"so what do we need to do to make a mental energy core?"
"I don't know. But, that doesn't mean I have no idea, I just need to test my idea out first." Hou honestly answered Hamar's question.
"Ughh, okay I'll wait for you to finish, but do let me know how long it'll be this time..."
Hou looked up and roughly calculated how long it should take to test if it works, "maybe an hour max?"
"That's fine, I'll wait a bit long. In the meantime, I'll absorb more mana and replenish my aura reserves."
"Good idea, see you in a few" Hou closed his eyes and begun experimenting with the willpower.
Firstly, he listened to what Araxis said, that he should be able to figure it out by using mana circles as a base.
Hou spun the mental energy, forming it into different shapes. He formed the willpower into a small orb and compressed it slowly.
Then as a concentrated form, he began to think of what he needed to do,
'I use mana circles to store more mana. Mana works by changing the laws...so realistically shouldn't mental energy work the same? What's the difference...mana works in the 'real' world but mental energy doesn't....? No, that can't be...'
Hou shook his head and rubbed his temples, 'No, I need to stop getting distracted. What will learning this help me. The point I need to be wary of is that mana can be thought of the same as mental energy just cannot be used as simply as willpower'
Hou released all of his curiosity and focused entirely on what he needed to do. He started to make simple magic circles using me talking energy, noting the differences it does than mana.
While mana and mental energy do similar things, by using mental energy instead of mana in magic circles, the function changed.
Instead of working with the physicality and objectivity of magic, it worked more loosely and subjective.
Hou bit his lip and adjusted the magic circle of willpower inside his mind, turning it from an equation into a painting. He focused on the intentions and impressions than the objective rules of mana.
Finally after another hour, he finished the magic circle and it solidified inside his mind. It was a large spinning disc which carried mental energy and turned it into thin threads that followed through the body all originating from the mind.
"Sorry for being a little late..." Hou opened his eyes and saw Hamar in a meditative position glowing blue. The mana he absorbed turning into aura within his body.
Hamar slowly opened his eyes and stopped absorbing mana, "so, was it successful?"
Hou nodded and smiled, "it's done, I'll explain now." He pulled out a piece of paper and began drawing the base circle. Then each line and symbol had specific meanings and intentions that was needed.
Hou even used a portion of Flowing Divine Script which hugely simplified his conversion from mana to mental energy. Hou explained each part, what Hamar needed to do.
Once it was done, Hamar began making the circle inside his mind. Hou touched his back and held to guide him when needed.
Finally after a while, it was done and Hamar stood up looking at his new mental energy core, "...what should I call this?"
Hou immediately answered, "Mental Meridians." Hou was referencing the meridian lines which he was reminded of when the mental energy spread into threads across the body.
Hamar stretched his arm and swing them into the air, "mental meridians.... Thank you. Really, Hou. Thanks, this...already I can feel my mental energy will be much higher in the long term. And right now my reaction speed is increased without aura, the mental energy can be spread better across the body."
Hou punched the air and nodded, "yeah I can feel that. It sort of feels like saturating the body with wills."
"Hmm, that's what I was thinking. So, what's next? You said we need to ask Master Sheng for something and it's related to...me becoming a cultivator?"
Hou scratched his head and nodded, "yes, that. I'll tell you the effect I want first. I want to use magic and connect me and you, so you can use my body to store and use laws."
"Magic?! But isn't that something...secret? Does Mo Huai even know, Master Sheng definitely doesn't."
"Yeahhh, that's the issue. But, I think it's fine. If I say it's for some cultivation method to refine out bodies he might be able to do it. But if that doesn't work, I might be able to entice him with some things I have."
"And at worst reveal your connection to Mo Huai? If he knows we're direct disciples of an elder, he should help us as much as we want."
Hou sighed, "it would for sure, but I don't want that. I want to see what normality is like, I've only been a direct disciple of an elder for a short time. And Mo Huai wanted me to stay hidden too, and sect master."
Hamar nodded thoughtfully and put his hand on Hou's shoulders, "then, whatever you say my friend, let's just try. I know you'll make the best choice. It's not like I NEED to be a cultivator."
"But you also shouldn't reveal your swordsmanship as it's own thing just yet either...and at this rate we'll get to a point where you can't hide that you're not a cultivator anymore."
Hamar nodded and walked over to the door, "so, we go to Master Sheng and you see whether we can get what we need? Like I've said, I'll trust you."
Hou chuckled and ran over, "of course" he put his hand on Hamar's shoulders and the two opened the door together.
Before the door opened fully, Hou held out his other hand and the disc which placed a privacy barrier around the room rumbled.
It spun on the ground then shot up and flew into Hou's hand. They turned the door handle and the door opened.
As they thought of Master Sheng, their bodies turned into blood which coiled around each other as they flew through the air.