After an intense and uninterrupted cultivation session that lasted for 50 hours, Orion finally opened his eyes. The chamber, once brimming with dense spiritual energy, now felt almost depleted. The first thing he did was to check his system notifications log:
[ Cultivation Level Increased: Mortal Realm - Initiation (Rank 5) ]
[ Skill Acquired: Meditation ]
[ Cultivation Level Increased: Mortal Realm - Initiation (Rank 6) ]
[ Skill Reached Next Level: Meditation ]
[ Cultivation Level Increased: Mortal Realm - Initiation (Rank 7) ]
[ Skill Reached Next Level: Meditation ]
Excitedly, Orion opened his status window to assess his progress:
[ Name: Orion ]
[ System: Fused System (Level-Up, Cultivation, Store, Quests) ]
[ Level: 12 ]
[ Mana: 400/200(600) ]
[ Qi: 8000/8000 ]
[ Experience: 64150/80000 ]
[ Skills: Basic Mana Control (Level 1), Basic Qi Cultivation (Level 1), Access to Store (Level 1), Quest Log (Level 1), Basic Dagger Mastery (Level 4), Basic Botanical Knowledge (Level 2), Backstab (Level 2), Spectral Strike (Level 2), Basic Swordsmanship (Level 1), Enhanced Reflexes (Level 3), Shadow Step (Level 3), Elemental Resistance (Level 1), Basic Inspection (Level 3), Meditation (Level 3) ]
[ Basic Stats ]
[ Strength: 55.92(65.92) ]
[ Agility: 49.23(79.23) ]
[ Endurance: 44.43 ]
[ Intelligence: 21.27 ]
[ Perception: 21.13 ]
[ Charisma: 10.62 ]
[ Luck: 25.00 ]
[ Cultivation Realm ]
[ Mortal Realm - Initiation (Rank 7) ]
[ Free Stat Points: 0 ]
[ Free Skill Points: 0 ]
[ Blessings: Blessing of Free Spirits, +100 Max Mana ]
[ Companions: Auf ( Level 12 6700/80000) ]
He had acquired a new skill, Meditation, and trained it to Level 3, allowing him to enter a meditative state faster and restore mana and Qi 30% more efficiently. His cultivation had made a massive leap, achieving in just over two days what would normally take a month. For reaching ranks 5 and 6, he gained +5 to each physical stat, while rank 7 brought a +10 increase to each physical stat and a +5 to intelligence and perception. His Qi reserve had also increased significantly, although he lacked specific skills to utilize it openly.
Turning to Auf, Orion was stunned. Auf had transformed, his fur now a dark gray and his size considerably larger. The small horn that once adorned Auf's head had grown, signifying his evolution to a D rank creature. The crystal had not only accelerated their cultivation but had also facilitated Auf's evolution.
Orion glanced at the spot where the dark crystal had been, but it was no longer there, presumably having been completely consumed by their cultivation process. Realizing the significance of their time in the dungeon, Orion decided it was time to leave.
After leaving the Whispering Hollows, Orion unsummoned Auf and made his way back to his apartment. Stepping into the familiar space, he was immediately met by his grandfather, Alexander, whose expression mixed relief and concern.
"Orion, there you are!" Alexander exclaimed. "I was starting to worry. You've been gone for over two days. Is everything alright? Where have you been?"
Orion, caught off guard by the direct questions, managed a reassuring smile. "Hey, Grandpa. Sorry, I should have let you know. I was with the clan, helping out with some things. It took a bit longer than expected."
Alexander's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of skepticism in his gaze. "With the clan, huh? You could have at least sent a message. I was quite worried."
Orion nodded, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I know, I know. I'm sorry, Grandpa. It won't happen again. It just... got busy."
"Well, just make sure to keep me in the loop next time," Alexander said, his tone softening. "You know how I worry. Anyway, are you hungry? I can heat up some dinner for you."
"No, it's alright, Grandpa. I think I'll just head to my room and rest for a bit. I'm pretty beat," Orion replied, eager to retreat to the solitude of his room.
"Alright then, get some rest. If you need anything, just let me know," Alexander said, giving Orion a pat on the shoulder before turning to leave the room.
As Orion lay in bed, the events of the past two days played over in his mind, each detail vivid and demanding attention. He thought about the powerful organization that had targeted him, recognizing him as The Keeper. They had managed to infiltrate dungeon instances, a feat he had believed to be impossible, even for him as the Keeper. While he had the ability to view information about these instances, entering them was beyond his capabilities.
Then there was the Mysterious Old Man in the mask. His power was immense, beyond anyone Orion had ever known or heard of. The Old Man's motives were unclear, leaving Orion with a mix of awe and unease. Why had he intervened? Why had he saved Orion and provided him with the means to cultivate at an incredible rate? The Old Man's knowledge of Orion's multiple systems was also startling. He seemed to know much more about Orion than expected, possibly everything about his systems. Yet, despite the overwhelming power and mystery, Orion didn't feel any malice from the Old Man. There was a sense of being protected, watched over by someone with unfathomable strength and motives.
Orion realized that pondering these mysteries wouldn't alter his current situation. What truly mattered now was his personal growth and strength. The recent encounter in the dungeon had been a stark reminder of the perils that lay in his path. It underscored the need for him to become stronger, to enhance his cultivation and skills. This focus on personal development was the best way to prepare for the unknown challenges that awaited him. With these thoughts, Orion drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, after completing his routine and ensuring both he and Auf were well-fed, Orion set out for the Adventurers Guild. His purpose was clear: to hand in the Shadow Stalker's Claws and complete his mission. The sense of accomplishment was palpable as he walked through the familiar corridors of the Guild, the claws securely in his possession.
Upon reaching the mission counter, Orion presented the Shadow Stalker's Claws to the attendant. The attendant examined the Claws with a nod of approval and promptly updated Orion's account with the reward.
He decided not to take on any new missions for the time being. There were other matters he needed to attend to, particularly concerning his clan.
Before Orion could reach the clan headquarters, his communicator buzzed with an incoming call. Glancing at the screen, he saw it was Diana. He answered, curious about the sudden contact.
"Orion, where are you?" Diana's voice was urgent. "Meet me at the building where we met Lila Bright last time. It's important."
Orion, taken aback by the unexpected request, quickly adjusted his plans. "Alright, I'm on my way,"