A loud crack echoed through the living room, causing the air to vibrate momentarily.
Herman's lips curved into a satisfied smile.
"He finally succeeded. Now, only the bones and marrow remain, and he'll receive the blessing of a semi-divine-grade talent," Herman muttered to himself.
However, a flicker of concern crossed his face.
"Still... the blessing bestowment might attract some attention. I'd better ask Erica for help next week."
With a wave of his hand, the golden glow of the [Expanse of Divine Purity] faded, and Ariase gasped for breath, clutching his chest.
His organs felt as though they had been pushed to their absolute limits.
Beneath him lay cracked fragments resembling hardened, dirty-white chalk.
Ariase stared at the fragments—they were molded perfectly to his body's shape.
He even coughed out a chalk-like substance, his throat raw from the effort.
Straightening himself with effort, Ariase thought, 'That was close—I really thought I was going to die from choking! Thankfully, the pain this time was short-lived compared to the first purification.'
Herman approached him with a smile.
"That's two down, Ariase. Only one more to go, and you'll receive the blessing. Now, go shower while I prepare some food."
At the mention of food, Ariase perked up immediately.
With newfound energy, he stood and headed to the bathroom.
Inside, he caught sight of himself in the mirror.
His body was almost completely covered in a layer of dust, resembling plaster of Paris.
Ariase stared at his reflection in awe.
"I've changed so much in just two days," he murmured.
He traced his fingers over his arms, noticing faint outlines of muscle.
His malnourished frame was gone, replaced by a lean, healthy physique.
"The first purification purged the impurities from my blood and muscles yesterday, even refining them. I can't even imagine a child having this kind of physique. Such a shortcut was just impossible in the previous world," he concluded in a whisper.
He stepped into the shower and turned on the water.
Each droplet seemed to crash around him in slow motion.
He could hear the rhythmic pattering clearly, even feel the vibrations from each droplet as they hit his skin.
'If this second purification improved my organs and heightened my senses, then the third purification would focus on further strengthening my bones,' Ariase thought, excitement bubbling within him.
'Maybe I'll even get taller… if both happen, that would be incredible.'
After a while, Ariase emerged from the shower feeling refreshed and ravenous.
It was almost 1 PM, and he devoured his leafy brunch—a combination of breakfast and lunch.
As they ate, Ariase and Herman discussed the future, including plans for school and what lay ahead.
Herman revealed that the final purification would be postponed until the following week due to work commitments and other preparations.
When Ariase heard this, he couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.
A wide grin spread across his face, one so bright it drew a chuckle from Herman.
'He might be mature for his age, but moments like this remind me he's still just a kid,' Herman thought fondly.
After their meal, Ariase returned to his room, determined to absorb the remaining 23 mystic stones.
He was cautious this time, having learned his limits after yesterday's unpleasant side effects.
Yet, when he began the process, he was pleasantly surprised.
The energy flow from the mystic stones was smoother and faster than before.
There were no blockages, no hindrances—just pure, unrestrained energy coursing through him.
Within an hour, he had absorbed all 23 stones.
The sensation was euphoric, as though parts of his fragmented soul were slowly being pieced back together by the world essence contained within the stones.
By the end of the day, Ariase decided to take advantage of the remaining time.
He gathered more information about the world and made plans for the coming week.
'Tomorrow will be a day of rest,' he thought, 'and by Tuesday, I'll start exercising to strengthen this body further.'
...
Before he knew it, the shine of the Monday morning arrived.
Ariase woke to find the house quiet—Herman had already left for work.
Heading into the kitchen, he noticed a handwritten note stuck to the counter:
"Ria, I liquefied some purified mystic stones yesterday. Since you mentioned you can now absorb the equivalent of two cases of Tier 1 stones, I decided to use some of my Tier 2 purified mystic stones instead. Each metal canister contains the essence of seven Tier 2 stones. Remember to drink the liquefied mystic stones slowly—don't you ever chug them. Also, make sure to store the remaining canisters away from sunlight. Do NOT put them in the fridge."
Ariase smiled, pocketing the note.
Without hesitation, he grabbed a canister of the liquefied mystic stones.
As he opened it, a rush of seven-colored mist swirled out, shimmering in the air before dissipating.
The moment he caught a whiff of its aroma, his eyes widened.
"This smells incredible," he muttered, inhaling deeply.
It was possibly the best scent he had ever encountered—sweet, fresh, and invigorating.
Curious, he took a cautious sip.
As the liquid touched his tongue, his eyes lit up, and a smile spread across his face.
"I expected it to taste bitter since it's derived from stones," he said, surprised.
"But it unexpectedly tastes like thickened coconut water!"
Encouraged, he poured more of the liquid into a small glass and took another sip, this time in larger quantities.
Immediately, he noticed the stark difference between the raw stones he had absorbed before and their liquefied form.
The energy in the liquid was far denser, its quality purer.
As the liquid traveled down his esophagus, Ariase could feel his body absorbing it almost instantly.
His heightened senses detected the warmth spreading through his stomach, quickly dispersing energy to the rest of his body, all the way up to his glabella.
He marveled at how efficiently his body processed it without needing to meditate.
"This is amazing!" he exclaimed, grinning.
"I could just sip this with a straw while browsing the web or reading Uncle's books."
With that thought, he continued his day, drinking the liquefied mystic stones intermittently.
...
Monday passed in a blur of routine and leisure.
Ariase spent some time exploring his surroundings to get more accustomed to this world.
When Tuesday arrived, he decided it was time to exercise and headed to the gym on the 3rd floor.
The gym was bustling with activity.
Mystic practitioners and regular individuals worked out side by side, their focused energy creating an almost tangible buzz.
There was even a sign prohibited children from entering without a guardian outside the gym.
Fortunately, Ariase's uncle's reputation preceded him, and he was allowed entry with a trainer accompanying him.
The trainer, a burly man named Fredrick, glanced at him skeptically.
"Kiddo, are you really sure about this? Some kids your age don't even start extensive training before their awakening to ensure their bodies preserve their purity and remain a blank canvas," he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Ariase nodded politely, his calm demeanor putting the trainer at ease.
Fredrick chuckled.
"Alright, but don't push yourself too hard." As he turned away, a smile played on his lips.
'What a cute kid! But is he really Herman's nephew and that couple's child? Sigh... such a poor kid, but thankfully he grew up polite and nice, unlike his uncle.'
Ariase's presence didn't go unnoticed.
Whispers floated around the gym as people sneaked glances at him.
"Is that kid serious?" one man murmured.
"Coach Fredrick actually accepted someone so young?"
Another laughed.
"That's what I call starting young! I wish my son was half as motivated."
Even the women had their own gossip.
"I heard he's the nephew of that handsome guy from the 18th floor…" one woman whispered.
"Maybe we should befriend him?" another chimed in.
"I heard Herman's still single, this could be our chance…"
With his heightened hearing, Ariase couldn't help but catch every word.
He sighed, shaking his head.
'People really have too much free time to gossip… But to think I would hear Uncle's name even here? That's unexpected.'
He brushed the chatter aside, refocusing his mind.
'Well, let's start with some cardio for now.'