Oliver gasped, his eyes flying open as a flood of memories rushed into his mind. At twelve years old, he found himself in an extraordinary situation – reincarnated into a world unlike anything he'd known before.
This new realm was a place of wonder and danger. Fearsome beasts roamed the wilderness, while immortal cultivators wielded incredible powers. Yet for most people, like those in Oliver's small village of Willowbrook, life was a constant struggle for survival.
Willowbrook clung to existence on the fringes of civilization, too remote and resource-poor to attract much attention from those in power. The villagers lived in isolation, hoping each year would bring enough harvest to see them through. In good times, they scraped by. In bad years, starvation was an ever-present threat.
As the memories settled, Oliver's heart raced. Had he been reborn only to face imminent disaster? But as he observed the calm demeanor of the adults around him, he realized that while this year's harvest might not be bountiful, it wouldn't spell doom either.
"Small mercies," Oliver muttered. He had no desire to test the limits of his unusual situation. His reincarnation seemed linked to a mystical artifact called the Rebirth Codex. This remarkable tome allowed him to be reborn by sacrificing ten years of his maximum lifespan, cleansing both body and soul to start anew.
Oliver's thoughts turned inward, and an ethereal book materialized in his mind's eye. Its pages flickered with arcane script:
◇
Rebirth Codex Companion: Oliver Greene
Lifespan: 100 years (originally 110 years)
Fate: Ephemeral (fleeting and short-lived)
Spirit Root: Wood (incomplete)
Constitution: Low-grade ordinary
Soul: Low-grade ordinary
Comprehension: Low-grade ordinary
Mortal Skills: Farming (Level 3: 80/300, 30% yield increase), [Vacant]
Spirit Skills: None
Mystic Skills: None
Earthly Skills: None
Heavenly Skills: None
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Oliver marveled at the Codex's ability to record and enhance skills. His farming prowess, magically boosted to increase crop yields by 30%, explained why his family held him in such high regard despite his young age. In a place like Willowbrook, such an ability was invaluable.
As Oliver pondered the meaning of his "Ephemeral" fate, a voice called from outside.
"Ollie! It's time for your Qi cultivation lesson. Don't waste this chance!"
Oliver stepped out to see his older brother, Ethan, setting down an armload of firewood. At sixteen, Ethan was already preparing for marriage. Oliver, at twelve, was the middle child, with six-year-old Emma rounding out the family.
"Right, I'm heading to Hunter William's now," Oliver replied.
Ethan nodded silently, returning to his work. Winter approached, and a good stock of firewood could mean the difference between life and death.
As Oliver made his way to the lesson, he reflected on how his enhanced farming had improved their lives. The family had managed to save three months' worth of food as tuition – an opportunity that would have been unthinkable before.
Two other boys were already waiting by the great willow tree near Hunter William's homestead. Dark-skinned and energetic Tommy waved in greeting, while round-faced and well-fed Henry merely glanced their way.
"Cutting it close, Ollie!" Tommy grinned. "Lucky the old hunter's still abed."
Before Oliver could reply, the creak of a door announced Hunter William's arrival. The burly, bearded man surveyed the trio with a nod of approval.
"Good, you're all here," he rumbled. "Let's not waste time. Qi cultivation is the foundation of our village's survival. It's the key to awakening your spirit roots and gaining the power to fend off monsters and bandits."
William's eyes gleamed with purpose. "Remember, nourishing Qi begins with nourishing the body. We'll start with a set of exercises to activate your blood and energy. Then, the real work begins!"
As the lesson commenced, Oliver's mind raced with possibilities. He knew the next skill recorded in his Codex would be crucial. The art of Qi cultivation could change everything – if he could master it.