Reading

"Mmm… about time Reader Primus comes back to his prime." His lips curled up playfully, remembering the times when he used to read novels all day.

Orion moved his gaze slowly across the neatly arranged books, finally pausing at the shelf labeled 'Human Anatomy'.

First, he wanted to learn about the human body of this world. Was it any different from his past life? Or was it the same?

He was definitely intrigued by the possibilities of learning about the unique physiology of humans in this mana-rich world; he picked several thick tomes and scrolls from the shelf.

"Let's start with something that directly relates to my upcoming awakening," he murmured to himself, carefully placing the books down on a nearby reading table.

Orion sat comfortably in a plush chair beside the table, his eyes shining with curiosity and excitement as he picked up the first book titled:

'Fundamentals of Human Mana Channels and Meridians'

He opened it gently, eyes quickly scanning the introductory paragraph.

[Mana, the purest form of energy, flows through countless invisible pathways in every human body known as mana channels. Humans possess precisely 81 primary mana channels. These channels are responsible for the movement, absorption, and utilization of mana within one's body.]

Orion leaned forward, fascinated by this new knowledge.

"Each awakened being, regardless of their chosen profession, utilizes these mana channels for cultivation and growth. At each cultivation tier, an individual unlocks and opens a varying number of channels, significantly impacting their potential and growth rate:

-Tier 1: Opens between 3 to 9 mana channels.

-Tier 2: Opens another 3 to 9 mana channels (accumulative total of 6–18).

-Tier 3: Additional 3 to 9 channels (accumulative total of 9–27).

-Tier 4: Additional 3 to 9 channels (accumulative total of 12–36).

-Tier 5: Additional 3 to 9 channels (accumulative total of 15–45).

-Tier 6: Additional 3 to 9 channels (accumulative total of 18–54).

-Tier 7: Additional 3 to 9 channels (accumulative total of 21–63).

-Tier 8: Additional 3 to 9 channels (accumulative total of 24–72).

-Tier 9: Final 3 to 9 channels (accumulative total of 27–81)."

[Individuals who unlock more channels per tier exhibit vastly superior strength and potential compared to their peers. Historically, those who unlock fewer than 4 channels per tier are considered average or mediocre, while geniuses typically unlock 6–7 channels per tier, gaining broader and smoother mana flow and circulation.]

Orion paused thoughtfully, considering this information.

"Hmm, so not only does Sea of Consciousness size matter, but also the number of mana channels unlocked per tier. Interesting…" he whispered softly, turning the page eagerly.

Continuing to read, the next section explained:

[Additionally, humans who cultivate their mana channels to their absolute potential can also unlock 'Meridians'. Meridians are specialized mana pathways unlocked by perfectly opening nine mana channels per level, greatly boosting the quality, density, and speed of mana circulation throughout the body. A cultivator possessing meridians can wield mana more effortlessly and recover faster than others.]

Orion's eyes narrowed in concentration as he absorbed this critical information.

[It's said that those who achieve this feat dominate their peers, becoming unmatched within their tier and even capable of bridging across tiers when fighting stronger opponents.]

He nodded slowly to himself, carefully committing the details to memory.

"This is fascinating indeed. So opening more mana channels per tier and unlocking meridians grants an overwhelming advantage. I'll have to find a way to ensure I unlock as many channels as possible at every tier."

As he flipped the pages further, Orion found detailed diagrams illustrating the human body, marking clearly the locations of these invisible mana channels—spread throughout limbs, torso, and head.

Each of the 81 channels had unique functions, with channels in limbs primarily boosting physical abilities, while channels around the head and chest significantly increased spiritual perception and magical power.

'So mages don't have shitty physical powers as I read in novels in my last life. Well, that makes sense—mana runs in their bodies. How can they be as weak as paper?' He nodded and continued reading.

After studying carefully for a few hours, Orion closed the book, feeling satisfied. During this time, Rina and Liora had come back as well, standing at his side, ready for any of his commands.

"Alright, that covers the basics of human anatomy in this world. Next…"

His eyes landed upon another tome, 'Guide to Zorathal Continent's Elemental Affinities and Magical Foundations'. Picking it up, he flipped through it slowly, stopping at a page explaining elemental affinities:

[In the Zorathal Continent, elemental affinity is innate, directly influencing an individual's ability to manipulate corresponding elemental mana efficiently. Most humans are born with a single elemental affinity, while a rare few possess dual or even multiple affinities.]

[The known common affinities include: Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Thunder, and Ice.]

[There exist uncommon or rare affinities such as Light, Darkness, and even Space, but these are exceedingly scarce and difficult to awaken.]

[Then there are the arcane paths. They encompass all the different fields of magic that the predecessors have created. Draconic Magic (Exclusive to Dragons and Draconians), Curse Magic, Necromancy, Blood Magic, Beast & Nature magic, among others.]

Orion's gaze intensified as he read on:

[A mage or warrior's strength not only depends upon mana channels and meridians but also significantly upon the purity and strength of their elemental affinity. Those with high affinity can cast stronger spells with less mana consumption and less strain on their Sea of Consciousness.]

Orion continued reading, flipping page after page for hours, verifying the things he already knew while learning more about the affinities and magic. In the end, he exhaled, closing the second book, lost in thought.

"I have natural affinities towards Fire and Thunder from my dragon bloodline. But as a Perfect Human, can I cultivate other affinities as well?" he muttered, contemplating deeply.

Feeling energized by curiosity, he decided to read another book, a slightly thinner volume titled 'Thunderpeak Kingdom's History & Origins'.

Quickly flipping through pages, he discovered a fascinating excerpt about the kingdom's past:

[Established over tens of millenniums ago, the Thunderpeak Kingdom was founded by the legendary King Alaric Stormrend. He unified fragmented human settlements using his overwhelming thunder elemental magic, creating one of humanity's most resilient and prosperous kingdoms.]