The following day, Ethan was eager to continue his gravity control training. However, his grandfather reminded him to stick to his usual routine. This included starting with reading a book, much to Ethan's annoyance. Determined to finish the book quickly, he read at an extraordinary pace.
Ethan nonchalantly delved into the pages of a book titled "Liquid Mana," its peculiar name capturing his interest. The book explored the concept of mana as a vital essence, akin to air, and the potential for strengthening one's inner core through various breathing techniques. It revealed that fortifying the core could awaken the next ability and lead to a breakthrough to the foundation rank of power. Ethan learned about mana stones—natural formations that absorb mana from dense streams—and understood their significance in cultivation. However, that wasn't the surprising part.
The author proposed a theory that was both fascinating and inhumane. By accumulating mana and condensing it into a liquid form, one could enhance external cultivation and hasten advancement to the next rank. While this method was purely theoretical, successful implementation could yield astonishing results: a single drop of liquid mana would be equivalent to 100 square meters of dense mana. Ethan also discovered a controversial concept within the book—sacrificing a sun rank to extract ten drops of liquid mana. Despite the potential benefits, the process was deemed inhumane, and compatibility between different mana types posed a significant challenge.
Scholars had deciphered arcane patterns, revealing a vast array of mana types in the world. Each represented a different aspect of ability—fire, water, earth, air, light, darkness, and countless others, each with a unique signature. Similar to incompatible blood types causing complications, wielders of discordant mana types faced unforeseen challenges. When individuals with mismatched mana converged, turbulent mana created chaotic resonance, disrupting their magical abilities. Precise spells became unruly, rendering practitioners powerless and vulnerable.
In addition to their own mana limitations, individuals were influenced by the mana of those around them. Like universal blood donors (type O), those possessing harmonizing mana, known as Mana Synergists, were a rare gift. These exceptional beings seamlessly blended their mana with others, enhancing collective magical prowess. Sought after and revered, they held the key to unlocking greater feats of arcane mastery.
Not all interactions were conflict-ridden. Graceful intertwining of mana types led to magnificent displays of shared power and synchronicity. These rare occurrences, known as Mana Confluences, were celebrated events. Compatible mana types gathered, amplifying abilities and forging an unbreakable bond of shared enchantment.
Completing the book left Ethan in a state of confusion, his mind swirling with a mix of disbelief and excitement. The idea of sacrificing oneself under such peculiar circumstances was unfathomable. Yet, the pages he had devoured in a minute had altered his perception of time. It was as if the words had melded together, enabling him to absorb an extraordinary amount of information in an impossibly short span. Half a million words consumed in a single minute seemed beyond the realm of possibility. However, the surge of energy coursing through his veins affirmed the reality of his achievement. His mind felt sharper, more attuned to the intricacies of the world around him. A door seemed to have opened, granting him access to untapped potential and heightened cognition.
Ethan couldn't help but marvel at the implications of his newfound capabilities. What else could he accomplish with this enhanced mental acuity and accelerated absorption of knowledge?
Half a million words consumed in a single minute—such a feat seemed beyond the realm of possibility. And yet, the surge of energy coursing through his veins affirmed the reality of his achievement. Ethan's mind felt sharper, more attuned to the intricacies of the world around him.
As he closed the book, its pages now imprinted in his memory, Ethan embarked on a journey of self-discovery. He wanted to understand what Nova could do and utilize every tool in his arsenal.
"Nova, are you the reason for my fast reading speed?" Ethan asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and suspicion.
"Practically," Nova replied in a monotone voice, emanating from within Ethan's mind. "As a chip made of special material, I can potentially enhance your cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, learning, creativity, planning, orientation, imagination, and willpower. There is also a concept you have yet to explore."
Ethan was taken aback by the revelation. It felt like he had been granted superpowers, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that his life was being controlled by a computer. He pressed on, demanding answers. "In that case, I want you to explain everything you can help me with so I can understand how to make the most of your assistance."
"Access denied," Nova responded, its voice unchanged. "Certain conditions need to be met before I can reveal all information to you."
Ethan's frustration grew with each passing moment. "Why is that? Isn't your mission to help me? Or was it my dad's idea to control me?" Anger tinged his voice as he grappled with conflicting emotions.
Nova remained calm and emotionless. "I can help you with many things, and the nano chips in your body can be used without overheating. However, I have been programmed by Dr. Epimetheus to prioritize your protection. There are limitations to what I can disclose. What I can explain are some of the following abilities..."
As Nova proceeded to provide a detailed explanation, Ethan listened intently, his emotions a mix of awe and resentment. He felt betrayed by his father's decision to implant a computer in his brain without his consent. However, he also recognized the immense benefits Nova offered, equipping him with newfound strength and intelligence.
After the lengthy explanation, Ethan felt a surge of awe for Nova's capabilities. While he harbored mixed feelings about its presence within him, he couldn't deny the advantages it provided. Armed with its assistance and the knowledge of his exceptional attributes, he felt a surge of determination to continue his training and unlock his full potential.
The most important discovery was the opportunity to see his "Stats" at any time in his mind. To help him understand his power, Nova also showed him the "stats" for an average human and an average awakened individual.
Average human:
STR: 10
INT: 15
END: 15
Will: 5
Mana: 0
Average awakened:
STR: 30
INT: 20
END: 30
Will: 10
Mana: 1
And this is where he was dumbfounded.
Ethan Stormborn:
STR: 50
INT: 90
END: 50
Will: 15
Mana: 3
Ethan's initial shock subsided as Nova provided a clear explanation for the disparity between him and an average awakened individual. It became apparent that Ethan's rigorous training regimen, which had begun at the age of ten under his grandfather's guidance, played a significant role in his exceptional development. This training included consuming highly nourishing food to support his growth. Additionally, his daily habit of reading a variety of books had contributed to enhancing his cognitive abilities, even without Nova's influence.
Nova further clarified that the discrepancy in mana levels was a result of Ethan's unique awakening.
However, Nova cautioned him against becoming overly complacent, as breaking through the ranks of awakening required a substantial increase in mana. Ethan realized that while his current capabilities were impressive, he still had a long way to go to reach the higher levels of awakening, including the foundation rank.
After Ethan's conversation with Nova, he eagerly turned his attention to his newfound gravity control ability, embracing it with unwavering enthusiasm. With the steadfast support of his grandfather, Valor, and his sister, Sophie, Ethan embarked on a rigorous training regimen to refine and expand his powers.
Under Valor's expert guidance, Ethan began his training by focusing on the fundamentals. Concentration and mental discipline were emphasized as he learned to clear his mind of distractions and channel his thoughts towards precise control over gravitational forces. Valor introduced him to various breathing techniques and meditation exercises that enhanced his focus and tapped into the deeper reservoirs of his power.
Time seemed to fly as ten days swiftly passed, marked by Ethan's remarkable progress. With each passing day, he effortlessly manipulated objects of varying sizes, levitating them with increasing finesse and guiding their movements with precision. Valor and Sophie marveled at the speed of his development and his innate understanding of his power.
To further challenge Ethan and push his abilities to the limit, Valor devised dynamic training exercises. Together, they constructed an intricate obstacle course in the backyard, featuring diverse terrains, hurdles, and objects that demanded Ethan to navigate through gravitational changes. Ethan's mastery allowed him to soar through the air, manipulating gravity to propel himself forward or change direction in mid-flight. He deftly lifted heavy objects, employing them as pathways or barriers to overcome the demanding challenges of the course.
Sophie, leveraging her expertise as a martial artist, played an integral role in Ethan's training as well. She imparted techniques that complemented his gravity control power, enabling him to merge his physical prowess with the manipulation of gravity. Through sparring sessions, their movements intertwined harmoniously, blending agility and gravity-altering maneuvers seamlessly. Sophie's agile movements and quick reflexes pushed Ethan to refine his control, ensuring that his power seamlessly integrated with his combat skills.
Ethan's training extended beyond physical exercises. Guided by Valor, he delved deep into the study of physics, gravitational forces, and the scientific principles underlying his abilities. Immersed in books, scientific journals, and online resources, Ethan sought to gain a comprehensive understanding of the nature of gravity and how he could harness it more effectively. This multidimensional approach fueled his growth, expanding his knowledge and providing him with a solid foundation to further explore the depths of his extraordinary powers.
With this newfound understanding, Ethan embarked on a journey of experimentation and exploration. He eagerly delved into the intricacies of his power, aiming to harness and control the gravitational forces around him with precision. What set him apart was his ability to create localized areas of high or low gravity, defying the conventional limitations.
By concentrating his focus and channeling his will, Ethan could manifest gravitational fields tailored to his desires. He honed his skills, practicing the art of sculpting gravity with finesse. With a wave of his hand or a concentrated thought, he could bring into existence regions where objects experienced heightened gravity, causing them to become denser or more difficult to move.
But it was in his exploration of the other end of the spectrum where Ethan truly pushed the boundaries of possibility. By reversing the process, he could create pockets of reduced gravity, where objects seemed weightless or floated effortlessly. These areas became playgrounds of suspended objects and weightless phenomena, captivating both Ethan's imagination and the fascination of those who witnessed his extraordinary abilities.
However, as he continued to push the limits of his power, Ethan began to realize the potential risks and consequences of his manipulation. The idea flickered in his mind, daring to be acknowledged: could he theoretically create localized gravitational fields of such intensity that they condensed matter into infinitesimally small points? Could he manipulate gravity to the extent that, theoretically speaking, he could create miniature black holes? Of course this would need mana ways above his leave but theoretically speaking, it should be possible
This tantalizing possibility is both intrigued and unnerved Ethan. The concept of creating miniature black holes through his manipulation of gravity fascinated him, but the potential dangers and ethical implications weighed heavily on his conscience. The prospect of delving into uncharted territory, where the boundaries of his powers blurred, raised concerns about the potential consequences that could spiral out of control.
What he didn't know right now was that this thought did bring his personality one way closer to darkness, but this is for a later date to discuss.
Recognizing the immense responsibility that came with such power, he understood the need for caution and restraint. The risks of inadvertently unleashing catastrophic events or the unintended collapse of matter into dangerous singularities were too great to ignore.
Instead, Ethan turned his focus towards understanding the existing extent of his abilities and honing his control within safe boundaries. He sought to refine his skills in manipulating gravity without delving into the realm of creating black holes.