In the Yggdrasil realm Ajitha and Althaea were watching the process of Yggdrasil creating the cultivation techniques. The process had reached its culmination. The human incarnation formed from Yggdrasil's roots ceased absorbing mana, signaling the completion of the cultivation techniques it had been designed to create. Ajitha watched as the figure stood motionless, its purpose fulfilled, yet still radiating an aura of deep power.
Althaea stepped forward, her expression one of focused intent. With deliberate precision, she began to draw intricate symbols in the air. The symbols glowed with a soft, mystical light, infused with the ancient power of Yggdrasil. Her fingers traced each line with care, and as she finished, her fingers glowed with a brighter intensity. She then gently touched the human incarnation.
At her touch, the human figure began to transform. Its once-solid form dissolved into thin sheets of paper that floated gracefully in the air. These papers coalesced into scrolls, each one imbued with the knowledge and techniques the incarnation had cultivated.
Ajitha observed in awe as the scrolls took shape, each scroll representing a complete cultivation technique. The scrolls were not just records of power; they were detailed maps of energy flow, showcasing the precise circulation paths and methods for harnessing and refining mana. They held within them the secrets of growth and strength, drawn from the ancient knowledge of Yggdrasil.
As the transformation continued, Ajitha noticed the scrolls glowed with different colors, each hue signifying a distinct tier of cultivation technique. The scrolls floated gently in the air, a spectrum of colors, each representing the incredible power and knowledge they contained.
Althaea turned to Ajitha, her voice calm yet filled with reverence. "These scrolls represent the fruits of Yggdrasil's labor," she began, gesturing to the array of colors before them. "Each color signifies a different tier of cultivation technique, each suitable for a specific level of cultivation."
She pointed to a series of scrolls glowing with an earthy tone. "These are the Mortal Tier techniques," she explained. "They are suitable for cultivators up to the Mortal Level, the foundation for any beginner."
Next, she gestured toward a brighter set of scrolls. "These are the Transcendent Tier techniques, suitable for those at the Transcendent Level. They provide greater power and more complex methods of mana circulation."
As she continued, Althaea revealed the tiers one by one:
- Ethereal Tier: Suitable until the Immortal Level, these techniques refine the spirit and body to transcend mortality.
- Empyreal Tier: Suitable until the Eternal Level, these techniques align the cultivator with celestial forces, connecting them to higher realms.
- Zen Tier: A tier focused on balance and harmony, these techniques guide the cultivator toward inner peace and external strength.
- Apotheosis Tier: Suitable until the Supreme Kin Level, these techniques help the cultivator transcend mortal limitations, approaching godlike power.
- Radiant Tier: Suitable until the Divine Lord Level, these techniques harness the power of light and purity, strengthening the soul and energy.
- Mystic Tier: Suitable until the Celestial Monarch Level, these techniques tap into the mysteries of the universe, allowing for manipulation of space, time, and elemental forces.
- Heavenly Tier: Suitable until the Infinite Level, these techniques prepare cultivators for the verge of true immortality, aligning their essence with the divine.
- Supernal Tier: Suitable until the Sacred Level, these techniques represent the pinnacle of cultivation, granting unparalleled power and control over the very fabric of reality.
Ajitha's gaze lingered on the Supernal Tier scrolls, their brilliant light radiating an aura of supreme power. He knew these techniques would shape the future of his cultivation and the destiny he sought to forge.
Althaea continued, "Yggdrasil has created these techniques with precision and care. They represent the culmination of ages of knowledge, drawn from the essence of the universe itself."
Ajitha nodded, absorbing the significance of what lay before him. Each scroll was more than just a tool for power; it was a key to unlocking the mysteries of the cosmos, a guide to transcendence. As he stood before this array of knowledge, he felt a profound sense of purpose.
Althaea then added, her voice softer, "Remember, Ajitha, these techniques are rare and precious. Use them wisely, for they carry the weight of countless generations and the power of Yggdrasil itself."
Ajitha's mind raced with possibilities. These techniques would be invaluable, not just for his own cultivation but for the future he intended to shape when he opened the temporal stargate. The knowledge contained within these scrolls could be the foundation of a new era, one where humans would rise to greatness, armed with the power of Yggdrasil's wisdom.
But first, there was still much to learn and prepare for. He would need to study these techniques, understand them deeply, and integrate them into his plans.
Ajitha carefully collected the scrolls, feeling the weight of their knowledge and power. He held the Supernal tier scroll in his hands, its material imbued with an almost otherworldly texture, as if woven from threads of light and energy. With a deep breath, he unrolled it, expecting to see one profound technique.
Instead, what greeted his eyes left him stunned. "There are... eighteen cultivation techniques in this scroll!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief. "Eighteen Supernal tier cultivation techniques?"
Althaea, standing beside him with a serene expression, nodded calmly. "Yes, Ajitha. The Supernal tier techniques are incredibly complex and profound. That's why you find only eighteen of them in this scroll. The lower tier cultivation techniques, being less intricate, will naturally have more variations recorded."
Ajitha's mind raced as he quickly unrolled the Heavenly tier scroll next. His eyes widened as he counted over fifty distinct techniques. Each one seemed to hum with power, the symbols and pathways etched into the scroll radiating with hidden energies.
Unable to believe what he was seeing, Ajitha opened another scroll, this one containing lower-tier techniques. The sheer volume of cultivation methods inscribed within was staggering. He did a quick calculation in his head, the numbers piling up rapidly. "This… this must be thousands of cultivation techniques," he muttered to himself, astonished.
Turning to Althaea, he asked, "Is there some mistake? How can there be this many cultivation techniques? I thought there would only be one technique in each scroll."
Althaea's soft laughter filled the air, a sound like wind chimes tinkling in a gentle breeze. "Didn't you ask for all the cultivation techniques created by Yggdrasil?"
Ajitha nodded, still trying to wrap his mind around the vastness of what he was holding. "I did, but… I never imagined Yggdrasil would create so many."
Althaea's eyes gleamed with wisdom as she explained, "The Yggdrasil doesn't just create one perfect technique per tier. It experiments, refining the cultivation cycles over and over with the incarnation it forms. Each experiment results in a different technique, varying in potency and purpose."
She then gestured to the scroll in Ajitha's hands, her fingers brushing the air as if tracing invisible lines of power. "The techniques are ordered by their potency. The ones at the beginning of the scroll are powerful, but as you move towards the end, the techniques become increasingly refined and potent. The last technique in each scroll is the pinnacle of what Yggdrasil can create within that tier."
Ajitha's gaze returned to the scrolls, now with a deeper understanding of their significance. What he held wasn't just a collection of techniques—it was a library of wisdom, a spectrum of cultivation paths each meticulously crafted by Yggdrasil, the ancient tree that held the essence of life and power within its roots.
These techniques, from the simplest Mortal tier to the most profound Supernal tier, represented a journey of growth, each one a step closer to unlocking the ultimate potential of a cultivator's body, mind, and soul.
Ajitha carefully placed the scrolls into the spatial crack, his hands moving with a practiced ease that belied the complexity of the act. As the crack sealed shut, disappearing into nothingness, he turned back to Althaea, unaware of the shock on her face. The mastery of spatial laws he had just displayed was extraordinary, even among the highest echelons of cultivators. For a moment, Althaea's usually calm and composed demeanor wavered, but she quickly masked her surprise. This level of spatial manipulation was something even Omniscient Overlords struggled with, yet Ajitha had done it effortlessly.
Ajitha, focused on the task at hand, didn't notice her reaction. He looked to Althaea, waiting to see if the ritual was truly complete. She offered him a gentle smile, a smile that carried both pride and an unspoken understanding. Without a word, she began to chant once more, her voice weaving through the air like an ancient melody that resonated with the very essence of the Yggdrasil realm.
As she chanted, the ground trembled slightly, and once again, the Yggdrasil's roots emerged, but this time they formed something different. Instead of the hand-like appendages from before, the roots intertwined and shaped themselves into a figure—an entire body with two arms, legs, and a head, though devoid of any facial features. The form stood tall and motionless, exuding a quiet power that seemed to hum with life.
Ajitha studied the figure, his eyes narrowing as he tried to discern its purpose. It looked like a puppet, an empty vessel waiting for something—or someone—to give it purpose. Althaea stepped forward, her movements graceful and deliberate, and with a soft motion of her hand, she severed the connection between the puppet and Yggdrasil. The figure became fully autonomous, standing on its own in front of Ajitha.
Althaea gently handed the puppet to him, her expression softening. "I regret that I wasn't able to help you create a cultivation technique because of your half-variant nature," she said, her voice laced with genuine sorrow. "But you have done so much for Yggdrasil and for us elves. Even now, you're engulfed in sin flames, bearing that immense burden with no sign of suffering. But I know, Ajitha, I know how much you're enduring. All of this pain is because you chose to help us, to spare us from dirtying our hands."
She sighed, her breath heavy with the weight of her words. "Take this as a token of our appreciation. This puppet will assist you in creating a cultivation technique when you unlock your physique. It's the least we can offer for all you've sacrificed."
Ajitha felt a surge of emotion as he accepted the Yggdrasil puppet. This gift held more significance than anyone could imagine. For him, it wasn't just a tool—it was a lifeline. A way to ensure that even if he couldn't return to Elsinore, he wouldn't be lost to the void. His thoughts turned to the journey ahead, to the risks he would face in his attempt to travel back in time through the temporal stargate. The timeline he was planning to enter was fraught with dangers, and failure meant certain death. He knew his time was running out, with only three years left before the celestial power leaking from his nebula-core consumed him entirely.
The pristine white drop, the result of the ultimate battle between two powerful beings, was his last resort. If he could not find another way to unlock his physique, that drop held the key to his survival, to healing his wounds, and to giving him the power he needed. But Ajitha didn't want to rely on it—not yet. To him, it was more than just a source of power; it was a symbol of a final chance, one that he wasn't ready to use unless all other options were exhausted.
As he held the vessel, Ajitha couldn't help but think of the power he might gain in the future with its help. Yet, the thought of immense strength didn't bring him the comfort it once did. What good was power if his loved ones weren't by his side to share it? Even after ascending to the level of a God, there was an emptiness in him that no amount of strength could fill. It wasn't the countless battles or the wounds he'd suffered that pained him now—it was the absence of his family and friends, the people who had been his world.
For now, though, the ritual was complete. And with the Yggdrasil vessel in hand, Ajitha's next steps were set, even if the ultimate destination remained veiled in the mists of time.
Ajitha carefully placed the Yggdrasil vessel into his spatial expanse, the vast, otherworldly storage space he commanded with ease. He turned to Althaea, his expression one of deep gratitude. "Thank you for everything, your majesty Althaea," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
Althaea responded with a gentle smile, her eyes shining with warmth. "It's nothing," she replied softly. "This was something you deserved, Ajitha. You've done more for us than words can express." With that, she manifested a scroll in her hand, its parchment glowing faintly with a mystical light. She extended it to Ajitha, who took it with a look of confusion.
He studied the scroll for a moment, then looked back at Althaea, seeking answers. Before he could ask, she spoke, a playful lilt in her voice. "What will you do with the Yggdrasil's vessel once you have it? Do you know how to use it properly?"
Ajitha thought for a moment, recalling the process he had witnessed earlier. "First, I need to give it a few drops of my blood to impart my genetic information. After that, it will be able to absorb mana and help create cultivation techniques suited specifically for me." He paused, his brow furrowing as a realization dawned on him. "But wait… You won't be there when I unlock my physique in the future. How will I convert the vessel into scrolls containing those techniques?"
Althaea's smile widened, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Exactly," she said. "That's why I've given you this scroll. It contains the method to convert the vessel into scrolls of cultivation techniques when the time comes."
Ajitha felt a wave of relief wash over him. This precaution was something he hadn't even considered, and now he was grateful beyond words. He bowed deeply to Althaea, his respect for her growing even more. "Thank you, your majesty Althaea. I wouldn't know what to do without your guidance."
Althaea waved her hand dismissively, though her expression remained kind. "There's no need for such formality between us, Ajitha. You've given so much already. This is the least I could do."
Straightening up, Ajitha asked, "Should we leave now?"
Althaea nodded and led him out of Yggdrasil's realm, taking him through a secret passage that twisted and turned through the very fabric of Elsinore. The passage was lit by a soft, ethereal glow that seemed to come from the walls themselves, casting long shadows as they walked. Althaea had chosen this route to avoid causing a stir among the citizens of Elsinore, who would surely be alarmed to see Ajitha engulfed in sin flames.
As they neared the exit, Althaea stopped and turned to him one last time. "Take care, Ajitha. The path you walk is fraught with dangers, but I believe in your strength and your resolve. May the Yggdrasil guide you when the time comes."
Ajitha inclined his head, acknowledging her words. "Thank you, Your Majesty Althaea. For everything." With that, he stepped out of the passage and embarked on his journey back to his planet.
As Ajitha soared through the cosmos, leaving Elsinore behind, the vastness of space stretched out before him. Stars twinkled like distant memories, and the dark void served as a silent witness to his thoughts. The journey through the stars was swift, yet it gave him time to reflect on all that had transpired. Elsinore, though far away from his own world, had given him new tools, new hope. But now, his focus shifted back to the challenges waiting for him on his own planet.
After a time that seemed both eternal and fleeting, Ajitha arrived at his planet. The familiar sight of his sovereign palace greeted him, its towering spires and ancient architecture standing as a testament to the legacy he carried. Yet the palace felt different now—less like a sanctuary and more like a waypoint on his ongoing journey.
As he descended to the palace grounds, Reginald, his trusted confidant, was there to greet him. The concern in Reginald's eyes was evident as he saw the sin flames flickering around Ajitha, but he said nothing, simply bowing in respect.
"Welcome back, my lord," Reginald said, his voice steady. "I trust your journey was fruitful?"
Ajitha nodded. "It was, Reginald. Much was gained, but there is still much to do."
With that, Ajitha made his way through the grand halls of the palace, the weight of his responsibilities settling heavily on his shoulders. He knew that time was running out, and every moment was precious. Reginald followed at a respectful distance, his presence a silent reassurance.
As Ajitha entered his private sanctum, the room where he often meditated and planned, he felt a sense of purpose. The sin flames still danced around him, a constant reminder of the power he wielded and the price he paid for it. He could feel the celestial energy leaking from his nebula-core, the ticking clock that marked his remaining time. But instead of fear, there was only resolve in his heart.
Ajitha sat down, cross-legged, and began to meditate. He focused on the future—on the time he would soon travel to, on the cultivation techniques that would help him unlock his true potential. As his mind delved deeper into his thoughts, the palace around him faded, and he was left alone with the vast universe within him—a universe filled with both peril and promise.