Chapter 10: 5 Years Later, New Power System

The sakura petals danced lightly in the twin suns' gentle glow as Su Yan leaned against a tree, his silver hair catching the light like woven moonbeams. Though he appeared eighteen, his youthful face carried the sharp intensity of a fifteen-year-old prodigy. His sapphire eyes quietly observed the others, a faint smile on his lips.

Near the crystal-clear pond, August knelt with focused energy. His blond hair was tousled by the breeze, and his sharp emerald eyes reflected years of wisdom despite his eleven years. His robe shimmered faintly with the residual glow of powerful magic coursing through him.

"Mother," August said softly, looking up as Mavis approached. Her golden hair fell in soft waves down her back, catching the light with every step. She was now eighteen but bore a quiet strength and warmth that radiated like sunlight.

"August, be careful," Mavis warned gently, her voice tender yet firm. "The herbs here are not just for healing—they are connected to the spirit of this realm."

"I know, Mother," August replied with a confident smile, weaving a subtle spell that made the plants pulse with life. "I'm strengthening my connection every day."

Zeref's strong, calm voice interrupted from the garden path. His dark robes and piercing gaze still held the gravitas of a seasoned warrior at thirty, but his expression softened at the sight of his family.

"August," he called warmly, "don't forget your training. Your father expects nothing less than your best."

August turned, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "Yes, Father. I won't disappoint you."

Mavis smiled and approached Zeref, their hands brushing briefly. "They've all grown so much, haven't they?"

Zeref nodded. "Stronger, wiser. Just like this world is becoming."

Su Yan closed his book and straightened, joining them with a serene smile. "Five years here… and we've all learned to live fully. Not as shadows of our past, but as a family bound by choice and love."

August looked up at Su Yan with admiration. "You've made this place a true home."

Su Yan's eyes twinkled. "We still have much to discover. But together, nothing is impossible."

The four stood beneath the sakura tree, united by their journeys, their roles, and the unbreakable bond that had grown stronger with every passing day.

After a while, Su Yan stood alone in the quiet clearing, the twin suns casting a warm glow around him. His silver hair fluttered gently as he closed his eyes, centering his thoughts.

"System," Su Yan called out calmly. "I want to create my own power system. The first stage—Body Refining—has already been achieved. Now, I will initiate the Inner Core Stage."

A soft, mechanical voice responded, echoing within his mind."Acknowledged. Initiating Inner Core Stage protocol."

Su Yan opened his eyes, steady and focused. "This next stage involves condensing both physical and mental energy into a single sphere located at the center of the body—a core that acts as a battery, storing and supplying energy as needed."

He took a deep breath. "This core is unique: it exists simultaneously in both body and mind. The physical core resides in the body, while its counterpart exists in the mental or spiritual realm. Together, they form a linked pair."

"The key advantage," Su Yan continued, "is resilience. If one core is damaged or destroyed, the other instantly regenerates it, making it impossible to completely erase the core—unless both are attacked and destroyed simultaneously."

The system confirmed."Processing: energy condensation, core formation, synchronization of physical and mental cores."

Su Yan began the process, centering his breath and focusing his energy inward. Slowly, he felt his physical and mental energies condense, swirling like a small star at the center of his chest.

The sphere grew, glowing faintly with pure light. His mind echoed with the presence of the twin core—two halves perfectly intertwined, each guarding the other.

"This sphere will act as a battery, continuously supplying energy for all physical and magical functions," Su Yan explained to himself. "It also harmonizes the body and mind, reinforcing mental clarity and physical endurance."

Minutes passed as the synchronization deepened. A warmth spread through Su Yan's entire being—a fusion of body and spirit unlike anything he had experienced.

Finally, the system's voice echoed once more."Inner Core Stage achieved. Core fully stabilized and operational."

Su Yan opened his eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips. "The foundation of true power—body and mind united. This is only the beginning."

With the new power core humming steadily within him, Su Yan felt a surge of calm strength. The path ahead was clear.

After a brief moment of stillness, Su Yan's thoughts deepened once more. The twin-core system had stabilized at the center of his being—an anchor of balance between mind and body. But Su Yan was never one to stop at foundations.

He lifted his right hand slightly and looked up toward the twin suns.

"System," he said, calm and resolute. "I want to expand the core structure. There are 361 primary acupoints in the human body, each a natural node of energy and life force. I will condense a secondary core within each one."

The system responded without delay."Request acknowledged. Generating protocol: Secondary Core Array."

Su Yan's gaze grew sharp. "These will not be mere energy nodes. Each of the 361 acupoints will house a miniaturized core—smaller than the central one, but constructed with the same dual-natured essence. Every acupoint-core will work in unison with the central Inner Core, circulating refined energy throughout the entire body."

"Purpose?" the system asked.

Su Yan's voice was steady:"To establish absolute internal harmony and control. The core in each acupoint will function as a micro-reactor, refining, storing, and circulating energy specific to that point's nature—mental, physical, spiritual, elemental. Like a vast galaxy of stars, orbiting the central sun. This will make the body an ecosystem of endless regeneration and adaptability."

The system pulsed."Beginning energy thread synchronization. Mapping 361 acupoints… Locating meridian junctions… Confirmed."

Su Yan sat down in a lotus position. He placed both palms over his heart and closed his eyes. The Inner Core at the center of his chest flared softly, then released a stream of radiant light. That light split—once into ten streams, then into a hundred, then into thousands—each thread thinner than a hair, each carrying the encoded blueprint of his core.

One by one, these streams pierced through his body's vast network of meridians, locating the 361 major acupoints. With precision and intention, each stream condensed within its target location, forming a pearl-sized core—identical in structure, but tuned to its unique energy signature.

Sweat formed on Su Yan's brow. This was not a passive process. His soul, mind, and body were all involved—refining energy, shaping structure, and binding intention into each core.

Hours passed.

The system finally spoke again."Secondary Core Array fully formed. 361 acupoint cores established. Energy circulation has reached 93% efficiency. Overall energy capacity multiplied."

Su Yan opened his eyes slowly. His breath was even. His body glowed faintly with inner light—as if the stars themselves now lived beneath his skin.

He whispered to himself, "Now… I'm truly ready to begin."