The Light That Follows Darkness

After Eve's explanation, I couldn't help but seek clarification.

I leaned in and asked her: "Eve, let me make sure I've got this straight. The power coursing through me is Chi, and my ethereal organ is now known as the dantian. To transform my dantian into a magicore, I must first learn to control and channel Chi throughout my entire body, much like my own breath. Then, I need to attune myself to the frequency of mana in the atmosphere. If I am on the right track then when does the dantian officially become a magicore?"

Eve's voice lit up with enthusiasm as she replied: "You've hit the nail on the head, young master. Your summary is spot-on. To elaborate further, the dantian achieves magicore status after reaching the awakening of the third stage where it solidifies and expands to its maximum capacity. Once that happens, you'll have the freedom to tap into the world's mana and magicules as much as you desire. It's like becoming one with the world’s energy when you reach the third stage."

Curiosity piqued, I pressed on: "Eve, could you shed some light on these stages you mentioned? I'd love to delve deeper into this topic."

"Of course, young master. While I don't possess all the specifics, I can provide an overview," Eve responded.

"The first stage is known as awakening, where you discover your magicore. This stage consists of two phases. The initial phase involves mastering control and harmony with the dantian or ethereal magicore, enabling its free utilization. Once that foundation is established, your body awakens to one or more skills, depending on the strength and affinity of your soul. The specific skills that awaken are influenced by your personality and desires. In your case, young master, it seems your affinity lies with souls."

Eager for more knowledge, I inquired: "And what about the second stage? Could you elaborate on that?"

"The second stage, called ascension, unlocks once the skills acquired in the first stage are fully mastered, and your dantian is saturated with the world's mana," Eve explained.

"During ascension, the dantian expands to a new level, granting access to additional skills. This enlargement enhances the power of existing skills and unlocks new ones. It's a transformative stage indeed."

Intrigued, I probed further: "And what lies beyond ascension? Tell me about the third stage."

Eve's voice burst with anticipation as she revealed: "The third and final stage, known as transcendence, awakens when the skills obtained in the second stage are fully mastered, and the dantian is overflowing with mana. At this stage, the dantian solidifies and enlarges, transforming into a magicore. New skills emerge, offering even greater versatility. The magicore becomes a new organ within the body, and any harm inflicted upon it results in severe injury."

Yearning for more understanding, I couldn't resist asking, "Can others awaken like I have? If so, how can they achieve it?"

Eve's response carried a hint of complexity: "Young master, this is a rather intricate matter. While I haven't found evidence disproving the awakening of others, I haven't come across any concrete methods or evidence either. Therefore, it seems you'll have to embark on a journey of self-discovery through trial and error."

"Trial and error?" I pondered aloud.

"So, you're suggesting I conduct experiments on humans?"

Eve nodded solemnly: "Indeed, young master. If you're committed to this path, trial and error is the only way forward. I apologize if my suggestion seems unsettling, but there appears to be no alternative."

A mischievous smile crept across my face as I replied to Eve: "Don’t worry, Eve. I harbor no doubts or regrets. Your devilishly amazing suggestion has entranced me, and I have the perfect test subjects to undergo this process."

Eve smiled back and said:” I see I’m glad you liked it, young master.”

As I was about to continue my conversation with Eve, I felt the twins stir in my arms.

The weight of their bodies shifted, and their eyelids fluttered open. Hana, still looking gloomy and shaken even after her sleep, gazed at me with a mix of relief and lingering fear.

"Xeno, I was really afraid, you know?" she confessed, her voice trembling.

"If you had taken a minute longer to wake up, I would have bit my tongue and died right then and there. I would prefer death to someone other than you touching me. I mean, who in their right mind wouldn't choose a handsome man over a psychopath? And I bet he's small down there, not at all..."

I couldn't help but chuckle at her rambling, but I quickly bopped her on the head, interrupting her conversation that was starting to go south in all sorts of ways. "Alright, alright," I interjected, trying to suppress my laughter.

"There's no need to go down that road. It seems there was no need for me to worry about you. You perverted old man. I mean, I can't even begin to think about where I should start to scold you. However, I won't, since I'm glad you and Ha-Eun are safe and sound. You really got me scared right there."

Ha-Eun, her eyes welling up with tears, looked at me with a mixture of gratitude and concern.

"What kind of person are you?" she asked, her voice quivering.

"You were on the verge of death because of us, and yet all you can think about is Hana and my safety. Are you insane by any chance? You had no idea how worried we were, how panicked we were. If you had died then, Xeno, we would have nobody to call family, and I would have preferred to end my life with my sister than stay alive in this bleak world."

Moved by her words, I gently patted Ha-Eun on the head, trying to offer comfort.

"Don't say such dreary stuff now," I said softly. "As you can see, I'm not only all right but also stronger than before. We're together, and that's what matters."

Hana, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, jumped at me and started shaking me, her eyes wide with excitement.

"What happened to you?" she exclaimed; her voice filled with urgency.

"How the hell did you get up? What was that weird energy coiling around you? And why was the ground rumbling under your feet? Your eyes were glowing an ominous crimson color, so much that I thought you were a crow with your long black hair. Come on, tell me, tell me! I'm dying from all the suspense."