Ichiro's eyelids fluttered open, consciousness returning like the gradual unveiling of a long-hidden secret. The verdant world of the Dead Hounds Jungle surrounded him, alive with the whispers of leaves and the distant murmur of unseen creatures. For a moment, he lay there, caught between the remnants of a vivid dream and the tangible reality of his surroundings.
Ichiro Ryugen
Health: 4,000/4,000
Mana: 2,500/2,500
Level: 71
Health: 42
Strength: 34
Stamina: 56
Mana/qi: 31
Intelligence: 29
Points Available: 0
Cultivation level: Golden Core Realm 3rd Stage
Contracted Beasts: None
Titles: None
Skills:
Mana Detection Level 1
Void Pocket Level MAX.
With each passing moment, the second version of the system unveiled its remarkable capabilities to Ichiro. It was as if the veil of uncertainty had been lifted, revealing a world of strategic advantages he could scarcely have imagined before.
One of the most crucial enhancements was the real-time monitoring of his health and mana. As he embarked on each new challenge, this feature would serve as his ever-watchful guardian, guiding his actions and decisions. No longer would he be left in the dark, vulnerable to the whims of fate. Now, he could gauge his every move with precision, pulling off maneuvers with the wisdom of a seasoned warrior.
But it was the Void Pocket ability that truly set his heart racing with anticipation. In this mystical realm, space became an infinite canvas, ready to hold his treasures, secrets, and the spoils of his adventures
Ichiro's curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't resist asking Raijin the burning question that had been on his mind. Time had taken on an elusive quality in the depths of the jungle, and he felt as if he had been here for an eternity.
"How long has it been?" Ichiro inquired, his voice betraying his astonishment.
Raijin's response sent a jolt through him. "It's been more than two weeks," came the unexpected reply, leaving Ichiro utterly taken aback. Two weeks? That was far longer than he had anticipated. And what's more, the test was slated to conclude in a mere week's time.
With the tumultuous battle among the colossal beasts finally subsiding, Ichiro cautiously stepped outside to survey the aftermath. What awaited him was a scene of both awe and dismay.
To his astonishment, the rank 4th beast that had been the catalyst for this epic brawl lay lifeless on the jungle floor. Its demise had likely come at the hands, or rather claws and fangs, of its fellow creatures who had succumbed to the frenzy of combat.
But amidst the carnage and chaos, Ichiro's keen eyes fell upon a gleaming prize. He spotted the core of the fallen beast, an invaluable treasure that could significantly bolster his strength. It was a stroke of fortune amidst the chaos.
Eager to secure this newfound asset, Ichiro carefully extracted the core, his heart brimming with gratitude for this unexpected windfall.
However, when he ventured back to the cache of treasures that had initially drawn him to the scene, his joy was short-lived. The frenzied battle had wreaked havoc upon the precious artifacts.
As the final week of the grueling survival test in the treacherous Dead Hounds Jungle drew to a close, Ichiro's thoughts were consumed by a singular goal: returning to the sanctuary of the academy.
The relentless challenges of the past month had tested the limits of his endurance, courage, and resourcefulness. Battling ferocious beasts, surviving perilous traps, and navigating the unforgiving terrain had been a test of both physical prowess and mental fortitude.
When the fateful day arrived, the portal that had cast him into this perilous realm beckoned him once more. Ichiro passed through it, emerging on the other side, exhausted but resolute.
He wasn't alone. Around him, the remnants of the initial 250 students had gathered, their faces etched with the scars of their shared ordeal. They had faced countless trials together, supporting each other through the harshest of conditions.
Yet, as the results were revealed, it became evident that survival in the Dead Hounds Jungle was no small feat. Out of the original cohort, only a mere 20 individuals had managed to endure the entirety of the month-long trial. Among them stood Ichiro.
The twenty survivors of the Dead Hounds Jungle trial were greeted with a reward that spoke volumes of their achievement: Golden Core High-Grade Pills, a testament to their resilience and prowess. These pills, coveted by cultivators far and wide, were not lightly bestowed.
With this potent elixir in their possession, they could enhance their cultivation and take their skills to greater heights. It was a tangible symbol of their triumph over adversity.
In the days that followed, Ichiro resumed his rigorous training regimen. The pursuit of excellence was a path he had chosen, one that demanded unwavering dedication.
As the sun rose and set, marking the passage of time, Ichiro's ceaseless efforts bore fruit. He felt the surge of energy within him, the power of his golden core resonating with newfound strength. It was a testament to his unyielding resolve and unrelenting perseverance.
He had ascended to the coveted fourth stage of the Golden Core Realm.
And so, the second semester of the first year dawned, casting a shadow of anticipation and unease upon the academy. With the turn of the academic calendar came a daunting revelation from their instructor—a stark reminder that this phase of their training was to be far more rigorous and perilous.
In no uncertain terms, the consequences of failure were conveyed—death, an outcome too dire to contemplate. The stage for this harrowing trial was set within the foreboding confines of the Crystal Bat Cave, a vast subterranean labyrinth renowned for its treasures, yet equally infamous for its devious traps.
Their mission, as formidable as it was vital, centered on retrieving a singular prize—a 100-year-old violet crystal. This crystalline relic held the promise of transformation, an elixir of advancement for those on the cusp of the Golden Core realm's next threshold. Such an opportunity was a coveted gem among cultivators, a key to unlocking greater power.
The students embarked on their test, venturing deep into the cave where they encountered demonic bats. These creatures posed no significant threat, being only rank 2 beasts. Ichiro, always preferring solitude, observed his fellow students from a distance. Among them, three individuals stood out – Renjiro, Ryuma, and Princess Kohona.
Renjiro exuded a friendly and positive demeanor, seemingly capable of forging friendships effortlessly. Ryuma, on the other hand, emitted an air of passiveness mixed with mystery. Raijin, Ichiro's ever-watchful companion, warned him to be cautious of Ryuma.
Navigating through the cave's treacherous traps, they eventually reached their goal – the coveted violet Crystal. Securing the crystal marked the completion of their mission. Ichiro, however, had lowered his guard, believing that the threat had been vanquished. Little did he know that betrayal lurked among them.
Ryuma, with his ulterior motives hidden, subtly pushed Ichiro to the precipice. In an instant, Ichiro plummeted into the abyss of the cave's seemingly endless depths. As he grasped the gravity of the situation, it dawned on him that Ryuma's secret agenda was his pursuit of Princess Kohona.
The other cultivators turned around, only to witness Ichiro's tragic fall, seemingly to his demise. Sorrow and concern enveloped them as they mourned the loss of a formidable comrade. Ryuma, his facade intact, shed crocodile tears and mourned the apparent loss of his rival.
Amidst the grief, Princess Kohona remained shockingly stoic, unable to display her emotions. With heavy hearts, they returned to the academy, where the news of Ichiro's demise was announced to all. Even the Crimson Kingdom's king felt the weight of this loss, recognizing the exceptional talent that had been extinguished.
Within the castle, Princess Kohona withdrew into the confines of her room, her trauma and grief holding her captive. The king, empathetic but powerless, could do nothing to alleviate her suffering. And thus concluded the brief, promising legacy of Ichiro.
Death Count: 1.
Progress of Soul Sage Body Restoration: 3.4%