Chapter 85: Manablood (2/2)
”It does, but it's also not by choice. Manablood is a higher form of mana. Once formed, it would attract the surrounding mana and turn it into manablood. If you condense your manablood through breathing alone… I fear you'll have a disadvantage against others. There are secret ways to refine your manablood in every family.”
”That…” Arthur became speechless. If what Master Ronin said is true, then… ”It means the powerful people will keep getting powerful.”
”Yeah,” Master Ronin sighed. ”However, it cannot be helped. These families became families because of their secret training methods and abilities. Even if it was unfair to the general public, it keeps the world going. What do you think would happen if every criminal out there got his hands on a high-class training method?”
Arthur nodded his head in understanding, but it still felt a bit bitter. He wasn't a part of any family or anything like that. He raised his head and looked at Master Ronin expectantly.
The old man received Arthur gazed and laughed. While stroking his chin, he shook his head.
”I can't leak any secret training methods. However, there's another way to condense your mana to a high degree.”
”What would that be?”
”Mana condensing agents.”
”Wait, uh…” Arthur tried to remember something Hazel told him before. When they were together in a quest to get her legacy, she told him the reason they were hunting in the swamp before.
”Mana bloomer?” He blurted out when he remembered the name of the plant.
”Mm, that's one of the good agents out there.” Master Ronin nodded. ”There are better options, but mana condensing agents are rare.”
”How do I find them then?”
”You can wait until you get to Jerano College, or you can…” Master Ronin looked toward the villa and Arthur followed his gaze. Over there inside, Arthur could see Melania having a verbal fight with a brown-skinned man.
”There's a reason why his family is one of the Seven Families despite them having fewer combat abilities than others.” Master Ronin smiled mysteriously. ”They can find things that help them get stronger through their ability.”
”I don't think we should interrupt them now.” After one glance at how irritated Melania was, Arthur decided it was best against calling Si over now.
”Yeah, even I fear her in that state.” Master Ronin coughed and Arthur could see some sweat over his bald head.
”Is everything okay between the two?”
”Mm, let's say that Si's mind-reading ability had made him quite popular with the ladies.”
”Oh…” Arthur's head blanked as he never realized Melania had such feelings. The fight kept going until Si was kicked out into the garden.
Bang!
The sliding door was slammed and the whole house was shaking. Cutting a sorry figure, Si walked over to them downcast.
”Uh-hum, hello Arthur.” He tried to look composed and dignified as nothing happened. Arthur gave him an 'I have seen it all' stare that made Si cough in embarrassment and Master Ronin burst into laughter.
”You shouldn't have allowed it to get this far, Si.” Master Ronin said with an amused expression. Seeing his image crumble, Si sulked on the side until Master Ronin broke the news to him. ”Arthur needs to go through Rebirth.”
”Already?” Si's expression morphed into one of surprise and delight. Arthur nodded his head and Si laughed while grabbing his shoulders. ”I knew there was something about you!”
”Yeah, yeah. My shoulder will be dislocated.” Arthur grumbled.
”Haha, my bad. Then…” Si let go of him and turned to Master Ronin.
”We need your help.” Master Ronin nodded his head. Si, on the other hand, sat crossed-legged in front of them and grinned at Arthur.
”There's a reason people follow me,” He said while keeping eye contact with Arthur. ”I always give them what they need.” Arthur could feel the excitement in his eyes. ”I heard you're going to participate in the Runes Apprentice Cup. After you're done with that, I'll let you meet my family. Not the bastard who abandoned me, but my sworn brothers and sisters. Together with them, we'll get you one of the finest condensing agents out there.”