.” Kettei answered.

“Okay... so what now?”

“Can you see the tiny blue balls flying around in the sky?” Kettei asked as he pointed his finger to the sky.

Kettei saw the entire area filled with floating balls of mana, some bigger and others smaller in size.

“Uh no.” Zetsu replied as he too looked up in the sky.

“Oh wait I forgot! You can't see mana until you absorbed a small amount of it. Ah! See that big rock? Go sit on it.” Kettei instructed.

“Sure.”

This seems very stupid, but I guess I can't do anything other except following his orders.

Zetsu went over to the rock and sat on it.

“Just wait a bit, I can see a ball of mana heading your way!” Kettei exclaimed.

“Huh, but I see nothing.” Zetsu complained.

“Just be patient!” Kettei said with an annoyed tone.

A small light blue ball of mana floated slowly towards Zetsu until it came close enough, where his body then absorbed it.

“Woah look at all the mana floating around! I can see it! Haha!” Zetsu yelled.

“Okay that's good.”

“So what do I need to do now?” Zetsu questioned.

“Now I need you to find a comfortable position, close your eyes and concentrate.” Kettei instructed.

“Roger that.”

Zetsu goes ahead and sits in a meditation position and closes his eyes

This rock hurts my butt. Crap! I need to concentrate!

When Zetsu finally concentrated, the small balls of mana suddenly flew towards his body, where it started to absorb all of it.

Alright let's see how this plays out! Kettei thought.

Woah I can feel it enter my body! Something is forming!

.After a while Zetsu's body suddenly felt heavy.

It's like something is pushing me down! I can't move!

Kettei seemed to notice that Zetsu's body was at its limit!

“Wait Zetsu! Stop! Your body is at its limit!” Kettei warned.

Darn it! I can't respond to him, it feels as if I am stuck in a trance!

“Zetsu, you know what, screw it!”

Kettei ran over to Zetsu and gave him a straight punch in the face.

Zetsu fell off the rock, was rubbing his face and said:

“Hey what was that for!”

“Shut it! If I didn't do anything you would have died!”

Zetsu stood up.

Holy crap I was about to die!

“Thanks for saving me.” Zetsu said.

No problem can’t let an apprentice die on me so quickly haha. Now, I can read your magic power and its... quite low.

Zetsu looked at Kettei with a worried face.

“But don't worry, since that’s normal.” Kettei added.

“*phew* Don't scare me like that!” Zetsu replied.

Okay now that the first part is over, we will go to the next step. I want to teach you how to read magic power.

Zetsu: Magic power?

“Magic power is a display of magical strength that we have no control over. Every time you train your magic power it raises. Other mages are able to feel and read magic power and with that information, let's say in battle situations they decide whenever they will attack or flee. There are ways to suppress it, but of course it’s a matter of training.

“Okay thanks for the info, but how can I read your magic power?” Zetsu asked.

“Just focus on me and you should feel it.” Kettei answered.

Zetsu focused his eyes on Kettei and got a strong feeling that sent chills down his spine.

Woah, it's very high!” Zetsu commented.

“I know, I am an Elite Mage after all, but I will explain that another day.” Kettei said.

“Right.”

“For the next phase, we will train here for a full month, raising your mana reserve and magic power!” Kettei explained.

“Wait, you said something about awakening back at the stronghold.” Zetsu remembered.

(see chap 2)

“Oh that is for after you finished your training.” Kettei responded

“I see.”

“For today I want you to use a blast attack.

“How do I do that?” Zetsu wondered.

“Hold out the palm of your hand and concentrate your mana flow into it.” Kettei explained.

Zetsu did as he was told but nothing happened.

“You are just forcing it, you need to concentrate and feel the mana course through your body.” Kettei gave feedback.

“Oh?”

Zetsu closed his eyes and started to concentrate and breath slower. He could feel a energy run through his body, as he held out the palm of his hand and to his surprise a light blue ball of mana started to form out of his hand.

Haha I can’t believe I am doing this!

“Now shoot it!” Kettei ordered.

“Okay let's go!” Zetsu shouted as he fired off a magic attack.

Mana blast!

Zetsu shot the blast and it hit a tree causing a small explosion just enough for a small hole in the tree trunk.

“What! Am I that weak?!” Zetsu reacted.

“Uhh yes everyone starts out like that. even Elementary scholars are probably stronger than you!” Kettei laughed.

“Well I have to start somewhere right.” Zetsu moved his shoulders up.

One step closer to becoming more useful!

“True.” Kettei replied.

Kettei: Alright final teaching for today I want you to create a beam.

My mana reserve already feels drained. I can probably do one more attack.

“Sure, give me the instructions.” Zetsu responded.

“For a beam you do the exact same for what you did with the blast, but this time you must put extra force in your hands.”

“Got it!”

Zetsu did the exact same as with the blast, but this time when the blast fully charged, he put force in his hand creating a beam.

Mana Beam!

The beam penetrated through 3 trees before it caused a small explosion.

“Wow!” Zetsu reacted.

“Good job Zetsu!” Kettei complimented.

“Too bad my mana is completely drained now.” Zetsu worried.

“Don't worry it replenishes when you sleep. Every time you waste your mana your reserve becomes larger, making you able to use more magic.” Kettei explained.

“Ah good to know.”

“Tomorrow I am going to teach you about basic defensive magic types, for now get some good rest.

Zetsu checked the time on his phone.

4:30 PM huh?

“Meet me here tomorrow at the same time.”

“Yes.”

Zetsu created a portal and left.

Day 2 of training (Sunday)

A purple portal appeared at Kirena Forest and Zetsu appeared out of it, as he sees Kettei who was waiting for him sitting at the rock from yesterday.

“Hey Zetsu.” Kettei waved.

“Hey!” Zetsu said as he walked over to him.

“Before we start do you feel any different?” Kettei asked.

“No why?” Zetsu wondered.

“Because your magic power rose a bit you see. “

“Wait so I am getting stronger!” Zetsu exclaimed.

“Yes, your mana reserve should be a bit larger as well.” Kettei answered.

“Does that mean I can use more magic attacks now?”

“Yep! Now... Let's get on to the next lesson! Today I will teach you how to make a shield and a barrier.” Kettei explained.

Zetsu nodded.

“Look at me.” Kettei said using a defensive spell.

Nova magic: Shield!

Kettei held his left arm in a head block position, as a magical red shield appeared before his arm.

“Hey, I saw that spell during the fight with Koshi.” Zetsu remembered.

“Okay that means I don't have to show the barrier then which is easier for me, now I want you to repeat what I just did. Remember to concentrate your mana into your arm.” Kettei instructed.

“Right!”

Zetsu held his left arm in head blocking position and concentrated his mana into his arm.

Mana Shield!

A magical blue shield formed before his left arm.

“It worked!” Zetsu commented.

“Good, now disable it, so that I can teach you the barrier real quick.” Kettei said.

Zetsu disabled his Mana Shield.

“Next up, I want you to hold out both hands, concentrate and let the mana flow form around you instead of focusing it on one point.” Kettei explained

“But how do I let the mana flow around my body?” Zetsu asked as he held both of his hands out.

“Look at me.” Kettei commanded.

A red energy appeared out of Kettei's body, as it started to surround it in a perfect circle shape.

“All you have to do is slowly release the mana and solidify it once the energy completely surrounds you.” Kettei

“Okay let's try that then.”

Zetsu tried doing the same as Kettei.

The same blue energy appeared around Zetsu.

“Now put a little force into your hands and it should turn solid.” Kettei instructed.

As Zetsu put more force into his hands he did a defensive spell.

Mana Barrier!

The blue energy around Zetsu solidified, making a perfectly round transparent blue barrier.

Excellent, you are a very good student! You are a fast learner.” Kettei complimented

Zetsu looked a bit tired after he disabled the Mana Barrier.

“Zetsu, do you still have mana?” Kettei questioned.

“Yeah I think for one more spell.” Zetsu answered.

“Great, then I will teach you one more spell. This technique is very commonly used.”

“Oh?”

“Wait you have already seen it before, It's the enhancement spell.” Kettei remembered.

“Oh that!” Zetsu commented.

It was that aura during the battle with Koshi!

“But how do I even enhance myself?” Zetsu wondered.

“Very easy! Just concentrate your mana flow and let it spread around your body, but it has to be steady or else you won't get the speed buff.” Kettei explained.

“So it only increases speed?” Zetsu questioned.

“When you have more magic power, you can learn the All Round version, that is the one that increases speed and power, but you are still too weak for that.

“Well, I am going to try doing it now.” Zetsu said as he started breathing slowly.

Zetsu stayed calm and the same blue energy appeared out of his body.

“Kettei I can't hold it for long. What do I have to do now?!”

“Simple charge up the mana by putting force on your entire body!” Kettei instructed.

As Zetsu entered the charging position he used a technique.

Mana Enhancement!

The light blue energy changed into a light blue transparent aura that surrounds Zetsu.

“Yes I did it! “

“Great job Zetsu! Remember that enhancement drains mana over time, so for now I would not use it, since your mana reserve is still low.” Kettei clarified.

Zetsu diabled Mana Enhancement.

“Thanks for the info!” He replied.

My mana is totally drained. I want to get some sleep!

“Well, you must be tired right now, so you can rest for today. Tomorrow I will teach you the last basic attack and then it's just training those attacks for the rest of the remaining time.

“See ya tomorrow!” Zetsu said.

Kettei gave him a slight smile and a wave.

Zetsu created a portal and left.

Day 3 of training (Monday) 4:30 PM

A purple portal appeared at Kireina Forest. Zetsu came out the portal seeming to be in a rush as Kettei was sitting on the rock just like yesterday.

“Hey Zetsu, why are you so late!” Kettei asked.

“Sorry my friend was being worried about me.” Zetsu explained.

“Oh okay that is not a problem.” Kettei said

“Let's go over the last move I will teach you, Mana Infused punch. All you have to do is concentrate mana in your fist and you are basically done.” Kettei explained.

“Seems easy!” Zetsu commented.

Well, try it on one of the trees.” Kettei suggested.

“Right!”

Zets walked over to a tree and bulged his left hand to a fist, then he concentrated and sent his mana to his left fist, where his fist got a light blue aura surrounding it.

Alright, let's do this!

Zetsu used a magic attack.

Mana Infused Punch!

Zetsu punched the tree, causing a small indent in the trunk.

“Wait! It didn't hurt me.” Zetsu released as he retracted his fist out of the indent.

“The mana protects your hand, while doing damage to anything else.” Kettei explained.

“Oh.”

“Okay, now that you are done learning basic magic. All I want you to do is keep repeating them till your mana runs out.” Kettei instructed.

“Understood!”

Kettei: We still have more than 3 weeks left before the "awakening".

I wonder what my magic type will be after awakening.

Kettei: Come back tomorrow to train those moves.

“Okay!”

Day 4 of training (Tuesday) 4:00 PM

A purple portal appeared at Kireina Forest, Its Zetsu again. He came out the portal and closed it behind him.

“I am here!” Zetsu shouted.

Kettei jumped off the rock that he was usually sitting on.

“Today's lesson will be very easy!”

“Uhh... I thought that I just had to come here to spam my magic attacks.” Zetsu said with a confused face.

“Yes, but I will need to teach you something else.” Kettei replied.

“Okay…”

“Zetsu, create a barrier.” Kettei commanded

“On it.”

Zetsu stretches out both arms and opens both hands.

Mana Barrier!

A transparent light blue barrier formed around Zetsu.

Kettei gave a smirk as he walked over to Zetsu’s barrier and gave it a normal punch, causing it to break instantly.

“What!” Zetsu reacted.

“That you have learned the magic spells doesn't mean that you have mastered them. This is why you need to train.” Kettei explained.

Zetsu looked at Kettei.

I guess that makes sense, I still have a long way to go.

“The thing all mages strive for is having the highest amount of possible magic power and biggest amount of mana reserve, while using the strongest moves for low mana cost.” Kettei explained.

“So that is what you need to strive for as well. To become the strongest and protect the family, friends and world that you care about.” He added

“Hmmm..”

“Now, go ahead and train!” Kettei ordered.

“Right!”

Day 10 before training (Monday) 8:30 PM

Zetsu and Kuji are walking to school together, as they stopped at an intersection.

Zetsu yawned.

“Yo Zetsu?” Kuji called his name.

“Huh? what is it dude?” Zetsu wondered.

“Well, you have been sleeping a lot during class and lately you respond late to my messages. Is something the matter?” Kuji asked with a worried face.

“Dude everything is fine don't worry about it!” Zetsu reassured him.

“Are you sure? If you want to talk I am here for you.” Kuji suggested.

“Yeah I am really fine, don’t worry about it.” Zetsu replied.

I can’t let him know about what I have been doing.

“I guess I have no other choice but to believe you.” Kuji said.

The stoplight turned green.

“Now shall we go? I know a good place where we can grab a bite.” Kuji said with a slight smile.

“Yeah show me the way.”

Day 12 of training (Wednesday) 4:30 PM

Kireina Forest

Zetsu was training his magic attacks aiming at random trees.

Mana Blast!

.He shot a ball of mana out of his left hand, hitting a tree. The blast exploded blowing up the entire upper part of the tree upon impact.

Mana Beam!

He shot a beam of mana out of his left hand, this time going through 3 trees before it exploded in the distance.

Mana Infused Punch!

He ran over to another tree, punching right through the trunk.

“Amazing work Zetsu!” Kettei complimented him from afar.

“Thanks!”

He is growing, I know he will be ready in no time! Kettei thought.

Day 14 of training (Friday) 4:15 PM

Kireina Forest

Zetsu was training his defensive magic spells.

Mana Barrier!

*A transparent light blue barrier formed around Zetsu.

“Okay let's see how strong it has become!” Kettei exclaimed.

Kettei walked over to Zetsu and started rapidly punching the barrier.

“Try to hold out as long as you can!” Kettei shouted.

“Darn it!” Zetsu cursed as he struggled keeping the barrier up.

After 20 hits the barrier broke.

“Ah man!” Zetsu nagged as he kicked a pebble on the ground.

“There is still room for improvement. Let's test out your shi…” Kettei got interrupted.

Suddenly Kettei feels something.

It's Hana I wonder what she wants? He thought.

“Kettei? What's wrong?” Zetsu wondered.

“Give me a moment Zetsu!” Kettei replied clearly, being worried.

“Okay Okay!” Zetsu responded.

Link Connect!

Hana and Kettei are talking to each other using a mana link.

“Hana!” Kettei shouted.

Wait isn't it that healing woman?

Kettei listen, there is a problem! Hana said.

“What?” Kettei reacted.

2 of our observation groups that patrol the outskirts of the stronghold, don't respond to the links in the communication facility. Hana explained.

“Strange.” Kettei replied.

Yeah, I think someone or a group is heading towards us and I don't have the feeling that it’s for a friendly visit. Hana explained further.

“But why would a person or a group go specifically to this stronghold and not another one?” Kettei asked.

Maybe I know what it is. Hana replied.

Kettei realised something.

“Could it be the Tower of Discovery?” Kettei asked with a hinge.

Exactly that is why we need your help Kettei, we can’t let the tower fall into the wrong hands!

“I'll help, but I want a permanent discount on your healing fees.” Kettei said with a bit of sass.

Okay, but come quick that person could come here any minute. We wait for you in front of the stronghold gate! Hana said.

The Mana Link connection between Hana and Kettei got cut off.

“Kettei what's going on?” Zetsu asked with a worried face.

“The stronghold will be under attack soon!” Kettei answered.

“What!” Zetsu reacted.

“I want you to choose Zetsu!” Kettei said while pointing his finger at him.

“Huh?”

I’ll give you 2 options! You can head home or you can come with me!” Kettei proposed.

If I head home I won't get hurt and it seems like the most logical option, but... I can't let those people fend off the treat by themselves. I need to help them, even if it's only a little!

“So what is your answer?” Kettei questioned.

“I'll come with you!” Zetsu answered with a serious face.

“That's my student! Now Zetsu, hold my shoulders we are going to hop again!” Kettei ordered.

Zetsu ran over to him and grabbed his shoulders.

Kettei made a Portal and they both teleported.

They hopped to New York and from New York to the outskirts of the stronghold.

“Be ready Zetsu! It's going to be hectic soon!” Kettei warned.

I have no need to be scared, with my magic, I am sure that I can do this!

“Right!” Zetsu replied.