As Rowen wandered around the city he reached at centre of the city where a tall building stood, Rowen approached the tall buildings at the heart of Aurora Vale, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and anticipation.
The gleaming spires stretched towards the sky, their intricate designs hinting at the ancient magic that permeated the city's core.
Rowen's purpose was clear: to find clues about the old man's true identity and unravel the secrets of the mysterious locket. With determination, he entered the building.
Inside, Rowen couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as he observed the diverse array of individuals bustling through the grand hallway.
Some wore the armor of knights, their swords gleaming at their sides, while others carried staffs crackling with magical energy.
It was evident that this place was a hub of activity, filled with warriors and Hunters from all walks of life.
As Rowen made his way through the bustling crowd, he caught snippets of conversations about daring quests and ancient artifacts.
It seemed that everyone here was on their own journey, seeking fame, fortune, or perhaps something even more elusive.
Suddenly, Rowen spotted a familiar face among the crowd. It was Gavin Ironstride, the middle-aged man who had welcomed him into his home.
Gavin was deep in conversation with a group of seasoned Hunters, his voice filled with enthusiasm as he recounted tales of his own exploits.
Eager to learn more about the building, Rowen approached Gavin and tapped him on the shoulder. Gavin turned, his eyes lighting up with recognition as he saw Rowen standing before him.
"Rowen!" Gavin exclaimed, clapping him on the back. "What brings you to the Nexus of Destiny?"
Rowen asked in confusion, "Nexus of Destiny?" with a puzzled expression on his face.
Gavin explained, "Yes, this building is a branch of the Nexus of Destiny in Aurora Vale, where numerous Hunters gather for various purposes. Some come for rank evaluation, others to gather information or accept quests, and some arrive with dreams of becoming Hunters."
Gavin asked Rowen "So, what purpose do you have to come here? Are you thinking of becoming an Hunter?"
Rowen replied, "No, I just came here to collect some information about someone and to get answers for some of my questions."
Gavin nodded understandingly. "Oh, I see. Well, who are you looking for? Maybe I will be able to help you find him, because I am also a well-known Hunter."
Rowen described the person, "He was an old man in his late sixties with a long white beard and hair. He had an aura of wisdom and magic surrounding him. His name is Cedric Elderwood."
Gavin's expression shifted from curiosity to shock, His eyes widened, and he took a step back, clearly surprised by the mention of Cedric Elderwood.
"Cedric Elderwood?" Gavin repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "You're looking for Cedric Elderwood?"
Rowen nodded, sensing Gavin's reaction. "Yes, do you know him? Can you help me find him?"
Gavin hesitated for a moment, and after some time he finally said "Cedric Elderwood is... a complicated figure," his tone somber. "He's not someone you come across every day. His knowledge and power are legendary, but he's also shrouded in mystery." What is he, your idol too, or do you want to become his disciple? If so, than forget about it. He does not accept anyone. He also rejected very gifted prodigies.
Rowen's anticipation grew as Gavin spoke. "I need to find him," he insisted. "He gave me this locket and told me it was important. I have to know why."
Gavin's expression turned even more shocked, his voice taking on a somber tone. "What did you say? He gave you this locket?"
Gavin paused, his eyes widening with disbelief. "You mean the legendary Blacksmith? The man known throughout the continent? The enigmatic figure who is shrouded in mystery?"
Gavin's voice lowered to a whisper as he continued, "Every high ranker dreams of possessing a weapon crafted by him. But meeting him in person... that is a rare privilege granted to only a few."
"And yet he gave you this locket personally?"Gavin reiterated, his voice filled with incredulity. "Rowen, do you realize the significance of what you're saying? Cedric Elderwood is a legend among Hunters. His craftsmanship is renowned across the continent, and his very existence is steeped in mystery."
Rowen nodded, understanding the weight of Gavin's words. "Yes, I understand. But there's something about this locket, something important. I need to find out why he gave it to me."
Gavin placed a reassuring hand on Rowen's shoulder. "I believe you, Rowen. If anyone can uncover the truth behind Cedric Elderwood's actions, it's you. But be careful. Pursuing the mysteries of someone like him can lead you down dangerous paths."
Rowen took a deep breath, steeling himself for the journey ahead. "I know, Gavin. But I have to do this. For myself, and for the answers I seek."
Gavin's voice shifted into a serious tone as he spoke, "Rowen, I know that you confided in me about this locket because you trust me. But you must understand the gravity of what you're carrying. This is not just any ordinary locket—it was given to you by the legendary Blacksmith."
He paused, his expression grave. "You should understand the weight that his name carries, especially when it's associated with an items like these. People are willing to go to great lengths, even resorting to violence, they are ready to kill or be killed for anything crafted by him."
Gavin's voice shifted into a tone that conveyed both concern and warning. He said, with his expression tensed,"Remember, you must keep this a secret from everyone. Even those whom you trust. This locket could become both an opportunity and a danger. So, it's crucial that you keep it a secret only between us."
Rowen nodded, understanding the seriousness of Gavin's warning. He knew he needed to be cautious with the knowledge of the locket's origins, especially in a city filled with Hunters and seekers of power.
He understood the risks involved in possessing such an item, and he vowed to heed Gavin's warning and keep the secret safe.
Rowen's realization hit him like a wave crashing onto the shore: to survive in this world, he needed strength. This newfound understanding sparked his curiosity, leading him to approach Gavin with questions about Hunters and their way of life.
"Rowen," Gavin replied in an appreciative tone, "I'm glad to see your determination. Wanting to know more about Hunters and how they become strong is a crucial step on your journey."
Rowen nodded, eager to soak up every bit of knowledge Gavin had to offer. "Yes," he said, "I know I need to become strong if I want to survive in this world. Can you tell me more about what it takes to become a skilled Hunter?"
Gavin leaned forward, his expression serious yet encouraging. "Becoming a skilled Hunter takes more than just physical strength, Rowen. It requires a combination of determination, resourcefulness, and resilience."
He paused for a moment, as if considering his words carefully. "First and foremost, you need to hone your combat skills. Whether it's swordsmanship, archery, or magic, you must train relentlessly to become proficient in your chosen discipline."
"However," Gavin continued, "being an Hunter is not just about fighting prowess. It's also about knowledge and adaptability. You need to study the creatures and environments you'll encounter, learn to navigate treacherous terrain, and be prepared to think on your feet when faced with unexpected challenges."
Rowen listened intently, absorbing every word. He realized that becoming a skilled Hunter was about more than just physical strength—it was about developing a diverse skill set and a keen intellect.
"And let's not forget about the aether nodes," Gavin added, his tone becoming more serious. "These are the main energy sources for Hunters, and they play a crucial role in determining your rank."
He gestured towards Rowen, emphasizing his point. "As Hunters, we draw upon the energy of these nodes to enhance our abilities and perform feats beyond the ordinary. However, accessing and harnessing this energy is no easy task—it requires discipline, focus, and an understanding of one's own limits."
"With the guidance of skilled mentors and dedicated training," Gavin continued, "you'll learn to tap into the power of the aether nodes and ascend through the ranks of Hunters. But remember, Rowen, with great power comes great responsibility. It's important to use this energy wisely and for the greater good."
Rowen's curiosity piqued, he turned to Gavin with a question. "Aether nodes—what are those, and how does one train them? How can someone increase the energy in these nodes?"
Gavin smiled, appreciating Rowen's eagerness to learn. "Aether nodes are essentially energy centers within our bodies," he explained. "They're connected to the flow of aether, the life force energy that permeates the world around us. Think of them as reservoirs of power waiting to be tapped into."
"As Hunters, we train our aether nodes through a combination of physical and mental exercises," Gavin continued. "This includes practicing meditation to focus our minds, engaging in rigorous physical training to strengthen our bodies, and honing our skills in combat to channel our energy effectively."
"As for increasing the energy in these nodes," Gavin added, "it's a gradual process that requires patience and dedication. By consistently training and pushing our limits, we can gradually expand the capacity of our aether nodes, allowing us to access greater levels of power."
He paused, letting the information sink in. "But it's important to remember that harnessing the energy of the aether nodes comes with responsibility. Using this power recklessly can have consequences, so it's essential to approach it with mindfulness and respect."
Rowen posed his question to Gavin with genuine curiosity. "How many aether nodes are present in our body?"
Gavin nodded thoughtfully before responding. "In humans, there are typically seven primary aether nodes, each serving a specific purpose and located along the central energy pathway known as the meridian system."When all seven nodes are in alignment, we can achieve a state of peak performance and can tap into our true potential as Hunters."
Rowen's interest piqued further as he asked another question. "Do monsters also have aether nodes? Do they use their energy like us?"
Gavin's expression turned contemplative as he considered Rowen's inquiry. "While monsters may not have the same biological structure as humans, many possess their own form of energy centers or equivalent systems. Some creatures draw upon innate magical abilities, while others rely on primal instincts and physical prowess."
"He continued, "In essence, monsters harness their energy in ways unique to their species and evolutionary traits. Just as Hunters utilize aether nodes to enhance their abilities, monsters tap into their innate energy cores to survive and thrive in their environments.
Additionally, similar to hunters, monsters also have ranks that determine their strength and abilities. These ranks are determined by factors such as the monster's size, age, and proficiency in utilizing their innate energy. From low-level creatures to legendary beasts, the hierarchy among monsters is vast and varied."
"Over time, hunters have developed different ways to utilize these innate energy cores of monsters for their benefit.
"Some have developed special absorption techniques, allowing them to directly absorb and assimilate the energy contained within these cores". Which results in permanent boosts in strength, speed, or magical abilities, depending on the type of monster and its energy properties. But it is very difficult to come across these kind of techniques even in our life.
However, the process without any special absorption techniques can be dangerous, as the energy within these cores can be unstable and volatile if not handled with care."
Others, like Alchemists, extract the energy of these cores to use in their refining of elixirs, pills, and other concoctions.
Additionally, certain body parts of defeated monsters could be utilized by Blacksmiths to refine strong weapons and armor, further enhancing the hunter's capabilities."
Rowen nodded, feeling a sense of awe at the magnitude of what Gavin was describing.
The path to becoming a skilled Hunter was not an easy one, but with determination and guidance, he was ready to embark on this journey.