Training Begins

As the ghost whimsically dismissed the formalities of naming himself, suggesting they could call him anything from 'Just Ghost' to 'Spirit of the Past', the group moved into the training dimension where time flowed differently. This unique environment would allow them to condense years of training into mere days, an invaluable asset given the urgency of their mission.

Amukelo was the first to dive into the rigors of training, focusing intensely on the speed of his mana gathering. He understood that mastering this skill under perfect conditions was one thing, but the chaos of combat demanded the ability to summon mana quickly and efficiently under any circumstances. His efforts were methodical, pushing himself to reduce the time it took to reach his mana limits without sacrificing control.

Eliss, motivated by a fierce determination to not only keep up with Amukelo but to be a use for him, threw herself into her training with a relentless drive. Her progress, though initially slower than Amukelo's due to her different magical affinities, was marked by significant breakthroughs. The spirit of competition and camaraderie with Amukelo pushed her beyond what she had thought possible, each day ending in exhaustion but also a sense of achievement as she edged closer to mastering her mana control.

Erohan, too, worked on refining his mana techniques, though as a dragon, his natural capacities were vastly different. His training focused on harnessing and adapting his draconic energy to complement the human techniques he was learning, a challenging task that required him to rethink and often reinvent his approach to power management.

Yosue and Ida sparred regularly, using the ancient technique they both had learned. Ida's superiority in experience and power was evident, but Yosue's quick learning curve and adaptability made their sessions both competitive and productive. The ghost's advice to train near the brink of death was taken seriously; their spars were intense, often leaving them on the verge of collapse but significantly sharper and more resilient.

Throughout this rigorous regimen, the group adhered to the ghost's guidance of keeping their training deadly serious—every spar, every exercise was designed to push them to their limits and beyond. This constant brushing with danger was a grim but effective teacher, rapidly honing their skills and endurance.

As the weeks turned into a month, remarkable progress was made. Amukelo and Eliss, in particular, showcased tremendous growth. Amukelo's talent for learning and adaptation allowed him to refine his mana gathering to the point where he could effectively accumulate and deploy mana even while dodging and weaving through simulated combat scenarios. Eliss, driven by her determination to be a strong partner and protector, matched his pace. Her commitment to improving not just for her own sake but for the safety and success of the entire group fueled her through moments of doubt and fatigue.

Their training days blended into a relentless cycle of push and recovery, each session structured around the ghost's haunting premise of training as if their lives depended on it—because, in many ways, they did. This intense period of growth was not just about building strength and skill but also about forging a deeper bond among the group, a unity shaped by shared struggles and mutual respect. As they trained, fought, and grew together, they transformed not only as individual fighters but as a cohesive unit ready to face whatever challenges awaited them beyond the training dimension.

After achieving a reasonable proficiency in gathering mana quickly, Amukelo and Eliss turned their focus towards maintaining this heightened state for extended periods. This new phase of their training proved to be exceedingly challenging. The more mana they accumulated, the more difficult it became to sustain control over it. Initially, both could only hold onto the enhanced state briefly—Eliss managed to cast two or three spells before the mana slipped from her grasp, while Amukelo found he could engage in combat only for short spurts while maintaining control.

Erohan, given his unique draconic nature, faced his own set of challenges. Unlike his human companions, his struggle lay in gathering mana swiftly and maneuvering it while in motion, a task that required a fundamental alteration of his innate abilities.

Yosue also made significant strides during this period. He could now harness about eighty percent of his mana capacity in combat scenarios. However, his challenge shifted to the speed at which he could create mana flows—essential for applying the technique effectively in battle. Each training session saw him pushing harder to decrease the time needed to initiate these flows, aiming for seamless integration of mana control into his combat skills.

Ida, already a master of these ancient techniques, spent his time refining his skills to perfection. His presence and expertise provided a benchmark for the others, offering both inspiration and a direct comparison that spurred their efforts.

Several more months passed in this rigorous environment, with each member of the group pushing the boundaries of their abilities. Amukelo and Eliss, in particular, focused on extending their auras, a crucial step towards creating internal mana flows. This phase of their training was particularly tough for Eliss. As Nakatashi had warned, manipulating an extended aura was more complex for her due to the greater distances her spells required. Currently, she managed to extend her aura only within a limited range, roughly equivalent to the reach needed by a typical swordsman. Despite these challenges, her progress was impressive, keeping pace with Amukelo's exceptional talent.

Amukelo, on his part, honed his ability to not just gather and sustain mana but also to expand his aura with precision. His determination was mirrored by Eliss's steadfast dedication, her spells gradually becoming more potent and her control more refined as she pushed her limits.