There were animals that could sleep while standing… of course, large herbivores who walked on all fours. They achieve this using a mechanism called stay apparatus, allowing them to lock their legs in place with minimal muscular effort. However, humans did not possess such a mechanism, as constant muscle activation was required to stay upright, often leading to fatigue.
Hence, standing or planking requires continuous muscle micro-adjustments controlled by the brain.
Even horses have to lie down when they enter deep sleep as their muscle atonia (temporary paralysis) occurs in REM sleep, preventing them from maintaining their posture.
Even so, Eric's body control was monstrous. He was able to surpass horses as he could remain standing on two legs while deep sleeping, given that he was leaning on something. Furthermore, he developed his senses to the point it could reflexively react to any ambush or perilous circumstances.
He would enter the state of micro-sleep cycles, where only a small part of his brain rests at a time, similar to how dolphins sleep with one hemisphere at a time. In that way, despite deep sleeping, he would always stay alert.
To enter deep sleep while staying in the planking position, he locked his joints in place using precise control of tendons and ligaments. He also distributed his weight efficiently, minimizing the muscle strain.
Now, I have to sleep deeply and remain on plank for fifteen hours… I can't say I won't be getting any repercussions. Eric shrugged.
It was not like he was not used to it. On the contrary, he would rather welcome side effects rather than completing impressive achievements without problems.
…
There were many repercussions an ordinary human would suffer if staying in one place for hours, especially when they were not relaxing their muscles.
However, Eric was exactly aware of that. For instance, his forearm's blood flow would obviously be disrupted since it was pressing against the cold floor, potentially leading to numbness or reduced circulation. Eric solved the problem by periodically shifting pressure to different muscle groups, preventing excessive strain on a single area. Hence, the muscle was active so that it assisted the blood flow naturally without straining his forearms.
He did the same to his toes. Furthermore, the breathing technique, efficiently utilizing the foreign energy also seemed to act like the improved version of the white blood cells, limiting the repercussions as much as possible.
Perspiration slowly slithered on his face and bare upper torso. At first, it was erased by the chilling breeze, but the sun broke into the horizon and its light warmed his body, eventually producing more sweat.
Twelve hours passed when he was awakened by an anxious knock on the door…
…
Twenty minutes earlier, the boys and the girls gathered in the living room, not far from them were the long tables used for eating.
They sat on the two sofas, facing each other with boys on the left and girls on the right.
Zoe, with her unkempt copper hair covering some part of her face but retaining her sharp gaze, broke the silence.
"Do you all know the abilities you have awakened?"
She was facing the boys and staring at them, obviously asking them the question.
Axel nodded his head frantically and replied with an excited tone, "I followed what Jasper instructed me to do, which, of course, came from the Emperor himself. I was surprised that I have the ability to summon a wind blade, though not visible, which has cutting power. I'm suitable for fighting!"
Andrew nodded with a smile. "Mine can generate weak electrical currents. Although not suitable for combat yet, I can already envision its usefulness, greatly compatible with my passion."
He is an electrical engineer for a reason.
Leonel said with a bright smile, "I felt the same. I can extract and manipulate small amounts of water from my body, like…" He scratched his reddened cheeks awkwardly. "Like, producing more sweat and using it as a source of water manipulation to create water streams… not that good yet, but I believe I can make use of it."
Zoe nodded. "Certainly. Don't be discouraged. In fact, it's already valuable that you can control water, and it might give any idea to our Emperor later. In addition, you will still continue to evolve."
"Yeah, don't be discouraged." Axel enthusiastically slapped Leonel's shoulder, causing the latter's face to twist in pain, but he responded with a smile, appreciating Axel's encouragement. "Who knows? You might evolve into a being who can summon tsunami."
Leonel smiled brightly. "I hope so."
"How about you?" Axel was filled with curiosity.
Zoe smiled bitterly and shook her head. "I actually don't know yet. I tried the Emperor's method and it indeed worked but I could not determine my ability. It seems there is a condition I have not met yet."
Axel's eyes lit up. "My instinct tells me it is powerful."
Zoe smiled slightly.
Sensing it was their turn to share their abilities, Michelle and Samantha looked at each other. Samantha decided to go first.
She said, "Mine is more like adjusting my body. I was not able to determine how and what was, not until Zoe suggested placing my hand above the fire and it worked. In other words, my body can adjust to extreme temperatures."
Her eyes sparkled in excitement. "I feel like there is more to it. I can't wait for the Emperor to find out about my ability."
The boys looked at each other and were lost for words. They glanced at Michelle, compelling the latter to tell her ability.
She sighed. "When I use the energy, I just feel like my calculation speed drastically improves."
Jasper, who had been keeping quiet, was intrigued.
"Doesn't that mean, you can calculate your enemies' movements, their speed, their reaction time… I think you will be a good shooter."
Michelle was surprised.
"T-That's actually not bad."
Jasper smiled. "Of course, there's no such bad ability. Only bad users. With the guidance of the Emperor, I believe we can make use of our ability."