As Cedric made his way back to his room, the sting with each step was a reminder of the transformative process he had willingly embarked upon. Eustace, who had witnessed the ordeal, couldn't suppress his laughter at the sight.
Eustace: "Ah, the price of progress! A bit of pain today, strength tomorrow."
Arriving at his room, Cedric's discomfort was evident, prompting Camillia to prepare a healing bath to alleviate the lingering pain. The healing properties of the bath had become a familiar remedy, although it had been a while since Cedric had needed it. His body, accustomed to the rigorous training, had adapted, but the intensity of the recent inscribing had pushed it to its limits.
Camillia: "I've prepared a healing bath for you, Master Cedric. It should help soothe the discomfort."
Cedric gratefully accepted the assistance, sinking into the healing bath, allowing its warmth to envelop him. The water, infused with herbs and magical elements, worked to ease the strain on his body, promoting recovery. The healing properties seeped into his skin, gradually alleviating the soreness that resonated from his lumbar spine.
After spending some time in the bath, Cedric emerged feeling a sense of relief. The pain had diminished, though a lingering sensitivity remained. He decided to forgo his usual meditation for the day, aware that pushing his mana too soon would only intensify the discomfort.
Cedric: "Today, I'll give my body some respite. It's been through quite a trial."
Choosing to listen to his body's signals, Cedric refrained from engaging in the usual meditation routine. Instead, he focused on resting and allowing the healing properties of the bath to continue their work.
Later, as he settled into bed, the events of the day played in his mind. The image of the inscribed orb on his lumbar spine lingered, a visible testament to the journey toward unlocking the full potential of his mana gates.
Cedric: "Every step of this process brings me closer to mastering the Northstar technique. It's a path filled with challenges, but I'm determined to overcome them."
With that resolve, Cedric closed his eyes, drifting into a well-deserved sleep. The coming days held more trials and revelations, each contributing to his growth as a practitioner of the Northstar arts.
The next morning, as Cedric woke up, he found the pain had diminished slightly. Despite the residual discomfort, he proceeded with his daily routine, determined to carry on with the ongoing experiment. After bathing and getting dressed, he headed to the dining room for breakfast.
Rebecca, noticing Cedric's slightly pallid appearance, immediately jumped to conclusions, her concern turning into fiery determination.
Rebecca: "This witch dared to harm my baby!"
With a fierce resolve, she prepared to storm the alchemy building, fueled by a mother's protective instincts. Andrew, well aware of his wife's tendency to react strongly, moved swiftly to restrain her. Meanwhile, Alan, witnessing the unfolding drama, couldn't contain his laughter.
Alan: "Mom, don't worry! Cedric looks like this because of the pain from adapting to foreign substances. The procedure went without a hitch."
Eustace, always calm and collected, added his assurance to the explanation.
Eustace: "Indeed, no need to fret. Cedric may look a bit worse for wear, but it's all part of the process. The pain will subside."
Cedric chimed in, offering his own reassurance to his concerned mother.
Cedric: "Mom, really, I'm okay. The pain is already diminishing. This is just a small price to pay for the progress I'm making."
Despite the chaotic start to the day, the Northstar family managed to diffuse the tension, emphasizing that Cedric's well-being was not in jeopardy. The resilience and determination evident in Cedric's demeanor echoed the commitment he held toward mastering the Northstar technique. The trials he faced were stepping stones toward achieving a level of mastery rarely seen.
As breakfast continued, the atmosphere lightened, and the family engaged in more casual conversations. The events of the morning became a shared anecdote, a testament to the spirited dynamics within the Northstar household.
Amidst the ongoing experiment and the recovery from the previous day's procedure, Cedric continued with his training regimen. Despite the residual pain, he keenly felt the advantages offered by the Northstar meditation technique. Creating a central star allowed him to control environmental mana, even at a lower level. This was a significant edge, granting him a level of influence over mana that others typically achieved only when reaching the gold rank or higher.
In the training ground, as Cedric engaged in weight training and completed his laps, the effects of the Northstar meditation technique became increasingly apparent. The ability to manipulate external mana provided him with a unique versatility. Even in a state where he couldn't fully utilize the mana within his body due to the ongoing experiment, Cedric found himself able to fight effectively, showcasing the adaptability and resilience that defined his approach to training.
As the weight training session concluded, Cedric transitioned seamlessly into a spar, putting the Northstar footwork and swordsmanship into practice. The spar served as a testament to his progress and the efficacy of the techniques he had been honing. Alan, his training partner, also benefited from Cedric's advancements, as their sessions became opportunities for mutual growth.
Alan: "You're adapting to the changes really well, Cedric. The Northstar technique's influence on environmental mana gives you an edge even without relying on your internal mana."
Cedric, while still experiencing the lingering effects of the procedure, acknowledged the benefits of the technique.
Cedric: "It's incredible how the Northstar meditation technique allows me to maintain control over mana in the environment. It adds a whole new dimension to our training sessions."
The spar continued, each movement executed with precision and purpose. The Northstar footwork, coupled with the enhanced control over mana, allowed Cedric to hold his own against Alan, showcasing the progress he had made despite the recent challenges.
The family, too, observed Cedric's continued development with a mix of pride and anticipation. The unique qualities of the Northstar technique, combined with Cedric's dedication, promised a future where he would wield extraordinary abilities. The ongoing training sessions were not just about mastering techniques but also about exploring the untapped potential within Cedric's unique trait.