The dim glow of mana lamps illuminated the expansive study hall. Rows of neatly arranged bookshelves stretched to the ceiling, each packed with tomes detailing magic, history, and combat techniques. At the center of the room sat Cynthia Goodsky, elegant as ever, her piercing gaze scanning a thick manuscript.
I sat across from her, my hands folded neatly on the table, listening as she explained today's lesson.
"Mana beasts," she began, "are creatures whose bodies have adapted to naturally store and refine mana and are born with mana cores. Some are merely beasts with a passive affinity, while others are intelligent, capable of using abilities on par with skilled mages."
I nodded, already familiar with the general concept. Still, I let her continue—Goodsky had a way of explaining things that even made common knowledge feel profound.
She tapped the book in front of her, flipping to a page depicting various creatures. "Their cores—also called beast cores—contain highly concentrated mana, and their quality depends on the strength of the beast."
She motioned for me to take a closer look. The illustrations were detailed, showing creatures ranging from common mana-infused wolves to legendary dragons whose cores radiated terrifying power.
"Absorbing a beast core is dangerous," she warned, her tone sharpening. "For most, it is an unstable process that can lead to mana deviation—or worse, death. However..." Her gaze settled on me with an almost knowing glint. "Though i have high hopes for your abilty to absorb and refine mana"
I smirked but didn't interrupt.
She pulled out a small, luminous pearl-like gem from a silk pouch. It pulsed faintly with power.
"This," she said, rolling it across the table toward me, "is a rare condensed mana core, extracted from a high-tier beast. It's dangerous, but when the time comes for you to awaken your mana core, it will help refine it beyond normal means."
I picked it up, rolling the smooth sphere between my fingers. A faint tingling sensation ran up my arm, confirming the potent energy inside.
"Hold onto it for now," she continued, standing up. "I have a meeting with the Council and will be gone for a few days. Don't do anything reckless while I'm away."
I gave her an innocent look. "Me? Reckless? Perish the thought."
She sighed. "At least try not to make me regret taking you in." With that, she turned and exited the study, leaving me alone with the dangerous artifact in my palm.
My fingers tightened around the core.
Time to make good use of this
On my way to my room, I exchanged brief pleasantries with the servants. They had grown used to my presence over the years, though I could still see the faint traces of reverence and curiosity in their eyes.
"Young Master Adam," one of them bowed as I passed. "Shall I prepare tea for your study session?"
I shook my head. "No need. Just ensure I'm not disturbed for the next few hours."
"As you wish."
Reaching my chambers, I stepped inside and locked the door behind me.
My room was luxurious, though I rarely indulged in its comforts. A grand canopy bed sat near the far wall, shelves lined with books occupied the sides, and an intricate mana lamp provided warm lighting.
Taking a deep breath, I sat cross-legged on the floor, placing the mana core before me.
Let's finish what I started.
Holding the mana core in my palm, I activated my Orbit Core and Mana Heart, guiding their circulation patterns toward the final stage of refinement.
Mana surged through my body as I absorbed the condensed energy within the beast core. A searing pain spread through my veins, but I had prepared for this.
I regulated my breathing, focusing on the process.
The orbital rings of my core accelerated, refining and compressing mana at an unprecedented rate.
My mana heart adjusted the influx, distributing the flow evenly to prevent instability.
Minutes turned into hours.
At the four-hour mark, the final piece clicked into place.
My mana core was complete.
A surge of raw power threatened to explode outward—a natural phenomenon when a core reached full formation.
Not in my room, you don't.
With a swift application of Mana Manipulation, I condensed the excess energy into a controlled field, creating a barrier that absorbed the shockwave before it could cause any damage.
Silence returned to the room.
Then, a familiar notification appeared in my vision.
[System Update]
[Congratulations! You have fully formed your Orbit Core and Mana Heart!
New Features Unlocked:
[Shop] – Now accessible.
[Inventory] – Now accessible.]
---
A grin crept onto my face.
I immediately opened my Inventory, only to find a neatly wrapped Starter Pack waiting for me.
I love free stuff.
Without hesitation, I selected [Open].
A bright light enveloped the package before dispersing, leaving behind a single new ability.
---
[New Authority Unlocked: Refinement Authority (EX++)
[Refinment Authority:Allows for the refinement of all things,your morality,resources and energy is your only limits]
I blinked.
Oh, that's broken.
I'd need to test its limits later.
For now, there was one last thing to check.
Opening my Status Screen, I navigated to my elemental affinities.
What I saw made me pause.
Elemental Affinities:
Fire – Expected, given my Lunarian lineage.
Wind – Interesting. Paired well with speed-based combat.
Sound – ...Wait, what?
---
I stared at the Sound Affinity in mild confusion.
Sure, it wasn't the flashiest element, but from a strategic standpoint, it had terrifying potential—sonic-based attacks, echolocation, even stealth enhancements.
I could already picture it.
A sudden image of me breaking the sound barrier mid-combat entered my mind.
...I need to test this.
For now, though, my body felt drained. The process of refining my core had been taxing, even for me.
I collapsed onto my bed with a satisfied sigh, staring at the ceiling.
Everything was progressing smoothly.
With my new authority, improved core, and unlocked system functions, my path toward power had taken a giant leap forward.
And this was only the beginning.
---
[END OF CHAPTER]
---
Updated Status Screen
[Name]: Adam Goodsky (Kael Lunaris – Previous Life)
[Title(s)]: Reincarnated (S), Genius Prodigy (A), Cynthia Goodsky's Protégé (A)
[Mana Core]: Orbit Core(black) / Mana Heart (Fully Formed)
---
Traits:
1. Ancient Lunarian Physiology (SS+) – Increased durability, flight, and fire manipulation (still weakened due to age).
2. Genius (EX) – Unparalleled proficiency in combat, magic,crafting and many more fields.
---
Stats:
Strength: 28
Agility: 35
Intelligence: 65
Defense: 80
Charisma: 33
Luck: 55
---
Skills & Authorities:
Mana Manipulation (AA+) – Advanced control over mana.
Soul Authority (S+ / Growth) – Can influence and manipulate souls.
Shadow/Death Authority (???++ / Sealed) – Restricted for now.
Refinement Authority (Ex++) – Allows precise Refinment of all things.
Spear Arts (S-) – High adaptability with spear-type weapons.
Dagger Arts (E-) – Moderate use of dagger-type weapons.
Mana Reinforcement (A) – Enhances physical attributes using mana.
---
System Functions:
[Shop] – Unlocked.
[Inventory] – Unlocked.