This stark contrast is not to undermine the value of training, but rather to emphasize the importance of recognizing and maximizing one's inherent strengths. Instead of spreading myself thin by attempting to master all elements, I chose to amplify and refine my nature manipulation abilities. I understood that my affinity for nature manipulation was my true forte, and rather than diminish it, I sought to bring out its greatest potential through adaptation.
By incorporating other elements into my nature manipulation, I could strengthen and diversify my abilities without sacrificing my primary focus. These two plants, each infused with different elements, served as embodiments of this approach. They eliminated the need for me to expend unnecessary energy on mastering individual elements, as I could adapt and harness their powers through these specialized plants.
When others witness me using different elements in various situations, it's natural for them to assume that I have learned how to manipulate those elements. However, the truth is that I simply control the plants that possess the inherent ability to wield those elements.
Speaking of elemental plants, the two residing within the soles of my feet have been growing stronger over the past few years. The more energy they absorb, the stronger they become. I look forward to seeing how much they will change.
The plant that absorbs blood, on the other hand, hasn't exhibited significant changes. This is likely due to the scarcity of blood for it to draw upon.
Now that I have accomplished my initial training goal, my focus shifts towards intensifying my training further. I aim to reduce the time it takes for the plants to undergo transformations. Merely altering a branch required immense concentration, but that level of control is insufficient for me. I yearn for the transformations to occur rapidly, even instantaneously.
Over the course of the next two years, I dedicate myself primarily to repetition. Not only do I manipulate the iron element, but I also delve into the other elements. With each practice, manipulating the elements becomes increasingly effortless and natural to me, I also started to have an understanding of what the mysterious power is.
Lost in my training, I had lost track of time. It was then that a silver portal materialized before me, and to my surprise, Mahu emerged from it. Confusion filled my mind as I questioned her presence, asking, "What are you doing here?"
For some reason, my question seemed to anger her. She stepped closer, her eyes filled with frustration, and snapped back, "Why weren't you answering my call?"
"Huh?" I replied, realizing that I had cut off my connection with my siblings to better focus on my training. "I had something important to do, and I needed no distractions, so I severed my connection with everyone."
"Distraction? Never mind," she said, her voice still sharp. "You seem to have forgotten what today is."
"Today?" I paused, trying to piece things together. Then it hit me—I had forgotten that today marked the tenth year of Panacea's pregnancy.
Without exchanging any further words, a portal connecting to my realm opened before us. Acting on instinct, I reached out and took Mahu's hand, pulling her with me as we stepped into the portal
We both materialized in my realm, instantly sensing the rapid gathering of mana near Panacea's resting figure. Without hesitation, I hurried to her side and gently held one of her hands.
As soon as I made contact, I felt her grip tighten, signaling that she was awake. Establishing a connection, I spoke to her softly, "Panacea, can you hear me?"
Despite her struggle to speak, she managed to respond, "Is that you, Ikenga?"
"Yes, it's me," I reassured her.
Her grip grew even stronger, and she continued speaking, "When I woke up, I didn't see you."
Her words struck me with a pang of guilt. I had been so consumed with the success of my experiment that I had forgotten that today was supposed to be the day of my first child.
"I am here now, and I apologize for not being here when you woke up," I admitted, regret filling my voice.
Panacea interrupted my apology, unexpectedly sharing her thoughts, "I'm grateful that you've been with me all these years. Even in my slumber, I could sense your presence when you visited."
Her words touched my heart, and I listened attentively as she continued, "I was worried when I couldn't feel you for a long time. I thought something might have happened. But now that you're here, I feel truly happy."
"I'm sorry for my absence when you woke up. I truly am," I expressed my remorse.
"Ikenga" Calling my name, Panacea reached out her other hand to gently caress my face, her touch comforting. "I want to be a part of your story, but since that's not possible, I poured all my love into our child. Please take good care of him. Let him know about me, that I love him, and that I'm sorry for not being here to care for him."
I wanted to respond, but she placed a finger on my lips, hushing me. "This is the best I can do for you, my Ikenga."
With those words, she began to slowly dissipate, transforming into dust. And in the place of her vanishing figure, our new born son appeared. I delicately picked him up, realizing that he bore a striking resemblance to me, except for the absence of horns or curse marks. He had inherited his mother's emerald eyes.
"That was a beautiful birth ritual," Mahu commented as she approached and took the baby from my arms.
Confused, I asked, "What do you mean?"
She explained, "After my first childbirth and the completion of rituals, my divine connection to motherhood became more active. I can now feel every childbirth happening in the world, both in animals and humans. Each birth grants me a small amount of power. It's not much individually, but with a significant number, it becomes something noteworthy. The feedback I received from yours was stronger, probably because you gave birth to a demigod."
Her words made me contemplate how I had been gradually growing stronger as well. However, my power was different from hers. Mine was tied to the balance of nature. Every thriving and non-thriving life in nature provided me with a small portion of power. I hadn't noticed the feedback until a few years ago when I started paying attention to the changes occurring in the forest. It became clear that I received feedback every time a life was taken in a natural way.
When a predator caught its prey, it was the natural order of things, and I gained a bit of power. Similarly, when a human experienced a natural death, without any interference or disruption, I also received a feedback of power.
Hearing Mahu's explanation of how she was growing stronger in a similar manner made me wonder if this was how gods gained strength, although the process was undoubtedly slow