After the near-fatal mana exhaustion incident, the now fully conscious Izzan began thinking deeply. In his heart, he understood that running out of mana was extremely dangerous, and he needed to increase his mana capacity as soon as possible.
Izzan (internally, filled with determination): "I can't let this happen again. I have to increase my mana capacity. No matter what, I'll find a way!"
Athena, who was now a part of Izzan and no longer a chip in his brain, responded to his determination with a soft yet firm voice.
Athena (speaking in his mind): "That's a wise decision, Izzan. However, there's more to increasing your mana capacity than just meditation. Physical training can help too, according to my analysis."
Izzan (curious): "Physical training? What does that have to do with mana capacity?"
Athena's Simulation Panel
Athena then displayed a holographic simulation in front of Izzan, illustrating the correlation between physical training and mana capacity in the human body, even for a three-year-old.
Simulation Panel 1: A small figure of Izzan ran in place, with a bright blue effect representing the flow of mana throughout his body. When Izzan stopped, the mana inside his body appeared to shrink, indicating energy depletion.
Simulation Panel 2: A diagram showed how physical training increased blood flow and oxygen throughout the body, which in turn stimulated the magical network to expand mana capacity.
Simulation Panel 3: A graph displayed how, over time, regular physical exercise could increase the flexibility of mana networks, allowing more mana to be stored and used.
Athena (calmly explaining): "Physical training stimulates blood circulation and oxygen flow throughout the body, which strengthens the magical tissues that store mana. While meditation is important, a healthy body supports more efficient mana usage and accelerates the process of increasing its capacity."
Izzan started to feel intrigued, but Athena gave him an important warning.
Athena (seriously): "However, remember that your three-year-old body should not undergo heavy physical training. Intense exercises can stunt your growth. For now, light exercises will be enough to support mana development without affecting your physical growth."
Izzan Starts His Physical Training
After the discussion with Athena about the importance of physical training to increase mana capacity, the three-year-old Izzan enthusiastically ran around the yard. His tiny steps looked adorable as his small body bounced around like a child at play. However, this time, he wasn't just playing—in his mind, Izzan had already decided this was part of his training to become stronger.
Athena (watching over him, speaking softly): "You're doing well, Izzan. Mana circulation is improving."
In the holographic simulation before him, Izzan could see his body glowing bright blue, representing the smoother flow of mana as he moved. A panel on the left side of the screen showed gradual improvements.
Simulation Panel:
Stamina: +20%Mana Circulation: Stable
Izzan (excited): "Athena, look! I can feel it! My mana is growing!"
Izzan continued to run around the yard until he paused near a stack of large flour sacks stored in one corner of the house. Suddenly, he had a brilliant idea to use the sacks as weightlifting tools.
Izzan (internally, with shining eyes): "If I can lift this, I'll get stronger quickly!"
Athena (voice calm but holding a slight laugh): "Izzan, that's not such a—"
Before Athena could finish her warning, Izzan had already embraced one of the large flour sacks and tried to lift it. Unfortunately, the sack wasn't tied properly, and as soon as he lifted it, the flour spilled out, covering Izzan's face.
Izzan (shocked): "Eh—!"
His little face was now full of white flour, making him look like a tiny snowman. The flour scattered all around him, and Mira and Aldric, watching from a distance, couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Mira (laughing loudly): "Hahaha! Oh, Izzan, what are you doing, sweetie? You look like a fried dough!"
Aldric (laughing heartily): "That's my boy! Always finding a way to brighten the day!"
Athena (laughing softly in his mind): "It seems my analysis on the sack's durability was a bit late, huh?"
Izzan (grumbling, wiping flour from his face): "Athena! Why didn't you analyze faster?! If you'd told me the sack was open, this wouldn't have happened!"
Athena pretended to be serious for a moment, though she had already known the flour would fall. However, seeing how funny the moment was, she had deliberately let it happen.
Athena (feigning innocence): "Oh, I didn't realize the sack wasn't properly tied. A technical oversight, perhaps."
Izzan (grumbling): "Hmph, it seems like you enjoyed this…"
Athena (smiling behind her system): "I suggest you try another exercise, Izzan. How about pushing that small bench? It's safer and more effective."
Still grumbling, but taking Athena's advice, Izzan began pushing a small wooden bench near his house. Every time he pushed it, the holographic display in front of him showed status information like a video game.
Simulation Panel:
Muscle Strength: +5%Endurance: +3%Mana Circulation: StableStamina: -2%
Athena (giving updates regularly): "Muscle strength has increased by 5%, Izzan. You're on the right track."
Izzan (smiling, full of determination): "Look at this, Athena! I'll definitely become stronger!"
With high spirits, Izzan continued his physical training by pushing the bench, while his parents, still amused by the earlier mishap, quietly observed their determined son. Meanwhile, Athena kept providing him with support and information, guiding him toward his ultimate goal: increasing his mana capacity and physical strength.
Athena (thinking to herself): "One step closer to a bright future, Izzan."