Chapter 20 - Choosing the Exercises (2)

After careful consideration, Theodore finally chose The Transmutation Bloom as his mana-gathering exercise.

The other two exercises were good and were more than enough to satisfy the previous him; however, The Transmutation Bloom was most suitable for him with the lowest drawback.

The Translucent Phantom was the first among the three choices that he eliminated.

It was true that the exercise could help him stabilize the conflict between different elements and allow him to borrow the power from the phantoms of the powerful supernatural creature. However, the ability did not really belong to him, and it was a temporary use; it would be harmful if he were too reliant on it.

It was The Chaotic Vortex of Four Elements that made him hesitate. After all, it was especially suitable for him with the residual energy in his consciousness space.

Moreover, besides the law of the four elements, he would also touch the chaotic law, one of the most prominent rules humans ever comprehend.

He recalled that there was once a figure in the future great war who comprehended the chaotic law, and he was unrivaled in the same rank.

Ultimately he selected The Transmutation Bloom because of its high potential.

This exercise was similar and, simultaneously, different from The Chaotic Vortex of Four Elements.

To cultivate The Transmutation Bloom, he needed to find the connection and principle between the elements. If he walked to the end, he could touch the transformation rule.

Theodore then noticed that he was thinking too far ahead and smiled wryly.

If he chose The Chaotic Vortex of Four Elements, his path might be smooth, and he was not afraid of pain; however, he would also be restricted and could not use the other diverse powers later.

In this life, he wanted to be ambitious and see how further he would go compared to his previous life.

He still remembered his purpose of wanting to change his future. Many strong enemies were waiting for him, especially in the great war.

He wanted to get stronger, strong enough that the others would not dare to touch him, the people he cared for, and this Colond city.

Having already decided on the exercise, Theodore told his decision to Nathan, "Teacher, I chose The Transmutation Bloom."

Nathan did not object and respected Theodore's decision. He gave his disciple the freedom to walk his path; he would, at most, provide some more resources to his disciple before he died.

'At least I can ask him to assist the Ashford family at the critical moment after I died.' Nathan considered.

He intended to help his family on his previous visit but found that he could only provide a little support.

His cousin, Edric Ashford, who had significant influence in the family, prevented him from doing so. Nathan thought Edric was afraid of him wanting to steal his patriarch's position, so he ceased his action.

Nathan could only supply critical resources for breaking through to the 4th-rank mana user and some longevity pills to his uncle. Besides his uncle, Charlie Ashford, Nathan did not get to guide anyone else.

Nathan did not give much attention to this issue; the only person he cared for in the family was his uncle. Because of the family's actions during childhood, he did not have much affection for them.

It did not matter to him if the Ashford family declined as long as it was not in destruction. Perhaps, if he did not have his uncle, he would completely disregard the family long ago.

From his observation of Theodore's potential and personality, as long as he could grow up successfully, he would go far in the path of the mana user, and he would reassure.

Still, there was another remaining reason buried in his heart. His disciple's figure reminded him of his childhood. Their experience was somewhat similar; what he did to Theodore was identical to what his uncle had done for him.

Nathan could relatively emphasize what Theodore felt because he had encountered it before. During his helpless childhood, he just hoped someone would support and not abandon him.

With these thoughts, Nathan decided to help Theodore with more effort and assist him in making a contract with the exercise. He instructed his disciple, "Give me a drop of your blood."

After saying so, Nathan observed his disciple's response.

Theodore paused for a moment, and he decided to trust Nathan. He used his nail to pinch his finger for blood; while doing so, he did not change his expression.

Nathan, who watched the whole process, secretly gave another praise to Theodore in his heart for his decisiveness.

He brought the scroll containing The Transmutation Bloom exercise to have contact with Theodore's blood. Then a miraculous screen happened.

The golden light shone from the manuscript, and knowledge about the first level of the exercise flowed into Theodore's mind.

Theodore was shocked; he did not know this could happen from his future memory. He could not help but hurriedly ask, "Teacher, what happened just now?"

Nathan softly laughed and replied, "This is a restrictive knowledge not many know about. The wood fiber from the Mountain Pine can be used to make a carrier of some special mana-gathering exercise."

"By contracting the exercise record on the paper made from the Mountain Pine, the mana user can genuinely own the practicing technique. If the owner died, the exercise would disappear, and no third party would have access to it."

"This was a means to prevent the leak of the powerful and important exercises. It also helps the practitioner memorize and understand the technique better."

Theodore felt amazed at Nathan's explanation.

In his previous life, he did come into contact with some great techniques during the great war; however, he did not come into contact with such a thing.

Theodore then thought of the possibility. It could be because the situation at that time was urgent or the technique he valued was not genuinely precious.

'In any case, the teacher's identity was really not simple.' Theodore thought and was once again glad at his decision to follow Nathan as a disciple.