After testing numerous alternative methods, Kayden finally managed to enable Han to manipulate mana outside his body. However, it was a ridiculously small amount, and it took hundreds of forced mana shock sessions before Han could do it on his own.
"I want you to become a Monarch," Kayden said these words only when his disciple had had 50% of his past lives removed and was at the absolute end of his natural lifespan.
Han’s life had been prolonged for centuries through treasures. He never complained and continued to work diligently under Kayden’s teachings, his mind simply unshakable. Kayden had truly found a gem in Han.
"Subjugate the mana down to its last atom and defeat the god of that place." These were Kayden’s only instructions. Han had just a few decades left to live, so this was his last chance.
"Farewell, master," were Han’s final words to Kayden. This time, the master was truly confident in his disciple.
Not even Konan had come close to possessing a mind as sharp as Han’s. This time, Kayden was sure he had created a genius—though in reality, he had merely provided the right paths.
About five years later, the mana in the entire region, covering a kilometer, became anemic and lifeless. It had bowed down. Kayden dropped everything and rushed to Han, feeling as though he were looking into a mirror.
Han’s body was overflowing with mana, his eyes seemed to carry all the mana in the world, and his very breath exuded it. Kayden remembered this exact state as if it were yesterday.
"I did it, master," Han knelt in respect, his mind strong enough to remain humble despite his accomplishments.
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"Congratulations, Han. You’ve taken your first step toward becoming a god," Kayden smiled at his disciple. There were still many steps ahead.
Now Han had to push his body to the next realm by forcing mana cultivation. Fortunately, his Monarch’s path allowed him to handle this challenge. Initially, it was difficult, but Han already had a foundation, and through Kayden’s teachings, he became the Monarch of Despair just a few decades later.
Within a few more decades, Han advanced to become a first-realm mage with nine lightning bolts. Kayden had truly succeeded in creating a genius this time. Han fought with a form of dark mana that caused hallucinations and worked like acid.
The boy wielded a sword made to measure from the most expensive resources on the planet, and his techniques involved fighting with the sword sheathed, mentally wearing down his opponents.
For the first time in hundreds of thousands of years, Kayden stopped conducting his tests. Finally, he had the opportunity to study a Monarch up close. His main focus was on the boy’s soul.
Han’s soul had solidified even further after becoming a Monarch. His past lives were still present but had become much weaker and dimmer compared to his primary soul. His entire soul had undergone radical changes.
Previously, it had been a solid foundation carrying the existence of many past lives. Now, it seemed like a structure that had lived many lives, but those lives were secondary, and his soul was simply a support for his current existence.
Han was superior to everyone in his realm, and even most people below the fifth realm lagged behind him in terms of strength. Only fourth-realm mages with seven lightning bolts could compete with him.
"You’re like a greenhouse flower right now, Han. I need you to go out and explore the world, make friends, kill people, reproduce your lineage—in short, gain life experiences. Come back in ten thousand years."
Kayden gave Han an extended period of time and resources to survive in lesser realms. He also taught him methods to prolong his life and how to behave in different environments.
These actions seemed like someone caring for his disciple, but the truth was that Kayden had already completed his research. It no longer mattered what happened to his disciples or not.
Studying the soul of a Monarch allowed Kayden to understand what he needed to do to reach the fifth realm and what his final form in this universe should be. Nearly all his ideas came from long periods of studying souls and paths.
Kayden entered a long period of seclusion. It would take him many years—perhaps hundreds or even thousands—to prepare for advancement.
His soul was being altered at its most fundamental level, and the process was painfully slow. Every minute passed with him expanding and dilating his soul. Everything was going perfectly but at a snail’s pace.
Altering the shape of the soul was incredibly difficult and required immense concentration on Kayden’s part. He was essentially doing something no one had ever done before. He was already unique, but now he sought to become even more unique.
Years began passing in a blur as Kayden continued his soul alterations. Meanwhile, outside, Han was causing quite a stir. He had reached the third realm at a ridiculous speed and just a few centuries later, advanced to the fourth realm.
The deficiencies in Han’s body concealed one of the greatest talents humanity had ever seen in its entire existence. The realms passed by quickly, and his strength grew at an astonishing rate.
Han’s fame grew to an absurd level, while Kayden’s reputation began to fade into near-obscurity. As thousands of years passed, Kayden became more of a legend to scare children.
When Han reached the fourth realm, the entire planet recognized his existence. He was a mage with nine lightning bolts and had become one of the top figures while still only in the fourth realm.
Fear gripped the minds of most seven-lightning mages. They knew the legends—once, a figure named Kayden Heart had appeared out of nowhere and shook the world. This time, the name was Han Heart, and the pieces fit together perfectly.
Han was increasingly determined to study his path, at first he just killed a few people and participated in wars, but as his strength and control grew he began to decimate small villages for his studies.
Author’s Note: 200 stones per chapter bonus now, 150 became too easy