The Nexus core, Aetherforge, Nebulous core, whatever it was known by, it was always important. A fickle thing, just like any mind, it was esoteric in nature. People knew it was one part influenced by genetics and another by environment, but even then the outcome wasn't set in stone.

Yet, the Nexus core was incredibly important. When it was fully formed, that was when a manaborn would truly

gain consciousness.

It was also the deciding factor for one's affinities. These affinities would allow one faster progress with a certain element, or mind's path.

Each element has a different effect on one's personality, though all to further one's strength in that element.

A golden light coalesced right in the brain stem of Max, signaling the Nexus core was now in its collection phase. But, due to this, a massive mana shift was produced.

While Leonhardt and Althea covered it up, a certain being took notice.

"Hmm..."

A massive beast stood, everchanging in size and form, with a ubiquitous gaze, that seemed to impose its presence upon the entire forest. Its aura could not be described with words, as it was everything, all at once.

"What is the matter, Divine one?"

"An offspring, not just any, but one conceived through the union of a mage and swordsman, strong ones too."

Its voice sounded like millions of growls and noises from different species, working to achieve a voice that sounded eerily human, yet not at the same time.

"Truly? I had thought it wasn't possible, from the animosity between the two."

"Indeed. It has piqued my interest. I should give it a token of my gratitude. You don't get to see such rare occurrences any day."

"So what are you giving the cub?"

"A blessing, the mortals would say. For me, just a peak into the entertaining parts of his life, as compensation."

The opulent temple shook with the words, as a beam of mana and aether shot out.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Althea suddenly started to look panicked, she felt something odd coming her way.

VHOOOM!

The golden beam slammed into the earth, right on the spot where Max layed.

"MAX!" Both Leonhardt and Althea shouted together.

While they didn't know what the beam was, they doubted it was for good intentions.

Despite that, it was.

Under its pressure, Max changed slightly, his once orange-yellow hair growing more radiant until it ended at a shiny golden color.

The beam was made of highly compacted space and time mana, an incomprehensibly difficult thing to do.

Despite the volatile nature, it stayed full and seemed to be voraciously sucked in by Max's nexus core.

However, cracks began to form.

Yet, it wasn't on the walls, or the objects next to them.

It wasn't even on the infant Nexus core, seemingly punching far above its weight.

It was in the air. The cracks were of space itself. And through them, a revolting Rot spread through.

The abyss that space mana had unfalteringly guarded against, had won. The void had emerged.

However, a golden liquid dotted the air, sprinkled throughout in small droplets. They quickly gravitated to the cracks, lining them, and closing them.

And, as quickly as it came, the remaining abyssal mana, and was all sucked into Max's ever-growing Nexus core.

This was to the point, that his nexus core quickly surpassed the embryonic stage, even going a little bit into the nebulous stage.

Finally, the nexus core formation had stopped.

"Oh my gods... is it over?" Althea had to focus to keep standing, the emotional rollercoaster had really put a toll on her mind.

"I... think it is? Holy s-"

Althea glared.

"Shirt, that was certainly something." Leonhardt had stopped himself. "Max looks like he's fine... what the health was that beam though?" He had to add.

"I felt some... high-level mana, like space, or vital. There may have been some more high-level ones. Whatever that was, I think it was beneficial. I don't know about that golden substance, but it had to be strong." Althea was also very confused about the nature of the beam.

"I think I know what it was. It may have been celestial aether. To be able to control high-level mana to such an extent, and the aether... What was that? Moreso, who did that?"

"I wanna go sleep!" Max had noticed the lack of attention and decided to take matters into his own hands.

"Well... how are we gonna handle him? Thea. He has a soul Diamond, a good set of mana Dimens, and a nexus core with basically the strongest set of elements we could ask for."

A/N: gonna stop capitalizing from here since it's getting annoying.

"Oh gods... what if he loses control of a basic spell he casts? if it's space or something of the sort it's any injuries are gonna be permanent."

Luckily for Max, and unluckily for the pair of to-be-overworked parents, Max would be getting a lot of attention. And mana lessons, which he loved.

And it would start now. Max had instantly gone to sleep, as the awakening — contrary to its name — had made him quite tired, and he was already dreaming.

And from those dreams, a cute, yet dangerous sight could be seen.

Elemental mana bunched up, producing colors in the air, painting a picture of the house and his parents. But, if one were to get too close, a barrage of mana would burn, cut, freeze, and bash them.

So, the pair of parents had quite the job ahead.