After pondering his next steps, Lucifer decided to unwind with a bath. The weight of his newfound responsibilities and the memories of his previous life bore heavily on his mind. A moment of relaxation would help clear his thoughts. He rang the bell beside his bed, and within moments, his loyal maid, Emmy, entered the room.
"Prepare the bath, Emmy," he instructed.
"Of course, young master," she replied with a curtsy, swiftly moving to fulfill his request.
Soon, the lavish tub was filled with steamy, fragrant water. Emmy left Lucifer to his solitude, and he sank into the bath, letting the warmth envelop him. The tension in his muscles eased, and his mind began to sharpen, contemplating the complexities of his situation.
Awakening his mana was a priority. It wasn't a complex process, but it required substantial funds and resources. Lucifer could choose the World Association for this purpose, but that meant becoming an indentured servant, a prospect that repulsed him. As the heir to the Greville Family, he had another option, one that afforded him more freedom and control.
Mana awakening required a Mana Gem and Mana Rooms to maintain a pure mana flow. Mana Gems were rare, usually found in high-ranking monsters. The Association often shared a single gem among thousands, diluting its effectiveness. But Lucifer, with the resources of the Greville Family at his disposal, could easily acquire a high-quality Mana Gem.
He recalled the Rank A Mana Gem his father had gifted him on his 15th birthday. This gem was a priceless artifact, brimming with pure mana, and would be instrumental in his awakening.
Emerging from the bath, Lucifer dried himself off and dressed in his finest attire. His reflection in the mirror revealed a strikingly handsome young man with an icy demeanor. His cold, piercing eyes were a stark reminder of his past. At a young age, he had earned the nickname "The Cold Devil" after a near-drowning incident revealed his chilling composure. Instead of panicking, he had remained eerily calm, his heart as frozen as the water that threatened to claim him.
This incident had profoundly impacted his parents. They had hoped their love and affection would thaw his frozen heart, prioritizing his happiness over an early mana awakening. But now, with his second chance, Lucifer knew better. Love was a luxury he could no longer afford. Power and control were his true allies.
"That boy," he mused, staring into his own eyes, "is gone. Only Lucifer Morningstar remains."
With a final, resolute nod, Lucifer left his room. He had a plan to execute and a destiny to reclaim. He would awaken his mana, harness the power of the Rank A Mana Gem, and begin his ascent. No longer would he be the neglected heir or the scorned villain. He would become a force to be reckoned with, and nothing would stand in his way.
As he made his way to the family vault, where the Mana Gem was stored, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The path ahead was fraught with challenges, but he was ready. His cold heart and sharp mind would guide him through the trials to come.
"Let the world see," he whispered to himself, "the true power of the Cold Devil."