Chapter 24 - 23 - The First Flow
The night breeze drifted softly, carrying the earthy scent of damp leaves. In the stillness of darkness, only the faint glow of a small campfire lit their faces.
After the long explanation about affinities and the echoes of the world, the three of them finally decided to move on to the next step: their first mana absorption training.
"Sit down and close your eyes," Ashtoria said calmly. Her voice was like a whisper in the wind—gentle, yet commanding.
Riven and Mira exchanged a glance before obeying. They sat cross-legged on the grass, inhaled slowly, then closed their eyes.
Ashtoria walked behind them. Both of her hands touched Riven’s and Mira’s backs simultaneously. Her touch was warm and steady, but it carried a depth that felt like it reached beyond the skin.
"The fastest way to teach mana absorption... is to demonstrate it," said Ashtoria. "I will channel my mana into your bodies. Don’t resist. Relax and let the energy in."
Riven held his breath for a moment, but nodded inwardly, trying to calm his mind.
And then it happened—a stream of heat entered his body from his back.
It felt like something foreign yet alive was slipping through his pores. The energy flowed like warm water poured into a frozen vessel. But discomfort soon followed. His body instinctively tightened, resisting the intrusion.
"Relax... you’re too tense," Ashtoria whispered. "Take a deep breath. Let it move."
Riven complied. He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. Gradually, his body began to soften. And that warmth... it started to flow more freely. It traveled to his chest, down his arms, to the tips of his fingers. It trickled through his core, down to his legs. Every part of him was slowly filled with the flow.