'Seems like the Infinitesimal State has about five tiers,' Koshin thought as he sat on his bed looking through the window.
He used 'Analyze' on the people passing below and found a few who were cultivators. He saw many Infinitesimal State cultivators between tier one and five but never above that, so he guessed that's where it stopped.
'The innkeeper is a tier 3 Super-Human State cultivator. I wonder how far that is from the Infinitesimal state,' Koshin thought.
He began thinking of various ways he could obtain valid information about the different stages of cultivation without any hassle.
'Asking her is a big no-no, and asking some random person on the street is also a no,' he contemplated.
'Wait, wouldn't a library have this sort of information? I guess I'll check one out when I have the time.'
'For now, I need to find a way to make money,' Koshin thought as he looked up at the sky.
Closing the window, he got off the bed and exited the room. He then descended the stairs to the main floor where he found the innkeeper, 'Leah', leaning on the desk. Her chin rested on her palm, and she wore a bored expression as she acknowledged his presence.
"Going out, kid?" she said, then yawning.
"Huh? Um, yeah?" Koshin responded, surprised by the question.
"You telling me or are ya asking me, kid?" she said, smiling at the nervous Koshin.
"Y-yeah, I'm heading out," Koshin quickly responded.
"Okay, good luck," she said as she watched Koshin quickly leave the inn.
'I kinda feel bad for the kid. Maybe teacher can do something for him, I need to also ask about that,' she thought while looking at the front door where Koshin exited.
Upon leaving the building, Koshin began walking back to the main street.
"First, I need to find the market. I'm sure there will be vendors willing to trade for herbs. Then, I'll need to leave the city to find a place where I can gather them," he thought.
"Hm, that'll be kinda difficult if I go about this blindly. I guess I'll be going to that library sooner than I expected."
"But first comes the market though. I'll need a new set of clothes since I doubt they'll let me inside with my current appearance," Koshin thought as he glanced down at his robe.
Walking down the crowded street, Koshin looked around at the various shops and people he passed by. No one was safe from his eyes as he used 'Analyze' on everything in his sight.
A few minutes later, he arrived on the bustling main street and followed the flow of the crowd and carriages toward a huge open market area where the number of people seemed to have doubled.
He found himself immersed in a vibrant and bustling open market bazaar. The air was thick with the aroma of exotic spices, and the melodious chatter of merchants filled his ears.
Colorful silk banners fluttered above, displaying intricate characters and symbols that hinted at the wares within.
Koshin's senses were overwhelmed as he navigated the streets teeming with people from all walks of life. He marveled at the sight of stalls adorned with cascading tapestries, shimmering jewelry, and aromatic herbs, each one vying for attention.
The stall owners, dressed in vibrant robes, energetically called out to potential customers, their voices blending into a symphony of commerce.
Koshin ventured through the bustling market, his eyes scanning the myriad of shops and stalls.
Among the lively marketplace, he spotted a vendor selling a variety of garments, including robes. The vendor, an elderly man with a kind smile and wrinkled hands, sat patiently behind his small display. The colorful array of robes caught Koshin's attention, offering a glimmer of hope for him to find a cheap but suitable robe.
Approaching the stall, Koshin cleared his throat and met the vendor's gaze. "Excuse me, sir," he began, his voice tinged with humility. "I need a new robe. Do you have something similar to the one I'm wearing?"
The vendor's eyes crinkled with friendliness as he studied Koshin's worn-out attire.
Understanding the young man's plight, he nodded compassionately. "Of course, my young friend," he replied in a soothing tone. "I have robes of various styles and qualities. I am sure that I have one that matches your needs."
With practiced hands, the vendor carefully inspected his collection, searching for the perfect robe to offer Koshin. After a brief moment, he pulled out a simple, yet well-crafted robe, made from soft and durable fabric.
"This robe should be just like the one you have on, albeit it's made with better materials," the vendor suggested, holding it up for Koshin to see. "It is sturdy, comfortable, and affordable. A modest choice that will serve you faithfully."
Koshin looked at the robe and activated 'Analyze' on it.
——————————————————————————
[Driftweave Black Robe] - A robe crafted from driftweave, which is a fabric commonly used for clothing in many villages. It is crafted from the delicate fibers of a plant known as Moonvine, which grows abundantly in the countryside
——————————————————————————
"How much does it cost?" Koshin asked as he reached into his money sack hidden within his robes.
The vendor studied Koshin's doubtful expression, his gaze filled with understanding. "For you, young sir, considering your circumstances, I can offer this robe for a fair price of 5 copper coins," he replied, his tone reflecting both compassion and the need to sustain his livelihood.
Understanding that the vendor was not trying to hustle him, Koshin offered the coins with gratitude shining in his eyes.
"Thank you, sir," Koshin said, his voice filled with appreciation.
The vendor's smile widened as he accepted the payment, his eyes conveying a genuine sense of satisfaction in helping a fellow soul. "May this robe bring you fortune and serve as a symbol of new beginnings," he offered, his words carrying a silent blessing.
With his new robe in hand, Koshin bid farewell to the kind vendor, he then found an empty alley and slipped into his new robes, folding his old one up and holding it in his hands.
While leaving the alley, Koshin felt the fabric's gentle caress, reminding him that change was possible and that he had the power to shape his destiny amidst the trials of this harsh world.
Koshin spent a few minutes looking around the market before he inevitably left. He saw many vendors try to market their wares with some bold claims, but one look from him and he knew that they were lying, yet he didn't say anything and moved on with his day.
Walking back onto the main street Koshin headed to a library he passed on the way to the market.
Tranquil Jade Library, this 5-story library building stood tall with its elegant architecture, exuding a sense of wisdom. Its roof showcases sweeping curves, reminiscent of traditional pagodas, while intricate patterns and vibrant colors adorn the exterior walls.
Walking inside Koshin noticed that the interior design prioritizes open floor plans that had plenty of windows to provide a tranquil environment for studying or reading.
Making his way toward the reception desk, Koshin was greeted by the receptionist who sat poised and attentive. The soft glow of the ambient lighting accentuated her presence amidst the idle surroundings.
"Good day, how can I help you?" she asked with a warm smile, her voice carrying a hint of genuine interest.
"How much do I have to pay to enter?" Koshin obliviously asked.
"Pay? All you need is your student identification token, then you can enter," she responded, her curiosity piqued as she observed Koshin's perplexed expression.
'Student identification token? Damnit, I knew it wouldn't be this easy,' Koshin thought, feeling a pang of frustration. Thinking quickly, he came up with an excuse to salvage the situation. "Oh, I seemed to have forgotten it and didn't want to go all the way home for it. That's why I asked if I can pay to enter instead."
The receptionist's expression softened, understanding his predicament. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but the student identification token is necessary for entry. Perhaps you could retrieve it and visit another time?"
'Damn, I guess there's no getting in,' Koshin thought. On the outside Koshin nodded, in an understanding manner as he responded "Yes, I'll do that. Thank you for your assistance."
Koshin bid her farewell and left the reception desk, thinking of other ways to get the information he needed.
Koshin now realized the city operated differently from the orphanage he was familiar with.
Unlike the public library there, the city's library was exclusively accessible to enrolled students. Any random person just couldn't walk off the street and expect to get the information they wanted
'Well, I guess I'll just grab a map instead. As for learning about the cultivation stages, I'll have to figure out another way or maybe try getting into a school of some sort, but honestly, I don't think it's likely to happen' Koshin thought as he made his way back to the market.
After buying a map of Void Crows surrounding area for 15 copper coins, Koshin took a stroll around once more grabbing a few snacks to eat which cost him 6 copper. He then made his way back to the inn to stud the map and to enter the Omni-Realm at night to train before tomorrow.
Upon reaching the inn, Koshin pushed open the creaking wooden door and stepped inside. He saw that 'Leah' was missing but paid it no mind and went upstairs to his room.
Opening the map, Koshin began studying the surrounding of Void Crow. 'Emeria's Grove, that doesn't look like a bad place to start,' Koshin thought as he scanned the map.
'It's located 6 minutes away from the North East gate, that's the gate I came through, perfect'
Koshin then looked at the other areas around, but most of them were too far away.
Meanwhile, in another part of the city 'Leah' came to an old wooden house and knocked on the door a few times. After a few seconds, a lady's voice sounded from the inside.
"Embrace the Legacy," she said softly.
On the outside, Leah responded in a whisper, "Channel Emeria's Might,"
The door then unlocked, and 'Leah' entered the house. Inside the old house, a cozy ambiance embraced 'Leah'. Sunlight filtered through lace curtains, casting a warm glow on the polished wooden floors. The air carried a comforting scent of well-loved books and freshly brewed tea. Soft cushions adorned worn-in armchairs, inviting one to sink in and relax. The walls were left unpainted which made it exude a sense of history and lived experience.
"Eris, what do you have for me today?" a gentle voice traveled from a woman who was sitting in a wooden chair next to a table.
This woman was adorned in common clothes which exhibited a casual style. This was the type of lady that held no presence in a crowded area. Her unassuming presence was matched by her physical appearance. Her brown hair, neither lustrous nor dull, fell in loose waves around her shoulders, framing a face that bore no distinctive characteristics. Her hazel eyes, while lacking the spark of uncommon hues, held a warmth that invited genuine connections. Her unremarkable complexion displayed a natural glow, devoid of any striking flaw or striking beauty.
"Teacher" Eris quickly bowed upon seeing the woman. She then raised he head and took a set of papers from her bag which she carried on her side.
"Here are all the weekly reports on the organizations I'm keeping track of," Eris said as he handed over the papers.
"Thank you dearest," The woman said as she gently received them. Looking up the woman notice that Eris wanted to say something else.
"Is something the matter?" She questioned while raising one of her eyebrows.
"Huh? What makes you think that?" Eris responded.
"Well, you usually engage in other topics before you inevitably leave, rarely do I see you keep quiet. When you do that, you usually have something to ask, so, what is it?" The woman said with a gentle smile.
"Well you see, the inn I am working at actually got a customer," Eris said.
"Which is expected" the woman quickly responded
"Well yeah, but, the one is kinda weird," Eris said with a confused expression.
"Uh-Huh? Weird as in how exactly?" the woman questioned.
Seeing as her teacher was being attentive she quickly explained, "Well, the person I am referring to is a kid no older than twelve, he came in about a day ago. When he first arrived I could smell a heavy odor of blood mixed with other substances I can only guess on him. He asked from a room, and after feeling a bit bad for him, instead of shooing him away I decided to give him a room"
"But the weird thing is when he came in he appeared to be utterly ordinary, devoid of even a trace of qi. Yet, to my astonishment, he returned that very night, a mere few hours later, transformed into a full-fledged cultivator. I could only guess that he had experienced a breakthrough, but how could such a feat be possible? I am well aware that prior to entering the Infinitesimal state, individuals emit residual qi that they couldn't absorb, and any discerning cultivator could gauge the remaining time required for their breakthrough by assessing it," Eris explained.
Looking down at the table Eris's teacher pondered before stating, "If what you said is true, that can only mean that it only took him a few hours to break through"
"What!" Eris shouted in shock. She then quickly covered her mouth as her teacher looked at her with squinted eyes.
"Calm down, it's rare, but as you know it's not impossible," she said as he sipped her tea.
"Yes, my apologies, it's only that I find it hard to believe that I have someone with that kind of talent living in my inn, " Eris explained. She then continued, " I know it takes an average person a few weeks to months to break through."
Eris's teacher nodded understandingly before elaborating, "Although it's rare in the Sky Shattering Sub-Realm, in the main realm, many individuals achieve breakthroughs within a few hours, and some even manage it in a matter of seconds. However, don't let this discourage you. Talent is undoubtedly advantageous, but those who possess unwavering diligence and a relentless work ethic can stand on par with the naturally gifted."
"I understand teacher," Eris said as she bowed.
"Good, then for now keep an eye on this kid, and try to find out more about his situation. If the opportunity arises, we will consider recruiting him. However, our primary focus must remain on the impending threat posed by the Harbingers of Havoc. I sense their intentions are growing bolder, and it's crucial that we remain prepared to take action or report back to the sect," she declared.
"Yes, teacher," Eris bowed respectfully once more before taking a seat. She then proceeded to recount the events unfolding in her life, conveying the intricacies and challenges with utmost sincerity. Her teacher, displaying unwavering patience, attentively absorbed every word, fostering an environment where Eris felt comfortable sharing her experiences.
Back in the Inn, Koshin sat on his bed absorbing qi into his body, he was trying to gather enough to make another Omni-Cell but found that he needed a lot of qi just to make a tiny bit of Omni-qi.
'This is going to take a while, the conversion ratio is horrible,' Koshin thought as he silently shook his head.
Hours went back as Koshin sat there, he then got a strange feeling, indicating to him that he could go into the Omni-Realm again.
Opening his eyes Koshin thought, 'I'm not even halfway done with forming the qi required to make another cell, what the hell kind of speed is this?'
'Sigh~ whatever, time to go get some training done with this clone', Koshin thought as he entered the Omni-Realm.
Upon his entry, he summoned a clone of himself and got into a sloppy fighting position, "Okay, begin!" he shouted.
Yet the clones didn't move, it stood still while looking Koshin dead in the eyes.
'Did that not work?' Koshin thought his command didn't activate the clone so he was about to try saying 'begin' again but before he could the clone rushed at him.
This movement surprised Koshin, but only for a few seconds. Since the clone was far away Koshin had enough time to calm himself, he then rushed ahead.
Upon meeting in the middle, Koshin began throwing random sloppily paced punches, his punches were unrefined and lacking in power, each one a mere flicker of his true potential. His clone mirrored his awkward movements, creating an uncanny spectacle of two inexperienced fighters scraping with one another.
Their punches clashed with dull thuds, their blows lacking the precision and force of skilled combatants. Koshin stumbled back as his clone's fist connected with his jaw, sending him reeling.
"Argh!" Koshin spewed as he bled from his nose and mouth.
Seeing an opportunity the clone pounced on Koshin trying to finish him off.
"Argh! HA!" Koshin who was struggling to regain his footing grunted as he attempted to retaliate. His strikes came in a flurry, yet each one missed its mark. His clone, equally unskilled, flailed its arms in a haphazard attempt to defend itself against the onslaught.
As the fight continued, their movements became more desperate, each of them relying on instinct rather than strategy. Their footwork was clumsy, their guards full of openings. It was a battle of novices, a clash of raw determination and unpolished skill.
Koshin's body ached, his muscles strained from the exertion, he had lumps and bumps all over his face with blood flowing out a few of which were sliced open by the brutality of the fight. As for his clone? It was in the same position.
Seeing this, Koshin refused to give up. With a surge of determination, he lunged forward, throwing himself at his clone. Their bodies collided, and a tangle of limbs and uncoordinated strikes then ensued.
As the struggle went on, Koshin's lack of experience became evident, he fired a punch at the clone's head which it quickly dodged. His clone then seized the opportunity, capitalizing on his missed attack and landing a powerful blow to Koshin's side.
This made Koshin flinch as pain shot through his entire body. Seeing another opportunity the clone grabbed Koshins right hand and brought it down on its right knee. This attack instantly broke Koshin's elbow which bent in the wrong direction.
"ARGH!!" Koshin screamed.
The pain made Koshin falter and collapse to the ground. Then, with lightning-fast precision, the clone lunged on top of Koshin, gripping his throat with an iron grip, it didn't plan on giving him any time to reel in pain. The clone's fingers dug into Koshin's flesh, cutting off his oxygen supply, and an agonizing pain seared through his body. The world around him blurred, and his vision dimmed as darkness closed in.
Koshin fought desperately, clawing at the clone's hands, but his strength waned with each passing moment. Just when Koshin thought he was about to pass out he felt the air around the clone change, it began more frightening, and on top of that the clone's strength increased
The clone's face which was emotionless began to change, it now displayed a malicious grin that mocked him. It reflected his own features, but it was twisted with sadistic pleasure. Each gasp for air became more desperate, more futile, as the merciless chokehold tightened, crushing his windpipe.
Koshin's body convulsed in a primal struggle for survival, limbs flailing, but the clone's grip remained unyielding. Koshin's eyes bulged with terror and his face turned a deep shade of crimson. White foam began pouring out of his mouth as a never-ending stream of tears flowed from his eyes.
The world faded into a murky haze, and Koshin's consciousness slipped away, replaced by an abyss of darkness. The sound of his own choked gasps became a distant echo, drowned out by the deafening silence of his defeat.
Then with a 'crack' the clone broke Koshins neck causing his head to slump to the right, His eyes were wide open with a look of despair etched into them. This completely sealed Koshin's fate as he instantly died.
Then after a few seconds, his body along with the clone disappeared, both scattering into multiple particles of light.