Nile's mind raced with panic. He couldn't imagine taking this devil as his guide, not after the beating she had given him over a birthday cake. But the memory of that incident, paired with the very real possibility of facing her wrath again today, kept him from saying no. His swollen face turned an odd shade of green as his anxiety mounted.
Sensing his inner turmoil, Jessica sat down in front of him, her expression softening. "For how long are you going to act like a scared cat?" she began, her tone carrying a mix of mockery and encouragement. "I've long forgotten the cake incident, and you should too. It's time to grow up, Nile. You're not a little baby anymore. Follow me on the path of martial cultivation. Let's experience and explore this journey together while growing stronger."
Her smile at the end was radiant—so pure and captivating, framed by her flowing black hair and sparkling blue eyes, it could have melted even the hardest of hearts.
But to Nile, that same smile was nothing less than the cruel smirk of a hell empress.
(For a brother, no matter how beautiful his sister might be, she remains a ghostly entity.)
Still too afraid of another beating, Nile forced a shaky smile and reluctantly extended his hand toward Jessica's outstretched one, shaking it in agreement.
"Good, then!" Jessica declared, gripping his hand firmly. She clanked her ASD device against his wrist bracelet, and Nile immediately felt a jolt in his brain. A strange sensation washed over him, and when he glanced down at his bracelet, he noticed it had transformed. What was once a simple wristband now displayed a glowing screen with a ticking clock at its center and a pulsating green dot.
Jessica turned to Aunt Veena with a triumphant look. "You saw it yourself, Aunt Veena. I didn't force him or coerce him into agreeing."
From the front of the wagon, Uncle James let out a hearty laugh. "Now that's my style of settlement!"
Veena sighed, squeezing out a strained smile. "Whatever you say. But I know you too well, Jessica. You had him beaten to jolt his memory of the cake incident and then proposed your deal when he was too scared to refuse. Whether he agreed willingly or not doesn't matter—he only said yes to avoid another beating. Such a cunning little fox."
Jessica gave a mock bow at the compliment, clearly pleased with herself.
Veena turned her attention to Nile, her tone softening. "Now that you've accepted a teacher, my child, you must follow her teachings diligently to avoid unnecessary suffering. Let me give you some advice as your mother: She may claim she's forgotten the cake incident, but who knows if she truly has? Don't give her any reason to vent her anger on you. Good luck, my boy."
Nile glanced at Jessica, who was smiling mischievously at him, her eyes glinting with amusement. He cursed silently, 'Shit, what have I gotten myself into?'
The journey continued through the night, and by early morning around 4 AM, the caravan made another stop just three hours away from the town.
By the banks of the river encircling the town, the children, still rubbing sleep from their eyes, stretched their bodies as breakfast was being prepared. The air was filled with the soothing sound of flowing water and occasional yawns.
Among the group, the boy who always seemed to be meditating stood out once again. This time, he walked toward the river, apparently ready for a dip. As he moved, the other children instinctively stepped aside, clearing a path for him as though he were royalty.
Sitting by the fire, Nile observed the scene and turned to Jessica, who was engrossed in her ASD device. "What's with that guy? Why are those bullies so afraid of him?"
Before Jessica could respond, a voice from behind answered, full of admiration. "His name is Roni—the strongest of this batch from our village. Not only has he achieved complete physical enhancement of stage 9, but he's also reached level 8 in spirit enhancement. One more step, and he'll open his mind's eye, truly embarking on the martial path. Talent like his is rare, even on developed city islands. Here on this undeveloped island, it's practically unheard of."
Nile turned to see Maya, who had just sat down beside Jessica, her eyes fixed on Roni as he bathed.
Nile gave her a polite smile. "Hello, Miss. My name is Nile. You must be Jessica's friend."
Still watching Roni, Maya replied absentmindedly, "You could say that. We were the only two girls in our batch, studying together for over two years. We understand each other better than real sisters."
Jessica interrupted, finally looking up from her ASD. "Done! Look, Nile, I've compiled some basic knowledge for you. You've got the whole day to review it. Once we settle in the town, we'll have regular one-hour Q&A sessions. If I'm free, you can ask questions then too. Okay?"
"Okay," Nile replied, nodding.
Jessica's expression turned serious. "Now, a warning. The first materials I'll send you will explain how to store my spirit packets in your ASD. Listen carefully: do not—and I mean do not—ever try to absorb those packets into your body. They contain my spirit-imprinted mana. If you do, it'll feel like molten lava coursing through your veins. That's bad enough, but if even a trace of my spirit imprint enters your spirit sea, the damage will be incurable. So, be extremely careful. Got it?"
Nile swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. He took a swig from his water bottle before nervously asking, "If it's that dangerous, why not use a safer method?"
Jessica's glare could've frozen the river. Even Maya turned to him, her brow furrowing in disbelief. "Why did this coward even choose the martial path?" she wondered aloud. "Cultivation is about defying heaven and seizing control of your destiny. If there were a risk-free way, everyone would've reached godhood by now."
Feeling the sting of Maya's condescending tone, Nile clenched his fists and forced himself to speak. "Alright! Don't look at me like that. I promise—after today, I won't cower from the dangers of this path. I take a pledge in my heart!"
As his words echoed, an otherworldly presence suddenly enveloped the area. Roni, Sid, Maya, Jessica, Veena, James, Captain Sam, the elderly lady, and the scholars all froze, turning their eyes toward Nile. The atmosphere grew heavy, leaving even the adults slack-jawed.
Strangely, the merchants, younger children, and animals seemed oblivious to the phenomenon.
After a few tense breaths, Nile broke the silence, his voice hesitant. "I think... I made a mistake again, didn't I?"
His words were followed by the unmistakable thud of Jessica's fist meeting his gut. "You idiot! Why can't you control your mouth for once?!" she scolded, as Nile crumpled into a heap.
The others who had been watching shook their heads in unison, pitying Nile as they resumed their activities.