Aki's mind stirred at the sound of a soft notification echoing in his consciousness. His eyes fluttered open, and the familiar misty surroundings of his mind realm faded away. The serene atmosphere of the secluded area he had been meditating in moments ago was replaced by the quiet stillness of his physical surroundings. Nozomi, who had been observing him intently, appeared perplexed, her brow furrowing as she regarded him.
It doesn't look like he was listening to me, she thought, watching Aki's still form. But how is he gaining control over his breathing? He shouldn't even be able to begin... not on the first day, at least. This doesn't add up.
Nozomi stood silently for a moment, studying her grandson with suspicion. As her eyes scanned his body, she felt a growing sense of confusion and awe. Could it be that he's naturally gifted with this? But no... that's too easy. He couldn't possibly have...
Just as Nozomi was about to step closer and examine Aki more thoroughly, his eyes opened. Aki, still a little dazed from the intensity of his training, blinked at her curiously, sensing something was amiss.
"What happened, Grandma?" he asked, his voice soft yet innocent, a touch of concern in his tone.
Nozomi's mind raced as she quickly masked her thoughts with a calm smile. "Nothing, Aki. I was just checking on you." She bent down to ruffle his hair in a gesture of affection, her heart still reeling from the strange display of progress. She couldn't quite explain it, but Aki had somehow managed to accomplish something extraordinary—controlling his breath with such natural ease that it left her unsettled.
As she stepped closer to examine his inner energy and breath flow, her internal bewilderment only deepened. This shouldn't be happening. Even the most talented practitioners take months to even begin controlling their breath, and here he is... making it seem effortless.
Despite her shock, Nozomi's love for her grandson tempered her surprise. She knew that the path he was on, although fast and unfamiliar, was one that required careful guidance. But there was a new thought that crossed her mind. Should I keep this under wraps for now? Or... maybe it's time to lock him away somewhere to prevent him from overreaching?
She paused, her mind in turmoil for only a moment before she decided against it. No. He must be allowed to grow, but I need to watch him closely. I'll handle it differently.
With a sudden change in attitude, Nozomi beamed with pride. "I'm proud of you, Aki. You did well today. Let's continue our session tomorrow." She gave his hair a playful ruffle, her face radiating with approval, though inside, she was still trying to process what had happened. The mystery surrounding Aki's rapid progress was still nagging at her, but she couldn't deny the pride she felt.
Aki, though still clueless about his grandmother's inner thoughts, felt a wave of relief. He had been worried that perhaps he had done something wrong, that he would be locked away or restricted for his own safety. But seeing her smile reassured him. He trusted Nozomi implicitly and knew she would never harm him.
With a final ruffle of his hair, Nozomi vanished from the space, taking Aki with her. In an instant, they reappeared outside his home.
Later that night, Aki sat quietly in his room, feeling the weight of the day's events settle on him. His body was tired from the intense training, and his mind, though still sharp, longed for rest. He had yet to check his system, but it was clear that the day had been unlike any other he had experienced in the last few weeks. The training was intense, the lessons powerful, and the knowledge he gained seemed endless.
With a deep breath, Aki activated his system, the familiar interface flashing before his eyes. His heart skipped a beat as the screen unfolded with new information.
[Greetings, Aki]
[Welcome]
…
[Status]
Akizakura; Aki
Age: 1 Mular
Race: Human
Title: [Loved of #₹*@#-], [A^#₹>×÷%^Favoured], [An+++×y], [O@@g#n@>tor]
Cultivation:
Body: In prime state of beginning.
Mind: A realm existence; independent of c'YOR; sourced from true origin.
Soul: 1%
YOR (origin): 0.01%
Mular energy level: Zero
ATTRIBUTES
Strength: 1.4
Agility: 1.8
Dexterity: 1.2
Stamina: 1.6
Intelligence: 100
Wisdom: ---
Charisma: 10
Luck: ---
(Would be calibrated as per host's interaction)
Will: 140
Traits:
Eyes of Origin (1/12) (locked)
Talent: Serene Mind, Madness Split
!!!Skills: Breath Control
Aki's eyes lingered over the numbers, the details in the system taking shape as he processed his current state. The "Breath Control" skill caught his attention. He was familiar with the basic premise, but now, seeing it laid out with proficiency and effects detailed before him, it felt more real.
Description:
Origins towered above—above the rest,
Over-tows held flows, performed in zest.
Outcasts manifest, small to huge nests,
Often believed pests, mortals need breaths.
Breaths each of every PRIME...
To those who not know, lie buried in rest.
Type: Passive
Proficiency: +/-1%
Effect:
+Greater control over breathing, making it laminar and still.
+Concentration and multitasking efficacy.
+Awareness.
+Emotional sensing.
-Cognitive and physical dissociance.
Aki's thoughts whirled as he read through the description of his new skill. His mind felt sharp, like it was a blade finely honed. The skill wasn't just about controlling his breath—it was about controlling himself. Each breath would allow him to find calm in the chaos, to discern the subtle shifts of his environment, and most importantly, to strengthen the connection between his mind and body. The powers this skill offered were far greater than anything he had expected.
As he considered the information in front of him, it was clear: his path ahead would be different from anything he had experienced before. No longer would he need to scrape by on instincts alone. This time, he had guidance—he had a system, a set of tools, a foundation to build upon.
Aki closed his eyes and drifted to sleep, his mind eager to continue its training. He had always been fascinated by dreams, how they shaped his thoughts, helped him explore his subconscious. He knew there was so much more waiting for him, so many paths to explore. The subtle access he had to his subconscious during sleep was a tool he could refine. In his dreams, he found ideas, thoughts, projects, and inspirations that could change the course of his waking life. His mind raced with possibilities, and he welcomed it.
While Aki rested, Nozomi met with Beniko and her son, discussing Aki's rapid progress. They spoke of how extraordinary his mental advancements had been—progressing at speeds that seemed impossible. But with that progress came a growing concern. They all agreed that while pushing Aki's limits was necessary, they also had to be cautious. Talent was one thing; mastery was another. The most dangerous thing, they knew, was rushing forward too quickly, without understanding the risks.
"Aki has great potential," Beniko said thoughtfully. "But we must ensure he doesn't overexert himself."
"Yes," Nozomi agreed, her gaze drifting toward the horizon. "The key is balance. Knowing when to push and when to step back."
The conversation turned to the looming challenges ahead. The "Drifting Shadows," a new realm that was quickly becoming a focal point of interest across Mularkham. Various houses, sects, and kingdoms were already assembling teams to explore the misty ocean, each hoping to stake a claim in the realm. The idea of territory ownership, recognized by the system, was too enticing to ignore.
But Aki's future was still uncertain. In just a few years, he would be sent to the Academy City of ANARCHIA, just like other children of lineage, or those brave enough to challenge Qutb after their first entry. The road ahead was fraught with challenges, and they knew they would need to prepare Aki both physically and mentally for the trials to come.
As the discussion shifted back to Aki's training, they made a silent vow to guide him, to help him grow. For now, the training would continue, alongside studies and theoretical lessons in runes. Akira, The Orchestrator, had begun teaching Aki the language of the cosmos, the runes, although practical applications had to wait until the system activated fully at his second birthday.
Nozomi watched as Aki trained, her heart swelling with pride. But she also knew the dangers of rapid growth. Aki was gifted, but even the brightest star could burn out if left unchecked.
And so, with each passing day, Aki's training continued—under the careful watch of those who loved him, who saw the greatness within him, and who feared the weight of that greatness as much as they embraced it.