Finn decided to sleep, and surprisingly, he slept soundly through the night. The next morning, he followed his routine—working out and making his own breakfast, refusing the opulence he had grown accustomed to. He figured his future wouldn't afford such luxuries and he might as well get used to self-reliance.
The countdown read 33 hours to freedom, but Finn was still unsure if he'd be holding his family's hand when the timer hit zero.
A sudden knock interrupted his thoughts. He opened the door to find Amelia and Alexander standing there. He just stared at them, not bothering to invite them in, maintaining his silence.
After an awkward pause, Amelia spoke up, "Invite us in?"
"Why?" Finn responded curtly.
Alexander took a deep breath. "I admit to being an asshole, and we both regret submitting the report that got Eddy fired and…"
"And blacklisted," Finn interjected sharply.
Alexander nodded. "Yes, and blacklisted."
"So, what do you two want?" Finn asked, his curiosity tinged with irritation.
Amelia stepped forward, her tone almost pleading. "We need to talk, Finn. We took self-defense classes, but we weren't as dedicated as you. We need your help."
Finn sighed, genuinely surprised at their request. Amelia was often lost in her own world, and Alexander rarely admitted fault. "Fine," he said, stepping aside to let them in.
They sat down, and Finn began explaining basic moves and simple maneuvers Eddy had taught him. To his surprise, both siblings were attentive and eager to learn.
Despite his usual aloofness, Alexander showed a rare humility. Finn sighed inwardly; his brother was a pragmatist, willing to set aside grudges for potential gain. He was, in many ways, a younger version of their grandfather.
Amelia and Alexander proved to be quick learners. After a few hours of intense practice, they were exhausted but visibly more confident.
As they sat catching their breath, Amelia broke the silence with a thoughtful look on her face. "Have you considered why the system is investing so heavily in our training?" she asked.
Finn shrugged. "Not really. Why?"
Amelia leaned forward, her expression serious. "It's not just about our individual growth. Think about it—there are approximately 756 million children on Earth between the ages of 12 and 17. The system is selecting this age group specifically because it's a critical developmental period. Adolescents are more adaptable, more resilient, and more capable of rapid growth in both mind and body."
Alexander chimed in, "Right. The system's teachers are from other races and universes, bringing their unique expertise and methodologies. These instructors earn contribution points based on our performance. The harder the dungeon, the more points they earn. This creates a powerful incentive for them to train us to the best of their abilities. It's a merit-based system that discourages sabotage and encourages excellence."
Finn raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, what's the bigger picture?"
Amelia's eyes gleamed with insight. "This isn't just about us becoming stronger for the sake of it. The system is preparing us for large-scale conflicts, possibly even inter-universal wars. By strengthening the younger generation across various worlds, they're ensuring a well-trained, highly capable force ready to face any threats. It's a strategic investment in the future of their civilizations."
Alexander nodded, adding, "Consider the resources they're pouring into this. The infrastructure, the cross-racial cooperation, the advanced training techniques—none of this is cheap or easy, they going to consume most of our universe. This system wouldn't do it unless there was a pressing need. War, inter-universal conflicts, power struggles—we are being prepared for something massive."
Amelia then drew a parallel to Earth. "Think about how Earth does the same thing. Military academies, specialized training programs, even youth sports—these are all investments in developing discipline, strength, and strategic thinking. Governments and organizations pour resources into these programs because they know the value of a well-prepared, physically and mentally resilient population. The cultivation system is doing the same thing, but on a much grander scale."
Finn absorbed their words, a new understanding dawning on him. "And everyone on Earth has the option for a tutorial dungeon , right?"
"Exactly," Alexander confirmed. "The tutorial dungeon is accessible to everyone. It's designed to push individuals to their limits and beyond, preparing them for the challenges they'll face in their dungeons and beyond. This universal access ensures that the entire population can improve, not just the young. It's a comprehensive strategy to elevate the strength and capabilities of the entire human race."
Finn looked at his siblings. They had always been smart, but this was something else. "Why are you telling me this?"
Amelia sighed. "Finn, you may think we hated you, but we were trying to help. Before the system, you were never going to get anywhere. We wanted to push you to be better."
Finn pointed at Alexander. "And what does him physically pushing me have to do with helping?"
Alexander looked at Finn seriously. "It was to motivate you. Every time I pushed you, goaded you, you responded by trying harder and doing more. I realize now that I crossed boundaries, but it was for your benefit. You've always had potential, Finn, but you needed a push, I was molding you"
Finn stared at his brother, processing his words. It was true—he had always responded to Alexander's taunts by working harder. It had driven him to excel, even when he resented it.
Before the impending merging with the cultivation system, Finn's love for martial arts wouldn't have taken him anywhere in the old world. It was a niche interest, a hobby that people often dismissed as impractical. But now, with the merging of the cultivation world, everything had changed. The very skills he honed out of passion and discipline were now his gateway to unimaginable opportunities. His siblings' harsh methods, though painful, had honed his resilience and determination. They had been wrong about his future potential in the old world, but in this new reality, Finn's dedication to martial arts was invaluable.
Amelia and Alexander both looked relieved. "We just want what's best for you, Finn," Amelia said softly.
Before the impending merging with the cultivation system, martial arts wasn't going to get him anywhere. But now, the very discipline he had been honing would be his greatest asset.
Alexander quipped, "Grandfather is hiding something from us."
Amelia and Finn looked at him sharply. "What do you mean?" Amelia asked.
Alexander's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "I don't know exactly," he admitted, "but I have a feeling. I've always been good at reading people, and he isn't telling us everything. There's something more going on, something he's keeping from us."
Finn hummed, uncertainty gnawing at him. His grandfather was a man of many secrets, a strategist who always played his cards close to his chest. The idea that he was hiding something significant was not far-fetched.
Finn looked at his siblings. They had always been smart, but this was something else. They were strategizing, piecing together a puzzle that was far more complex than he had ever imagined. His mind raced with possibilities, the implications of his grandfather's secrecy adding a new layer of intrigue to their already tumultuous situation.
With a new understanding and a sense of unity, the three siblings prepared for the challenges ahead. The cultivation system wasn't just a path to personal power; it was a grand strategy, a preparation for battles that transcended their current understanding. The mysteries of the system, their grandfather's hidden agendas, and the impending trials would test them in ways they had never anticipated. But Finn, with his newfound resolve and his siblings by his side, felt ready to embrace whatever the future held.
As they planned their next steps, Finn couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The merging of worlds was not just an end but a beginning. And in this new era, armed with his martial prowess and the support of his siblings, he was ready to carve out his destiny.