Chapter 129: Good Learning Speed
Linfel took out his MCOM again and checked the map with the others. After checking their route, they resumed their journey. This time, however, they moved more cautiously since they were getting deeper into the Lungan Forest.
As they walked, Milia looked at Alvin and felt conflicted. In that last battle, even though she wasn't connected to Nori, the two of them were still fighting as one. Nori used his Magic Energy to keep the destructive flames of his sword form while she focused on maneuvering it in the battle.
Yet, Alvin acted on his one, and you could say that he arguably did more in that fight than she and Nori did together. It was always Alvin the one receiving the attacks, catching the attention of the centipede, and being sent flying right and left. Alvin wasn't anywhere near as good as her before, but those months with Linfel truly transformed him. 'I have to catch up...'
It didn't take long for them to find the next Magic Beast, but this one was at Level Three. Linfel once again stepped aside, not fighting at all. "Only one of you will fight this one. Nori, you are up!"
Nori nodded and shot forward. Milia wasn't the only one feeling like falling behind. After seeing Linfel's Lightning Blade, Nori also had the urge to catch up, even though Linfel wasn't really a Familiar.
Nori's Core burst with flames as he used his Magic Energy to also move around this time. Fighting on his own was a lot different. He couldn't focus his entire power into the flames. He had to pay attention to his surroundings and the Magic Beast that tried to destroy him. Assuming his sword form was also out of the question since his ability to move would be highly impaired in that shape.
Fire lances, Fire Explosions, Wall of Flames, Flame Tornados... Nori used his full repertory of skills he learned over the years, but they were all lacking in power. The good thing was that his opponent didn't have intelligence and was at the same level as him. If it was a Level Four Magic Beast, he definitely would have been caught already.
Suddenly, Linfel's voice echoed in his mind. 'You are not using your Magic Channels to their best. Your Magic Channels in your Core are not just connected to the outside world, but also to each other. You probably haven't noticed since you are usually in Sword Form, but your Magic Energy is colliding in those connections. Every time it happens, a lot of Magic Energy is lost.
Not only that but the amount of Magic Energy you can use after channeling it is not even 50% of what I believe you can do.'
Nori was taken aback, almost falling for one of the Magic Beast's attacks. He couldn't understand how Linfel could speak straight into his soul.
Linfel didn't mind that, though. He just continued speaking. 'There is a good way to start getting used to control those connected channels. Your Magic Channels are connected to your Magic Energy pool, and you are forcing your Magic Energy through all the exits, trying to bring it out to create your flames. Stop doing that.
Select just a few channels far away from each other in your Magic Energy pool and use them. Leave the rest empty.'
Nori, now more alert, immediately shouted back. "But if I do that, I won't be able to generate enough Magic Energy to continue fighting!"
Milia and Alvin were puzzled. They obviously couldn't hear Linfel's voice. Nonetheless, they imagined it was Linfel the reason behind, so they said nothing.
Linfel continued. 'That's a price you will have to pay. And if you do it outside of battle, it will take even longer to learn. You need the pressure of battle to bring out your potential. Milia created your Core with quite impressive materials for the Serfen Planet; don't waste it.'
'Do it like this: Start using the channels far away from each other. That will help you understand the various intertwined paths of Magic Channels in your core. Of course, you will have way less Magic Energy to work with. So, if you see that you are in a position where you might truly die, forget this method and use all channels until you fall into a safe position again.
Right after, stop using all channels at once and resume your training with just a few channels far away from each other.'
"Do you think this will really work?" Nori shouted back while a wall of flames was formed again. The Magic Beast was forced to go around, giving Nori some time.
'How would I know?' Linfel answered as if stating a fact.
Nori almost stumbled with that answer and wanted to curse.
Fortunately, Linfel continued. 'I'm not really a Familiar. I don't have Magic Energy Channels. All my Magic Energy passes through my Core Walls. You could say my entire Core is a single huge Magic Channel. However, I spent these various months with Alvin, and he does have his Magic Energy Channels, or Meridians, in their case.
I was still able to devise a good method for him to reach his level now. So, I've been observing you, and I believe this method should pay dividends in a short time. I will use the same method with Milia.'
'The only question is,' Linfel became serious. 'Are you willing to put everything on the line to improve? Or are you fine with falling behind Milia and becoming a burden? Or even worse... never be on par with Alvin and see Milia exchanging you for him.'
As if gasoline was thrown in the fire, Nori immediately burst with determination. "LIKE HELL I WILL!"
Following that, Nori stopped his Magic Energy from leaving through all his Magic Channels. He selected a few of them in his Magic Energy pool that were fairly far from each other and channeled the Magic Energy through them. Just like mentioned, his attack power and movement speed through the air instantly decreased, making it even harder to deal with the Magic Beast.
"Nori!" Milia got worried and wanted to step forward.
However, Linfel stopped her. "You stay right there. This is his training. If things turn to worse, I'll step in, so don't intervene."
The battle continued for another two minutes. During this time, Nori was forced to open all his Magic Channels over ten times to escape danger before returning to using just a few. However, one thing has already begun to become apparent. Nori was wasting less Magic Energy than before. The difference was subtle, but Linfel could easily see that. 'He wasn't an independent familiar for nothing, it seems.
Good learning speed.'