Chapter 6: The Path of Knowledge Consists of Two Things—Experiment and Experience!

  After resting a little longer, I focused on the changes brought about by the increase in my core level. Now, I could clearly sense the warm, steady flow of mana within my core. I could direct it through my will to any part of my body, granting me strength beyond that of ordinary humans. However, this process likely consumed mana, so I would have to use it sparingly.

  Still, this time, I would test it—just to see.

  I drew mana from my core and spread it throughout my body. Suddenly, I felt power—divine power—coursing through me. With it, I could shatter boulders many times my size. How incredible! How intoxicating! This was the power of a god!

  With slow, deliberate steps, I approached a massive crimson boulder. If I had a mouth, I would have smirked at its arrogance, at its pride in its own immensity—before smashing it to pieces like glass.

  I gripped the stone tightly with my slender hands. Yet, the moment I lifted it even an inch off the ground, my strength faltered. The colossal rock mocked me silently, laughing at my weakness.

  I was baffled. Why had my power vanished so suddenly? My mana… Wait, what happened to my mana reserves? Why was I completely drained?! Had that simple technique really consumed so much mana?

  "Status!"

  In an instant, everything went dark. Then, I found myself standing on the surface of water. My eyes were drawn to the crimson letters floating before me.

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  Name: Primer

  Age: 12

  Core Level: 3

  Mana Capacity: 0/1000

  Just as I’d suspected, using that technique had completely depleted my mana…

  I was twelve now? The effects of my evolutionary sleep—and its duration—had increased dramatically. Next time, I might sleep for twenty years? That was far too dangerous. From now on, I’d have to find a safe place to evolve.

  Was it possible my mana capacity was much lower than I’d initially thought? Ah… All I could do was keep moving forward and strive for progress. Who knew? Maybe in my next breakthrough, I’d achieve something even greater.

  With a single thought, I returned to the real world.

  Now, my resolve was stronger than ever. I knew I had to grow my power and push myself harder than before. After all, who knew when I might face another catastrophe like the meteor shower? I had no means to defend myself—I had to prepare!

  ***

  Days passed one after another until, once again, I hit a bottleneck. Through relentless effort, I broke through it, then slipped back into evolutionary sleep.

  When I awoke, my body thrummed with renewed energy and strength. How exhilarating…

  Yet, I wasn’t satisfied. I wanted more.

  I repeated the cycle again and again, each time relishing that familiar, comforting warmth.

  My achievements grew alongside my progress. Now, I could project mana outside my body, shaping it into different forms.

  Based on my observations, mana was a unique energy—one with incredible adaptability. It was unlike any other energy I’d encountered, existing in its own distinct form. Of course, there might be other energies out there that functioned similarly… but who knew?

  I certainly didn’t.

  ***

  Once more, I gathered energy, preparing to break through another bottleneck. I repeated this arduous yet thrilling cycle over and over until exhaustion finally set in.

  I conducted countless experiments with magic, mastering various spells and inventing many techniques of my own.

  Gradually, I developed a habit of recording important events on the mountain cliffs—like a diary, etched not with ink, but with mana-burned markings into the stone.