Chapter 18

Klaus stood at the crossroads of human limitations and boundless potential. The mystic knowledge within the Ten Eyes Mantra had unlocked an entirely new realm of possibilities for him. The secret magic circle contained within his two eyes was no longer an enigma but a powerful conduit for his abilities, and it had become the source of his transformation.

With a serene smile gracing his lips, Klaus embarked on a relentless regimen of push-ups. The intricate art of channeling magic through the enigmatic eyes of the Ten Eyes Mantra had opened a world of opportunity. With each repetition, his body moved in harmony with his newfound understanding of magic. The push-ups were no longer mundane exercises but an arcane ritual.

His first three hundred consecutive push-ups were a testament to his unwavering determination and the burgeoning strength within him. Each press against the ground seemed to echo through the very fabric of reality. He felt a connection with the arcane forces of the world, and it responded with a triumphant °Ding°.

The sound reverberated through his entire being, a harmonious melody of growth and progress.

"Strength stat increased by 1."

The rush of power was intoxicating. It coursed through his veins, electrifying every muscle fiber. His senses sharpened, and he could feel the vitality surging within him. It was a sensation like no other, an addictive elixir that fueled his insatiable desire for more.

"Yes, more," he whispered to the universe, as if making a pact with the very cosmos itself. He was no longer a mere mortal but a force of nature, pushing the boundaries of his existence.

He continued, each push-up an affirmation of his newfound strength. His body moved with precision and grace, a testament to the mastery of magic over flesh. At eight hundred and fifty consecutive push-ups, Klaus's strength stat received another celestial °Ding°, granting him an additional increment of power.

"Strength stat increased by 1."

The world seemed to bow before him, recognizing his ascendancy. Klaus reveled in the sensation of his muscles expanding, like an artist sculpting a masterpiece with every movement.

"I can still do more," he declared, a fanaticism ignited within him. The enigmatic °Ding° had become an obsession, a symphony of achievement that echoed in his mind.

As he reached the monumental mark of one thousand consecutive push-ups, a gentle wave of dizziness washed over him. He recognized the limits of his mortal form and knew when to yield. Seating himself, he delved into a meditative state, mastering the intricate flow of mana through his body.

The world around him faded into obscurity as he connected with the arcane energy within. He felt the ebb and flow of magic like a river coursing through his being, and for the first time, he understood the profound connection between his inner self and the universe.

Refreshed and invigorated, Klaus sought sustenance to quell his insatiable hunger. Gallons of water and a hearty meal were but a humble offering to the voracious appetite that came with his newfound powers. He had become a vessel of potential, an embodiment of transcendent growth.

His thirst for knowledge remained unquenched as he ventured into Ludovic's library, seeking the elusive secrets of core formation. Despite the formidable darkness within him, Klaus clung to a belief that where there was a will, there was a way. The ancient tomes whispered their secrets to him, their pages heavy with wisdom accumulated over centuries.

"I'm sure that there is a way to form a core, despite my constitution," he murmured, a quiet determination guiding his quest for understanding. With each page turned and each passage absorbed, Klaus inched closer to unraveling the enigma within him.

The dark substance, once a burden, now appeared as a peculiar companion on his journey. With every passing moment, his belief in the boundless nature of his potential grew stronger. He was no longer a passive observer of his own destiny but an active participant in shaping it.

After devouring the wisdom contained in a plethora of books about core formation and mana circulation, Klaus shifted his focus to the art of swordsmanship. The theory had been absorbed; now it was time for practical application.

He journeyed back to the training ground, where the sunlight poured down like liquid gold. Klaus couldn't help but muse about his tendency to lose himself in the depths of books. The written words were a gateway to knowledge, but his true potential lay in applying that knowledge to his life.

Amid the training dummies that stood like silent sentinels in the middle of the field, he selected a wooden sword from a nearby box. The sensation of its hilt in his hand was eerily familiar as if it were an extension of himself. It was not just a wooden sword; it was a conduit for his burgeoning abilities.

Klaus closed his eyes and invoked a small spell to enhance his physical strength. As he opened his eyes, the world around him seemed to shift. The aura that enveloped him felt different, as if the very air recognized his newfound prowess.

With a two-handed grip on the wooden sword, he began to move. The first swing was slow and out of balance, but Klaus persevered. The second swing was more controlled, and with each repetition, his movements became swifter and more refined.

The rhythm of the blade matched the beating of his heart. He lost himself in the art of swordsmanship, a dance that transcended the physical realm. The wooden sword cleaved through the air with precision, as if it had a life of its own.

With every swing, Klaus's focus deepened, and his connection to the world around him grew stronger. He wasn't just swinging a sword; he was weaving a story with every motion. As the count of his swings reached two hundred, a notification manifested before him.

°Ding°

"You Have Entered a State of Deep Focus."

The message went unnoticed as Klaus continued his exquisite performance. His strikes became faster and more powerful, each one a testament to his dedication and the boundless potential within him. Hours melted away as he stood in a state of unparalleled concentration.

And then, something extraordinary transpired. Dark smoke began to emanate from his body, swirling around him like an enigmatic shroud. Klaus's transformation was far from over, and the mysteries of his existence were beginning to unfold in ways he could never have imagined.