'I did get to create a shell of my body, but it seems I can't replicate the absorption of mana energy.' Tim thought. He needed to do something about the dormant mana energy in him.
If he could not make any progress, it would be bothersome when he takes on his next special task. Tim studied the shell for about 2 more hours, then he finally came to a realization.
He did not put his golden cross engraving on the shell. "Wait could that be the reason why I could not replicate it? I mean it's just a symbol. Well here goes nothing" he said aloud, as he began to replicate the engraving on him onto his shell's chest.
After a couple minutes, he completed the engraving on the chest of his shell. It was now time to try to replicate the absorption.
He closed his eyes and visualized how his body automatically absorbs mana energy, but this time in his visualization he imagined the shell to be his main body. Immediately the mana energy in his Inner Palace started to flow into the shell.
When the mana energy started flowing into the shell, Tim felt a cool sensation flow throw his body. It was as if the mana was directly flowing into him and not his shell.
Unlike his body, Tim's shell had a limited capacity. He could see the mana filling up every area of the shell. His body gradually became strengthened as the shell filled up. When the shell was completely filled up, he felt a level of strength he had not achieved before.
He felt that with the strength that was flowing through him, if he and the leader of the expedition team clash again at full power. He would not retreat 12 meters instead he would retreat by 7 to 5 meters, and that was growth to him.
'At long last, I have discovered a way to utilize the dormant energy in me. I have not awakened, but at the very least I can empower my body by using the shell as a proxy' Tim concluded in his mind, as he began to run more tests on the shell.
......….
It was the next day Tim had practiced filling up his shell, and the strength that came with it throughout the previous night. He had to go for the special task today, he did not want to know what will happen if he kept delaying the task.
Aks 3 was a loose cannon, not going for the task today might just spell his doom. After Tim was done with all his preparation, he left to meet with Aks 3.
As he stepped out of his hall, he saw Aks 3 standing directly in front of the hall. Tim panicked 'What is he doing here? I knew it, this freak won't just standby, his body must have been itching to see me suffer. Tch.'
"Oh Tim, you are finally out of your room. I was contemplating on dragging you out forcefully. It seems that idea would not be needed anymore "Aks 3 said with a creepy grin.
"Hmm, I am ready" Tim replied. "Good let's go, try and keep up with me because I won't be slowing down" Aks 3 said as he dashed towards the entrance of the organization.
Tim followed but was lagging behind Aks 3 by 50 meters. Saber Ligers could be found in a restricted forest approximately 800km from the organizations base.
The organization never really relied on technology. They believed in the old ways, although technologies like an aircraft, could make a journey of 800km more appealing, they never really banked on it, besides it was not safe.
The number of dangerous aerial beasts that roam the air was astronomical. Technology was not the focus on Earth 19, because of the mana energy present. A bomber aircraft could not lay a scratch on most aerial awakened beasts. Awakened beasts are treats in general to vehicles.
Tim with an almost non exhaustible stamina knew the journey will be long, if it was other council members that tagged along with him for a mission of such caliber, it would have been a different story.
Other Aks council members would have used a teleportation scroll to move to the proximity of their destination, but Aks 3 was different he always to everything he did to the extreme.
After travelling at a speed that Tim could keep up with for 5 hours, Aks 3 stopped. Tim was breathing heavily when they stopped. Although Aks 3 travelled at a speed Tm could follow, the said speed he moved at was literally Tim's top speed.
"I am surprised that you are still able to keep up, I would have reached the destination about 3 hours ago if I was alone, but you are doing a good job" Aks 3 praised.
"Thank you "Tim replied, suspicious of the sudden praise given to him. It was strange receiving praise from Aks 3, so he raised his ineffective guard against the unexpected.
Aks 3 staring into the distance from the top of a rock suddenly spoke "You know I was the one that found you haha."
Tim gasped at the news he was hearing for the first time. 'So, I was actually found by this freak. I am so lucky that he did not kill me because I know he is capable of something like that' he commented in his mind.
It also explained why Aks 3 was always interested in his training. It was not like he was interested in his growth, Aks 3 was just merely curious about his inborn trait of regeneration.
Aks 3 continued "I think the person that left you wanted you to be in good hands, the person wanted you to grow to become a good man"
Tim cursed his luck in his mind when he heard that 'What shitty luck do I have? Why was I even abandoned in the first place? Become a good man? How can I be a good man when I was raised by assassins?'
After a brief pause Aks 3 spoke "I have decided to gift you one of my favorite skill".