The concept of the sea of consciousness technique has caught my attention. Is this a newfound knowledge for today's generation?

He expressed his irritation.

"Before we proceed with the training, I need you to tell me the era we're living in; it holds more significance than you might think."

"We've been in the eons of life era for around 130 years."

"Eons of life, huh? The names he comes up with are still as unimpressive as ever," he remarked wryly.

I couln't hlp but wonder about the era he belonged to, perhaps millennia ago.

"Now that you've managed to answer a simple question, let's dive into the technique. But pay attention: it's dangerous territory. One wrong move could be fatal. The sea of consciousness technique is about channeling your power, whether it originates from within or outside. Both source a interconnected. Back in my day, the sea of consciousness was straightforward yet incredibly perilous. It could grant you unimagiable powers, almost making you immortal. However, excessive greed could just as easily lead to your demise. Now, for the activation process: find a quiet spot, clear your mind of distractions, create a mental space for your intended manifestation. Visualize a concealed enclave within your mind, where your QI acts as the key.

Stunned, I found myself at a loss for words. Wasn't this technique supposed to be simple?

"How am I supposed to manifest something out of 'nothing'? And what's QI? Are you referring to mana?" I mused, feeling thoroughly perplexed.

“Oh, for crying out loud! Can you believe the absolute lack of brainpower around here? Seriously, is the concept of Qi so far beyond everyone's grasp that I have to step in and spoon-feed it? Fine, brace yourself for an education – Qi, you silly human, is the life force that courses through us. It's what keeps us alive, kicking, and doing whatever it is you feeble-minded people manage to do. And don't even get me started on the "Mana" misconception. Mana's like Qi's little cousin, piggybacking off its awesomeness. But let's be clear: Qi doesn't give two hoots about Mana. It's all about unleashing the beast within – your mind, your spirit, the whole shebang. That's where the Sea of Consciousness struts onto the scene, a mental powerhouse hiding in plain sight. With your Sea of Consciousness, you can visualize anything under the sun – concrete stuff, vibes, even the most abstract concepts. Imagine it like flexing a mental muscle: the more bulk it packs, the easier it becomes to conjure up crisp mental visuals.”

I'll be honest – wrapping my noggin around this Sea of Consciousness gig feels like trying to corral the wind. The notion of my mind having its own Batcave that can tinker with my senses? It's like mind-bending stuff, no doubt. And then there's this whole deal about visualizing things, provided I've got the gray matter for it. Like scaling a cognitive Everest. But, you know, I guess as long as Qi's got skin in the game...

And out of the blue, I blurted.

"Hold up, does this explain why we're constantly falling sick?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" retorted the figure in the lamp.

"I mean, if Qi's the legit life energy and we're all in the dark about it, could it be that Mana swoops in to be our savior? Like, Mana's got a bit of Qi, enough to keep the lights flickering, but not nearly enough to throw a proper party. So, in return, we're stuck with all these system glitches – you know, those sick days?"

For a moment, the room fell silent. But just as I was about to dive back into the conversation, the interruption played out like a classic comedy act.

"Mwahaha! Mwahaha! Well, well, looks like there's a speck of intelligence in that skull of yours! Keep it up, my entertaining protégé! Mwahaha!" chuckled the figure.

"Cough Cough Oh, don't choke on your own brilliance now. Yeah, the Sea of Consciousness is giving you a hard time, big surprise. But don't stress too much. We'll tackle this step by step, at your snail's pace. First things first, get your rear on the floor and clear out the mental clutter. It's about time."

Following his instructions, I settled onto the floor, determined to clear away the swarm of thoughts that had settled in my mind.

Clear the thoughts...

Empty canvas...

Breathe softly... Achieve balance without squandering vitality.

A strange sensation washed over me—like shedding weight bit by bit, yet not actually losing any. An odd feeling of weightlessness, like a drifting feather.

You know, when you shut your eyes and let your imagination meander, you can conjure up entire landscapes and weave stories. But then again... well, how can words truly capture this experience?

Can anything even come close to describing what I'm witnessing right now? It's like staring at a brilliant expanse ahead, a sea stretching endlessly, its vibrant hues seamlessly blending with the surroundings. The sky mirrored on the water's surface, clouds reflecting in the gentle ripples. It's a scene so tranquil, you can't help but feel a sense of calm just by looking at it.

And then, a presence glides by—a small sphere emitting a soft, radiant glow.

"Please pardon my current form; I haven't yet gained the power to reveal my true self. So, for you, whenever you're here, I'll appear as this sphere. Welcome to the sea of your consciousness, my apprentice. This marks your first, and simplest, step."

The first step? The easiest one, indeed. Funny how I'd always assumed that beginnings were the toughest...

Driven by curiosity, I inquired.

"So, what comes after this?"

"More Qi. Your sea of consciousness requires greater stability to endure. And you, my friend, need Qi—mana is irrelevant! Only the weak depend on it."

"How exactly can I produce Qi?"

As I gather it, mana can be drawn from the external world, but Qi? It's like life energy, as you mentioned. So, how do I tap into it?

"Quite simple. Within each of us resides an enigmatic, undefined inner energy—often referred to as 'undefined Qi.' It sustains us, yet we can't channel its essence. This is where transformation comes into play—converting it into 'defined Qi' energy through specific techniques or meditation forms. Of course, Qi can also be acquired from mystical foods or alchemical pills, not to mention the essence of Spirit Beasts. Among them, their seeds hold paramount importance for you; they brim with Qi. Upon consumption, let the energy course through your body, suffusing every inch. Thus, you'll be enveloped and steadied by Qi."

"What exactly are these spirit beasts?" And how can you tell one belongs to them?"

"They're like creatures that can level up through cultivation. Some are naturally magical and just get stronger over time, while others need to actively use a certain way to get stronger. They're usually way smarter than regular animals, and some can even talk like humans. The really advanced magical ones can even turn into humans," he explained carefully.

So, creatures that can kinda look and act human?

"But before we get into that, you've got to learn how to gather Qi, move it around, condense it—basically, get a grip on it, or you'll be a goner before you can blink."

I think I get what he's saying, but the actual techniques are still a mystery.

"Alright, get into the same position you did when we did the consciousness thing. Tune into your breathing, don't let it go to waste, make every breath count. Keep your mind clear, stay in control. And don't you dare forget to keep that Qi circulating, or you'll fall apart like a shattered vase."

Crumble? So, one misstep and I'm toast?

But okay, here we go...

Whew* Inhale, exhale.

Gradually, I sense my Qi moving through me. It's like when you concentrate on a part of your body and suddenly it feels all warm. Like that, but on a whole new level.

The energy's circulating, I guess, like it's got a system of its own—round and round it goes. I can feel changes in my body, as if the Qi's making me tougher. It's like a rebirth.

"Nice, now try to make that wild energy more controlled. Filter it out, but keep that same vibe." My teacher adds.

Speaking of which, what's this guy's name? Does he even have one?

Tzzz*

Ouch! I'm trying to filter it, but it's like two giant waves crashing into each other. Neither's giving in, and the pressure's building up.

"Don't hoard too much Qi in one spot. Spread it all around your body, dude, that pressure's a bit much for you!"

Can't argue with that. Let's take a breather.

Whew* Slow and steady, all across my body. From my chest down to my feet, then back up to my hands. Keep calm.

So, I manage to muster some more Qi, and the tension begins to ease.

"Looks like you're getting the hang of it! Mwahaha!" He chuckles, kinda creepy.

"Alright, that's it for today. Remember, taking care of your body is key. If you just keep pushing yourself without considering your body's needs, you won't improve. In fact, you'll end up doing more harm than good."

It's like sports training: work out, then take a break, work out again, then take another break. Simple as that.

"Starting today, you can call me Rhamiel, your instructor. If you continue behaving well, that will change."

"Now, back to you. What's up with the new look? I don't sense any kind of special lineage in you. Back in the day, that would've been a one-way ticket to an early grave. But hey, times have moved on."

He had it figured out from the beginning. It's no wonder he's a real monster...

"I'm not sure myself, except for these weird dreams I've been having and what I've heard about them."

"True story. You've managed to capture the gods' attention, it seems! Who would've thought I'd get such an interesting student! Well, I've always known I'm the best," he couldn't help but pat himself on the back.

Man, his demeanor is seriously off-putting... and as for the gods, who knows? Do they actually give a damn about me?

We better pull out of your mind now, so you don't burn through your energy for no good reason."

Good call – I'm starting to feel pretty drained.

The next morning marked the beginning of our next adventure. Strangely, the cabin had been completely emptied overnight, raising suspicions about his potential involvement.

"So, Master Rhamiel, what's our goal?" I asked casually, still amazed at having the honor to address him as such.

"Being titled 'master' does feel like a stroke of luck, doesn't it? Not something you come across every day."

"When it comes to spirit animals... you need to amass experience rapidly, especially compared to others your age."

"And how do we even locate one? Are we meant to track their QI or something?" I inquired with genuine intrigue.

"Exactly. Tracking down their QI is our ticket to success."

Just as I started contemplating the idea, a peculiar QI seized my attention. It was unlike anything I'd encountered before, radiating an overwhelmingly potent energy.

"Did you sense that? Seems pretty dangerous, wouldn't you agree?"

"Dangerous, you say? Mwahaha, it's the perfect moment to take down a fully grown Wyrn! Mwahaha!" His laughter held a tinge of anger.

Left with no alternative, I embarked on the pursuit of this elusive spirit beast. Fortunately, it lurked nearby, so I sought refuge behind a tree. A swift glimpse revealed something truly astonishing.

Whoa.

The Wyrn's physique demanded recognition – an artful fusion of might and grace. Its jet-black fur assumed a deep, nearly purple hue at dusk. However, the most mesmerizing feature was the fiery eruption from its back. Those flames burned with an intense, almost mystical purple shade.

Its eyes resembled gleaming, ravenous rubies.

The Wyrn exuded an air of enigmatic grandeur, both captivating and intimidating anyone who dared approach. Its presence struck a balance between savage fierceness and disciplined strength.

The colossal wolf moved with the fluidity of a seasoned predator, paws skimming the ground with effortless finesse. Its flame-kissed mane danced on the wind, surveying its surroundings with unyielding vigilance. Its howl resonated with a potent, eerie cadence, blurring the confines between realms.

And this is what I'm striving for!?