Ares stared at his hands. The faint traces of energy he had barely managed to control flickered in his memory. He knew he had to train—not just physically, but mentally. The discoveries in the ruins had given him something invaluable: knowledge.

  But knowledge alone wasn’t enough.

  His body was still weak. He had survived through wit and luck, but that wouldn’t last forever. He needed strength. He needed endurance. And most importantly, he needed control over this so-called Aetheric Energy.

  He started with the basics.

  Push-ups, sit-ups, squats—his body screamed in protest, still recovering from his injuries. But he forced himself through the pain. His muscles, barely used before, burned with exhaustion. He had no choice but to continue. If he wanted to survive, his body had to adapt.

  System, though silent for now, monitored his progress. He could feel it tracking his heart rate, muscle fatigue, and energy consumption. It didn’t interfere, but he suspected it would step in if he pushed himself too far.

  After a few hours, he collapsed onto the stone floor, panting heavily. His limbs ached, but something was different. He felt... a little stronger.

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Not enough. Not yet.

  After catching his breath, Ares decided to test the Aetheric Energy within him.

  "System," he muttered between breaths. "Direct the energy to my hand again."

  System: [PROCESSING...]

  A strange sensation ran through his body—like a pulse of warmth spreading from deep within. The system was channeling the energy for him, bypassing the need for incantations. That part still bothered him. Every discovery so far pointed to incantations being necessary to shape Aetheric Energy.

  Why could he use it without one?

  For now, he set that question aside. He needed results first.

  He focused on his hand, watching as a faint spark of energy formed at his fingertips. The fire he had created before was weak, unstable. He needed to strengthen it.

  Ares tried again, concentrating on the sensation of energy flowing through him. This time, the flame was slightly larger—still flickering, but more controlled.

  Progress.

  But how did others shape their energy? What techniques did they use?

  The symbols in the ruins had mentioned different classifications of Aetheric Energy—Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, Gravity, and more. If he could manipulate fire, could he also control something else?

  For now, he would refine his control over fire. Then, once he understood the mechanics, he would experiment further.

  The training was exhausting, but necessary. As Ares lay on the ground, staring at the ceiling of the ancient ruins, he made a promise to himself.

  He would grow stronger. He would master this energy. And he would survive.