Chapter 6 : Present And Future

In a training room lined with various magical arrays, Daniel sat cross-legged on the ground, appearing to meditate.

Of course, what he was doing wasn't simple meditation. This practice was designed to strengthen his mind. Over the past two years, starting at the age of twelve, Daniel had begun his training.

The body and the mind—of course, the soul existed as well, but until he underwent the awakening process, he couldn't access it.

Thus, he spent his time nurturing his body and mind, both of which were extremely important, especially the power of the mind, which had a significant impact on the strength of the soul as well.

Unfortunately, since he hadn't undergone the awakening process, he couldn't use mana to refine and train his mind and body. He had to rely on alternative methods.

Worse still, due to his zero mana compatibility, he couldn't use mana at all.

The two techniques he used were called Mind Refinement and Body Refinement. These techniques were created by one of his genius friends in his previous life.

Daniel had memorized the details of both techniques from his past life, even though they were of no use to him back then. However, things were different now.

The Mind Refinement technique greatly enhanced his perception and processing speed, while the Body Refinement technique shaped the symmetry of his muscles.

At first glance, these techniques and their usage might seem trivial, but that was a mistake. His mental processing speed and comprehension in this body were mediocre at best—closer to below average.

In other words, his mental capabilities were unacceptably weak by his own standards.

Of course, with the acquisition of the Primordial Dragon Template, this had changed significantly.

As for the body, muscle symmetry and placement were crucial. Mana flowed through the body, passing between tissues and muscles.

The more symmetrical and precise the muscles and body structure, the smoother and faster the flow of mana and other energies, ultimately leading to improved attack speed and better execution of offensive techniques.

Initially, Daniel planned to find a way to increase his mana compatibility. However, after merging with the Dragon Template, his plans shifted entirely.

According to the system's explanation, better muscle symmetry made it easier to absorb chaos energy.

Of course, this was merely one benefit of a perfect physical structure for others. Daniel's goal wasn't just to absorb chaotic energy more effectively; he intended to use the energy pathways and channels in his body to wield the Power of Authority.

"Finished," he muttered, taking a deep breath and opening his eyes.

"I guess this is the limit of these two techniques. Progressing further isn't possible," he thought. He could feel that the effects of the techniques were no longer as impactful as before.

His plan had been to bring his body and mind to their peak potential before undergoing the awakening process, but it seemed that wasn't feasible.

Both the Body Refinement and Mind Refinement techniques, like most others, relied on mana to function effectively. Daniel had modified them to work somewhat without mana, but their effectiveness was minimal—too limited for his needs.

Still, it didn't matter anymore.

"Should I try another method?" he wondered aloud. Despite the limitations, he wasn't ready to give up on reaching the peak of mortal physical potential. His mind and body could still improve.

"Though, with my current state, it might not be possible," he admitted. He had methods to bring a mortal human body to its peak potential.

However, with his current body, he wasn't so sure. He doubted he could still be considered human. His mental processing speed and comprehension were at least a thousand times greater—and what was even more fascinating was that he hadn't fully transformed into a dragon yet.

"Well, they don't call them the strongest race under heaven and earth for no reason," Daniel chuckled.

"Augustus will probably object, but with my current physical strength, it shouldn't be an issue," he decided to test the method regardless. Besides, it would help him better understand his evolved body.

He stood up, left the training room, and headed for the bath. After every training session, he would take a cold bath. Once done, he went to the library.

Although he wanted to speak with Augustus as soon as possible, the butler was currently out buying the items on his list. For now, all Daniel could do was wait.

"They've really used all of the hero's ideas, huh?" Daniel remarked, skimming through the news.

The world was becoming more peaceful by the day, and humanity was slowly transforming into the strongest race.

All of these advancements were thanks to those five individuals, though every single one of their actions was based on the ideas of the hero—the protagonist of the novel.

Humanity's weapons were also improving day by day—not guns, tanks, or missiles, of course.

The advancements were in bows and swords, with greater attack power, accuracy, and some other enhancements.

Technological progress in this world was slow, primarily because many races opposed it.

"How laughable," he muttered, barely containing his laughter.

"Human rights? They're going way overboard with this." Though he'd read about it in the novel, seeing it from the perspective of this world made their actions seem absurd.

Due to those five individuals, humanity had become one of the strongest races in the world.

Other races, like vampires and elves, had been heavily suppressed. In the past, there were more than nine elven empires, but now only three remained.

Logically, becoming the strongest shouldn't be an issue.

However, suppressing other races in such a manner was completely wrong and foolish. It could be extremely dangerous in the long term, especially in a world where a concept named [Fate] exists.

Even Daniel didn't fully kbow what [Fate] is, as the novel only briefly mentioned it.

According to the author's explanation, disturbing the balance too much could anger the gods of this world. At that point, humanity would likely lose [Fate], which would then be given to a race capable of suppressing humanity and restoring balance.

In the novel, these events occurred, plunging humanity into an era of chaos until the hero returned and resolved the crisis.

However, for all of that to happen, Daniel would need to join forces with that bastard brother of the character he had reincarnated as.

Unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately—he had no interest in joining that bastard's group.