"Tell me—what is mana?" Varek asks.
"Mana are plasmic particles that exist in the air," Tristan replies.
"No."
Varek shakes his head. "Mana is a source of energy that emanated from the gates after their first appearance in 1931. The mana that leaked from them spread through the atmosphere, eventually settling within the human body."
He continues, "At first, mana was harmful—a foreign substance. The body rejected it, leading to the first cases of mana sickness."
Varek pauses. "Now tell me—what do you think an awakening is?"
"Hm…" Tristan ponders. "Can it really be put into words?"
Varek sighs, disappointment faint but present.
"An awakening is the body's response to mana—cells, bones, and muscles adapting to its presence. In most cases, genetics play a major role. Those whose immune systems reject mana cannot awaken, and often, neither can their descendants."
He fixes his gaze on Tristan.
"…At least, in most cases."
A cough breaks the tension.
"Mana is primarily used to reinforce the body," Varek continues, "or to strengthen objects it comes into contact with."
"It's also the medium through which magic is activated," he adds. "Without mana in the surroundings, magic cannot be realized."
"It also acts as fuel for skills," Tristan says.
"Yes—skills," Varek agrees. "But not all skills are fueled directly by mana. Some are merely enhanced by it."
"Most skills granted by the system require mana for activation. All mage abilities do, and all skills bestowed by the four known gods as well. However, some inherent skills function without mana."
"You mean bloodline abilities?" Tristan asks.
"Sometimes," Varek replies. "The system may also reward effort. Those who develop their own techniques may have them crystallize into skills—skills that can be passed down."
"Then why tell me all this?" Tristan asks.
"Because modern hunters misuse mana," Varek says plainly. "They draw it directly from the air. While this gives them greater quantity, their lack of control makes it unstable. Unstable mana cannot properly refine or reinforce anything."
He continues, "Mages are exempt. Their training grants them superior control, and even the weak rely on staffs or wands to compensate."
"So how do I use mana properly?" Tristan asks.
Varek stops pacing and turns to him. His eyes scan Tristan carefully.
"You create a Kør."
"A… Kør?" Tristan frowns.
"A Kør is an internal cluster of mana formed in the abdomen, slightly above the navel," Varek explains. "It functions like a second heart—circulating mana through the nervous system, enhancing both mental and physical responses."
"This allows easier channeling into muscles and grants instinctive defense. When the brain perceives danger, the nervous system automatically coats the threatened area with mana."
"With sufficient mastery," Varek continues, "you can coat your entire body in a protective layer. The stages of this technique depend on mana density."
"Then why doesn't everyone use it?" Tristan asks.
"Because it requires immense talent," Varek replies. "The first stage resembles conventional mana use—but instead of dispersing it, you must visualize it gathering within the abdomen—"
He stops mid-sentence.
Tristan has already begun drawing in surrounding mana.
"…."
"…Yeah. I got nothing," Tristan admits, embarrassed.
"Of course," Varek says. "Accumulation is easy. Visualization is the true challenge."
"How do I do that, then?"
"By understanding the human body," Varek answers. "Its structure, its connections."
"But doesn't that mean anyone who studies anatomy could make a Kør?"
Silence.
Varek turns away and resumes pacing.
"There is a saying," he says. "'Human imagination has no limits.' Tell me—do you believe that?"
"Yes. Humans can imagine anything," Tristan replies.
"Then imagine a new color. Right now."
"…."
Tristan strains his mind, pushing it to its limits—yet every attempt collapses into something familiar.
"I… can't."
"Exactly," Varek says. "Creating a Kør requires imagining a new organ—its form, function, position, and relationship to surrounding organs."
"That is why talent matters," he continues. "Every Kør is unique. Its shape, size, and color depend entirely on the user's imagination."
"So no two people can have the same Kør," Tristan says.
"Correct. You may design it as you wish—add functions, alter its form—but it must be placed above the navel. Any larger, and it disrupts surrounding organs, leading to rupture… or death."
Varek turns back to him.
"Now tell me—are you ready?"
"Of course," Tristan answers without hesitation.
Varek doesn't need to look to sense it—the determination radiating from his disciple is unmistakable.
A smirk forms on his face.
"Very well," he says.
"Let us begin."