Lying flat on ground resting, Theo tried regulating breathing so oxygen could soothe exhaustion, so mind could return to undefined state. This self-effort was slowly helping him recover faster—something most necessary because he knew there was still much work to do out there.

  After a while, when dizziness feeling had lessened, he requested G:

  "G, analyze the mana absorption session just now."

  G's voice recovered seriousness, cold and full of data:

  "Mana Absorption Cycle Analysis: First session. Total time: 93 minutes.

  Efficiency & Spirit: Host's average absorption efficiency is 51%. Efficiency started 10%, increased high to 100% after 10 minutes, dropped sharply after 30-minute mark (decreased from 100% to 43%) and continuously fluctuated at 40% level until minute 93. This is the result of mental exhaustion from spiritual fusion and Mana integration."

  Strength (Special Ability): Host's body didn't reject Mana until minute 93. This confirms Host's Mana Endurance index surpasses 99% of ordinary people. This is why Host can maintain absorption process longer than average.

  Limitation: Current limitation isn't innate talent or physical rejection, but Spiritual Power. Mental consumption level to maintain focus and Mana fusion is too high compared to adaptation capability.

  Optimization Proposal: To optimize efficiency and reduce training time below 30 minutes per session, Host needs to enhance Spiritual Power. Remedial measures that can be implemented include: supplementing nutrition supporting training, supplementing specialized spiritual power training exercises, and can try dividing into short 30-minute sessions after spiritual recovery."

  G's analysis was cold and precise, not one excess word. Though Theo had predicted this weakness, having concrete data about efficiency and feasible remedial proposals was still a small victory.

  "G, why at minute 30 I felt mental power completely depleted, yet still had up to 40% mana absorption efficiency into body?"

  G's voice rang out, beginning in-depth analysis process. Series of data from books Theo had copied about Magic and Cultivation appeared in his mind.

  G analyzed:

  "The cervical vertebra crystallization evolution, or more precisely the Mana absorption cycle, is essentially just the energy accumulation mechanism using Mana, but must use Spiritual Power to dominate. Spiritual Power, inherently requiring high concentration and wisdom, is the key factor helping the absorption intake occur most effectively and accurately.

  However, when Spiritual Power is depleted, a backup mechanism will take effect: somehow, Will (basic desire, not needing high concentration) still acts on Mana and helps the absorption intake occur, though efficiency isn't high and accuracy doesn't match Spiritual Power.

  Therefore, can say Mana will be embraced by Spirit and Will to perform spell types.

  Incidentally mentioning, when user has absorbed enough Mana and reached threshold, C7 vertebra will be crystallized first time. From then, user will possess a Mana accumulation organ more effective and faster—this is precisely the level-up breakthrough secret. Ultimately, magic is just the phenomenon of absorbing Mana into body, then releasing it. Very simple."

  —quoted from Seven Wonders Under Starlight.

  "Did Host forget that Will can influence Mana but with lower efficiency?"

  G's reminder was a precise explanation and citation, helping Theo grasp more clearly the most basic knowledge. He'd focused too much on his innate inferiority and forgotten that iron will was precisely an undeniable force, a special talent anyone could possess.

  Summarizing all deficiencies and remedies, Theo quickly decided future training plan:

  Test intermittent training: Instead of extending process to exhaustion, he'd divide Mana absorption sessions into short 30-minute intervals, maximally focusing on highest efficiency.

  Nutrition and Recovery: Exploit Breeder and Apothecary knowledge to seek foods or pharmaceuticals for effective recovery or spiritual restoration, to shorten rest time between sessions.

  Develop Spiritual Power: This was long-term goal. Two paths could be found: one was academies or Mages, outstanding masters; two was... G.

  Theo took a deep breath, deciding to use resources he currently had. He tried asking G:

  "G, how much ACP does exchanging spiritual power training method cost?"

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  G's voice answered decisively:

  "It's in the Basic Trainer—Psychic package: 75 ACP."

  Indeed G had methods. Theo thought silently, after all in the Pokémon world there were also species possessing super-strong spiritual power like Psychic-types, and he clearly remembered Sabrina—a famous Leader—was also a spiritual master. That showed the Pokémon world had a vast knowledge treasure about Spiritual Power.

  But the problem here still returned to the old vicious circle: he didn't have ACP.

  Theo sighed, shook head not thinking more. He knew he couldn't wait until earning enough 75 ACP. Deciding very quickly, Theo began researching the most feasible path: seeking natural spiritual power recovery foods.

  Theo requested G list materials both had recently collected data on, focusing on spiritual power improvement capability.

  Series of strange names appeared in Theo's mind. He quickly scanned possibilities: Glow Mushroom could soothe nerves and support focus; Dew Mint Leaf promised alertness and gentle mental energy recovery. More dangerously, he saw Spider Blood Gland—could increase mental endurance but came with nausea risk. For long-term recovery, there was Thousand-Mile Root helping stabilize sleep, and most basic energy source was Earth Honey...

  Theo muttered: "We need to find things applicable immediately." His eyes stopped at materials seeming safest and easiest to find around Oakhaven, deciding to use wisdom to compensate for financial shortage.

  Theo's eyes flashed with determination as he looked at the materials list. He didn't just want to cope with exhaustion; he wanted to optimize each training minute. Two crafting ideas immediately formed, using newly acquired Breeder and Apothecary knowledge (mainly Breeder) along with understanding of each component's effects, creating a perfect supplementary strategy:

  The Long-Lasting Spirit Incense

  Goal was increasing Mana absorption efficiency right during training.

  Theo decided combining Glow Mushroom—substance soothing and supporting focus—with Spider Blood Gland—instant mental enhancement source. He accepted accompanying nausea risk with spider blood, exchanging for capability helping absorption efficiency not plummet disastrously after the 30-minute mark.

  Theo thought, just grind dried Glow Mushroom as base substance and extract Spider Blood Gland essence to enhance potency, then compress them into incense sticks and dry. Cost about 250 Copper (slightly over two Silver) for one batch of three sticks, because Spider Blood Gland was dangerous and harder to find material.

  This was Theo's typical gamble: accepting small danger to achieve large strategic benefit. When lit, Long-Lasting Spirit Incense would create a high-pressure atmosphere, helping him maintain absolute focus for longer time.

  The Calming Mint Cake

  Goal was quickly recovering Spiritual Power after training session.

  Theo would combine Dew Mint Leaf—herb bringing alertness—with Earth Honey—basic energy source and sugar.

  Simple method: grind fresh Dew Mint Leaf into mushy powder, then use Earth Honey as binding agent and create sweet taste. Mixture pressed into square cakes and dried.

  Cost for one batch of three cakes only about 150 Copper (one and a half Silver), because both materials were common and easy to find.

  This was safe item, highly nutritious. Cake helped soothe spinning head and physical recovery, allowing Theo to divide and perform multiple short 30-minute intermittent training sessions daily without losing too much rest time.

  Theo decided making 14 of each type, enough for him and Liam to use for the next seven days. This quantity consumed all 5,600 Copper (56 Silver), a large investment, but he firmly believed it would be the most worthwhile investment right now.

  He spent the entire afternoon finishing raw materials for both item types. If wanting to perfect everything would need until tomorrow morning, because materials for Long-Lasting Spirit Incense needed to be thoroughly dried of moisture. Tired to the point he didn't want to cook dinner, had to decide taking out reserve rations for temporary use.

  Next was Liam's second Mana test.

  Theo sat in a corner, both reading journal and monitoring Liam holding crystal. Process proceeded in tense silence.

  This time, only at minute 31, Liam seemed to suddenly awaken to something special. His face slightly more flushed, hand holding Mana crystal showed clear blue veins, as if body was receiving a powerful energy current. Clearly Liam could already absorb Mana.

  He only took 88 minutes to complete the test, 2.8 times faster than Theo's 247 minutes. This made Theo somewhat stunned, he anxiously waited for his friend to complete today's absorption session.

  61 minutes later, Liam opened eyes exhausted.

  Theo immediately set down book, voice somewhat hurried: "How does it feel, Liam?"

  Liam replied indifferently:

  "Nothing special. Just tired as hell. So what now?"

  Theo couldn't hide the admiration in his voice:

  "You have a gift for Mana, Liam."

  Liam perked up slightly:

  "Oh yeah? What's so special about it? Can my spear hit harder?"

  Theo shook his head:

  "Mana can't directly enhance your body that way."

  Liam's enthusiasm deflated:

  "Then what good is it?"

  Theo gave a wry smile and pointed at the leather armor:

  "It'll help you activate Bloodsurge."

  Liam came alive like someone had breathed new life into him. He forgot all about the fatigue and dizziness from absorbing Mana, rushed into the tent, grabbed the Bloodsurge armor and prepared to test it immediately.

  Theo frowned in concern:

  "You only absorbed Mana about 30 minutes ago. The Mana in your body isn't stable yet—it'll be hard to activate. Plus, this rune causes blood loss. Testing it carelessly will exhaust you, Liam."

  Liam laughed loudly:

  "I've been holding back all day, Theo. Just let me try! Theo, show me how."

  After thinking for a moment, Theo explained clearly:

  "Focus your mind and will on the C7 cervical vertebra. Remember the sensation when you absorbed Mana. Then naturally guide the stored energy thread through your bloodstream to the rune position on the armor. Remember this: both mind and will can control Mana. However, the mind controls with precision, while will can only be used crudely. This is important for when you want to use significant spells later."

  Liam concentrated on Theo's advice and quickly followed through.

  Immediately, the Bloodsurge armor flared with a crimson glow. Liam's hair seemed to bristle slightly; his muscles became more defined, prominent veins rising visibly.

  Liam excitedly grabbed the Zaravand short spear and swung it around. Under the enhanced strength, each of Liam's thrusts was far more ferocious in power and speed. The sound of cutting wind whistled sharply. Liam used Remnant Wind to test his strongest thrusting and slashing techniques.

  For 5 minutes of enhancement, he transformed into a true warrior—agile and brutal.

  Right after, his muscles trembled slightly then gradually relaxed, a faint ache spreading from his fingertips gripping the spear to his spine as he returned to his normal state. Liam panted, his hand holding the spear trembling slightly; this skill consumed tremendous stamina.