Days passed, and Leon continued refining his control over mana. Though still unable to manipulate it directly, the Passive Mana Circulation method he had initiated was proving effective. His body was adapting at a steady pace, and his core was beginning to retain mana more efficiently.
[Passive Mana Assimilation: 8% → 10%]
It was progress, slow but undeniable.
However, something peculiar had started happening.
At times, when he wasn't actively focusing, he would feel… something. A presence. An instinctual sensation that warned him, urged him, or sometimes even guided him in an unknown direction.
And today, as Seraphina held him in her arms, humming a gentle melody, that sensation returned—stronger than ever.
A strange feeling crept up his spine, primal and urgent. It wasn't danger, but something else. Something he couldn't quite place.
Then, a voice whispered in his mind.
[Eon: Awakening of Primordial Instincts detected. Processing information…]
Leon's eyes narrowed. Primordial Instincts?
[Eon: Explanation. As the Supreme God, your divine instincts were unparalleled, allowing you to perceive reality beyond normal limitations. Though your body is now mortal, remnants of these instincts are awakening due to passive mana refinement.]
Leon processed the information quickly.
So that was it. Even though he had reincarnated, his godhood wasn't entirely lost. Some fundamental aspects of his true self were resurfacing as his power grew.
But what did this instinct seek to tell him?
He closed his eyes and allowed it to guide him.
Then—he felt it.
A presence. No, several presences. Watching.
His golden eyes flickered open. Someone was observing House Aeternis.
And not from within the estate. From outside.
---
Far beyond the grand halls of House Aeternis, in the shadows of a concealed chamber, hushed whispers filled the air.
"The child has begun to awaken," a deep voice muttered, its tone laced with intrigue. "Far sooner than expected."
A hooded figure kneeled before an ornate throne, their head bowed. "Your orders?"
A moment of silence passed before the unseen ruler responded.
"Watch. But do not interfere—yet."
The kneeling figure hesitated. "And if House Aeternis grows aware of our movements?"
A slow chuckle echoed through the chamber.
"They will not act until they are certain. Let them wonder. Let them fear the unknown."
A shift in the shadows. Then silence.
---
Seraphina sat near the grand window of the nursery, gently rocking Leon in her arms. Her mind was at ease, yet something unsettled her.
A feeling. A mother's intuition.
She had noticed small things. The way Leon's golden eyes would sometimes sharpen as if perceiving something beyond their world. The way he barely cried, unlike other infants.
And now, just moments ago, she had felt his tiny body stiffen for a fraction of a second—like he had sensed something.
Seraphina was no fool. She was the Duchess of House Aeternis, the mother of the heir to one of the strongest noble families in the kingdom.
She knew enemies lurked in the shadows.
Her golden eyes darkened with resolve as she held Leon closer.
No matter who watches… no matter who schemes… I will protect my son.
---
Leon remained silent, deep in thought. He was being watched. By whom, he wasn't sure yet, but the fact that his instincts had flared meant they were a potential threat.
For now, he could do nothing but prepare.
He needed more strength. More knowledge.
"Eon, catalog all known sources of mana refinement in this world."
[Processing…]
[Sources of Mana Refinement:
1. Passive Absorption – Slow but constant improvement (Currently in Progress).
2. Meditative Circulation – Actively refining mana flow through controlled breathing (Body currently too weak).
3. Elemental Affinity Awakening – Achieved by exposure to external mana sources.
4. Artifacts & Bloodlines – Rare cases where inherent lineage or external catalysts accelerate growth.
5. Combat Exposure – Growth through battle and stress.]
Leon analyzed the list.
Passive Absorption was already underway. Meditative Circulation was impossible for now. Artifacts and Bloodline—he wasn't certain if his current body possessed unique lineage-based traits.
That left Elemental Affinity Awakening and Combat Exposure.
Combat was impossible at this stage.
But elemental affinity…
Leon glanced at his mother, feeling the warmth of her mana radiating softly around him. If she used magic, could he expose himself to its influence?
He needed to test this.
And soon.
Because if his instincts were right, danger would not wait for him to grow stronger.
The storm was coming.
And he needed to be ready