Paul sat cross-legged on his bed, his eyes closed as he focused on his breathing. He had been experimenting with his mana and aura, trying to understand the limits of his abilities.
Suddenly, he had an epiphany. What if he could store both his mana and aura in his heart? It went against everything he had learned, but he felt an intuition that it was possible.
He concentrated his mind and began to channel his mana and aura into his heart. To his surprise, it worked! He could feel both energies coursing through his veins, merged into a single, powerful force.
Excited by his discovery, Paul decided to try cultivating both his mana and aura simultaneously. He focused his energy and began to meditate, visualizing the growth of his abilities.
As he cultivated, Paul felt his powers surging forward. His mana and aura grew in tandem, each fueling the other's growth.
When he finally opened his eyes, he sensed that something was different. He could feel a newfound strength and balance within himself.
Paul checked his status and was amazed to see that he had reached the 1st Circle of mana and the 1st Star of aura. He had never heard of anyone achieving both milestones simultaneously!
His heart raced with excitement as he realized the implications of his discovery. He had unlocked a hidden potential within himself, a secret that could change the course of his life forever.
As Paul was lost in thought, he heard Roderick's voice calling him from downstairs. "Paul, dinner is ready! Come join us!"
Paul made his way to the dining room, where Roderick and Venna were already seated. The aroma of roasted meat and fresh vegetables filled the air, making his stomach growl with hunger.
As they began to eat, Roderick asked Paul about his day. Paul shared his excitement about his discovery, but didn't reveal too much, unsure how much he should share.
Roderick smiled knowingly and changed the subject. "So, Paul, what do you think of the shop? Have you learned anything interesting lately?"
Paul took a bite of his food before responding. "Actually, I've been wondering how you manage to acquire such rare items, Roderick. You seem to have a knack for finding the most unusual things."
Venna chuckled. "That's dad's specialty. He has a network of contacts all over the city, and he knows how to negotiate a good deal."
Roderick leaned back in his chair, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Let's just say, Paul, that I have a special talent for finding rare and unusual items. It's a skill that's been passed down through generations of my family."
Venna nodded in agreement. "Yes, dad has a keen eye for spotting hidden gems. And he's taught me a thing or two about the trade."
Paul's curiosity was piqued. "I can imagine. I've seen some incredible items in the shop. But what's the most unusual thing you've ever found, Roderick?"
Roderick chuckled. "Ah, that's a story for another time, Paul. Let's just say that I've had my fair share of adventures over the years."
As they continued to chat and laugh, Paul felt a sense of belonging that he hadn't experienced in a long time. He was grateful to have found a new family in Roderick and Venna, and he knew that he could always count on them to support him on his journey.
After dinner, Paul was helping Venna with the dishes when they heard a knock at the door. Roderick excused himself to answer it, and Paul could hear muffled voices outside.
As Roderick stepped out into the night air, Paul strained his ears to listen. He couldn't make out much, but he caught a few words that made his heart skip a beat.
"...loan...payment...due soon..."
Paul's mind raced as he wondered what kind of loan Roderick could have taken out. He knew that Roderick was a successful businessman, but he also knew that the shop was struggling to stay afloat.
Venna noticed Paul's concern and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Paul. Whatever it is, dad can handle it. He's a smart man."
But Paul couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. He continued to listen, trying to make sense of the hushed conversation outside.
As the voices faded away and Roderick returned inside, Paul couldn't help but ask, "Roderick, is everything okay?"
Roderick forced a smile, his eyes darting to Venna before returning to Paul. "Yes, everything's fine, Paul. Just a minor business matter. Don't worry about it."
But Paul's instincts told him otherwise. He knew that Roderick was hiding something, and he was determined to find out what it was.
What will happen in next chapter?