The day began like every other day that week, but there was something different in the air, a subtle tension, an anticipation that seemed to hang over the Dmond Mansion like an invisible cloud.

Even before the first rays of sunlight pierced through the bedroom curtains, Lukas was already awake, his eyes opening in the darkness with a clarity that surprised even himself.

He slowly opened his eyes, adjusting to the bluish dimness that filled the room. The sky beyond the window was still a grayish blue, announcing the dawn that was approaching with its promise of light.

The room remained silent, filled only with the gentle sound of his little companions’ breathing, the steady rhythm of Rourke inside his burrow, Astra’s occasional chirp from her perch, and Prata’s almost imperceptible movements on her web.

For a few seconds, he remained lying there, simply feeling his own body, this new presence that had become part of him.

It was a different sensation from the one he had felt just a few days ago, more complete, more integrated, as though he had finally become whole.

The Lunar Source pulsed calmly within his chest, a constant and comforting presence. He no longer needed to search for it or imagine it.

It was simply there, as natural as his heartbeat, synchronized with the rhythm of its beats.

With every pulse, a small wave of mana spread through his torso before returning to the silver core, like the movement of the tides in an eternal cycle.

It was a subtle, gentle presence, yet impossible to ignore. Like a second heartbeat merging with the first in perfect harmony.

Lukas smiled, feeling warmth spread through his chest. It still felt strange to think that only a few weeks earlier, he hadn’t even been able to sense the existence of mana, that he had spent entire days sitting in frustration, trying to perceive something that always seemed just beyond his reach.

Now he carried a complete Source within his chest, and four major channels stabilized throughout his body, each pulsing with its own silver light.

Only one remained to be formed. The head, the final connection, the most delicate of them all, the one that would complete the system and allow mana to flow throughout his entire being.

It was the final step before learning true Body Reinforcement, the moment that separated a beginner from a warrior.

The thought made his heart race slightly, a mixture of excitement and apprehension. But he took a deep breath and pushed the anxiety aside, remembering his father’s words.

Clavor had repeated countless times during those days that haste was mana’s greatest enemy. Those who allowed themselves to be ruled by anxiety inevitably made mistakes, and those who made mistakes while manipulating mana paid dearly for them.

Lukas got out of bed with a smooth motion, his feet touching the cold wooden floor. He put on his light training clothes, carefully tied the belt around his tunic, and ran his fingers through his white hair, trying to make it at least somewhat presentable.

"Good morning, everyone." His quiet voice was enough to wake his companions, who seemed to have been waiting for that moment.

In the corner of the room, Astra slowly spread her wings, stretching in a motion that resembled a morning stretch before letting out a sleepy little chirp.

Near the window, Prata subtly moved her long legs while remaining on her enormous web, her gleaming eyes reflecting the morning light.

Tilbo poked only his head out from the small shelter improvised between a few boxes, twitching his antennae as soon as he noticed Lukas.

Meanwhile, Rourke dashed out of his little wooden burrow, quickly climbing up the boy’s leg until he settled comfortably on his shoulder, his tiny body warm against him.

Lukas smiled and gently stroked the little rat’s head, feeling its soft fur beneath his fingers.

"Did you sleep well?"

Rourke let out a cheerful squeak, a sound Lukas had already learned to recognize as a positive response.

Lukas chuckled softly, the sound echoing through the quiet room. He still couldn’t understand the sounds made by the animals, not as words. But thanks to his Affinity with Beings, he was beginning to perceive subtle nuances in their behavior. It was almost as if he understood their emotions, as though an invisible bridge connected them beyond words.

After making sure everyone was doing well, he walked downstairs with light, confident steps.

...

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled nearly the entire mansion, a fragrance that spread through the hallways like an invitation to wake up.

Blended with the scent of melted butter, freshly cooked eggs, and herbal tea, it made the atmosphere feel even cozier, like an embrace surrounding everyone who entered.

In the dining room, Aurora was already arranging the plates on the table with her precise and efficient movements.

Judite chatted cheerfully while finishing spreading jam over a slice of bread, the tip of her tongue peeking out between her lips in concentration. Clavor remained seated at the head of the table, calmly sipping his tea while his eyes scanned a small open book resting on the table.

As soon as Lukas entered, Aurora smiled, her eyes lighting up.

"Good morning, dear."

"Good morning, Mom."

Judite immediately waved, her movement quick and energetic.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Like a rock." Lukas laughed as he sat down at the table.

She laughed, her voice bright and cheerful.

"I can tell."

Lukas pulled out a chair and sat down, feeling his weight settle onto the wooden seat. A moment later, Aurora placed a full plate in front of him, scrambled eggs, warm bread, fresh fruit, everything prepared with the care of someone who wanted to see her son grow strong.

"Eat plenty. Today will be another demanding day." Her voice was gentle, yet filled with concern.

"Yes, Mom." Lukas obeyed, taking the fork with gratitude.

As they began their meal, the conversation flowed naturally, like a river following its course. Aurora asked about his training, wanting to know every detail of the exercises Lukas had been practicing.

Judite commented on some of the difficulties she had encountered in her magical studies, her fingers gesturing as she explained the circles she was learning to form.

And inevitably, the conversation returned to Lukas’s progress, his sister’s curiosity impossible to contain.

"So..." Judite asked between bites, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"How many channels are ready now?"

Lukas answered with a smile, a smile filled with pride and satisfaction.

"Four."

His sister’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Four?"

"Both legs and both arms," he explained, feeling the warmth of his accomplishment.

"They’re all stabilized."

"That was fast..." Judite murmured, impressed.

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