The afternoon sun had climbed high over the manor courtyard, casting warm light across the training area. Baker tightened his gloves, staring at the practice dummy and the small arena Selene had set up. The day's goal was ambitious: combine his healing magic with basic body reinforcement, and test his stamina between bouts.
Harven had already prepared a small table to the side, plating Baker's special creation: Mandearoz Jerky infused with mana, each piece carefully seasoned with his fatigue-recovery spice blend from yesterday's experiments. The aroma was rich, slightly smoky, and carried a subtle herbal sweetness that hinted at its restorative properties.
Melody watched with wide eyes, balancing a small notebook in her hands. "I… I've never seen food like that," she whispered, glancing between Baker and the jerky. "And he's going to use magic while sparring?"
Baker grinned. "It's all about timing and energy management." He took a deep breath and held out his palms, feeling the hum of mana from his Magic God's Blessing. The faint glow began to wrap around his muscles, reinforcing his body as he moved.
Selene stood across from him, spear poised, her own body radiating controlled energy. "Show me what you've got, Baker. No holding back — but stay focused."
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Sparring Begins
Baker launched forward, using a combination of footwork and body reinforcement to parry Selene's thrust. Each block sent a faint pulse of mana into his arms and shoulders, easing the strain on his muscles. He felt minor aches from previous exercises, but with a quick touch of his healing magic, the soreness faded almost instantly.
A slice of Mandearoz jerky in his hand, he chewed and swallowed, feeling the energy in the special seasoning blend awaken. Mana pulsed subtly through his body, enhancing his recovery speed. His movements felt smoother, faster, and slightly more fluid — the combination of food and magic letting him push farther without serious fatigue.
Selene's eyes narrowed, impressed. "You're maintaining balance while reinforcing your body and healing mid-combat. Not many beginners could manage that."
Baker grinned, dodging another thrust. "It's not about brute strength! It's about synergy!" He reinforced his arms and legs with magic, subtly mending the minor bruises forming from her strikes. Each movement was carefully measured, his mana flowing into muscles, bones, and even his heartbeat to keep everything steady.
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Using Food as Mana Recovery
Between sparring exchanges, Baker took small bites of the Mandearoz jerky, feeling the fatigue-recovery seasoning work in conjunction with his mana. Each bite restored not just energy but focus, letting him anticipate Selene's movements better.
He paused for a moment, concentrating on channeling mana through his body while reinforcing key joints and healing small abrasions from blocks and grazes. Within moments, the soreness vanished, leaving him ready to continue.
"Excellent!" Selene called out, spinning her spear in a practiced flourish. "You're learning to integrate magic, physical reinforcement, and nutrition in real-time. That's the kind of thinking that separates fighters from warriors."
Baker's chest heaved slightly, sweat dripping down his forehead, but he smiled. "I've got a lot to learn, but… this feels amazing. Like I'm finally combining everything I've trained for."
Harven clapped from the side, his burly arms folding across his chest. "Looks like the young master's not just cooking and healing. He's turning meals into combat advantage!"
Melody jotted notes furiously, awe clear in her expression. "If he keeps improving like this, no one will be able to touch him — and he's only going to get stronger with practice!"
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By the end of the session, Baker sat on the edge of the training area, drinking water and munching the last pieces of mana-filled jerky. His muscles were tired, but the healing and reinforcement magic, combined with his special food, left him energized and ready to continue another round if necessary.
Selene approached, spear resting on her shoulder. "You've got potential, Baker. Keep this up, and by the time we leave for your grandparents' estate, you'll be able to handle any threats along the road — and recover faster than most warriors I've trained."
Baker nodded, determination glowing in his chestnut eyes. "I will, Captain Selene. And I'll make sure every meal, every spell, every movement helps me become stronger — smarter — better."