Even though Jacob had been relentlessly pushing his body to its limits, each day bringing new aches and bruises, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was missing. His body had grown stronger—there was no doubt about that—but what about his mind?
The fire of the Dragon Hippo technique was within him, but he realized he had slacked off in other areas, especially when it came to understanding this new world. He had spent weeks on the farm, toiling away, but aside from his brief encounter with the scrolls and Zuri's teachings, he hadn't learned much about the land he now called home. And that, Jacob knew, was a mistake.
After all, power without knowledge was like wandering in the dark. It was time to change that.
---
That evening, after finishing his farm work, Jacob made a decision. Instead of collapsing into bed like he usually did, he headed for the small study in the farmhouse. There, among the shelves of old books and manuscripts, were the keys to understanding this strange world.
He sat down, the musty scent of aged paper filling his nose as he pulled a thick, leather-bound tome from the shelf. The title was indecipherable to him at first glance, the language still foreign to his eyes, but he was determined. He had made progress in understanding the language, thanks to the occasional lessons from Zuri and the bits and pieces he'd picked up from conversation, but it wasn't enough. His speech was still broken, his comprehension slow.
Jacob had learned the hard way that understanding the language was crucial to his survival here. If he was going to survive—no, thrive—in this world, he needed to understand not just its language but its history, its customs, its dangers.
With a grunt of determination, he opened the book and began reading. The script was difficult to follow, and at first, his eyes glazed over as the words seemed to blur together. But Jacob wasn't one to give up easily. He read slowly, carefully piecing together the sentences, using the knowledge he had gained over the past few weeks to bridge the gaps.
The book he had chosen was a history of the region, and as he read, the world around him began to take shape. He learned that this land was part of a vast continent called **Great Eros**, a place rich with ancient traditions, powerful sects, and old feuds. The more he read, the clearer the picture became.
The region he was in—known as **Zhariel**—was once a thriving center of trade and commerce. It had been ruled by powerful clans and sects, each vying for dominance in a land rich with resources and mystical energy. The very air here seemed to pulse with latent power, a fact Jacob now understood better, thanks to his cultivation training. The old texts hinted at wars fought between rival factions, all seeking control over this precious energy.
But something had changed. The text became vaguer as he delved deeper into the history, but it was clear that Zhariel had fallen into decline over the years. The great clans had either disappeared or gone into hiding, their power diminished. There were references to a **Great Cataclysm**, though the book offered few details. Jacob's brow furrowed as he read about the mysterious event, but it was clear that whatever had happened had scarred the land deeply.
**Great Eros** itself was vast, much larger than Jacob could have imagined. The continent was divided into regions, each ruled by different factions, some noble, others less so. There were mentions of powerful kingdoms to the north, merchant republics to the west, and lawless territories to the south. And all across the continent, there were whispers of ancient sects still holding on to the vestiges of their old power, hidden away in remote places, biding their time.
---
As the days passed, Jacob incorporated reading into his daily routine. He would wake up early, work the farm with all the newfound strength he had gained from the Dragon Hippo technique, and once his physical training was done, he would return to the books.
Each day brought new revelations.
He discovered more about the people who lived here, their customs, their beliefs. The people of Zhariel had a deep respect for the land and its mystical properties. Much like the cultivation sects of the old world, they revered the natural energy that flowed through everything, calling it **Ether**.
Jacob's understanding of the language improved too. His speech was still rough, but the more he read, the more the words made sense to him. He began practicing speaking aloud in the evenings, repeating phrases he had read, trying to mimic the way Zuri and Zephyr spoke. At first, his tongue felt clumsy, like he was trying to shape sounds that didn't quite fit, but gradually, he started to feel more confident. His accent was still thick, but his sentences began to form more naturally.
---
One evening, as Jacob sat in the study, his eyes scanning over the latest history book he had chosen, Zuri entered the room. She glanced at the pile of books on the table, her eyebrows raising slightly in surprise.
"You've been busy," she remarked, sitting down across from him.
Jacob nodded, setting the book down. "I...want learn...more," he said, his words slow but clear.
Zuri smiled, a hint of approval in her eyes. "You're making progress," she said, picking up one of the books and flipping through it. "But don't forget—the mind and body must grow together. Knowledge is important, yes, but so is strength. The two must be balanced."
Jacob nodded again, understanding what she meant. He had always known that. Even back in his old world, balance was key. Too much of one thing, and you lost sight of the bigger picture.
"Zephyr is impressed with your progress," Zuri continued, her voice soft. "But be careful. He's pushing you harder because he believes you can handle it. Don't prove him wrong."
Jacob smiled slightly, though his mind was already drifting back to the text. "I...won't."
---
The days turned into weeks, and Jacob's routine remained the same. He trained his body during the day, his muscles growing stronger and more defined, while at night, he trained his mind, pouring over the old texts, trying to absorb as much information as he could. His understanding of the world was growing, and with it, his place in it.
The fire inside him, the one that had been kindled by the Dragon Hippo technique, now burned even brighter. It was no longer just about strength—it was about purpose. About understanding. Jacob was no longer just a lost soul in a foreign land. He was becoming something more.
As he closed the book one evening, his hands resting on the worn cover, Jacob couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. There was still so much he didn't know, so much he had yet to understand, but he was getting there. Slowly but surely, he was carving out his place in this world.
And he knew, deep down, that this was only the beginning.