Breaking Through

After breakfast, Christine gently placed George back in his crib, humming a soft tune before stepping out to tend to her daily chores.

The moment the door shut, George's bright blue eyes opened, gleaming with determination.

"Now's my chance."

Bringing up his system interface, he quickly navigated to the shop and purchased two Foundation-Forming Pills, spending 1 mana crystal and bringing his reserves down to 4.8.

Without hesitation, he swallowed the first pill.

Whoosh!

The familiar blue whirlpool in his chest expanded slightly, swirling faster as mana surged into his body.

Minutes passed. Then an hour.

Still, he remained motionless in the crib, his mind fully immersed in cultivation.

After two hours, his mana reserves began to dwindle. He took out the second pill and consumed it.

The whirlpool pulsed, accelerating once more. His body trembled slightly as mana coursed through his meridians.

Another two hours passed.

Suddenly—

A deep pulse echoed from his core. The mana within him compressed, becoming denser.

A notification flickered before his eyes.

[Congratulations! You have advanced to Level 8 Magic Apprentice.]

George exhaled softly, feeling his mana pool deepen, his control improving.

He quickly checked his system.

Remaining Mana Crystals: 4.8

Mana Crystals Accumulated: 15.6

A satisfied smile formed in his mind.

Without wasting time, he navigated back to the shop and purchased 12 more Foundation-Forming Pills, spending 6 mana crystals and bringing his reserves down to 9.6.

Just as he was about to consume one—

Creak—

The door swung open, and a small figure tiptoed inside.

George barely had time to react before Elana's curious eyes landed on him.

"Baby?" she whispered.

George froze, his mind racing.

"Damn it…!"