[Body Tempering successfully completed.]
[Physical Foundation Increase: 4444%]
[Strength: 22 → 122]
[Agility: 26 → 126]
[Vitality: 20 → 120]
Leonis looked at the numbers for a few seconds. His physical stats had increased by 300 points, but he was still Level 1.
From this body’s memories, he knew that the stats of Awakened humans did not increase in only one way.
Leveling up was one of the main methods. However, there were other methods as well.
Stats could grow through leveling up, enhancement resources, and special rewards.
They increased when a person gained levels.
Some Fallen granted stat points with a certain chance after being defeated, in addition to Essence.
Some Artifacts and Elixirs could also directly or permanently increase specific stats.
Killing Fallen was not only necessary for Core growth, but could sometimes provide extra stat points as well.
Of course, such rewards were not guaranteed.
"With these new stats, what level of Awakened would I be comparable to in terms of physical strength?"
[Based on the average physical stats of Awakened humans, the Host’s current stats are roughly comparable to those of an Awakened at Level 8 to 9.]
He gave a small smile.
Level 8 or 9.
And that was without gaining even a single level, but the most important part was still left.
"So, what exactly does a 4444% increase in Physical Foundation do?"
[Physical Foundation represents the quality of the body’s structure and the coordination between its parts when producing, transferring, and withstanding force.]
[An increase in Physical Foundation does not directly multiply Strength or other stats by 4444%.]
[An advanced foundation allows the Host to use existing stats more efficiently and better withstand the physical strain caused by skills.]
[Considering the Host’s new Physical Foundation, his actual performance in some physical combat areas could be comparable to that of an ordinary Awakened at Level 13 to 14.]
[The result depends on skills, experience, combat conditions, and the opponent’s characteristics.]
Leonis’s smile grew wider. Now, things were clear. In terms of raw stats, he was roughly on the same level as an Awakened at Level 8 or 9.
However, because his Physical Foundation had been greatly improved, his body could transfer that power more efficiently, withstand greater pressure, and perform more difficult movements without getting injured.
For this reason, his actual performance in physical combat could even come close to Level 13 or 14.
Of course, this did not guarantee that he could defeat every Awakened at that level. An experienced opponent with a powerful Talent and strong skills could still be dangerous.
But for someone whose F-Rank Talent had been mocked by others only a few days ago... this improvement was truly incredible.
Leonis stood up and clenched his fist.
The muscles in his forearm contracted with noticeably greater force, and when he moved, he felt that he had much more control over his body.
"Now we can start real training."
The difference became clear during his very first use of [Quick Step] that day.
He sent Mana into the muscles in his lower legs and took an explosive step.
His body moved faster, and before he even realized it, he was standing several meters away.
But more important than his speed was how much strain his legs could now withstand. The pressure that had caused a strong burning sensation in his muscles after only a few uses before was now much weaker.
He performed a few more movements, becoming more precise each time, but he did not release all his new power.
First, he needed to understand how to control it. More importantly, he needed to decide how much of his body’s changes he should show to others.
During his training with Evangeline that same day, Leonis decided to reveal only part of his improvement.
The woman sent several Mana projectiles toward him.
He moved out of the path of the first attack with [Lost Moon].
Then, instead of using the full strength of his legs, he released only a limited amount of force and changed his position with [Quick Step].
He deflected the second projectile with his sword, while the third passed beside his shoulder.
His Master, who was standing beside the training field, was stunned for a moment.
This speed...
He had not been this fast yesterday.
More importantly, Leonis had maintained his balance much better after moving.
The woman lowered her sword.
"Wait."
Leonis stopped.
"Yes, Master?"
Evangeline walked a few steps closer.
"Your body is reacting much faster than before."
"Your training has been effective."
"My training can improve your control, little apprentice, but your muscles and bones shouldn’t change this much overnight."
Leonis kept his calm smile. In his mind, this reaction was completely predictable.
Evangeline was not stupid. A woman in her position could recognize changes in physical performance even without seeing a Status Panel.
That was also why he had shown only part of his new strength. If he had released all his power, his Master’s questions would probably have been much more serious.
"Maybe my body is finally starting to adjust to its new Core after the treatment," he replied.
Evangeline looked at him for a few moments. This explanation could explain part of the change, but not all of it.
This boy is hiding something.
A brief thought crossed the woman’s mind.
However, she said nothing. If Leonis had truly obtained a special reward or opportunity, he was not necessarily required to reveal every detail of it.
More importantly, she could keep an eye on his changes during their training. A smile appeared on Evangeline’s face.
"Very well. Then let’s see how long this newly adjusted body can last."
Leonis fell silent for a moment. It seemed that his explanation had only made his Master think about giving him even harder training.
"Master, I think you could have welcomed this improvement with a little kindness."
"This is exactly what I’m doing."
Evangeline raised her sword.
"If I weren’t being kind, you’d be lying on the ground right now."
Leonis let out a short sigh. It was truly impossible to argue with this woman.
When night came, he sat alone in his room and checked the Elixir’s information once again.
4444%.
It was a huge number, but he had no interest in being satisfied with the numbers alone.
"System, when I gain levels, will this Physical Foundation increase be applied to my new stats again?"
[No.]
[The 4444% increase represents the improvement in the Host’s Physical Foundation compared to its condition before consuming the Elixir.]
[The body’s future growth will be based on the enhanced foundation, but the same multiplier will not be applied again with each level increase.]
He slowly nodded. He had expected this. His power was not going to multiply several times over without limit every time he gained a level.
Even so, the result was still incredible.
A stronger body, a Ten-Star Core, and a soul with an unusual ability to understand things. All three supported each other.
A stronger body allowed him to train in more difficult skills. The Core provided the necessary energy, and the Immortal Insight Soul greatly reduced the time needed to learn.
It was an excellent combination. Of course, this same combination could also cause him a lot of trouble.
If the entire Academy discovered tomorrow that a Level 1 Awakened had suddenly gained the physical stats of a Level 8 or 9 student, he would probably no longer have the chance to train in peace.
And if anyone discovered the true state of his Physical Foundation... things would be even worse.
However, he did not seem worried.
There were creatures in this world that could destroy entire countries. Even the ancestors of the Habsburg Family had been almost completely wiped out when they faced an Ancient Fallen.
He was still only a Level 1 Awakened. This world had many more things for him to worry about.
On the third day, the smell of freshly cooked food filled the private kitchen of the Evernight mansion.
Leonis stood beside the stove, preparing dinner. Rice, fried meat, and a sauce he had made by mixing several spices were placed on the table.
In his previous life, he had lived alone for a long time.
There had been no one to prepare food for him, and ordering food had not always been a good choice either. For that reason, he had gradually learned how to cook.
He was not as good as a professional chef, but he was good enough to make tasty home-cooked meals.
Just as he was about to put the food onto a plate, a familiar voice came from behind him.
"Little disciple, what’s going on here?"