* * *

After returning to the dorm.

.

I looked down at the thorn that didnt even budge, as if I was putting silent pressure on it.

[.]

Samuel was silent, as if he had fallen asleep.

So I gently raised my hand.

Thud-.

And gripped the thorn tightly.

Flinch.

The thorn twitched once.

I knew it.

Samuel wasnt asleep, he was just pretending to be.

I know youre awake, so open your mouth. While Im still being nice.

[.]

Samuel still had his mouth shut tight.

Did he think I didnt notice?

What an impudent fellow.

I immediately started counting.

One, two

[H-Hold on a second. Alright. Alright, Ill wake up, okay!]

Samuel was startled and reacted violently.

He should have done that in the first place.

Tsk.

I clicked my tongue and stared at Samuel.

I was giving him a chance to explain himself.

But Samuel, on the contrary, began to speak confidently.

[Didnt you hear from the medical instructor? This is just a part of the training method. Of course, you have to endure it.]

Oh, look at this.

There was a fallacy in Samuels words.

Then why didnt you tell me at the infirmary?

[Th-Thats.]

If he was really being upfront, he would have proudly said it was a training method.

But he didnt tell me right away and pretended to be asleep because he wasnt being upfront.

It wasnt that the training method was wrong.

If the medical instructor said so, then it must be a good training method.

The problem was that he didnt tell me how much pain I would be in.

He did it on purpose to make fun of me.

Samuel, unable to come up with a rebuttal, immediately changed the subject.

[Thats not important. We need to move on to the next step right away.]

Are you changing the subject?

[Now, shall we begin?]

Samuel started explaining without a care in the world.

I gritted my teeth inwardly.

Once I learn how to properly use Mana Manipulation, Ill teach him a lesson.

For now, I decided to listen to his explanation because correcting Samuels bad habits wasnt important.

[Youve already heard that the training method is to release all your mana and then take it back in.]

Thats right.

The medical instructor had explained to me what Samuel had not.

The problem was this:

How does this help with Mana Manipulation?

Samuel continued.

[If you keep releasing and absorbing your mana, you will naturally become proficient at it. But Im sure youre wondering what that has to do with Mana Manipulation.]

Youre right. I dont even know what effect it will have, except that it will put a strain on my body.

[Thats true, but Im sure you can do it with your talent. If you keep repeating this, youll be able to master Mana Manipulation within two weeks.]

Thats hard to believe.

Despite Samuels confident words, I couldnt hide the distrust that was growing in my mind.

Common sense dictated that if I kept releasing and absorbing mana, my body would only be damaged, and it had nothing to do with Mana Manipulation.

As I narrowed my eyes, Samuel clicked his tongue.

[Just trust me on this one. I have to live with your body for the time being. If something happens to you, Ill die too.]

In other words, we were in this together.

Indeed.

If he had really asked me to do something that wouldnt help me, the medical instructor wouldnt have said such a thing.

Then.

How long do I have to repeat this?

If I release my mana again, Ill pass out again.

Each time, the pain was excruciating.

It was clear that it would put a strain on my body.

Despite my worried tone, Samuels voice was firm.

[You have to repeat it continuously for a week. Otherwise, it will take half a year to improve your Mana Manipulation skills. Do you want to do that?]

.

I had no choice but to remain silent at his words.

Half a year was too long.

There was only a month left before the final exams started.

The number of students avoiding me was also increasing day by day.

And I had a lot to do during the vacation, so I had to get rid of the task of Mana Manipulation as quickly as possible.

I finally resigned myself.

Alright. Lets do this.

[Good thinking.]

That didnt mean I forgave him.

Samuel will have to pay dearly for making fun of me.

Especially if I cant improve my Mana Manipulation skills!

As I stared at Samuel with murderous intent.

[Then try releasing the mana thats been restored while you were asleep.]

Hoo.

At his words, I took a deep breath and recalled the previous sensation.

It was as if my body was a grenade, exploding and sending shrapnel flying.

I didnt want to experience it ever again, but I had no choice.

Bang-!

As I poured all my mana out.

Smirk-

An excruciating pain swept over me along with Samuels sneering laughter.

Even though my consciousness was fading, I could clearly hear the laughter, and I gritted my teeth.

Damn it.

Ill get back at him once I learn Mana Manipulation.

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