Body Refinement

Grey's mana was quite strange and mysterious.

The nature of a person's mana depends on the individual and their personality. For instance, those with pure and innocent hearts are often born with the ability to use holy or healing magic, while those with fierce and determined spirits might excel in elemental or combat magic. The nature of one's mana is intrinsically tied to their character and cannot be fundamentally changed, although it can be modified and refined over time.

If an individual possesses a high talent for magic, they are usually highly synchronized with their mana. This synchronization allows for a more seamless and potent application of magical abilities. Therefore, having a deep understanding of one's own mana is crucial for effectively harnessing and controlling it.

Another important aspect of magic is that it is fundamentally about imagination. It has no inherent limits, making it the most potent source of power in the entire cosmos. With imagination and knowledge of the underlying laws of the universe, a magician can defy natural laws or create spells that are completely unprecedented.

For example, consider a mage with a deep understanding of fire magic. Typically, fire spells involve creating and controlling flames. However, a mage with a strong imagination and knowledge of thermodynamics might manipulate fire in ways no one else has thought of—such as converting the heat energy into kinetic energy to propel objects, or even reversing the process to create cold fire that absorbs heat instead of emitting it.

Grey's mana, being unusual, offered him unique opportunities. By studying and understanding its peculiarities, he could develop spells and techniques that others might never conceive. His ability to adapt his mana to various forms and purposes could make him capable of standing against even the most formidable pressures, like the one Aira could exert. This potential opened up a realm of possibilities, making him eager to explore and experiment further.

"I think it's time for me to refine and purify my body, and enhance my physique with mana," Grey said as he opened his eyes, looking at his hands and clenching them.

He had been waiting for the moment when he could fully analyze his mana and gain complete control over it.

Refining the body with mana was not a rare concept, but it wasn't common either. It required an insane amount of control over one's mana. While external help from someone else could aid in the process, it wouldn't be as effective as doing it oneself.

One reason magical beasts are stronger and sturdier than humans and some other races is because they continuously refine their bodies with mana. Additionally, higher-level beasts possess mana cores, which help them store and utilize mana more efficiently.

A mana core is like a powerful energy storage device. Even a low-level mana core has the potential to power an entire city. These cores allow magical beasts to enhance their physical and magical capabilities far beyond what is typically possible for other beings.

With this in mind, Grey knew that refining his body with mana would be a significant step forward. Not only would it enhance his physical strength and endurance, but it would also allow him to store and control his mana more efficiently, bringing him closer to the formidable power of magical beasts.

He took a deep breath and began the process, focusing his mind and channeling his mana throughout his body, ready to transform and elevate himself to new heights.

Grey focused on passing the mana inside and outside his body as he sat in the center of his mana galaxy.

He absorbed the external mana in its purest form, drawing in every type of mana from his surroundings. He was like a black hole, absorbing everything in his vicinity.

He concentrated, watching the mana tendrils flow into his body, circulating through his mana veins. The outside mana entered through countless tiny mana pores all over his body, making it seem as though his body was perfectly designed for this purpose.

However, this wasn't entirely the case. Through rigorous training from a young age and achieving incredible control over both body and mind, Grey had managed to open every mana pore in his body and even develop new, more effective ones that aligned with his unique mana.

A slight black smoke began to rise from Grey's body. These were impurities, and there were few of them, as his continuous use of magic and the strain on his mana had gradually purified his body to adapt to mana.

After a few moments, the black smoke stopped, and Grey felt a surreal sensation. His body was refreshed, and his mind was clearer than ever.

Grey opened his eyes and muttered, "The first phase of the process is done."

Grey's eyes began to shift through a mesmerizing spectrum of colors—blue to red, yellow, white, green, orange, pink, brown, black. The colors cycled for a while, with black, white, and blue dominating the transition. Finally, his eyes settled into a deep, enchanting grey. They looked like portals to another world, reflecting the mysteries and depth of the cosmos, as if they could hold the entirety of existence within their gaze.

His body transformed, becoming more muscular and defined. He looked like a person sculpted by the gods themselves, a celestial being in human form. Despite being only seven years old, Grey had always been quite cute and handsome, with a maturity that belied his age. Now, he appeared even more strikingly beautiful. His hair grew longer, cascading down in a pitch-black hue with subtle greyish undertones, adding to his ethereal appearance.

His skin took on a greyish-pale tone, fitting perfectly with his name. The transformation enhanced every aspect of his physique, making him appear both powerful and delicate. His newfound physical attributes gave him an otherworldly presence, combining the innocence of youth with the grace and strength of a celestial warrior.

Everything about him improved. With his new type of eyes, Grey saw the world differently. When he focused on something, he could fully perceive the mysteries it concealed. Without using any magical spell, Grey could see tiny particles and mana flowing around him effortlessly.

The strength and physical abilities of his body were enhanced; he could feel the power coursing through his veins. His body continuously absorbed and released mana, functioning like a mana purifying array.

Many changes and developments occurred within him after completing the first phase of the refinement.

There were two phases of body refinement. The first phase involved purifying 30 percent of the body, but Grey had completely purified his body, a feat deemed impossible for a mortal.

The second phase of refinement involved creating a mana core and a mana heart inside his body. This second phase was something Grey had conceived himself.

Only higher magical beasts possessed mana cores, and the concept of a mana heart was entirely Grey's invention. The inability of other races to use beast magic stemmed from their lack of mana cores.

The mana core's ability was not only to store mana; its main function was to amplify magic spells and utilize the purest form of mana. This was the main reason Grey decided to create a mana core. Although mana storage was not an issue for him—he didn't know the limit of mana his body could store, but it was more than sufficient—he understood the value of amplification.

The idea of a mana heart came to him recently. He derived it from the real heart inside one's body, which pumps blood throughout the system. Similarly, he wanted to create a mana heart that would help circulate and pump mana throughout his body.

His body already had excellent mana control, but with the addition of a mana heart, Grey couldn't fathom the heights he would reach.

After the transformation, Grey stood up, feeling the surge of power and energy flowing through him. He stretched his limbs, marveling at the newfound strength coursing through his veins. Every movement felt fluid and powerful, like a finely tuned machine operating at peak efficiency. To test his enhanced physique, Grey began with a series of stretches and calisthenics, his muscles responding with ease and precision.

He moved into more rigorous exercises, performing flips and acrobatics with a grace he had never known before. Each leap and twist seemed effortless, his body lighter and more agile. Grey could feel the mana within him, amplifying every action, making him faster and stronger.

Satisfied with his physical prowess, Grey decided to test his magical abilities. He extended his hand, conjuring a ball of pure mana. The sphere glowed brilliantly, the energy within it stable and potent. He then released it, watching as it dispersed harmlessly into the air, his control over the spell absolute.

Next, Grey cast a series of elemental spells, each one more complex than the last. Flames danced at his fingertips, water coalesced into intricate shapes, and gusts of wind swirled around him with a mere thought. He even manipulated the earth beneath him, creating and dissolving structures with ease. Each spell was executed with precision, the mana flowing seamlessly through his enhanced body.

Now, Grey was ready for the second phase.

His body and mind felt sharper, stronger, and more in tune with his mana than ever before. The first phase of refinement had transformed him, enhancing his physical and magical abilities to unprecedented levels.

He took a deep breath, centering himself as he prepared to embark on the next stage: creating a mana core and a mana heart. This phase was even more challenging, but Grey knew it was crucial for achieving his full potential.

With unwavering focus, Grey sat down once more and began to channel his mana inward. The task ahead required immense concentration and precision, but he felt confident and ready to take on this monumental step.