23 Fire + Mana = Dragon (2/2)

”Percy, this is for you. I guess it's quite similar to a knight technique, well... except for the fact that it's actually useful. Only practice it if you truly do want to get stronger. This technique is exceptionally painful. Don't take it lightly...”

”Thank you, Nora, why is it called 'Tempering by a Thousand Cuts'?”

”That's for you to find out” a small vengeful smile appeared on Nora's face as she quietly spoke.

The two Great Mages who were now being ignored by Nora and Percy couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversation. Upon hearing that Nora had written a knight technique, or at least something similar, they couldn't help but be curious. Any Great Mage who had progressed passed the stage of Mage were innately curious for their power originating in the knowledge they accumulated.

Trying to be sly, both of the Great Mages cast separate observatory spells, Great Mage Sev created a tiny humanoid eye that hovered in the corner of the room attempting to peer into the manual which Percy was soon to open, while Great Mage Mirlie cast a miniscule flame which also clung to the walls as it provided Mirlie with a view of the manual.

Nora easily noticing their attempt simply glared at the two Great Mages who were acting more like children than the two actual children in the room, ”If you want to look at it, just ask.” Nora's words holding a rather harsh tone.

Great Mage Mirlie slightly peeved at the tone which Nora talked to them, she without thinking spoke out, ”You shouldn't use such a disrespectful tone with those who are older than you!”

”Well if we're going by age you should kowtow and call me Ancestor” the words that were spoken by Nora immediately shut down Great Mage Mirlie as she remembered that although Nora was currently young, she had lived far longer than everyone in the school combined.

Ashamed at her lapse in memory, she sat down and remained silent.

Nora looked over at Percy, ”Read over the manual in full and try to practice it. Alright?” a quiet nod from Percy signified his agreement.

Having handed the cultivation manual to Percy, Nora made her way to the Great Mages.

”Would you mind teaching me some magic?” Nora's words restarted the downtrodden Great Mage Mirlie, ”You have to be able to control Mana, you're still a Pre-Initi...” her words cut off by Great Mage Sev, ”Don't even try, she's already attained mastery over Mana... Nora, do you mind?”

Understanding Great Mage Sev's request, Nora decided to truly show her limits. With all her focus, she siphoned half of the entire Mana within her, creating a humongous dragon construct. Nora guided the construct around the classroom, before deciding that she would try the same nifty trick she attempted earlier. Suddenly, the humongous dragon construct which once was no more than an outline of Mana turned into a dragon constructed by a raging fire.

”So... would you mind teaching me some magic?”