CHAPTER 221: MANA CONTROL

Clang. Clang. Clang.

Shatter.

Another refined ore shattered to pieces after being beaten by the hammer. The smithy was now hot as an oven and Riven was inside, back glistening with sweat.

"Arghhhhhh!" He roared in anger. "This is the twentieth one." He yelled, tossing the hammer aside. He walked to the stool and collapsed into it.

"Calm down," Twilight spoke.

"I just don’t understand it. Why is it hard for me to properly purify it? After every purification and taking it to a red-hot state, it shatters when it meets that hammer.

"I’ve done what the book says, I’ve infused mana properly. It’s supposed to flow through the entire iron so that when I finally start hammering, it fuses flawlessly with it," Riven said.

"At least we know the issue, now we need the solution," Twilight said.

"I think my lack of mana control is what has come back to bite me in the ass," Riven said. He pushed himself up and got to his feet, staring at the furnace.

"I could keep slamming into iron ingots all day and nothing good will come from it. I have to head over to Dark and ask how I can refine my mana control," Riven said.

He grabbed his shirt, and without wasting a single moment, left the building and started running toward town.

He went through the gates without stopping. People were shocked to see someone running through town at that speed.

He finally made it to the smithy and entered.

Huff. Huff. Huff.

He placed his hands on his knees, bent over and breathing hard.

Lucas looked at him, covered in sweat and breathing like he was about to die.

"Did you run all the way here?" Lucas asked.

"Huff, how can you tell?" Riven said. He pushed himself up and walked in. Dark was in the back working, so he walked toward him.

"And what do I owe the visit?" Dark asked.

"Uhm, I need help," Riven spoke.

"On what?" Dark asked.

"Mana control. I’ve been trying to refine iron, but I lack mana control," Riven explained.

"For someone as skilled as you to not have mana control, that’s a bit crazy, kid. But I believe you are overthinking it.

How did you manage to cast your first spell? Just remind yourself of that feeling and then remove the element.

The mana should feel like water flowing through you. Keep the pressure constant, and control the flow. That way you’ll be able to do it. I’m sure you’ll figure out the little details," Dark explained.

"Hmmm, that makes sense," Riven muttered. He stretched out his hands and did exactly what Dark said, and it worked exactly that way.

The mana flowed through his hands with just a thought. It took a lot of mental strength for him to control the flow, but after a few seconds, it was all under control.

"Seems like you got it already. Now just keep trying, and you should get it before long," Dark said.

"Thank you very much." Riven was excited to try it out. He left the shop and was about to run all the way back to the smithy, but then Noel spotted him.

"Hey Riven," Noel yelled.

Riven turned around. He was stunned to see him here, as he didn’t expect to.

"What are you doing here?" Riven asked.

"Running away from the house a bit. I’m heading to the dungeon to kill some monsters. I’ve been slacking on my training in recent days. If I’m ever going to surpass you, I have to be more serious," Noel said.

"You are still on that?" Riven asked with a chuckle.

"Well, that’s my main goal now. I’m not falling into the shadow of my younger brother, not now, not ever," Noel stated.

"I see. I won’t make it easy for you though," Riven said with a smile.

"So what are you doing here?" Noel asked.

"I wanted to ask Dark a question about blacksmithing," Riven said.

"Hmm, you are so far ahead you have the time to learn new things," Noel said.

"No, that’s not it. I have my personal reason for learning it, but I don’t plan on slacking. Matter of fact, let’s head out of town for a spar. Training against you has always been good.

We can go to the dungeon together another time," Riven suggested.

"Hmmm, I haven’t had the opportunity to test out my strength against you for a while. I’ve grown a bit since the start, so I think this is a good idea," Noel said.

The both of them decided to head out. They left the town and went into the fields before the forest. The warm breeze blew across their skin, dry and carrying particles around.

"This is a good place," Riven said. He pulled out Twilight.

"Let’s see who loses at the bed, bro, going all out," Noel said. He pulled out his sword as well.

"Don’t go easy on me, bro," Riven said with a smile.

Everything around them seemed to vanish. It was only the two of them in the quiet empty space. Their battle had already begun in their minds, but their bodies were yet to move.

And then finally, Riven twitched and Noel lunged forward slashing.

’He is several times faster than I recall,’ Riven thought. He moved quick and blocked the attack.

Clang. It sent out a shockwave, pushing the grass down. Riven retreated quick, but Noel didn’t let him have any space. He pushed closer and started attacking in combos.

Riven blocked all the attacks quickly, but Noel was plotting something. Noel had always been better with the use of the sword, and since they were only using swords now, he was capable of pushing Riven back.

He attacked and Riven blocked, but then he stopped his attack, changed direction and tilted the sword to the side, creating an opening for him to attack.

"Oh shit," Riven cursed, as he saw Noel attacking with an overhead slash. He saw the blade coming down.