A Week of Preparation (1)

Ariase blinked, his mind struggling to catch up. "Three weeks?!"

Herman nodded and said, "Yep. And you've only got a week left before classes start. Better get moving, Ria."

The shock on Ariase's face was apparent, but Herman's nonchalant attitude made it even more surprising.

Before Ariase could question him, Herman continued, "Geez, I was in a coma for only a week when I underwent the last purification. To think it would really take you a while."

"I was even starting to worry, but given how weak your soul is, I guess it was no surprise you needed so much time. Anyway, use the remaining week wisely, absorb some mystic stones and get used to your new body fast."

Herman gestured toward the mirror, prompting Ariase to look.

When Ariase turned to the mirror on his right, he froze. His drowsiness evaporated instantly.

He no longer resembled his 12-year-old self at all.

His body, though still slightly scrawny, was toned with prominent muscle lines.

His hair, now pure white, cascaded down past his waist, giving him an almost divine appearance.

His height and overall features were more mature, as if he had skipped several years and transformed into a young adult.

Before he could fully process the changes, Herman interrupted with a smirk.

"Geez, a couple of glances should be enough. Stop gawking at yourself and touching your body, will you? What a narcissist. Pfft~"

Ariase's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"I'm not! I was just... checking the changes, okay?!" he grumbled defensively.

Herman laughed, "Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say. Anyway, stay in bed for now and rest. You've deserve it for now."

As Herman turned to leave the room, Ariase hesitated before speaking softly, "Thank you, Uncle... I mean, for everything."

Herman paused, looking over his shoulder with a warm smile, "No need to thank me. We're family, after all."

With that, he left the room.

Ariase sat in silence for a moment, the lingering warmth of his uncle's words still in his heart.

Shaking off his shyness, he slapped his cheeks lightly and attempted to stand.

His legs wobbled at first, but he managed to balance himself.

Excitement coursed through him as he examined his body more thoroughly.

He marveled at the enhanced senses, noticing even the faintest details around him.

When he focused, he could feel the intricate workings of his body—the rhythmic flow of blood, the steady thump of his heart, even the soft rumble of his stomach.

Testing his newfound strength, Ariase threw a punch.

A sharp bang resounded as the air seemed to ripple from the force.

His eyes widened in amazement, biting his lip in a satisfied grin.

He didn't stop there. Experimenting further, he kicked, flexed, and punched again.

Every movement was sharper, faster, and more powerful than before.

His body felt like a finely tuned instrument, capable of feats he couldn't have previously dreamed of on the former Earth.

After a flurry of punches and kicks, Ariase finally lay on his bed, still full of energy but exhilarated.

His mind drifted back to the recent events.

Amid the excitement, a sobering thought emerged.

That strange mass of energy he'd encountered in his soul realm, lingered in his mind like an unsolved mystery.

It bore a striking resemblance to the energy used by the great being of light.

For minutes, Ariase pondered, piecing together what little he knew.

Yet, he only arrived at a tentative conclusion that his soul must have subconsciously absorbed that energy during the Genesis.

Soon after, Herman re-entered the room, carrying a steaming bowl of congee.

As they ate, their conversation naturally drifted to the days ahead and school-related matters.

Midway through their discussion, however, Ariase hesitated before voicing a concern that had been weighing on him.

"Uncle," he began asking tentatively, "I was wondering… when I go through the element awakening rite, won't the Council of Spirits notice that I've already gained a talent? It won't put me in danger, right?"

Herman's lighthearted demeanor shifted instantly, his expression growing serious.

"Now that you mention it... there's definitely a possibility they might. Crap, I shouldn't have overlooked this small detail..."

Ariase froze, a chill running down his spine. His face paled as he stammered, panic creeping into his voice.

"No way... Then, what should I do now, uncle? They won't imprison me, will they? Like you said—"

But before he could finish, Herman's lips twitched, and then he burst out laughing.

Ariase's forehead wrinkled as his eyes closed in disbelief.

"This guy must be insane... Laughing and joking at a time like this? Is he even for real? My dear life is on the line right now!"

Herman clutched his stomach, his chuckles echoing through the room.

"Hahaha, gosh, that was priceless! Pranking you was so worth it. That's what you get for teasing me about Erica."

Still laughing, Herman leaned forward and flicked Ariase's forehead playfully as a slight punishment.

Ariase winced, rubbing the spot as his uncle continued with a grin.

"Relax. You don't have to worry about the Council. They won't suspect a thing. Just tell them I purified your body. Most people already know I've got a talent for purification. What they don't know is that it can grant acquired talents. So, no need to lose sleep over it."

Ariase sighed, a mix of frustration and relief washing over him.

Deciding to let it go, he muttered under his breath about forgiving Herman for the scare.

But then, a thought struck him like lightning, and a sly grin spread across his face.

Clearing his throat, he leaned forward, "Ahem, Uncle… I think you're forgetting something very important~"

Herman stiffened, his smile faltering as he immediately sensed trouble.

He began edging toward the door, but Ariase was quicker.

"Didn't you promise me something if I managed to complete the purification?" Ariase pressed, his grin widening.

Herman's face turned sheepish, and he avoided eye contact.

"Ah, I just remembered—I have something urgent to take care of!" he said hastily, standing and turning toward the door.

Before Herman could escape, Ariase lunged forward, grabbing his uncle's ankle and clinging tightly.

"Hey, brat! Let go of my feet!" Herman groaned, trying to shake him off.

"Wasn't it enough that I gave you an acquired talent? Do you really intend to squeeze more out of your poor uncle?!"

"Poor, my ass! If you're poor then money grows on trees," Ariase thought ironically.

Ariase held firm, his voice rising in mock indignation, "Didn't you always say that a man should uphold his promises no matter what?!"

Herman dragged his feet toward the door, his nephew still clinging to him like a limpet.

"I know that look of yours! It's the same look those scheming old geezers at the Association have. No way am I falling for it!"

Ariase switched tactics, his voice softening as he put on a wounded expression, guilt-tripping him.

"Uncle… I thought you were different from everyone else. I thought you cared about me."

Herman faltered.

Ariase pressed on, laying it on thick, "My whole life, I've been nothing but a good kid. I've worked so hard to make you proud. Graduating as salutatorian, getting great grades—wasn't it all for you? I've given everything I could to honor this family, and now…"

Herman groaned audibly, running a hand down his face as black lines practically etched themselves onto his forehead.

'This damn conniving brat…' he thought under his breath.

Finally, he stopped resisting, "Alright, alright! Stop guilt-tripping me already. So, what do you want? And don't you dare ask for something excessive!"

Ariase's eyes sparkled as he released his uncle and flashed a beaming smile.

"Thank you, Uncle! You're the best! Hehe~"

Herman narrowed his eyes, wary. "Spit it out already."

"Well," Ariase said innocently, "I'd like a storage item. That's all~"

Herman blinked, visibly relaxing, "Oh, just a storage item? Sure, that's easy eno—"

But then his eyes widened in horror as realization dawned, "Wait. Are you INSANE?!"