Anthony returned to his room that night. He closed his eyes and connected with Aetherion.
"Master," Anthony asked respectfully. "They have martial souls and physique souls. They are strong physically. Am I only strong in mind and magic?"
Foolish child, Aetherion chuckled. Do you think magic is only for shooting fireballs? I have lived a thousand lives and ten thousand years. I understand the structure of existence itself. The body is also energy.
Suddenly, diagrams appeared in Anthony's mind. They weren't simple breathing exercises. They were "The Cosmic Star Constitution". A supreme technique that used mana to forge the body into something akin to a star—dense, heavy, and infinitely powerful.
Watch, Aetherion said. Feel the energy in the air. It is not just Qi. It is Mana. Everything is made of Mana.
Anthony followed the instructions. He inhaled deeply. The air entering his lungs didn't just fill them; it dissolved into pure energy. He felt his bones humming, his muscles tightening, his skin becoming tougher than leather.
He walked to the solid metal pillar in the corner of his training room. Without using any visible magic, he simply punched it.
BOOM!
The metal pillar dented inward deeply, leaving a clear fist print. Anthony looked at his hand. It was unharmed.
With my knowledge, Aetherion said proudly, you will be the strongest scientist, the strongest mathematician, the strongest warrior, and the strongest cultivator all at once. They only took one path. You own the entire road.
Anthony smiled for the first time in months. The feeling of power was intoxicating, but more than that, the feeling of belonging was finally there.