Enhanced Memory

     "Today will be self study. If you have questions about your skills or techniques, today is the day that I will devote to helping you with them.

     This was great news to Matthew as he was going to push to complete the enhanced memory skill.  He quickly got to work on concentrating mana on the needle point sized sphere he had already created.

     About and hour in he got an update from his system that startled him and broke his concentration.

*Ding* *System Updated*

*Mana gathering (minor) -> Mana gathering (experienced)*

     This would be a great help to him since he was actively trying to gather mana.  He was surprised that he was able to raise the grade of this skill without being able to gather mana into his core.

     He smiled as he started to gather mana again that quickly changed the flow of mana around him.  The other students couldn't help but notice this change as they all looked in his direction with determined expressions on their faces.

     'It appears that he is making very quick progress and the other students have noticed as well.  This will definitely light a fire in their belly to make them do their utmost to improve.' Mr. Falls thought as he smiled in Matthew's direction.

     The sphere that Matthew was concentrating on was quickly growing now.  It had reached the size of a marble and was still expanding.  Little by little and bit by bit he was determined to finish this technique before the school day was over.

     An hour before class was over, it finally happened.  The sphere reached a critical mass of sorts and began to spread out to fill every corner of his brain before being absorbed.

*Ding* *System updated*

*Enhanced Memory (initial) gained*

     Skills that were passive had only two grades. They were initial and complete and in order for Mathew to complete the skill he would have to do the same process as before at least five more times.  Each time using more mana since his brain would require more and more each time.

     Finally class came to end as Matthew and the rest of the students made their way home.  Meanwhile, Mr. Falls made his way to the counselors office.

     "I see you are back again today.  Is it about that kid with the cracked core again?" Mrs. Howard asked with a smile on her face.

     Mr. Falls nodded before taking a seat.  "I believe he is using the old man's technique to try and repair his mana core." Was all he said.

     "I see.  If he actually succeeds then maybe we can ask the old man to allow others to use it. Though I'm sure we will get the same response as before.  He is quite troublesome to deal with if you push him.  He is one of the strongest men on the planet after all." Mrs. Howard said with a thoughtful expression on her face.

     Matthew was oblivious of the conversation that had happened since he had already left the school.  Though, now he was facing trouble of his own in the form of his bullies having managed to corner him in an alleyway.