Chapter 4: Dawn of Luminara
Continuing his cultivation through the night, Alex opens his eyes as the sun rises through his window.
"Finally, I've reached Low Rank 1, and my special essence energy is called 'Luminara,' a light-type elemental energy, which is quite rare!" Apparently, Luminara essence energy is a luminous, purifying force with the unique ability to transmute and harmonize with other elements, reflecting a profound cosmic connection.
"That's interesting," Alex thinks. "So I'm like the bane of evil forces?"
Feeling a sense of achievement for managing to break through to Rank 1, he knows that the journey will only get harder from here...
Feeling tired from cultivating all night, he decides to go back to sleep until it's time to work again.
At the gate of Goldenwell Village:
"Welcome back, Grandfather!" Hari greets his grandfather.
"Welcome back, Village Head," Robic greets Demarcus Goldenwell, who, unlike most of the Goldenwell villagers, has a huge build with golden hair and black eyes.
"You've been working hard, I see. Is anything new in the village?" Demarcus asks.
"There is a new visitor to the village; his name is Alex. Apparently, his merchant caravan was attacked on the road by a Rank 1 Sylvan Shadow Wolf!"
"That sounds unusual. Sylvan Shadows don't usually attack the roads close to the village."
"Yeah, he said they went off-road; maybe that's why they were attacked."
"Hmm, maybe it is. Anyway, keep up the good work. I need to go back and update the village council about my trip."
"Take care, Grandfather."
"Take care, Village Head."
After the village head left, Hari said to Robic, "Do you think my grandfather will meet Alex?"
"Probably. We don't get a lot of visitors in our village."
"Yeah, probably. Alright, we only have 2 hours left until our shift ends. Stay vigilant, Robic."
Robic didn't say anything, maintaining his usual stoic look on his face.
As Demarcus made his way through the village, heading to the village hall to report the news about his trip, he was greeted warmly by the villagers. As he walked, he thought, "We haven't had a visitor in the village in a few months; I should pay a visit to that young man."
After a few minutes, Demarcus arrived at the village hall. As he entered the council room, he was greeted by the village elders.
"Welcome back, Village Head," each one of them said.
"Take a seat, elders. I have come to update you about my trip. The trip to Wolfden wasn't wasted," Demarcus stated.
After the elders took their seats, Demarcus began to speak: "My trip to the capital wasn't wasted. I managed to secure, through connections with the Wolfden Mayor, three spots for our village at the tournament."
"Three spots? Who do we send? This tournament, for the top 10 spots to get into the trials of Tempestis Imperial Academy, is incredibly important for the prosperity of our village," said one of the elders.
"Elder Toldelm is right. If anyone from our village secures one of the top 10 spots, our village will receive 10 gold essence coins. That's enough to sustain our village for many years, and this reward is only for the top 10! The first place will get 100 gold essence coins," said one of the elders named Gavum.
"I know our situation is not ideal. Most of our young cultivators haven't developed enough, but we don't have a choice. A week from now, we will hold a selection here to decide who will go to the tournament in Wolfden Town," Demarcus said.
After he finished speaking, he returned to his house, and the elders continued to discuss among themselves. At home, he kept thinking about who to send to the tournament.
'My eldest grandson, Hari, is strong enough to go, but securing one of the top 10 spots will be tough. We will have to select carefully who is going,' Demarcus pondered.
Entering his house demarcus took a rest for the day from his trip.
Back in Alex's room, he is already up, getting ready to go downstairs to grab something to eat before starting work.
After getting ready, he goes down to the first floor, where he sees Nimmia.
"Hello, Nimmia, can I get something to eat?" Alex asks.
"Sure, let me get you something," Nimmia replies, looking at Alex and feeling something off about him.
A minute later, she comes back with a beef stew, placing it on the table in front of Alex.
She asks in surprise, "Did you reach Low Rank 1 already?"
He answers, "Yes, just this morning. I guess I'm pretty talented."
"It took me four months to get to Low Rank 1 since I started cultivating. I guess you are more talented than me. Maybe talents like yours can only be found in the Imperial City," Nimmia comments.
"Imperial City; I must get there one day, but I feel like cultivating Mid Rank will be a lot harder," Alex says.
"Yes, it just gets harder and harder," Nimmia agrees.
"By the way, Nimmia, how do I get spells?" Alex inquires.
Some people at the inn look at him strangely.
"Oh, that depends on your element. Because my essence energy, Auric Mending, is an uncommon grade element, we have some special spells exclusive to our element. Those spells are deeply rooted in us, and we only get to know them when we reach certain ranks. For example, when I reached Mid Rank 1, I got a Tier 0 spell called 'Luminous Refresh' that you saw earlier, and I also got a Tier 1 spell called 'Luminous Mend,' a healing spell that heals minor injuries, alleviates pain, and boosts energy. But we can also use basic element spells associated with water or light," Nimmia explains.
"I see, that sounds interesting. I wonder when I will get mine," Alex says.
"By the way, Alex, what essence energy did you awaken?" Nimmia asks.
"Oh, I awakened something called Luminara. Apparently, it's a rare-grade essence energy element," Alex replies.
"Oh my God, rare grade? I've never heard of them before," Nimmia exclaims, and some of the people look at Alex in surprise.
One of them says, "Rare element? Young man, you have a bright future!"
"Thank you, thank you!" Alex says.
"It sounds like it's associated with the light element. If you want to get some light element spells, you'll have to get permission from my grandfather," Nimmia tells him.
"I understand, Nimmia, thank you," Alex responds, thinking to himself, "It always comes down to the permission of the village head, huh."
"Okay, have a good meal," Nimmia says as she leaves Alex's table.
After Nimmia leaves, Alex starts eating his meal. After finishing, he gets up and heads to the kitchen to start washing the dishes.
"Nimmia, I've finished my meal. I'm heading to the kitchen to start working," Alex says.
Nimmia nods in affirmation.
Entering the kitchen, he greets Eliss, "Ma'am, I have come to start washing the dishes again."
"Oh, Alex, it's you. I see you have reached Low Rank 1. It looks like you have great talent," Eliss says.
"Yes! Just this morning," Alex confirms.
"Okay, get to work. Don't forget, today, after you finish washing all the dishes, my husband and I will be taking you to see my father. I will help you get his permission to use the library," Eliss informs him.
"I will not forget; thank you, ma'am," Alex replies.
Making his way to wash the dishes, Alex washes them for a few minutes until Syf comes and asks him, "Oh, Alex, you've reached Low Rank 1, congratulations!"
"Thank you, sir," Alex replies.
"Alright, if you have questions about cultivation, don't be shy to ask," Syf says, leaving Alex to continue washing the dishes.
Alex looks out the window and sees that it's already dark outside. 'I've finally finished washing the dishes; now it's time to meet the village head,' he thinks.
He goes to Eliss and says, "I've finished washing all the dishes."
"Great, Alex, let's get you to meet my father," she says as Alex, Eliss, and Syf make their way out of the kitchen.
"Nimmia, we're taking Alex to meet Grandpa, finish cleaning the place, and lock the door behind us," Eliss calls out.
"Okay, Mom. Good luck, Alex!" Nimmia responds.
"Thank you, Nimmia," Alex answers.
Exiting the inn, they make their way towards the village head's house. On the way, Eliss says to Alex, "So, Alex, what kind of essence energy did you awaken?"
She asks curiously, and Syf also looks curious after she asks.
"I awakened a light type of elemental essence energy, and it's grade is rare," Alex explains.
"Rare grade; I've seen a few of those in my days. You are pretty lucky," says Syf, with Eliss also looking surprised.
After a few minutes, they arrive at the village head's house. The house is a grand yet cozy timber and stone structure, featuring a thatched roof and intricate wood carvings, embodying the village's rich heritage and connection to the natural world.
Getting in front of the front door, Eliss opens it and calls out, "Father, it's me, Eliss."
And from the kitchen of the house, Demarcus replies, "I'll be there in a second."
After a few seconds, Demarcus exits the kitchen, standing in front of Alex, Eliss, and Syf, and says, "So you must be Alex, the traveler."
"Yes, sir. It's nice to meet you," Alex greets him.
"Father, we came here to ask for your permission for Alex to use the library. He has been helping me a bit at the inn, and I can vouch for his character," Eliss explains.
"The library? What do you need the library for, young man? If you don't mind me asking," Demarcus inquires.
"I am traveling to learn more about the world. Where I came from is pretty secluded and peaceful, so I left home to travel," Alex shares.
"I see, a young traveler, just like our ancestor. Okay, let me think." Demarcus thinks so, considering the request. 'This young traveler looks interesting, but his cultivation is only at Low Rank 1. What shall I have him do in exchange for access to the library?'
[To be continued...]