The Devourer Core was simple to use. It could be swallowed directly, or held in one's hand while its energy was slowly absorbed with magic power or mental power.
For Duke, who was still only a relatively weak Level 1 Wizard, the latter method suited him better.
One needed to be at least a Level 2 Wizard to swallow a Devourer Core directly. Otherwise, the body and mental power might not be able to withstand it.
Most Devourer Cores were produced by Corrupted Forms that had lost control, or at least that was what the investigations had revealed so far.
As a result, the Devourer Cores produced by Corrupted Forms contained more or less some Corruption Energy.
Although this Corruption Energy would not cause contamination or similar effects in wizards, absorbing too much at once could still affect the stability of one's mental power.
This was especially true for weaker wizards, who needed to proceed gradually during absorption.
Catherine had specifically reminded Duke that he would need at least three months to fully absorb this Devourer Core. He could not rush it.
Duke was not in a hurry. Stability came first. As long as it could eventually strengthen his Soul Origin, that was enough.
The earlier one improved their Soul Origin, the more help it would provide in the future, making subsequent advancements easier as well.
After Catherine's questioning and investigation were over, Duke and the others returned to the dormitory. At last, they could rest properly.
Duke did not immediately begin absorbing the Devourer Core. Instead, he thoroughly relaxed and rested, using meditation and potions to bring himself into peak condition and ensure that both his mental power and magic power were full and balanced.
He even had a rare good night's sleep, not waking until noon the next