Chapter 115: Absorbing the Pearl

Leon held the black box in his palm, and his instincts screamed. For something meant to boost mana, the energy inside felt unstable—hostile. If anything went wrong, the outcome wouldn’t be a minor backlash. It would be fatal.

His only reassurance was the life element he’d mastered. He could drag himself back from the brink of death—if he had the chance to react.

But right now, the thing in his hand felt less like a tool... and more like a live bomb.

He opened the box carefully. It took more force than he had imagined for such a small-looking box to open.

Inside, it revealed a small silverish pearl with a slight blue undertone, about the size of a marble. That wasn’t all—a message entered his mind as he opened the box. It was a strange feeling, his mind being filled with unknown thoughts.

So, to use the pearl, I just have to swallow it and meditate while trying to absorb the energy within. It could take a few hours to even days, depending on the person. However, you have to be careful not to let it lose control, as the energy within the treasure would try to enter the mana cores. If not controlled, it could damage the core, resulting in a massive backlash.

Leon realized that despite the benefits of the treasure, it was quite dangerous if not used correctly, and that depended on one’s own ability. Now he finally understood the slightly cheaper price of the treasure compared to other items.

It was a risky yet rewarding treasure, and the last message even stated that if a talented person used it, they would have no problem absorbing the pearl with enough patience and willpower.

Let’s do this, then. If I’m not considered talented with my broken affinities, then who might be?

He sat cross-legged on the ground, taking several deep breaths while staring at the small marble-sized pearl in his palm, its terrifying energy pulsing with an almost malevolent rhythm. Then, with one final breath, he brought it to his lips and swallowed it whole.

The sensation was immediate—cold, dense, and unnaturally heavy as it slid down his throat. He closed his eyes, focusing entirely on the flow of energy spreading from his core outward. Notifications began to flicker in his mind, each announcing minor increases in his mana reserve.

At one point, the energy surged violently, as if attempting to flood his mana core all at once. A sharp pulse of pain lanced through his chest, and his breath hitched. But Leon clenched his jaw, forcing his will down like a hammer. He directed the flow, bit by bit, never letting it overwhelm him. The energy resisted—then relented. He kept it steady, kept it controlled, and slowly wrestled it into obedience.

[+10 Mana] [+18 Mana] [+12 Mana] [+24 Mana]

He ignored them all. Numbers meant little right now. What mattered was control.

Strangely, the absorption process went smoother than he expected, despite the overwhelming pain, which he was quite used to by now.

Within the span of an hour—far less than what the message had warned—he had fully absorbed the pearl’s energy. It dissolved into his system with a final pulse, and the overwhelming pressure in the air vanished.

He opened his eyes slowly. There was no explosion, no pain. Just... stillness.

And power.

He felt the increase in his mana, which felt great, so he couldn’t help calling out his system to see for himself. With a thought, a golden, transparent shimmering screen floated in front of him.

[Character Information]

[Name: Leon]

[Level: 6]

[Class: Elemental Paragon (SSS)]

[Age: 12 (Soul Age: 28)]

[Race: Human]

[Cultivation: Apprentice Rank]

[Affinity: All (Rank 7)]

[Strength: 37]

[Agility: 36]

[Stamina: 37]

[Mana: 1750]

[Intelligence: 150]

[Skills:]

– King’s Touch (Epic – Level 100)

– Lightning Bolt (Common – Level 100)

[Techniques:]

– Mana Body Enhancement (Common – Transcendent Rank)

– Raijin’s Descent (Uncommon – Transcendent Rank)

– Sky Breaker Draw (Uncommon – Transcendent Rank)

[Concepts:]

– Lightning Aura (Level 1)

– Ice Aura (Level 1)

– Wind Aura (Level 1)

What is this?

Leon clearly remembered his previous mana stat—1250. But now, staring at the shimmering golden screen in front of him, the number had jumped to 1750. A full 500-point increase.

He blinked in disbelief, then smiled. The treasure had promised 300 mana, yet somehow he’d gained 200 more.

This much mana... I could hold my strongest form for an extra hour. Easy.

He had a feeling it was related to how efficiently he’d absorbed the pearl’s energy—maybe it was his class, his broken affinities, or something else entirely. Whatever the cause, he wasn’t complaining. Not when the result felt this good.

An increase of over one-third to his total mana reserve—he could feel the raw strength humming beneath his skin. He was no longer just stronger than before. He had stepped into another level entirely.

Leon felt a dull hunger gnawing at him. He could settle for soup if needed, but right now, he was in a luxurious suite—his stay completely covered for the day, meals included.

He had spent 1000 platinum coins on it, though he wasn’t concerned. He intended to rob them all eventually. For now, he simply wanted to enjoy the food.

After that, he’d return to his dimension. His mana had surged to another level, and by the time he finished eating, he’d have more than enough to re-enter that realm once again.

One minute outside was sixteen hours in here—I’ll take my rest first. Once I’m done dealing with robbing the nobles, I’ll spend the rest of the time exploring the capital with Seraphine. Practically a date. We’ve both been working hard for quite some time... we’ve earned a proper break.

After stepping out of the dimensional realm, Leon quickly changed back into his clothes, realizing he’d been lounging in the bathrobes provided by the maids this entire time.

I have to admit... these are ridiculously comfortable.

He wasn’t sure what made them different, but they felt even better than the ones he used back at his mansion. Rather than leave them lying around, he stored both the used and untouched robes in his inventory shamelessly.

Summoning a maid, he casually requested dinner—it was nearing 8 PM. Early, perhaps, but appropriate enough for the evening meal.

As the maids began setting the table, Leon’s gaze was drawn to his bed. There, placed neatly atop the sheets, was a sealed black envelope... and beside it, a black metallic card.

It gleamed faintly, unlike any material he’d encountered. The name "Bellsford" was engraved across its surface in delicate, golden script.

Leon narrowed his eyes.

I have never seen this kind of metal before.