As the sun rose on the horizon, Lucas awoke from a deep slumber. He gently rubbed the small head beside him and slipped out from the covers, his mind filled with memories of his first experience with cultivation the previous night.
Alice had explained the nine stages of cultivation, each with nine levels within. Each level required a considerable amount of time, with the duration doubling or even more for each subsequent level.
The dimensional energy flowed through the body, gradually altering the cells over time. Once enough cells evolved to handle the power, the first stage of cultivation was reached. From there, the power needed to be cultivated further in the dantian, leading to the second level.
While others allowed the dimensional energy to nourish their bodies for evolution before leading it into the dantian, Lucas imagined the flow differently. It naturally led not to his dantian but to his heart.
The Crystal Core embedded in Lucas's chest had a profound connection to his heart. Having passed the first level of cultivation, Lucas developed a deep bond with his blood, sensing its extraordinary nature.
Lucas noticed significant changes after completing the first level. Not only did his body develop scales, but his natural fingernails would extend and sharpen, matching the scales at will.
To demonstrate, Lucas extended a single nail and lightly cut the palm of his hand. A few beads of blood seeped through before healing at an astonishing speed. Observing his blood, it appeared to be ordinary red, except for its intoxicating scent. Lucas wondered if everyone could smell it—sweet and alluring.
As he pondered, Lucas noticed Silvia pressed against his back, watching him with curiosity. Intrigued by the scent, she leaned over and sniffed the droplets of blood in Lucas's hand. Silvia extended her tongue and licked it clean before retreating under the covers to sleep.
Shaking off the amusing scene, Lucas turned his attention to the other books he had acquired from the library. Most of them were unreadable, written in a foreign language. Would anyone still understand it? Among the books, one caught his eye—a volume filled with plant illustrations, likely a book about herblore or alchemy. Lucas made a mental note to investigate foreign languages once he reached the Adventurer's Guild.
Descending downstairs, Lucas greeted everyone, ready to embark on a new day. They shared a meal of berries and lion meat while engaging in conversation. Lucas learned that they planned to return to Seaside City. Seizing the opportunity, he asked if they would accompany him on their journey, and they readily agreed.
Preparations didn't take long, and soon they were gathered downstairs. Each person had a designated task, whether gathering practical clothing or other useful items. Rex and the old blacksmith found a couple of old bicycles with trailers, which they used to transport their belongings. One trailer carried tools, clothes, and daily items, while the other contained animal carcasses and food containers from nearby stores.
Once everything was ready, they set off on their journey, first heading south to Deer Town and then east to Seaside City.
They neared the outskirts of the city. "Let's set up camp here," Alice suggested to the rest of the group, and everyone agreed. By now, they had accumulated a pile of beast cores from their encounters.
Finding a furniture store, they set up camp in the front lobby and claimed comfortable beds that were on display. Lucas's white-haired follower, always by his side, settled down as well.
"You go ahead and sleep; I have a few things to take care of," Lucas smiled at Silvia, who was nearby. Dilla, with a downcast expression mixed with envy, watched from a distance, but Lucas paid no mind.
Returning to his cultivation, Lucas focused on his Crystal Core, which began actively absorbing the surrounding energy, creating a small vortex. The power flowed into the Crystal, purifying it before spreading throughout his body, nourishing his veins and revitalizing his entire being. The energy his blood emitted completed a cycle, returning to settle in his heart.
However, Lucas realized it wasn't as easy as he had hoped. While his blood granted him an advantage in the first level, the subsequent levels grew increasingly difficult.
Opening his eyes, Lucas heard peculiar sounds coming from the front door, which they had barricaded for the night with pieces of furniture. Signaling to Alice, who was also seated nearby, she noticed the commotion and roused her companions.
Silently, they moved towards the front door, keeping to the shadows of the night.
Outside, about ten individuals with flashlights were seen, their beams reflecting off the glass door. Unaware of Lucas and his friends' presence, they continued their activities.
Alice answered Lucas's questioning gaze, "I believe they're bandits." Everyone nodded in agreement.
Dividing into two groups, Lucas and Alyssa approached from one side of the lobby, while Alice, Tom, and Beckie took the other.
With a sudden crash, the glass door shattered, creating a hole. Satisfied with their handiwork, the bandits reached inside and whispered to their companions, "I saw them enter here, boss... They should have valuable things, and there were even some attractive girls."
"Keep your voice down, Kyle. We mustn't wake them too soon. Everyone, follow me," the bandit boss commanded. Lucas's mind drew parallels to the day he and Ellie had to flee their home, pursued by similar individuals. Shaking off the memories, he focused on the bandits before him.
As the bandits gathered in the lobby, preparing to plunder, a fireball suddenly materialized from a dark corner, transforming into a spear that swiftly impaled a bandit's skull.
Startled by the sound and light, the bandits panicked. "Attack! Kill him quickly!" the boss shouted. Tom, with a fiery spear in hand, became the center of attention, allowing the others an advantage.
Amidst the chaos, an arrow pierced the neck of a bandit wielding a fire escape axe. Tom parried a blow from a crowbar and thrust his spear into another bandit's chest.
"Damn, they're strong. Let's run, boss!" Kyle called out, and both he and the boss attempted to escape.
Witnessing the mayhem, Lucas couldn't let them flee so easily. "You think you can leave just like that? Come on!" Wearing only pajama pants, Lucas's appearance shocked the bandits as his skin darkened, covered in black scales, with a glowing red jewel in the center of his chest.
Brandishing his sword, Lucas swung with all his might.
Kyle, thinking he could handle one person, lunged forward with a knife, aiming to strike Lucas swiftly. However, Lucas laughed in the face of danger when he noticed a layer of wind surrounding the dagger's edge. "Watch out, Lucas!" Alice's worried voice rang out.
Dodging to the side, Lucas created an opening for the bandits to flee. Disappointed, he turned around and joined his friends in subduing the remaining bandits trapped in the lobby.
The rest of the night passed peacefully, although not enough to instill a sense of security for a restful sleep.
As the sun rose in the east, they packed their belongings once again, ready to continue their journey.