The core is the heart of mana, the processor that governs how much energy one can control. The strength of a person's core—and another important factor, the number of cores they possess—decides the depth of their power.
But multiple cores are a privilege only dragons are born with. It is why their mana far surpasses that of any other race.
During the day, the body focuses on circulating the mana stored within the core, spreading it through every vein and muscle. At night, however, the body shifts its purpose—it devotes itself entirely to absorbing mana from the surroundings. That is why rest is not just comfort but a necessity; it is how both magical and physical energy are restored.
Until now, Hades had absorbed mana unconsciously. In the human realm, the air held so little magic that he never noticed the faint pull, and since his core had not yet awakened, there was never a sudden rush of energy.
