Chapter 18: Chapter 18:GOTCHA AGAIN, SILLY!
"Whoever gave me this buggy guide could at least loosen their grip on information." He adjusted his posture, resolved to push on with his training. The path ahead was shrouded in mystery, but with each step, each unanswered question, his resolve solidified. He would unlock his potential, decipher the secrets of his being, and face whatever challenges awaited him.
****
Days blurred into weeks as Aether relentlessly trained. He could feel a subtle shift in his mana flow, a decrease in the initial resistance. However, every movement still demanded a hefty toll on his stamina. Then, one day, in the midst of a particularly grueling session, Lumi's voice echoed in his mind, unsolicited."[Congratulations, host. You have fully awakened through mana vessel strengthening.]"Aether remembered the day he first accessed his status window. The description – "Pseudo-Awakened" – had hung heavy, a constant reminder of his incomplete state. Now, something was different. He could sense it thrumming within him, a shift in power.Lumi's next words sent a jolt through him. "[Host has comprehended the flow of mana by 5%. The Fractal Firmament has achieved a breakthrough.]"Five percent? Disappointment threatened to bubble up. But before he could voice his frustration, the familiar translucent window materialized before him, revealing his updated stats.
name: Aether ilon
race: human, ???
bloodline: ???
physique: ???
status class: pseudo Awakened >> Awakened
hp: 500/500
strength: 70 >> 100
agility: 50 >> 70
intelligence: 100 >> 105
charm: 70
mana:15/10 >> 50/100
A grin stretched ear to ear across Aether's face as his eyes devoured the updated stats window. Each improved number was a testament to his grueling training, a tangible sign of progress. He felt a surge of power coursing through him – his movements lighter, his mind sharper. He yearned to test his newfound strength, to see how far he had come.Just as he was about to unleash his newfound power, Lumi spoke. "[Since you have fully awakened, host, you have earned a sunstone.]"
The system seemed to anticipate his next question. "[Sunstones are waypoints to the world domain. Note: they are not awarded with every breakthrough.]""So, a one-time bonus," Aether summarized, a hint of understanding settling in. He wasn't disappointed. The prospect of finding these world domains himself, of forging his own path, held a strange appeal. He yearned for a challenge, a way to truly test his limits.He tried to press his luck, inquiring about the location of these domains. But as usual, Lumi remained frustratingly silent when faced with truly important questions.
A spark of defiance flickered in Aether's eyes. He wouldn't let these unanswered questions deter him. He would find the world domains, unravel the secrets Lumi guarded so closely, and continue his journey to heal his mother. The path ahead might be shrouded in mystery, but he was no longer a pseudo-awakened. He was an awakened!
Aether was about to launch into another training session when a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind. A blush crept up his neck as he felt something undeniably soft pressed against his back."Still at it, huh?" came a teasing voice, soft and undeniably seductive."A-Ana!" Aether stammered, turning to his intruder. Over time, Aether had forged a deep connection with the villagers.
Their improved harvests and overall well-being were all thanks to him, and everyone knew it(Mary found the praise unbearable so she came out without a care in the world what people thought ). This, coupled with his lean physique and undeniably handsome features, made him stand out from the other kids, especially after becoming a pseudo-Awakened.Women in the village often gossiped about him, much to his mother's amusement (or perhaps annoyance).
After all, despite his sudden growth spurt and charming face, Aether was still a child. However, Ana, seven years older than him, took a different approach, Ana's vibrant purple hair flowed down her back, framing eyes the color of rich, dark chocolate,Her features were flawless, a harmonious blend that radiated effortless beauty. She blatantly flirted with him at every opportunity.
Aether didn't dislike the attention, but he found it frustrating that Ana always saw him as a child (which, in truth, he was). He'd made a silent vow: if she kept this up, he might just fall for her.Ana, on the other hand, reveled in his flustered reactions. Mary, constantly scolded her for teasing "the poor guy," but Ana always defended herself with a mischievous grin. "He's a child, Mary! I'm just having some fun."Before Aether could muster a greeting, Ana was upon him, pulling him into a surprise hug. Caught off guard, Aether found himself pressed against her chest, his mind momentarily short-circuiting under her warmth."Gotcha again, silly!" Ana burst into laughter, clearly enjoying his flustered reaction.
Aether, however, was in a daze, silently thanking whatever higher power had granted him this opportunity – and a second life to boot.They stayed like that for a moment, Aether lost in a blissful reverie, until Ana finally broke the silence. "So, what are you getting Mary for her birthday?" she asked, pulling him back to reality.Aether blinked, momentarily confused. "Birthday? But it's not for another month, is it?"A playful smack landed on his head. "Wrong, dummy! It's this week," Ana declared, taking him completely by surprise.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone