Difference between Ki and Mana

“What the hell are you talking about?” Enraged, Reiji stares bewildered.

“It’s like I said. As Ki users, we will never be able to magic the same way as mana users.” Xenon explains quickly. “In this world, although everyone awakens their gift at the age of 15. Not everyone will unlock a combat class. Do you know why?”   

Reiji’s blank expression was more than enough to answer Xenon’s question.

“It is because they lack the basic requirements to unlock a class.” Raising two fingers, Xenon once again counts them off. “Although jobs determine stat growth, your starting stats also determine what kind of class you can have. The other requirement is to have the required energy source to use that class.” 

A sudden realization dawns on Reiji as if struck by a bolt of lightning.

“You mean because we use Ki, we are unable to use mana and magic base classes?”

Xenon nods solemnly, accepting Reiji’s answer. “That’s Right. Us Ki users can only use martial classes. Mage classes will forever be beyond us. Think of it as mana users being jack of all trades, while us Ki users are a specific type mastering just one thing.”

“Elnyra is that true? How come you never told me that?!” Reiji conveyed his words filled with anger.

“I - I didn’t want to disappoint you when we first met… After that I just kinda forgot? Hehe.” The translucent form of Elnyra shamelessly strikes a pose trying to look cute. Causing his blood pressure to rise aggressively.

“Why you irresponsible goddess, how could you not tell me something so important?” Dropping down to all four, his head hangs low, filled with heart ache.

Breathing in and out, Reiji spends a few moments quenching his despair.

“So I can only punch and kick like usual? I won’t be able to do anything fancy?” He ask dejectedly.

“Not exactly. Unlike mana, Ki doesn’t obey the 8 elemental cycle. Ki is only split into Yin and Yang. Yin Ki refers to cold energy, while Yang Ki refers to hot Ki.” 

“Depending on which kind of Ki you have, you could use attack skills that are similar to magic. You can generate fire and lightning if you attack with Yang Ki, while Yin Ki would be able to generate wind and ice.”

“Woah! Why didn’t you lead with that Xenon?” Reiji’s eye once again shined with expectation.

“So? So? How do I do it?”

“Those are high level skills. Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, I’ll teach you. For now you should focus on getting stronger.”

With those words Xenon retrieved a special bell from his inventory, and rang it. 

“Yaho! You called Master?” Serena popped in through the door.

“Please bring us two Tristan lunch set, and the job I told you to prepare.”

“Aye!” Saluting casually, Serena leaves to fulfill the masters request.

The Tristan lunch set was a specialty of the guild designed to give energy and stamina to the adventurers. It is comprised of multiple ingredients imported from the three major powers. Made by high level Cooks, the meal offers a substantial stat buff.

Pointing at the parchment spread out between them, Xenon gives Reiji a short description.

“This will be your first job. I’ve picked it especially for you. It involves gathering resources from rather sturdy monsters in the Black Spine Mountain range.”

“A hunting quest? Finally something like a fantasy game!” 

“So, whats my target?”

“You’ll be hunting some Taurus. They aren’t that rare on the mountain range, You shouldn’t have to venture past the second mountain.”

Looking at the job request, a detailed sketch of the Taurus monster could be seen. It was a large bull, covered in thick muscles, 2 pairs of curved horns protruded out over its head. The front legs were armored with rocks, and two thick tails extended from its rear.

“Kill them and retrieve the smaller pair of horns from them. A total of 6 pairs is required.” Reiji rubs his chin in contemplation. 

“Don’t worry, unlike normal animals, monsters are nothing more than beast, you can kill them without hesitation.” Xenon smiles calmly. “The previous hero was also concerned about the taking of life. I know your world is mostly at peace, and killing isn’t normal for daily life. But in this world monsters aren’t true living creatures, they don’t have souls.”

“Is that true Elnyra. Monsters on this world don’t have souls?”

“Yes Reiji. Monsters on this world are born by a natural phenomenon. They aren’t able to reproduce naturally, and they don’t have souls.” Confirming Xenon’s words, Elnyra’s eyes shone with seriousness.

Nodding, Reiji finally accepts the job. “Alright then, tomorrow I’ll take on this job!”

“Great. I suggest you spend the rest of the afternoon preparing for tomorrow. Buy the necessary items you require, and spend the rest of the time training your new skills.” With those parting words Xenon leaves the room, leaving Reiji alone.

"So Elnyra... I know you said the seal of whatsit dragon is being undone, and the world might end when it is, but from what I've seen, everyone seems to be doing fine. There's been no signs or forewarning. Shouldn't a world ending event have some kind of precursor?"

Shimmering into view, Elnyra sat opposite Reiji.

"Just because you haven't seen it, doesn't mean it's not happening. The seal is certainly becoming undone. Soon signs of it's awakening will be seen across the continent."

"Yeah? What kind of signs?"

"... Vermundr isn't from this world Reiji. As it awakens, it's aura of corruption will rise across the land, twisting living things. Monsters without souls will be the first to mutate, followed by plant life, animals, and lastly people. The spread of corruption can even affect the dead."

"... That certainly sounds cataclysmic."

"It is... Which is why you need to get stronger. Xenon is your best bet. Follow his instructions, Reiji. For all our sakes."

Hearing those solemn words, Reiji nods once, his eyes burning fiercely.

"I will."