"Professor, before I answer, let me ask—**how do you accumulate mana during meditation?**" Thundershock turned the question back on her.
"**The elemental particles in the air are invisible**, only detectable through spiritual sense. That's why those with weak minds can't practice magic. **No perception, no cultivation.** Once we sense the elements, we use our spirit to **guide them into our bodies for storage.**" Maria frowned. This was **basic theory**—why was he asking?
"But have you ever wondered **where** that mana is stored? Why do some mages have **vast reserves**, while others scrape by?"
"That depends on **rank**," Maria chuckled. "For example, I'm an **advanced mage**, Sisi's a **beginner**—naturally, I hold more mana."
"**Why?** You're seeing the **effect**, not the **cause.** It's not that you're advanced **therefore** you have more mana—it's that you **have more mana**, so you qualify as advanced. **Right?**"
Maria's lips parted. The question **pierced through assumptions she'd never questioned.** She stared at him, waiting.
"Before I studied magic, I called mana's storage site **'meridians'.** When you cast, you feel mana **flowing along specific pathways**, yes? Those **are** the meridians. **Wider, sturdier meridians mean more elemental storage—greater mana reserves!**"
The revolutionary idea left Maria **silent for a long moment.**
"So… if these **'meridians'** are broad and resilient enough, a mage's **ceiling rises?**"
Thundershock nodded. "**That's 'talent.'** This continent's mages **only train their minds**, ignoring the body's role. Yes, mages aren't warriors—they lack time for physical training. But **mind and body are two sides of the same coin.** If a mage's spirit stagnates, **shifting focus to meridians can still make them stronger.**"
Maria's eyes **widened**. She'd been stuck at **advanced rank for years**—now, his words **unlocked a door she hadn't known existed.**
"Also, **circulating mana through meridians in a set sequence** speeds up meditation **and** expands them." He met her gaze. "**I know that method.** That's why—**despite being 'spell-cast disabled'—I have intermediate-level reserves.**"
Even calm, composed Maria felt **a surge of excitement**. If this was true… **her progress could skyrocket.**
But such techniques were **a mage's most guarded secret**. Even as his professor, **she had no right to ask.**
"Once we're back, I'll teach you. **And Sisi. And Eric.**" Thundershock read her hesitation.
"**Is that… appropriate?**" she whispered.
"Why not? **Sharing strength with those who care for me is only natural.**"
Maria looked away, up at the stars. "Thundershock… if you gave this to the **Mage Guild**, you'd gain **wealth and status beyond imagining.**"
"**Wealth? Status?**" He laughed. "**Mere illusions.** Like you, I want **a free, peaceful life.**"
(*Total BS*, but Maria was **moved.**)
"Professor, how old are you?" Thundershock blurted while she was distracted—a question he and Eric had **debated for ages.**
"Twenty-seven. Why?" Her luminous eyes turned to him in the dark.
"Just curious."
"**Do I seem so old I'd hide my age?**" Her gaze sharpened.
"**Old?**" Thundershock shook his head frantically, laying it on thick. "You look **Sisi's age.**"
Maria **glowed** but still swatted him. "I couldn't compare to Sisi! At least I've got **maturity.**"
Their chat meandered until Maria's eyelids **drooped**, her head **nodding**, her voice fading. Then—**she slumped against his shoulder.**
Thundershock **froze**. Her brown hair **tickled his nose**, its scent **intoxicating**.
Unlike Tifa or Sisi, Maria was **a woman grown**. He could resist Tifa's teasing, but **this—this tested him.**
"*Heart like ice, sky may fall unshaken…*" he muttered.
Then—**a hiss.**
**"Sss… sss…"**
His head snapped up. **Nothing.**
**"Sss… sss…"**
Closer. **Louder.** **Everywhere.**
His scalp **prickled**. Shaking Maria awake, he yanked her upright and bellowed:
"**WE'VE GOT COMPANY!**"
**What lurks in the shadows?**