Valen sat in silent meditation, feeling the steady hum of power coursing through his Primordial Core. He could feel the powerful influx of mana flowing towards his core, thanks to his family 10th Order Mana Breathing Technique.
The Mana Breathing Techniques are split into six orders, starting from 4th which is the weakest and only allows someone to ascend till the peak of 4th major Realm to 10th Order technique which is the strongest and allows one to reach the peak realm of Ethryos.
Not only that, the more higher the rank of mana breathing technique, the more powerful the effects and abilities. First three major realms don't require technique and can be achieved simply by absorbing in the mana and refining it.
At six years old, he had already achieved the Eighth Stage of the Mana Manifestation Realm—an achievement that would baffle most.
Most believed that each major realm had only eight stages, but Valen knew the secret that very few ever uncovered: the existence of the Ninth Minor Realm, accessible only to those with the most gifted of cores.
Thanks to his knowledge from both Echoes of Eternity and his family's long, prestigious history, he understood what lay beyond the surface of cultivation.
His father, Marcellus, with his Celestial Core, had reached the Ninth minor realms as well, making him exceptionally powerful compared to others at the same level.
But even that couldn't compare to the might of Valen's Primordial Core—an anomaly that placed him far above the norm, even when compared to Kael, the protagonist of Echoes of Eternity.
Though Kael will also know about the existence of Ninth Realm as he will also awaken Celestial Core, but achieving the 9th Hidden realm had been a monumental struggle for him as well.
Valen, on the other hand, had the Primordial Core working in his favor, and that alone gave him an edge that even Kael had to work hard to attain.
But just having a Primordial Core wasn't enough for Valen. He knew that to dominate, he had to master the Battle Arts—combat techniques spoken of in Echoes of Eternity.
These Battle Arts were split into orders, each more powerful than the last. From the 1st-order techniques taught to commoners, to the 10th-order techniques exclusive to families like the Aetheris, the higher the order, the more potent the power and control.
It wasn't just about learning these techniques; there were different levels of mastery within each technique.
He wasn't satisfied with merely learning them. His true goal was to reach Zenith, the highest possible sub-level of mastery.
The journey began as a Novice, where one could perform the technique, but only with limited effect. At this level, the technique mana consumption was high, and the techniques were far from perfect, more often leaving users vulnerable.
Then came the Adept level, where control over mana was significantly improved. Users would use less mana, and their speed, precision, and power increased.
Progressing further, the Expert sub-level allowed mastery of technique to a point where it was used with deadly precision. At this level, each attack was faster, more efficient, and devastating.
The Master level was even more advanced—by reaching this, Users control would peak, his attacks coming with maximum power but minimal effort. His techniques would flow naturally, almost as though he was channeling his mana unconsciously.
However, his ultimate aim was Zenith. This was where his techniques would consume the least amount of mana while delivering unmatched speed and strength.
At that level, Valen knew, his attacks would be so fast and efficient that even his enemies would barely have time to react.
As Valen mused on his progress, a soft knock came at the door.
"Valen?"
The door opened, and Aeliana entered, her golden curls bouncing as she moved. At four years old, she radiated innocence, her wide, sparkling eyes full of joy.
Though Valen saw her as an important part of his future plans, she remained blissfully unaware of the complexities surrounding her existence.
To her, Valen was her older brother—someone to admire and look up to.
"Can you show me some magic?" she asked, her voice laced with excitement.
Valen considered for a moment, tempted to dismiss her request. But maintaining his bond with her was key, and there was no harm in playing along. She would become vital to him soon enough.
With a slight smile, he raised his hand, summoning mana. The light swirling in his palm shifted until it took the shape of a bird, fluttering around her head.
Aeliana giggled in delight, reaching out to touch the glowing creature. But as her fingers grazed the bird's wing, it dissolved into glittering sparks.
"Again!" she pleaded, her eyes full of wonder.
Valen chuckled and nodded. This time, he created a small herd of glowing animals, rabbits and foxes, letting them scamper around her feet. Aeliana clapped her hands in glee, her laughter filling the room.
Just as Valen was about to let the spell dissolve, a knock interrupted them once again.
"Your father is asking for you, young master," a servant informed him.
"Alright," Valen replied, turning back to Aeliana. "I'll show you more later."
She smiled, satisfied for now, as Valen rose and left to meet his father.
Valen entered the study, where Marcellus sat at his desk, deep in thought as he reviewed several scrolls. His silver hair gleamed under the light, and his piercing blue eyes softened when they met Valen's.
"You've come far, Valen," his father said, his voice calm but full of pride.
"To reach the Eighth Stage of the Mana Manifestation Realm at your age is exceptional."
Valen dipped his head in acknowledgment. "I still have a long way to go, Father."
Marcellus smiled slightly. "True, but you've exceeded all expectations. You're on a path that very few can even dream of walking."
Valen remained silent, though he knew that his father understood only a part of his potential. Marcellus knew of the Ninth Realm, but Valen's Primordial Core was beyond even his understanding.
"We've arranged for a special Elixir for you," Marcellus continued. "You'll receive the Elixir of Resplendence, which will cleanse the remaining impurities from your body and enhance your comprehension ability."
Valen had heard of the elixir before, a rare concoction created from rare spiritual plants and highly valuable materials, passed down through the Aetheris bloodline.
Even Kael had managed to obtain it through sheer luck in Echoes of Eternity, but Valen didn't need luck—it was his birthright.
"This will not just strengthen your body but prepare you for the future challenges you'll face," Marcellus explained.
"I understand, Father," Valen replied, already calculating how the elixir would contribute to his plans.
Marcellus leaned forward slightly. "There's one more thing I want to mention—Aeliana. She's an important part for your success. I'm not sure what her full potential is yet, but there's something special about her. Keep an eye on her."
Valen nodded, masking his thoughts. Marcellus didn't know the full story behind Aeliana—how her future was intricately tied to the First Great Opportunity.
It was a secret only Valen understood, and he had no intention of revealing it. In the end, Aeliana was a tool, one he would use to ensure his path to power remained unchallenged.
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Later, Valen found his mother, Isolde, in the garden, where she tended to the flowers. Her amethyst eyes lit up when she saw him approaching.
"Valen," she greeted him warmly, brushing a strand of dark hair behind her ear.
"Mother," Valen said, smiling. "I need your help with something."
Isolde raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"I've been experimenting with different methods to increase my comprehension of few things I learned about," Valen explained. "There are a few materials I need that would help greatly with my studies."
Isolde nodded, waiting for him to continue.
"These materials are rare," Valen continued, listing the ingredients he had carefully researched. Many were immensely valuable, and even for a family as powerful as the Aetheris, Although would not be difficult to acquire, but due to their rarity will take some time.
Isolde's expression shifted briefly—doubt flickered in her eyes as she realized the value of what Valen was requesting. But her love for her son outweighed any suspicion. Valen had always been exceptional, and she trusted his judgment.
"Those materials are not easy to come by, Valen," she said thoughtfully. "It will take time to gather them."
Valen nodded, keeping his expression innocent. "I understand. Thank you, Mother."
Isolde smiled, her affection for him clear. "I'll see that everything is arranged."
As they walked through the garden together, Valen maintained his charm, asking her about the plants and listening to her explain the care they required.
But his mind was already elsewhere. The materials he had requested were key to unlocking the First Great Opportunity, and with his mother's help, they would soon be in his hands.
As they neared the house, Isolde placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice soft with pride. "You've grown into someone remarkable, Valen. I'm so proud of you."
Valen smiled back, inwardly amused at how easy it had been to manipulate the situation. Soon, the materials would be his, and the path to power would open further.
"It's all cause of you and father," Valen said, his eyes gleaming as he walked with his mother towards the estate.