A mana core was what differentiated warriors from ordinary people. Only those who were able to successfully awaken an ability would possess a mana core.
The mana core was an invisible space inside a person's body and the location of the mana core varied from person to person. Some had theirs close or inside their hearts, others had their mana cores located in their brain, while a large majority of people had their mana cores in their lower stomachs.
Starting from the level one warrior rank, the mana core was a small space where mana formed like a puddle and the core was like a floating ball of light inside it.
As one grew stronger, the size of the puddle would increase, changing to a pond, then a lake, and so on. The light ball would equally increase in size, growing as large as an island with several tiny balls inside; those were the signs of a person's rank.
Having five smaller balls inside your light ball meant that you had reached the level 5 warrior rank!
Currently, the strongest humans who were currently at the level 5 warrior rank all had mana cores that were as large as a vast sea and a huge light ball with five smaller light balls floating within it.
At the moment, Ivan's mana core was only the size of a large puddle with a tiny light ball sitting quietly inside it.
The mana that was being absorbed into his body slowed down after entering the area of his mana core under his control and calmly fused with his mana core, gradually increasing its size.
Although the speed was very slow and barely noticeable, Ivan was able to feel that his puddle-sized mana core was gradually increasing and a smaller light ball was forming inside the tiny ball of light that was floating inside his mana core.
Usually, first-timers like him would have trouble controlling such a strong inflow of mana. Causing their mana core to be chaotic and most of the mana that they absorbed to be wasted.
But Ivan didn't have this problem, he was very experienced with controlling even larger amounts of mana, so this wasn't even worth mentioning.
The reason he was sweating so much was simply that his body was weak, nonetheless, it could still keep up with his experience of controlling the mana.
Time passed gradually. Ivan didn't know how much time had passed but after controlling the mana inside the mana chamber for so long, the change in his mana core had become apparent.
His mana core wasn't simply a puddle like when he started a while ago, it was now the size of a large basin after he fused all of the absorbed mana into it.
As for the smaller ball of light within his light ball, it sadly hadn't formed yet but Ivan could feel it.
Once it formed, he would have become an official level one warrior at the second stage!
"Ivan, time to come out. Spending any more time in there will do more harm to your body than good,"
At this moment, Ethan's voice sounded from outside the mana chamber.
Ivan immediately stopped focusing on fusing the mana into his mana core, causing their connection to be cut off. The remaining mana in the air immediately scattered around the room after Ivan stopped controlling them.
He slowly opened his eyes and a golden glint flashed across his pupils.
Ivan observed his body. He was completely drenched and his breathing was ragged.
'Hmm, my body can't handle spending more time in here.' he thought regretfully as he stood up and stretched his body.
Aside from his mana core, Ivan could feel that his physical strength had also increased a bit.
"Starting all over again, leaves a weird aftertaste in my mouth," Ivan mumbled with a helpless smile.
Ethan's voice sounded again at this time, he was worried that Ivan was ignoring his warning and continued training.
"I'm coming out," Ivan called out and immediately exited the mana chamber.
Seeing Ivan drenched in sweat, Ethan said that he thought he wasn't going to come out after seeing the effect of the mana chamber.
"Although I really want to stay, I fear I might pass out if I spend another minute there," Ivan responded while scratching the back of his head.
"Hahaha, don't think too much about it. Just get stronger, you'll be able to spend days inside the mana chamber by then." Ethan said before using a finger to push Ivan towards the opposite direction.
"Now go wash up and come eat, mother and I will be waiting for you."
Ivan was about to agree and leave when a mischievous thought suddenly formed in his head, he turned to Ethan and smirked.
"On second thought, I'm suddenly grateful that you allowed me to use your room while mine is being repaired. I feel like I'm not appreciating my big brother enough, how about I give you a hug?" He said with his arms spread out and began to move closer to Ethan.
"!!!!!" Ethan
Since when did this kid become so mischievous?!
"With that sweaty body of yours? Get away from me!" Ethan spat and immediately fled the scene.
"Come on, don't run away. It's just a hug!" Ivan called out and chased after Ethan.
"Mother, save me!" Ethan's voice echoed through the mansion.
The servants were left dumbfounded when they saw this scene. Master Ethan was being chased around by the sweaty young master Ivan, and the former was calling for their mother to save him.
Who would believe that Ethan Castellan had such a side? His colleagues would swear it was fake if someone told them.
....
For the rest of the week before the academy resumed classes for first-year students, Ethan would help Ivan with weapon training every day before the latter would enter the mana chamber and train for five hours every day.
Thanks to the combined effects of the mana chamber and the mana core that Christopher had prepared for him, Ivan's mana core was expanding rapidly.
Thanks to the mana chamber speeding up his training progress, he had achieved what would take others several weeks of hard work in just a few days.
"Ivan, it's time to come out."
Ethan's voice sounded from outside the mana chamber. He had been very diligent in his duty during the past few days, always waiting outside the mana chamber while Ivan was inside and reminding him once it was time to stop.
Ivan immediately stopped absorbing the mana around him and opened his eyes. The mana core on his palms was gone, completely absorbed by him. His body was covered in sweat and his breathing was rough, just as usual.
Without wasting time, Ivan stood up and left the mana chamber. Ethan was still waiting outside, their eyes met when Ivan came out.
"Thanks," Ivan said as he looked at his elder brother.
"What for?" Ethan asked with a raised eyebrow, Ivan's words came too suddenly. Without waiting for Ivan to respond, Ethan continued.
"Doesn't matter, go wash up and come down for dinner."
After saying this, he turned and left.
Ivan nodded and went back to his room. His room had been repaired and he had stopped using Ethan's room.
Some time later, Ivan could be seen having dinner with his brother and mother. Christopher had left some days ago since he had urgent matters to attend to, he had placed everything on hold earlier and rushed back home after learning what happened during Ivan's awakening.
Now that everything had been settled, he had returned to continue his work.
While they were eating, Ethan suddenly asked.
"Ivan, you'll be leaving for the academy tomorrow morning…are you prepared?"