I woke up in the morning as usual, without any particular emotions, but with a clear understanding that another day full of training awaited me. Over the past months, this had become a habit — almost a mechanical cycle of actions where there was no place for laziness or doubt.
After washing up and getting ready, I went to breakfast. Food no longer felt special — more like a necessary requirement to maintain strength. While eating, my thoughts drifted back to one particular thing I had almost forgotten.
Erital.
A very strange artifact. Its effects were truly impressive — accelerated recovery, enhanced regeneration, and overall improved training efficiency. In theory, it could significantly shorten my development time.
But… I don't really need it right now.
Yes, it would speed up my training. Yes, it would help me recover faster and heal injuries. But the price to obtain it is too high.
To get the Erital, I would have to travel far, and more importantly — not alone. Its owner is a cultist-alchemist of the second rank of the Sea of Consciousness and, even worse, a deacon of an evil god's church.
A dangerous opponent.
Even if I reached the second rank, without careful preparation I would have no chance. This is not a fight you win through technique or determination alone. Here, you need strategy, resources, and time.
I let out a quiet sigh.
So I'll put it off for now.
The best thing I can do right now is continue training.
After finishing my meal, I decided to finally organize my day. Up until now, my training had been intense but not always optimal. Now that I have both aura and an awakened sea of consciousness, I need to develop both paths.
I sat down and began planning my schedule.
Unfortunately, there was a problem with magic. There were no books on theory in the house, and obtaining them quickly wasn't possible. That meant proper magical education would have to be postponed.
After some thought, I came up with a rough plan:
7:00 — wake up
7:15 — breakfast
7:30 — morning run, transitioning into endurance training
9:00 — short rest
9:30 — strength training
10:30 — meditation after morning training
12:30 — rest
13:30 — meditation for magic development
14:30 — lunch
15:45 — afternoon training (sword style)
16:00 — aura meditation
17:00 — rest
18:00 — evening endurance training
19:00 — rest
19:30 — strength training
21:00 — dinner and free time
22:30 — sleep
After finishing, I reviewed the schedule again. Strict. But efficient.
From that day on, I began following this routine.
Two weeks passed like this.
The main difference from my previous training was that I no longer pushed myself to the point of unconsciousness. My goal had already been achieved: the first rank of aura was obtained. Now it was important not to break myself, but to develop steadily.
However, the question of magic remained open.
Worst case — I would learn it at the academy. That wasn't critical. Although… I would prefer to hide the fact that I am a mage. I don't need unnecessary attention right now.
Two months passed since I switched to this new regime.
Six months since I took over Viren's body.
During this time, my progress was more than noticeable.
My technique improved. My movements became sharper, cleaner, more efficient.
My core cultivation also progressed significantly. At this rate, the second rank is about four months away.
My physical abilities also improved.
If I fought myself from two months ago — the battle would take no more than three minutes.
I had become stronger. Much stronger.
And most importantly — I reached the first rank of the Sea of Consciousness.
However…
The First Trial was impossible to forget.
Sometimes at night, I still dreamed of those scenes — death, over and over again. Different variations, but the same outcome.
I would wake up abruptly, with a lingering unpleasant feeling.
There was nothing I could do about it.
That was simply the price.
Today was supposed to be a normal training day. But in the morning, Ashley brought unexpected news.
Young master, today at breakfast Lady Rina will be waiting for you.
I stopped.
Mother? — I asked in surprise.
Yes.
Rina Kaldrys.
Viren's mother. A talented earth mage.
Almost nothing else was recorded about her in my memories.
After washing up, I headed to the dining hall.
As soon as I entered, she was already waiting for me.
Before I could react, she stepped forward and hugged me tightly.
My little one, I missed you so much! Did you eat well? How are your injuries? Does anything hurt?
Questions poured out one after another.
I'm fine, — I quickly replied, trying to calm her down.
She pulled back slightly and looked at me carefully.
You've been training?
Yes. I'm tired of bringing shame to the family.
I said it calmly, without emotion.
After a short pause, I decided to get straight to the point.
By the way, Mom… can you teach me magic? It so happened that I recently awakened my Sea of Consciousness, but I don't know where to start.
She clearly didn't expect that.
How did you awaken magic? And how did you reach the first rank so quickly?
I gestured for the servants to leave. Only the two of us remained in the room.
Two months ago, I found the inheritance of an ancient mage. After passing its trials, it awakened my Sea of Consciousness and gave me a 9★ cultivation technique.
I chose not to lie. If I ask for help, I should at least be honest.
I expected doubt. Maybe even criticism.
But…
Were the trials difficult? — she asked softly.
Yes.
That answer was enough.
She didn't ask anything further.
From that day on, my magical training began.
It started with general theory.
The process of spellcasting involves visualizing a formula in the Sea of Consciousness, filling it with mana, and manifesting it in reality. If the process is interrupted, mana is wasted.
Full understanding of the formula is mandatory. Otherwise, the spell may distort or produce unexpected effects.
I already knew all of this.
But then came the unpleasant part.
Spell construction theory.
Magic circles.
Structures. Formulas. Connections.
Fuck… my head hurts.
I hate studying.
But there is no choice.
In just two weeks, I learned the basic theory of magic.
And that was only the beginning.