Wave after wave of mellow energy contained within the fruit diffused throughout his energy channels under his precise control.
Soon, the circulation became independent, not requiring Anom's active focus. Hence, he started to focus on the main aspect needed to reach the next stage: control. Sublime control over internal energy, fine enough to let the energy traveling around via the energy pathways leave their usual route and arrive near the surface of the body.
It might not appear much different from the previous levels, but it required a higher level of accuracy and concentration.
Unlike the energy channels meant for energy to travel, the rest of the space within the body didn't have any fixed path to allow a similar occurrence.
In that sense, the rest of the body, besides the energy pathways, was not so different from the outside environment since it also didn't allow an unawakened spirit to exert control over it.
But, since it was still the body belonging to oneself, it was possible to train one's spirit to reach beyond the channels without harming the body.
Control delicate enough that no tissue or muscle would be damaged was required, as the energy that could empower an otherwise weak human body to push beyond visible limits could also harm it from within.
While Anom was thinking about the third state and the related information he had read about, an opportunity he had been waiting for arrived.
A strand of energy that had been moving furiously through the channels deviated under Anom's deliberation.
The strand wavered in the unfamiliar place due to the absence of a fixed path. But soon enough, it received guidance to move freely. Not agile enough like when it traveled through the pathways, but still at an improved pace.
Following the first instance, more and more strands of energy left the fixed path and began moving around Anom's body.
Anom felt overwhelmed as the warm energy spread throughout him. But this spreading was different from the previous sessions, as it was literally spreading through every inch of his form.
The minute tissues that could only receive the energy supplied through the blood vessels adjacent to the energy channels could now receive direct nourishment.
A sense of unfathomable strength overcame his being, but Anom quashed the false sensation just as quickly as it came. He knew it was just an unreal sensation that followed his improvement, but if he really let it go to his head, nothing good would follow.
Huuuu...
Anom let out a breath as he left his highly focused state.
His surroundings were unaffected by whatever had happened within himself, but that didn't mean it was undetectable.
Had he tried to do the same inside the guest room he was assigned, Anom was sure someone would have noticed. Likely the two spirit rankers present within the premises.
That was one of the two main reasons Anom wanted to enter the hidden room of the Treasury.
As for the second one, it was, of course, to test his limits by tackling the arrays and mechanisms he had recently come into contact with.
But his training session was not finished yet.
Continuing to execute the newfound method of energy transmission, Anom made himself familiar with the sensation, following which the slight disturbance that was leaking out was reined in. Thus, only a close inspection by those exceeding his level could now reveal his true stage.
He didn't want to stand out too much, after all. Besides, a low level would be more beneficial in the beginning stages, as even Vance, the young master from the Sorneo House of the capital, was only at the peak of the unranked base stage. Anom, or more precisely, Blatt's sudden rise in power, might incite feelings of envy or similar emotions, which, given the delicate nature of his task, could prove destructive.
Only in the future, or more precisely, after reaching the capital, would Anom begin to reveal more of his strength, according to the situation at hand.
"Now let's try the next step." After familiarizing himself with his new powers, Anom began to work on the next step, which involved the secrets of his uniqueness: his soul.
The familiar sensation came back to him, but this time the bond he felt was stronger, and the feeling of resonance was also significantly clearer.
His "senses" captured the surrounding energy fields with improved mastery.
Focusing further, Anom tried to peek through the material cover of this world but still failed.
He could see the points of contact from where the energy not present earlier was emerging, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. But he knew where this "nowhere" was, though it was currently beyond his capabilities despite his progression in strength.
Anom didn't dwell on it too much since it seemed he would have to wait until he awakened his spirit to unite with that immaterial dimension.
But he didn't stop his practice; instead, he tried something else that, too, was only possible after reaching the next level.
The energy within his body, as if ignited, began to rumble through the channels. After a couple of circulations, a slight undulation occurred under his skin as waves of energy began to spread throughout his body. It was much smoother than before.
Finally, the energy wiggled out of his body and climbed to the surface. Though it still didn't break contact, or more likely, couldn't.
A slight shine covered his skin, but it was not anything material, yet it looked the same because of the friction caused between internal and external energy.
It was also the reason why this state was named the materialization stage.
But to be honest, it was too exaggerated.
From what Anom had heard from Nia and Kristin, this form of address was out of commission within the official works as only the common folks of the low-scale cities, such as Nulis City, still used it. Now, the three stages before awakening the spirit were known as the three Base Stages. The Materialization Stage was the Third Base Stage.
Anom was curious about more intricacies regarding the levels after, but he reined himself in since there would be more chances to know more.
He continued to circulate his internal energy until it covered him with the "shine" that was only visible to individuals who dabbled in energy.
After Anom felt the state of his energy flow to be sufficient, he employed his soul to strengthen his spirit.
As if supported by a strong pillar, his spirit suddenly gained a boost in control and level of resonance. The internal energy began to grow restless, but Anom's spirit quickly suppressed it before taking over control, now beyond his body.
A sliver of the radiance covering him moved away from his body and came into contact with external forces for the first time.
Sizz!
A brief clash occurred between both types of energy before it unsurprisingly ended with the external energy's victory as the sliver of internal energy went out.
But Anom was not discouraged.
And why would he be? After all, he had just skipped a major level and achieved a feat that only people with awakened spirits could call normal.
Exhaling a calm breath, Anom opened his eyes and stood up.
Activating the switch, he opened the door and walked out. Placing his hand on the hidden array on the wall, Anom then once again activated the lock sequence in reverse, causing the wall to close, sealing the hidden room once again.
Taking cover in the darkness, Anom's figure merged with the shadows, disappearing from the basement.
...
The following morning, the atmosphere within the Handler family mansion was abuzz with activity.
Servants hurriedly shuttled through the hallways, carrying goods and making final preparations. The sense of urgency was palpable, and everyone seemed to be working with great enthusiasm.
But such bustling was expected, considering the departure of important guests from the capital. As the host family, the Handlers couldn't afford any negligence in their duties.
At the mansion's entrance, three large carriages stood, grander than the traditional horse carriages Anom was accustomed to.
What truly caught his attention were the beasts harnessed to the carriages. These were no ordinary horses. They stood on sturdy legs with huge, flat bodies as wide as they were high. The creatures resembled fat lizards, their hide covered in thin brown scales from head to short tail. Toad-like eyes, dark black with a transparent cover, peered out from their unique visage.
Each carriage was drawn by two of these impressive beasts. Anom had read about this species, locally known as the Mud Lizard - a popular choice among wealthier merchants for long-distance travel.
Though these beasts originated far from Nulis City, their arrival was indeed a rare occurrence due to the bustling trade hub.
Despite the bustling scene, Sino Handler's enthusiasm was unbridled.
There were reasons for his spirited appearance. Firstly, his successful venture with the Sorneo House brought him great joy. Although the deal was already finalized, the family's exceptional performance was crucial for future dealings, and Sino believed he hadn't overlooked any detail that could make his side appear inadequate.
Moreover, Sino was delighted with his usually idle son's newfound sense of purpose. Selvo, who often caused trouble, seemed to have finally discovered his path in life.
While Sino was aware of Selvo's habit of getting into trouble, he wasn't overly concerned about sending him to the capital, outside his familiar territory. Sino knew that Selvo was a shrewd individual who could adapt his behavior as needed. In Nulis City, he acted freely, but elsewhere, he knew how to behave and appear respectable, especially in front of his father.
As he pondered the changes in his son, Sino couldn't help but recall the influence of Nedar, the Giro Gang's leader, who seemed to have played a significant role in Selvo's transformation.
"Nedar seemed to have become more active recently... Too bad he went somewhere; otherwise, I wouldn't mind hearing more of his interesting ideas."
Lost in thought, Sino was brought back to reality by a servant, who informed him of something important.
"Prepare yourselves." Sino ordered the servants loading the carriages to step back in an orderly manner.
"Welcome, Young Master Vance!"
With a warm smile, Sino greeted Vance as he led the group. He then turned his attention to another important individual.
"Greetings, Mr. Davion."
The delegation from the Sorneo House came forward, and Anom, disguised as Blatt, trailed along.
"Hello, Uncle Sino. I hope we didn't bother you much with our intrusion. Though I had to say you were a fabulous host."
Vance, adept at maintaining his position as a young master, returned Sino's warm greeting with a polite response, expressing gratitude for the hospitality offered by the Handler family.
Sino's face lit up even more, pleased with Vance's response. He adjusted the way he addressed Vance, showing respect for the young master's status and recognizing that despite his position within the Sorneo House, Vance was still deserving of attention.
Davion's nod of acknowledgment was rare, but it brought a smile to Sino's face.
"I hope you will take care of him, dear nephew Vance."
Taking the opportunity, Sino introduced his son to the group again, relieved to see a warmer reception this time.
"Uncle Sino, no need for such formality," Vance replied with a smile. "I will take care of my cousin Selvo. Although I might not hold significant importance in the Sorneo House, taking care of his well-being is still something I can do."
"Thank you. I am relieved to hear that," Sino responded gratefully.
After the group began boarding the carriages, Sino also engaged in a short conversation with Blatt, expecting the gatherer to recall the "favor" bestowed upon him by the Handler family. Blatt played along, replying humbly to the family head's words.
"The future holds great prospects for a young man like you. Just remember to stay on the right path as you continue to climb," Sino advised Blatt wisely, subtly hinting at something meaningful.
As the group finished boarding and all the necessary supplies were loaded, the beasts in front lifted their heavy legs, producing a slight tremor, signifying the beginning of their journey.
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