The Aeternis estate was shrouded in the peaceful silence of the night, but within the nursery, Leon's consciousness was fully awake. His senses had expanded beyond what any infant should possess, thanks to his previous life's experience and Eon's assistance.
[Mana Sensory: Basic proficiency achieved.]
A notification from Eon confirmed his progress. It was a small step, but every victory counted. The feeling of mana moving through the air was becoming clearer to him, like streams of unseen energy flowing around and through his tiny body.
"Now that I can sense it, the next step is to control it."
Mana control required patience, something he had in abundance. He focused on drawing in the ambient energy, guiding it toward his core. But suddenly, his body trembled, and an intense fatigue washed over him.
[Warning: Host's body is too underdeveloped for direct mana manipulation. Overuse may cause exhaustion.]
Leon gritted his teeth. His body was still too weak. He had expected this, but the reality of it was frustrating.
"I need a method that won't strain this fragile body."
A thought crossed his mind—if direct manipulation was too much, then passive absorption would be the answer. He would let his body naturally acclimate to mana rather than forcing control over it.
"Eon, set up a passive mana absorption method. Low intensity, so it doesn't harm my body."
[Understood. Adjusting parameters for passive assimilation. Estimated efficiency: 5%.]
It was slow, but it was safe. For now, that was enough.
---
Meanwhile, in the grand hall of House Aeternis, Duke Reynard sat at the head of a long, ornate table, his piercing gaze sweeping across the gathered nobles.
"We need to address the growing pressure from the royal court," one noble muttered, swirling a goblet of wine in his hand. "The king's favor shifts ever so slightly, and our enemies are watching for weakness."
Duke Reynard remained silent for a moment before responding, his deep voice carrying weight.
"House Aeternis has stood strong for centuries. But I will not deny the challenges before us. The other noble houses plot behind veiled smiles, waiting for us to falter."
An elder noble sighed. "Perhaps it is time we strengthen our alliances. A political marriage, perhaps?"
The mention of marriage made the room fall silent. All eyes turned to Duke Reynard, knowing well that his son, Leon, was the future heir.
"We will discuss this another time," Reynard stated firmly. "For now, we focus on securing our position."
The nobles nodded, though an unspoken tension remained in the air.
---
Far away, deep within the royal palace, the seer who had dreamt of Leon's rebirth stirred once more. She clutched her temples as another vision forced its way into her mind.
A child bathed in golden light. An unseen force coiling around him like a slumbering god. The shifting threads of fate converging upon his existence.
She gasped, her eyes wide with revelation.
"He is not bound by fate… He is fate itself."
The Supreme God was beginning to stir.