Described as opening your eyes, and awakening to the world of mana, awakening was when the mortal body connected with the higher dimensional soul.

It consisted of opening the mana dimens, the flesh of the soul, holding its power.

Then, the Aegis, the skin of the soul, connected with the world.

Finally, the Aetherforge, or Nebulous Core, the true mind.

These would all have their different strengths varying from person to person if opened at all.

Max — being a year old — was now at the cusp of awakening, and it could happen at any time.

"Leo!"

"What is it?"

"Time for you to get the herbs!"

"Already? Alright."

Leonhardt left, giving Althea and Max a goodbye kiss, and leaving to collect some Aetheryst and some Verana, the mana-infused equivalents of plants.

Verana and Aetheryst, mana and aether natural resources respectably, were imperative to ensuring a safer and stronger awakening.

Aetherysts were crystals of solidified aether, that when crushed could be made into pills or a seasoning with a similar taste to rock salt.

Verana were plants grown in a mana-dense region, where they absorbed enough to grow Pseudo-Mana Dimens.

One week later, as Max was being fed a nice Verdine soup,

"Mama..."

"What is it, honey?"

Althea was scared, as Max didn't usually show discomfort often, especially without an obvious reason.

"I feel full, but in my head..."

"Oh... Max, It'll be fine, just let me call dad over okay?"

"Mhm."

'Leo, don't panic, but Max might be awakening. Get here quick, and don't stress him.' Althea sent this via mana breath to not disturb Max more than necessary.

Leonhardt nearly looked like he had teleported, simply appearing due to how fast he arrived.

A low cracking noise was heard, and a slight glow came from Max's body.

It was starting.

Now, the mana dimens would begin to connect and become tethered to him.

Beginning with a slight glow originating from Max's solar plexus, it slowly spread to his entire body, and then began to increase in strength.

"Thea, when would you say he's better than the average mage?"

"He's already much better! I think my baby boy is gonna be a magus!"

Althea was beaming with a smile and was happy with her child.

Mana Dimens had a few purposes when it came to spells and swordplay, being that more robust mana dimens could withstand stronger, or more spells, in general being resistant to large flows of mana. This also helped with mana poisoning and mana capacity. It also had a similar relationship with Aether.

While they would grow in strength over time, having a higher start would lead to a higher end, and it also made one much more resilient and endurant if they had strong Mana Dimens.

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Eventually, after smoothing out the edges, it finally slowed down and made way for the next portion, the Aegis.

Right in the area opposite Max's heart, the Aegis formed, first with a small blue glow, the Sapphire Tear, being the average start.

The aegis had one primary function, which was to stop aether blockage. When a spell was used, the residual aether would stay in the mana dimens, where it would either be pushed out or solidified. In the latter case, the aegis would break it down into fuel for the next spells, at an increasing rate for how strong the aegis was.

Then, another pulse, and it thrummed with more vitality, meaning it could advance to the Blood Ruby.

A red sheen covered Max as it advanced to the Blood Ruby on awakening, the mark of good talent.

Another pulse.

The sheen became a thick coat of blood-red aether.

This blood-red mana broke away, becoming small motes of lively green mana, indicating the Life Emerald.

This was where the Aegis truly became a trump card. Life force and willpower were efficient enough that the holder of one would have a greatly gifted physique and mind, and also have a surplus of willpower and life force. this allowed them to control spells remotely and have a longer lifespan.

Another pulse.

The motes of green mana exploded into green flames, giving way to a brilliant cyan.

The Soul Diamond. With all the advantages of the Life Emerald but stronger, it also had the Soul Grimoire. This allowed people with the Soul Diamond to learn spells much faster, and master them at a freakish rate.

Yet, Leonhardt, and Althea, who were watching in shock were astounded to see yet another pulse.

"Althea seal it! Now! Anything above the Soul Diamond will be a detriment, he will get hunted down!"

Althea didn't need to be told twice, casting a seal, also making it so the extra energy would be stored for when the seal was undone, making the condition for its undoing 'when his life is seriously threatened.'

Yet, despite all of this, the flames gathered and formed a web that appeared to be a broken crown. flashing again, the crown mended itself — ready to be worn one day.

The power of the odd constellation aegis beyond the Soul Diamond felt incredible, and they both could feel it. Leonhardt and Althea knew that while they hated suppressing their son, it was the best course of action, for his safety.

"Please... Please let the Awakening go well..."

Althea was nearly crying from the guilt of potentially ruining her son's awakening, which could kill him.

Yet — in what felt like hours to them — a few minutes later, the core stabilized, and the next step began.

Max's nexus core would now form.