On the ground, Dante reflected on the ancient users of lava. They had all started from Ignite Veins, but those who had mastered it to the peak of Level 1 had forged unique techniques that transcended ordinary power. Among them, the leader of the second generation, the venerable ancestor, created Ignite Veins to guide fire element users, and his main lava technique involved merging with a second-level beast core. This lava reservoir allowed him to unleash it in devastating bursts, but it also carried a deadly risk.
In the battle against the evil god of the jungle, his Dantian was partially destroyed. When the god unleashed a decisive attack, the reservoir ruptured, and the spiritual lava corroded his Dantian. The injury was so severe that it reduced his life expectancy by fifty years. It was a price Dante was unwilling to pay.
Determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past, Dante studied the ancient users' experiences, but he realized most of them relied heavily on the spiritual reservoir. He decided to focus first on Ignite Veins — mastering the foundation before expanding to the full control of lava.
Ignite Veins – Description:
Ignite Veins is a passive fiery circulation ability that makes the spiritual veins more adaptable to heat-related powers. It is not a combat technique, but it allows the practitioner to manifest heat-based attacks and effects using only mana, without relying on physical strength or body transformation.
After finishing his studies, Dante sank into thought. The technique would help him strengthen the circulation of elemental mana tied to heat. Yet, it was limited to Level 1 peak, losing much of its effect at near-Level 2. An alternative method would be necessary. If he could master his regeneration with the help of this ability, the lava element would no longer be a true obstacle.
But the path would be long. Mastering Ignite Veins, as well as his lava element, would take years — years that would keep him tied to the village, studying, training, and growing.
While he meditated, he felt a presence approaching from behind. It was his master, Tyler. But he was not the old man Dante knew: he radiated a rejuvenated aura, his hair and beard, once white, now black as ebony, appearing to be in his thirties or forties. Dante recognized him only by the heavy wind aura surrounding him.
"You look much better, brat," Tyler said, looking at Dante, now strengthened after three days under Viviane's care.
"I could say the same about you," Dante replied, smiling at Tyler's transformation.
"One must always be in change," Tyler said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "You seem focused on these books, don't you? That doesn't suit you."
"What do you mean?" Dante asked, still confused.
"Isn't it obvious? You already know the technique you need to master. As for the lava element, that depends on you. You already have the foundation," Tyler replied, fixing him with an intense gaze. "Now rise and learn on your own."
"Come, brat. Let's train. Your condition is pathetic," the old man said, walking toward a place Dante knew well: the training field.
Dante put away the books and followed. He could leave them for later; time was on his side, but determination demanded action now.
They walked for a few minutes until reaching the field. Everything was as before: pools of ice and fire, targets, weapon racks, exactly as the last time.
"Do you still think you're in shape?" Tyler asked, positioning himself on the opposite side of the field. "Perhaps you've gained strength, but months of inactivity have dulled your reflexes. Your senses are still imprecise, your defense slow. You can generate explosive power, but you cannot control precision. At this moment, you are like a glass cannon: powerful, yet fragile."
No sooner had he finished speaking than he lunged at Dante with a direct punch. The moment had come: to cast aside temporary fragility and embrace the strength that had always been within him. The old master was there, not to spare, but to forge.