Reborn as the Last van Ambrose

Grim headed outside after his visit from

Now, like everything else on the estate, it had fallen into disrepair. The stone arrangements remained, though covered in moss. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

Still, Grim could feel the faint resonance of the garden’s original purpose. Even neglected, this place amplified natural energy flow better than his normal training area as a child.

[A fitting place to advance your cultivation,] the voice observed as Grim settled cross-legged on a flat meditation stone at the garden’s center. [Though it will take considerable effort to restore it to its former glory.]

"One thing at a time," Grim muttered, closing his eyes and beginning his breathing exercises. "First priority is getting stronger."

[Speaking of priorities,] the voice continued, [what did you make of Lady Zhou’s visit?]

Grim’s rhythm of breath remained unbroken, though a slight furrow appeared between his brows. "She’s obviously using me for her own agenda."

[Obviously. The question is whether her agenda and yours align sufficiently to justify the alliance.]

"She knows things," Grim acknowledged. "Things about my family. About the connection with the royal line."

[Indeed. Though I find it interesting she knew exactly where to find such information in the royal archives. Access to those sections is... restricted, to say the least.]

Grim opened his eyes, staring contemplatively at the overgrown garden. "You think she’s been there herself?"

[I think House Zhou’s reputation for information gathering is well-earned. Whether through personal access or well-placed sources, she clearly possesses knowledge that could be valuable to you.]

"Or she could be feeding me bullshit to manipulate me into moving against her enemies," Grim countered.

[A possibility,] the voice agreed. [Though the specificity of her information suggests at least some truth to it. Half-truths make the most effective manipulation tools.]

Grim grunted noncommittally and closed his eyes once more, returning to his breathing patterns. As his mind cleared, he turned his awareness inward, to the two fully formed mana hearts pulsing at his core.

"Time to take the next step," he said quietly.

[You intend to form a third mana heart?] the voice asked, a note of surprise and approval evident.

"Yes," Grim confirmed. "If I’m going to face Malaxis, I need every advantage possible."

[Finally,] the voice said with unmistakable satisfaction. [Your progress has been impressive, but I’ve been hoping you would pursue this path. Additional mana hearts will exponentially increase your combat potential.]

"Combined with resetting the completed hearts, my power should grow faster than anyone would expect," Grim added, a cold smile playing at his lips.

[Ah, yes. When you reached 100% capacity with first mana heart, it became clear that you possess a unique ability,] the voice explained, sounding almost excited.

[From our observations. Your first heart reset from 100% to a new maximum of 130%. The second reset brought it to 165%. A third brought it to 210%.]

"Compounding," Grim murmured appreciatively. "And each time it fills faster than before."

[Correct. Combined with multiple hearts, your power could increase at a rate that would make even the most accomplished cultivators jealous.]

Grim’s expression hardened with determination. "Yes, its time to take it to the next level."

Grim replied flatly. "I have a tournament to win and a shadow mage to kill."

He settled deeper into his meditation posture, hands resting palm-up on his knees. His breathing slowed until it was barely perceptible, drawing mana from the garden’s ambient energy, each exhalation circulating it through his system.

[Remarkable progress,] the voice commented as Grim’s mana began to coalesce in a distinct sphere. [Your technique has improved significantly since forming your second heart. The process is much more efficient now.]

Beads of sweat formed on Grim’s brow despite the cool air. Creating a new heart was taxing in ways that transcended physical exertion. It strained the very essence of his being, testing the limits of what his spirit could endure.

As twilight descended on the garden, a faint glow became visible around Grim. A manifestation of the intense energy he was channeling.

Within his mana core, the gathered energy swirled faster, condensing tighter, approaching the density required for formation.

Then, with a sensation like a key turning in a lock, everything clicked into place. The energy collapsed inward, compressing to a singular point before expanding into a perfect, pulsing sphere. A third mana heart, smaller than the others but unquestionably complete.

Grim’s eyes snapped open, glowing faintly. A triumphant smile spread across his face as he felt the new reservoir of power settling into his system.

"Done," he said, his voice rough from hours of disuse.

Grim pushed himself to his feet, wincing slightly as stiff muscles protested the sudden movement after hours of immobility. "How full is it?"

[Approximately 2% capacity,] the voice reported after a moment of assessment.

"I’ll fill it while competing in the tournament," Grim said, rolling his shoulders to work out the tension. "Combat advancement is faster anyway."

[Indeed. The absorption of defeated opponents’ released mana will accelerate your progress significantly.]

As Grim turned to head back to the house, he noticed Sera standing at the garden entrance, watching him. How long she had been there, he couldn’t say.

"Lunch is prepared, Master Grim," she announced formally.

"Thank you, Sera," Grim replied, suddenly aware of his ravenous hunger. Cultivation at this intensity demanded substantial energy, both spiritual and physical.

As he followed her inside, Grim’s thoughts turned to his upcoming tournament match. With his third mana heart now formed, his power had taken another step forward. Not yet filled, but providing an additional reservoir he could draw upon if needed.

More importantly, he had proven to himself that his cultivation speed was increasing dramatically. If he continued at this pace, combining the formation of new hearts with the resetting and enhancement of existing ones...

A cold smile played across his lips as he considered the implications. Malaxis might be ancient and terrible, but Grim’s power was growing in ways that defied conventional limits.

The monster wearing his father’s face would never see it coming.