The weeks following DK's recovery passed in a blur of physical training and mental preparation. While his body was still weak, DK pushed himself daily to regain control over his movements, often surprising Lucy with the sheer intensity of his workouts. His determination to rebuild Aiden's frail body was driven by both his innate resilience and his understanding of the challenges he was about to face. Yet, no matter how much he pushed himself, the looming question remained unanswered: how could he bridge the gap between his mana nexus and his dormant pathways?
Through the books Healer Nam provided, DK slowly pieced together the intricacies of the Celestia Realm's mana system. The concept was as fascinating as it was frustrating. Mana, the lifeblood of this world, flowed through pathways that resembled Earth's circulatory system. These pathways connected to the mana nexus core, a central reservoir within the body that stored and distributed energy. The stronger the nexus and the more refined the pathways, the greater the feats one could accomplish.
In this realm, individuals were categorized based on their affinity for mana. There were two primary classes: those who wielded mana for direct spellcasting and those who channeled it to enhance physical strength and combat prowess. Commoners typically had a single, weaker affinity, while nobles, through generations of selective breeding and spiritual resource cultivation, often exhibited much stronger affinities. The most powerful noble houses boasted dual affinities, and the royal families possessed the rare and coveted triple affinities. These distinctions formed the backbone of Celestia's societal hierarchy.
For the Lin family, Aiden had always been an outlier. Despite their vast wealth and access to premium spiritual resources, his mana pathways were nearly non-existent. The nexus core could store mana, but the energy never flowed. This was why augmentation centers, which jump-started mana pathways for most individuals, had failed for him. The healers had eventually concluded that Aiden's body was inherently flawed, a cruel twist of fate that left him worse off than even the weakest commoner.
"So, in his parents' eyes, their son is worse than a commoner. Good to know," DK muttered as he read through the latest tome from Healer Nam. "But why? Is this a problem with Aiden's body, or does it have something to do with me?"
This question haunted DK as he worked to rebuild Aiden's body. Each day, he pushed himself harder, running laps around the mansion's vast gardens and performing exercises that Lucy described as "bizarrely intense" for a noble. While nobles in the Celestia Realm focused on refining their mana abilities, physical prowess was seen as the domain of commoners or those with weak affinities. Lucy occasionally voiced her concerns, but DK ignored her, knowing that his body needed to be in peak condition if he was to face the challenges ahead.
Even as DK transformed physically, the Lin family remained distant. Lady Anne watched him occasionally from the mansion's study, her expression unreadable. "Jason," she said one evening, as she observed DK sprinting through the gardens, "Aiden seems... different. He's showing a determination I've never seen before. Perhaps we were too hasty in dismissing him."
Jason Lin barely looked up from his desk. "It doesn't matter. We've already spent a fortune trying to 'fix' him, and nothing worked. He's an embarrassment to the family name. Let him play soldier if he wants, but in a year, I'm officially disowning him. That should give him enough time to figure out his next steps."
Anne frowned but said nothing. While she disagreed with her husband's decision, she understood the pressures of noble society. Still, she couldn't bring herself to abandon Aiden entirely. Quietly, she funneled her own resources to ensure Lucy and Healer Nam had everything they needed to care for him.
Unaware of these behind-the-scenes dynamics, DK focused on his research. He became increasingly obsessed with understanding why Aiden's pathways were dormant. One evening, Healer Nam mentioned an ancient text that described unconventional methods of awakening mana. The techniques were crude and dangerous, relying on extreme physical or emotional stress to jump-start the nexus core and force open the pathways. Most who attempted these methods either failed or died.
DK's interest was piqued. "So you're saying that the body might activate the pathways in a life-or-death situation?"
Healer Nam hesitated. "In theory, yes. The body's survival instincts can sometimes force a connection between the nexus and the pathways. But these methods are outdated for a reason, Master Aiden. They're risky, unpredictable, and often result in permanent damage. I would strongly advise against them."
DK filed this information away. He wasn't desperate enough to risk his life just yet, but the idea gave him hope. If Aiden's pathways could be awakened, even under extreme conditions, then there was a chance—however slim—that he could unlock the dormant potential within this body.
As DK continued his training, Lucy couldn't help but notice the stark differences between the "Aiden" she had once known and the person he had become. The old Aiden had been quiet, withdrawn, and resigned to his fate. This new Aiden, however, was relentless, constantly pushing his limits and devouring knowledge. One afternoon, she found him in the mansion's library, surrounded by books on mana physiology and ancient healing techniques.
"Master Aiden," Lucy said cautiously, "are you sure all this training and reading is necessary? You've already improved so much. Perhaps it's time to focus on something more... traditional, like etiquette or diplomacy."
DK looked up from his book, a wry smile on his face. "Lucy, if there's one thing I've learned, it's that tradition won't help me survive the Trials. If I'm going to stand a chance, I need to understand every aspect of this world—including why this body refuses to cooperate."
Lucy sighed but didn't press the issue. She had grown to admire Aiden's determination, even if she didn't fully understand it.
As the weeks turned into months, DK's progress was undeniable. His body, once frail and malnourished, now resembled that of an elite athlete. His mind, sharpened by years of intense gaming, adapted quickly to the Celestia Realm's complexities. Yet, despite his physical transformation, the mana pathways remained dormant, a frustrating reminder of his limitations.
Then, one day, while poring over an ancient healer's manual, DK stumbled upon a passage that reignited his hope. The text described a phenomenon known as "soul resonance," a rare occurrence where one could overcome physical limitations and force the nexus core to connect with the pathways. The process was said to be triggered by moments of extreme emotional or physical stress, often in life-or-death situations.
"This is it," DK thought, his heart racing. "If I can find the right conditions, I might be able to awaken these pathways. Maybe I can have a small spar with Lucy first and check out what the difference is between stress induced with and without mana activation." DK then called for Lucy.
Lucy entered the library hesitantly, as she always did when summoned by Aiden—well, DK. Over the past few months, she had grown used to his abrupt changes in demeanor, but this time, there was an intensity in his eyes that made her uneasy.
"Yes, Master Aiden?" she asked, clasping her hands together nervously.
"I need your help with something. A sparring match," DK said, closing the manual and leaning forward. "You've been around nobles all your life. You must have basic combat training, right?"
Lucy blinked, taken aback. "A sparring match? With me? Master, I'm not sure that's—"
"It's not a request, Lucy," DK interrupted, his tone firm but not unkind. "I need to understand the difference between fighting with and without mana activation. I need to feel it."
Lucy hesitated, chewing on her lip. "Master, I don't think this is wise. Your body is still recovering, and without mana, you'd be at a severe disadvantage against even basic combat techniques."
"That's the point," DK said, standing and rolling his shoulders. Though his body had regained much of its strength, he still felt the subtle limitations of Aiden's weaker frame. "If I'm going to survive the Trials, I need to know exactly how much of a disadvantage I'm at. I'll never close the gap if I don't understand it."
Reluctantly, Lucy nodded. "Very well, but I'll go easy on you."
"Lucy, can we use the gym for a friendly spar?" DK asked as soon as Lucy entered the room. "Sure thing. The walls of the gym are further strengthened to withstand class 3 mana attacks. Umm ... .sorry I guess it does not really apply to your case." Lucy responded
"That's alright. I wanted to spar with you to understand the difference between a non-mana person and one with mana. I believe I have reached the peak of my physical abilities with all the nutritious food and training. I wanted to check if I could survive if I just depended on that." DK replied.
Lucy regarded DK with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "If that's truly your goal, then I'll do my best to give you a fair comparison. But, Master, you must promise me one thing: you'll stop if it becomes too much. Mana-enhanced combat isn't something to take lightly, especially for someone without any pathways."
DK nodded firmly. "I'll stop when I've learned enough, not before."