Cultivation techniques, weapons, martial arts, and spell techniques were all classified using a star system, ranging from one to six stars, with six stars being the most powerful. The cultivation technique Amir was currently learning was a coveted 4-star. Such techniques were usually reserved for A and S-class individuals, while 5-star and the legendary 6-star techniques were the stuff of legends—powerful enough to spark wars, and often considered national treasures.
"Breathe in and let the mana in the room flow into you," Valerie instructed.
Amir sat cross-legged with Valerie's hands gently placed on his back. After two hours of focused work, he had finally begun to sense the mana around him, discerning the subtle differences between the elements. Although mana was one form of energy, upon closer inspection, slight variations became apparent.
'Okay, just like she said, I need to draw it in like I'm inhaling,' Amir thought.
As he breathed deeply, he felt his mind clear, and his body instinctively began to pull in the mana. It was an odd sensation—both physical and ethereal—as the energy started to flow into him.
'He's getting the hang of it,' Valerie thought, pleased with his progress.
"Now I'm going to guide the mana through your body. Watch closely and feel how it moves. Then, try to replicate it. We'll repeat the process," she explained.
For the next six hours, they practiced the technique, taking a break only after Amir had made significant progress.
"That's enough for now. How do you feel?" Valerie asked.
Amir stood up and stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from sitting for so long. "I feel great, just a bit sore," he replied.
Valerie nodded, standing up as well. "Good. You did pretty well for your first time."
Amir could feel the strength coursing through his body, far more potent than before. He thought back to his fight with the Ravi in the forest, realizing that with his newfound power, he could probably defeat it without suffering so many injuries. He noticed that all his wounds had healed, and the strange symbol on his chest had disappeared.
'I heal so quickly now, and that symbol vanishing… I'll have to figure that out later,' he mused.
His thoughts were interrupted by Valerie's voice.
"You've got a good grasp of the technique now, so you can practice on your own," she said. "But even though you understand it, I'll leave you a copy."
Valerie stepped closer, raising two fingers toward Amir. Instinctively, he flinched, still wary of her despite their contract. Noticing his reaction, Valerie reassured him.
"Relax. I'm just giving you the technique we practiced. Remember, we're bound by the contract—we can't hurt each other, or we'd both die."
Amir hesitated but eventually allowed her to proceed, though he remained on guard, just in case.
Valerie touched the side of his head as information filled his head. After taking a few seconds all the information about the technique in his head.
The Vortex Breathing Technique: is a 4-star cultivation technique known for its unique ability to draw in mana like a small but powerful vortex. This technique harnesses the natural flow of mana in the environment, pulling it into the user's body with a steady, spiraling force. As the mana is absorbed, it circulates through the practitioner's mana circuit, purifying and nourishing every part of the body. This process not only strengthens the mana veins but also enhances the body's overall resilience and power.
Amir's jaw nearly hit the floor when he learned the grade of the technique. A technique like this could drive people to murder just to get their hands on it.
"Who are you?" Amir blurted out, staring at Valerie in disbelief.
Valerie smiled, clearly amused by his reaction. "I'm a professor at the Magic School of Everfall," she replied, almost casually.
Amir could hardly believe it. There was no way a mere professor would have something like this just lying around. She had to be someone incredibly important. The strange cave, the fact that she handed him a 4-star technique as if it were nothing, and the overwhelming strength he now sensed from her all pointed to one thing—Valerie was far more powerful than she let on.
'But why? Why would someone like her go to such lengths for me?'
"Why are you doing this? I don't get it—this is too much!" Amir's voice was laced with confusion and frustration.
Valerie simply shrugged. "Because I felt like it," she said, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
Amir was stunned. He had expected some grand reason, like being a once-in-a-lifetime talent or her having a deep sense of justice. But no, it was just because she felt like it.
'To think she handed me a 4-star technique on a whim. That's what power does—it lets you do something so insane like it's nothing,' he thought, his fists tightening as the reality of her power sank in.
He craved that kind of power—the power to never be at the mercy of anyone, to live by his own rules, and to do whatever he wanted whenever he pleased. That was true power. Eagerly, he looked at Valerie, anticipation bubbling within him.
"Okay, what's next? You said you'd teach me a martial technique, right?" Amir asked, barely able to contain his excitement.
Valerie picked up the blanket from the floor as she responded. "It's not just a technique; it's an art. And I never said I'd be the one teaching it to you. Someone else will handle that."
"What do you mean? I thought you were going to train me until the exams," Amir said, confused.
"I can't do that because I'm a mage," Valerie explained. "But don't worry—a good friend of mine, who already knows all about you, will take over. He's been watching you for a long time."
Amir wasn't surprised to hear she was a mage—she didn't seem like the physical type. But he was frustrated to learn that more people knew about his bloodline.
So much for keeping it a secret, he sighed inwardly.
He had only just unlocked his bloodline, and already it seemed like everyone knew. It made him question how well he was managing to keep it hidden.
"How can I trust that whoever you're bringing in won't betray me? Are they going to sign a contract too?" Amir asked, wary.
Valerie shook her head. "No need. He'd rather die than betray me, and he's not in the business of killing kids, so you're safe."
Her words didn't exactly fill Amir with confidence, but he chose not to press the issue.
If she wanted to hurt me, there'd be no point in teaching me. I'll trust that whatever her plans are, they don't involve harming me, he reasoned.
"So, where's this person who's going to teach me now?" Amir asked.
"He won't be here for a while, but that doesn't mean I'm done teaching you. There's still a lot for you to learn."
Amir's spirits lifted at the news. To him, Valerie was like a treasure chest of incredible knowledge, and he couldn't wait to see what she would reveal next.
And so, they trained relentlessly. Amir learned mana sensing, element channeling, how to coat and harden his body with mana, and even how to hide his mana from others.
Time seemed to fly by as he absorbed everything with boundless enthusiasm. This was what he had dreamed of his whole life, and he didn't want to miss a single moment of learning something new about magic.
He couldn't tell how long they had been in the cave—it felt like an eternity—but he didn't care.
"That's everything for now," Valerie finally said as Amir sat cross-legged, a faint red glow surrounding him.
Opening his eyes, Amir stood up and stretched. He felt exhausted, but also more powerful than ever. He could sense even the tiniest traces of mana within a ten-meter radius.
'The world is so vibrant now that I can truly see it,' Amir thought, marveling at the room around him.
Tiny ethereal orbs of various colors floated in the air, giving the space a playful, almost magical feel. He turned to Valerie.
"So, are we done with training for now?" he asked.
"Yes, we're done for the time being. The person who will teach you next should arrive soon. Until then, feel free to explore the cave and use the different facilities," Valerie said.
With that, Amir got up and left the room through a door in the wall, ready to see what awaited him next.
'Just why am I not surprised.' Amir thought
The place was enormous—so vast that Amir couldn't even begin to estimate its true size. There were sprawling pools that shimmered under soft lighting, massive rooms furnished with elegance, and a lounge area filled with plush bean bags and a state-of-the-art kitchen that would put royal palaces to shame.
"What kind of cave is this?!" Amir exclaimed, his voice echoing through the expansive corridor.
There was no way he could believe Valerie was just a simple teacher. Not in a million years. She had to be the wealthiest person he'd ever encountered. If this was her idea of a makeshift training ground while on the move, he couldn't even imagine what her permanent residence looked like.
Shaking his head in disbelief, Amir chose a nearby room and headed straight for the bathroom. The shower was a revelation; crystal-clear water cascaded over him, washing away the grime and fatigue. He savored every second, relishing the luxury of cleanliness and the refreshing sensation that came with it. After brushing his teeth and drying off, he slipped back into his clothes and ventured into the bedroom.
The bed was massive and inviting, its soft mattress seeming to embrace him as he sat down. Amir sank into the comfort, feeling his body relax instantly. Sleep tugged at his eyelids, but before giving in, he had something to check.
"Hey, Status, show me my stats, please," he said aloud.
A soft ding resonated in the room as translucent text appeared before his eyes.
=== Status ===
Name: Amir
Titles: Child of Argos
Bloodline: Ancient Bloodline of Greed
Rank: F-
Strength: 14
Agility: 10
Stamina: 15
Mana Capacity: 12
Charm: 2
[Stat Points Available: 6]
Amir's eyes widened in surprise as he reviewed the numbers. Training with Valerie had paid off more than he expected.
"Wow, didn't think my stats would jump this much," he muttered, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. However, a thought dampened his excitement slightly. "But it seems like the status system doesn't do much besides distributing points."
After a moment's consideration, he decided to allocate all six points to Strength.
"Allocate all points to Strength," he instructed.
Another soft ding confirmed his choice, and the numbers adjusted accordingly.
Feeling a surge of vitality coursing through him, Amir leaned back against the headboard, contemplating. An idea sparked in his mind.
"Hey, Status, can I call you something else? 'Status' sounds a bit... impersonal," he asked curiously.
A brief pause followed before a response materialized.
[I am merely an extension of your power and do not require a name. However, if you wish to refer to me differently, that is your choice.]
Amir chuckled. "Well, aren't you the warm and friendly type," he quipped sarcastically. After a moment's thought, he snapped his fingers. "Alright, how about I call you Ralph?"
There was a fleeting silence before the response appeared.
[Acknowledged. You may refer to me as Ralph.]
"Much better," Amir said with a satisfied nod.
Exhaustion from the past week's intense training finally caught up with him. His eyelids grew heavy, and he sank deeper into the soft mattress, allowing the comfort to envelop him completely.
"Goodnight, Ralph," he mumbled as sleep began to claim him.
[Rest well, Amir.]
A small smile played on Amir's lips as he drifted off, comforted by the thought that this was just the beginning of his journey toward true power.