Mitchell sat cross-legged in his cave, the faint flicker of a torch illuminating the space. Seven days had passed since his last encounter with Ange, and he had dedicated every moment since to cultivation. The rhythmic hum of energy coursing through his body was both invigorating and exhausting. He had reached the third stage of the Foundation Building Realm, a significant milestone in his journey.
Despite the progress, he felt the strain of isolation. His supplies were dwindling, but he managed to sustain himself by cooking the food he had bought with Ange's help. Simple meals—roasted meat, steamed vegetables, and herbal tea—kept his body nourished and his mind sharp. Yet, the monotony of his routine began to wear on him.
As he sat in meditation, focusing on the flow of energy within him, a sudden, soft hum broke his concentration. He opened his eyes and saw the blue jade slip Ange had given him glowing faintly. A faint vibration accompanied the glow, indicating an incoming call.
Mitchell hesitated before picking it up, holding the jade slip in his palm. He whispered Ange's name, and her voice filled the air around him.
"Mitchell, you alive in there?" Ange's tone was light but tinged with curiosity.
"Barely," Mitchell replied, his voice hoarse from lack of use. "Been busy cultivating."
"Seven days? Wow, Impressive," she said, a hint of admiration in her voice. "But I have something that might interest you—how about a hunting trip?"
Mitchell raised an eyebrow. "Hunting? What for?"
"Beasts have been wandering too close to the village lately," Ange explained. "We could use their cores for cultivation and their parts for trade. Plus, it's good combat practice anyways. "
Mitchell considered her offer. After days of solitude, the prospect of action and company was tempting. "Alright, I'm in."
"Great," Ange said. "But there's one thing—you'll need to meet my father first."
"Your father? Why?" Mitchell asked, surprised.
"Yes," Ange said, her tone more serious now. "He's curious about you. I might have mentioned you during dinner the other night."
Mitchell sighed. "Why do I feel like this is going to be more complicated than I'd like?"
Ange chuckled. "Relax, he's not as scary as he looks. Just come to the guild hall in an hour. I'll be waiting."
The connection ended, and Mitchell set the jade slip down, his thoughts swirling. He gathered his belongings, ensuring his cultivation robes were presentable—Ange had been right; his old clothes had been practically rags. With his bag slung over his shoulder, he made his way out of the cave.
********
Meeting Ange's Father
The Adventurer's Guild was bustling when Mitchell arrived. The familiar hum of voices and clinking of tankards filled the air. Ange stood near the entrance, her green eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on him.
"Right on time," she said, motioning for him to follow.
She led him to a private room at the back of the guild hall. The space was modest but well-appointed, with a large oak desk and a map of the region pinned to the wall. Behind the desk sat a man whose presence commanded respect. His broad shoulders and sharp features bore the marks of a seasoned adventurer.
"This is my father, Roland," Ange said, gesturing toward him. "Father, this is Mitchell."
Roland's piercing gaze settled on Mitchell, assessing him silently for a moment before he spoke. "So, you're the one my daughter has been spending some of her time with."
Mitchell inclined his head slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir." He frowned.
Roland leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Ange tells me you're not from around here. Is that true?"
"Yes," Mitchell admitted. "I'm... new to this region."
"And to cultivation, I assume?"
"Not entirely," Mitchell replied. "I've been making progress."
Roland's eyes narrowed slightly. "What stage are you at?"
"Third stage of the Foundation Building Realm," Mitchell said.
Roland's eyebrows lifted in mild surprise. "Impressive for someone with no apparent background." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Tell me, what are your intentions with my daughter?"
Mitchell blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Intentions? We're just acquaintances. She's been helpful, and I appreciate her guidance."
Roland's expression remained unreadable. "Good. Ange has responsibilities, and I don't want distractions interfering with her path."
Ange groaned, rolling her eyes. "Father, he's not a distraction. If anything, I'm the one helping him."
Roland ignored her, his gaze still fixed on Mitchell. "I've seen many adventurers come and go. Some are trustworthy, others are not. If you're going to be spending time with my daughter, I need to know where you stand."
Mitchell met Roland's gaze evenly. "I stand where I need to. I have no intentions of causing trouble, but I won't back down if I'm pushed."
Roland studied him for a moment longer before nodding. "Fair enough. Ange seems to trust you, and that counts for something. Just don't give me a reason to regret it."
The tension in the room eased slightly, and Roland leaned back once more. "Now, about this hunting trip. Ange tells me you'll be joining her?"
"Yes," Mitchell said.
"Good," Roland said. "The beasts near the village have been getting bolder. It's a chance to test your skills and prove yourself."
Mitchell nodded. "I understand."
"Then I won't keep you any longer," Roland said, standing and extending a hand. Mitchell shook it firmly, and with that, the meeting was over.
********
The Hunting Trip
Ange and Mitchell left the guild hall together, heading toward the outskirts of the village. The air was crisp, and the sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the cobblestone streets.
"Well, that wasn't so bad," Ange said, glancing at Mitchell.
"He's... intense," Mitchell admitted.
Ange laughed. "That's one way to put it. He's protective, but he means well."
As they entered the forest, the sounds of the village faded, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife. Ange led the way, her movements confident and deliberate.
"What kind of beasts are we hunting?" Mitchell asked.
"Mostly low-level monster beasts," Ange replied. "But don't let their rank fool you. They can be tricky if you're not careful."
They moved deeper into the woods, the trees growing denser. Ange stopped suddenly, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the area. "There's one nearby," she whispered, motioning for Mitchell to follow her lead.
They crept forward until they spotted the beast—a Shadowfang Wolf, its sleek, black fur blending into the shadows. Ange drew her sword, and Mitchell readied himself, his energy swirling within him. He had already summoned his purple sword.
"On my mark," Ange whispered.
The wolf's ears twitched, sensing their presence, but it was too late. Ange lunged, her blade glinting in the light, while Mitchell channeled his energy into a concentrated blast. The wolf yelped as the attacks struck true, and within moments, it lay motionless.
"Not bad," Ange said, wiping her blade clean.
Mitchell nodded, catching his breath. "You're not too shabby yourself."
They spent the next few hours hunting, taking down several more beasts. By the time they returned to the village, the sun had set, and their bags were filled with cores and essential parts.
As they parted ways for the night, Ange smiled at Mitchell. "You did well today. Maybe next time, we can take on something bigger."
Mitchell smirked. "Looking forward to it."
As he made his way back to his cave, Mitchell couldn't help but reflect on the day. He had proven himself to Ange's father, faced the challenges of the hunt, and grown stronger in the process. But deep down, he knew this was only the beginning. His journey was far from over, and the path ahead was as uncertain as ever. He had a strange feeling that more was to come.