Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 234: Three Mana Hearts

The morning after the family demonstration brought a dramatically reduced number of students to the training grounds.

Of the original eight hundred who had survived the first week, fewer than four hundred remained after the public confrontation with their families’ expectations.

Those who had chosen to leave had departed quietly during the night, their absence marked only by empty dormitory rooms and abandoned training equipment.

The students who remained showed a noticeably different demeanor—more focused, more determined, and clearly aware that they had committed to something that would define their futures.

Grim stood before the assembled survivors, studying their faces with obvious satisfaction. The elimination of the uncommitted had left him with a core group that possessed the mental fortitude necessary for what was to come.

"Congratulations," he began, his voice carrying across the training ground with clear authority.

"You have passed the first test—the willingness to invest in your future. However, the real training begins now."

He paused, allowing his words to settle before continuing.

"Master Shen Lao will now begin your instruction in cultivation techniques. What you have experienced thus far has been preparation for this moment. Physical conditioning was merely the foundation upon which genuine power will be built."

Shen Lao stepped forward, his ancient presence immediately commanding absolute attention from the remaining students.

"Cultivation," the dragon began, "is the process by which one transcends their natural limitations. Through proper techniques, disciplined practice, and unwavering commitment, you will develop abilities that place you among the most formidable individuals in the Empire."

The students listened with rapt attention, clearly understanding that they were about to receive instruction unlike anything they have ever experienced.

"The foundation of cultivation," Shen Lao continued, "is the development of mana hearts—specialized organs that store and channel magical energy within your body. Every human possesses the potential to develop these hearts, but few ever achieve more than three."

He gestured toward his chest.

"I possess seven fully developed mana hearts," he announced, causing gasps from several students. "This allows me to maintain the techniques you witnessed yesterday while simultaneously performing other abilities that would drain lesser practitioners completely."

The implications were staggering—if the basic demonstration they had witnessed was possible with multiple mana hearts, what could be achieved with seven?

"Your training will focus on developing three mana hearts within the next three months," Shen Lao continued, his tone becoming more businesslike. "This is an ambitious timeline, but achievable for those who maintain proper discipline and commitment."

A student near the front raised her hand tentatively. "Master Shen Lao, what happens if we don’t achieve three mana hearts within the specified timeframe?"

"You will be expelled from the sect," Grim replied before Shen Lao could respond. "Immediately and permanently. No exceptions, no second chances, no appeals."

The finality in his voice left no room for misunderstanding.

"The Empire needs individuals capable of extraordinary achievement," Grim continued. "Those who cannot meet demanding standards serve no purpose in our organization."

"But surely," another student began, "some allowance could be made for—"

"No," Grim interrupted firmly. "The timeline is not negotiable. The standards are not flexible. You will develop three mana hearts within three months, or you will be removed."

The pressure was enormous, but Grim could see that it was having the desired effect—the students were focusing completely on the challenge ahead rather than questioning whether it was reasonable.

"However," Shen Lao added with what might have been encouragement, "those who achieve this goal will find themselves capable of techniques that they never would have learned before. Three mana hearts provide the foundation for genuine combat, advanced elemental manipulation, and abilities that few humans ever master."

He began to pace slowly in front of the assembled students.

"The process begins with meditation techniques designed to identify and awaken dormant mana channels within your body," he explained. "These channels exist in all of us, but remain inactive without proper cultivation methods."

"Once the channels are awakened, you will learn to gather ambient mana from your surroundings and direct it toward specific locations within your chest cavity. This process requires intense concentration, perfect breathing control, and the ability to maintain focus for extended periods."

"The formation of your first mana heart will be the easiest," Shen Lao continued. "You should all already have one if not two mana hearts by now."

Several students shifted uncomfortably at the mention of two mana hearts.

"The second mana heart will be somewhat easier to develop, as your body will have adapted to the cultivation process. The third will require the most precise control, as you must maintain the function of your existing hearts while creating a new one."

"And if something goes wrong during the process?" a student asked with obvious concern.

"Then you die," Shen Lao replied matter-of-factly. "Cultivation is not without risks. Attempting to force the process, skipping fundamental steps, or losing focus during critical moments can result in permanent damage or death."

The stark honesty was clearly intended to emphasize the seriousness of what they were undertaking.

"However," he added, "proper instruction and gradual progression minimize these risks significantly. Following the prescribed methods exactly as taught will ensure your safety while maximizing your chances of success."

"The daily schedule will be modified to accommodate cultivation training," Grim announced. "Physical conditioning will continue each morning, but afternoons will be dedicated to meditation and mana manipulation exercises. Evening hours will focus on theoretical instruction and individual assessment."

"Individual cultivation chambers have been prepared for each student. These rooms are designed to enhance mana concentration and provide the quiet environment necessary for proper meditation. You will spend significant portions of each day in these chambers."

"The chambers are equipped with monitoring devices that will track your progress and identify any problems before they become dangerous," Shen Lao added. "Instructors will be available at all times to provide guidance and intervention if necessary."

"Additionally," Grim continued, "dietary requirements will be adjusted to support the cultivation process. Special foods that enhance mana absorption will be provided, while substances that interfere with mana flow will be eliminated from your meals."

The comprehensive nature of the program was becoming clear—every aspect of the students’ lives would be structured around achieving the three mana heart goal.

"Questions?" Shen Lao asked, though his tone suggested that the time for questioning was nearly over.

A young man in the back raised his hand. "Master Shen Lao, has anyone ever achieved three mana hearts in only three months?"

"Several individuals have achieved this timeline," the dragon replied. "Though they were exceptional cases with natural talent and complete dedication to the process."

"What happened to those who didn’t achieve the goal?" another student asked.

"They pursued other paths," Shen Lao said diplomatically. "Paths that didn’t require the abilities we’re developing here."

The euphemism was clear—failure meant expulsion and return to ordinary life.

"The training begins immediately," Grim announced. "You will be assigned to your individual chambers and begin basic meditation exercises today. Progress assessments will be conducted weekly, with immediate expulsion for anyone who falls significantly behind the expected timeline."

As the students began to disperse toward their assigned cultivation chambers, Grim observed their reactions with interest.

Some moved with excited determination, clearly energized by the prospect of developing extraordinary abilities. Others showed signs of anxiety about the demanding timeline and serious consequences.

All of them, however, showed the focused commitment that had been the goal of the entire selection process.

"An ambitious schedule," Shen Lao observed quietly as the students settled into their new routine.

"Ambitious but achievable," Grim replied with confidence. "And necessary for what’s coming."

"What’s coming?" the dragon asked with obvious interest.

"Change," Grim said simply. "The Empire is going to need individuals capable of extraordinary things. We’re going to provide them."

[And you’re going to need them for your own purposes,] Caius observed silently.

"That too," Grim agreed. "Power without loyal followers is just individual strength. Power with loyal followers is the foundation of lasting change."

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