Elrian looked puzzled, shaking his head. "No, I haven't been told about village rankings yet."
Calyx nodded, seemingly anticipating this. He leaned forward, folding his hands together on the table. "Well, it's important for you to understand, especially as a new Qi cultivator. Our villages are categorized into three major rankings: Small, Medium, and Big."
Doren, the man who had sparred with Elrian earlier, chimed in. "A Small village like ours is supposed to have at least three or more first-stage Qi cultivators. Medium villages should have at least ten first-stage cultivators, and Big villages must have fifty or more first-stage cultivators, along with at least one second-stage cultivator."
Selene picked up where Doren left off, "However, the reality is far from ideal. Our village has dwindled in its capabilities. As you can see," she gestured around the room at the six other faces, "we're barely hanging on to our 'Small' status."
Arlan, Elrian's father, added, "And the truth is, many of us are aging. Doren, Selene, and even Calyx here, we've lived through many seasons. We can't hold the line forever."
Lyssandra, Elrian's mother, looked pensive as she joined the conversation. "Moreover, our younger generation hasn't been stepping up. Many have not been able to cultivate Qi successfully, and even if they could, the circumstances and conflicts between villages make it difficult for them to focus on cultivation."
Calyx sighed deeply. "Yes, the regional dynamics have shifted considerably over the years. We once had cordial relations with neighboring villages, but that has since changed due to the growing scarcity of resources and the inexplicable increase in stronger creatures near our hunting grounds."
Elrian felt his heart sink. The weight of the room's atmosphere seemed to press down on him. Here he was, a new cultivator just stepping into this world of Qi, and already he was facing the stark reality of his village's precarious situation.
Selene looked at Elrian and continued, "Another layer to this is that villages don't usually migrate. Especially not small and vulnerable ones like ours. We wouldn't stand a chance if we moved to a new location; we'd be encroaching on another village's territory, risking conflict and possible eradication."
Arlan locked eyes with his son. "So you see, Elrian, this is not just about you becoming a Qi cultivator. This is about the survival and future of our village. Your cultivation isn't just your own journey; it's a glimmer of hope for all of us."
The room fell silent again. Each face around the table seemed to carry years of hardship, worry, and silent resilience. Elrian could feel the gravity of their collective hopes, resting now, even if just a little, on his young shoulders. For the first time, he began to fully comprehend the immense journey that lay ahead, not just for him, but for his family, and the village that he called home.
Calyx cleared his throat, drawing the room's attention once more. "There's another aspect we must discuss. Our village may be small, but the area surrounding us has one of the richest hunting grounds in the region. That's one of the main reasons our ancestors chose to settle here."
Doren's eyes narrowed. "Exactly. But this blessing is also a curse. Our hunting grounds are nearly as good as those belonging to Big villages, and that has attracted some unwanted attention."
Selene looked somber, "Especially since Seraphine from Thornridge Village reached the second stage of Qi cultivation. That event propelled their status to a 'Big' village. They've been expanding ever since."
Calyx took a sip of his tea before he continued. "That expansion has been quite aggressive. We've seen their scouts near our boundaries more frequently. Even skirmishes have occurred, endangering our cultivators and hunters."
Lyssandra spoke, her eyes tinged with concern. "Monster cores aren't just valuable to us. Every village needs them, not just for individual cultivation, but also for strengthening barriers and for trade. With Seraphine leading them, Thornridge Village has been absorbing more and more hunting grounds, monopolizing the resources."
Arlan clenched his fists under the table, a gesture not lost on Elrian. "Yes, and that's why we've been struggling to meet our monthly quota of monster cores. The periphery of our hunting grounds has become dangerous, filled with not just monsters but also enemy scouts."
Elrian was digesting all of this, the complications of his new life unfolding before him like an intricate tapestry of challenges and pitfalls. His youthful mind spun with questions and concerns, making him realize how fragile the balance truly was.
Selene looked directly at her son. "We're in a precarious position, Elrian. We need to strengthen our defenses, we need to cultivate more actively, and most importantly, we need to protect what's ours. Your breakthrough to the first stage isn't just a personal achievement; it's a beacon of hope for us."
Doren nodded, his earlier skepticism seemingly washed away by the gravity of the conversation. "The lad here may not have a lifetime of experience, but he has something that we've not seen for a long time: Potential. And right now, potential is our most valuable resource."
Calyx sighed, rubbing his temples. "We cannot control what Seraphine and Thornridge Village do, but we can control our own fate. We must prepare, for I fear the coming seasons will test us like never before. Elrian, your journey is no longer just your own; it's intricately tied to the destiny of everyone in this room and beyond."
Elrian felt as if a heavy cloak had been draped over his shoulders, each word adding to its weight. Yet within him, a flame of resolve was kindling. If he was the village's glimmer of hope, then he'd strive to shine as brightly as possible. For his family, his village, and for himself.