The wolf's expression changed, its ears perking up slightly. 'Yes, there are. Cultivators are individuals who harness spiritual energy to refine their minds, bodies, and spirits. They strive for higher states of being, seeking balance within themselves and with the world.'
"'But what's the current state of cultivators here?' Eric asked, his curiosity piqued.
"The wolf's tail drooped, its voice laced with sorrow. 'They're oppressed, Eric. The governments, they... they fear what they don't understand. And then there's the Emporium, a notorious organization that's been around since the last century. They discovered a mystic realm, a place of ancient power, and exploited it for their own gain.'
"The Emporium?
"Yeah..The Emporium is a powerful organization of cultivators who believe that there is more to the world than what meets the eye. They seek to unlock hidden secrets and harness ultimate power. To achieve this, they aim to bring all cultivators under their control, believing that unity and centralization are key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe."
"'What happened to this mystic realm?' Eric asked again, sensing a darker tale unfolding.
"'The government confiscated it, Eric. They created a... a sanctuary, they call it. A place where cultivators can "safely" cultivate, away from the rest of society. But it's a prison, Eric. A gilded cage. They're forced to live there, to hone their powers in secret, never allowed to show their true abilities to the world.'
"The wolf's eyes seemed to cloud over, its gaze distant. 'The Emporium still pulls the strings from behind the scenes, manipulating the governments, controlling the flow of spiritual energy... It's a delicate balance, Eric. And you, with the Orb's power... you're now a part of this world, whether you like it or not.'
"The wolf's expression changed, its tail wagging slightly as it smiled. 'But fret not, Eric. Your mother could help you.'
"Eric's eyes widened in shock. 'My mother? You know my mother?'
"'Diana Lord,' the wolf said, its voice filled with a knowing glint. 'Yes, I know her. And I know her secrets.'
"Eric's mind reeled as he tried to process the wolf's words. His mother, weak and sickly, poisoned after his father's death, with only two years left to live... or so he thought.
"'What do you mean?' Eric asked, his voice barely above a whisper. 'My mother is dying. She's been bedridden for years.'
"The wolf chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. 'A ploy, Eric. A clever ruse to confuse the government and the Emporium. Your mother is far more cunning than you give her credit for.'
"Eric's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. 'What do you mean? Why would she pretend to be dying?'
"'To protect you, Eric,' the wolf replied, its eyes serious. 'To give you a chance at a normal life, free from the machinations of the Emporium and the government's watchful eyes. Your mother has been playing a long game, Eric. And now, with the Orb's power within you, I think you could protect her when the need arise'
"'What does the Emporium want from my mother?' Eric asked, his mind racing with possibilities.
"The wolf's expression turned grave, its ears folding back slightly. 'The Emporium unearthed something from the mystic realm. And that's where they got to know the Orb and secrets of the Orb from , before the government seized control from them. They thought they understood its power, but only they knew the truth.'
"'What truth?' Eric pressed on, his curiosity piqued.
"'The Emporium has been searching for a relic, a Mysterious Orb that can grant its wielder unimaginable power without the need for cultivation,' the wolf replied, its voice low and serious. 'They believe your mother knows the location of this Orb, or at least, has information about it.'
"'But why? What makes this Orb so special?' Eric asked, his eyes locked onto the wolf's.
"'