Lukas moved with purpose through the bustling streets of the capital marketplace, his hood drawn low over his face to avoid unnecessary attention. His mind was set, and the plan was already in motion. He knew what he needed—bulk ingredients, rare herbs, and the finest alchemical materials the market could offer. The system pulsed faintly, guiding him through the crowds of merchants and vendors, highlighting the ones who carried the best-quality ingredients for his needs.
He scanned the marketplace, noting every small detail. The information network he had established with Selena's help had already informed him of which vendors could be trusted. Now it was a matter of acquiring everything without drawing too much attention. Lukas moved through the stalls, his eyes sharp as he quietly negotiated for the bulk materials he needed.
He approached a dimly lit stall nestled in the corner of the market, where a shadowy vendor known for carrying rare Ether-infused herbs awaited. The system flickered before Lukas, marking the vendor as a prime source.
"These," the vendor said, holding out a set of shimmering purple roots. "Spirit Roots from the Whispering Plains. You won't find better anywhere else."
Lukas examined the roots, his system confirming their potency. "I'll take them. Along with the Ether-rich herbs the Silverglade herbs."
The vendor asked. "How many do you need?"
Lukas responded. "All the ones you have."
The vendor grinned. "That's going to cost you a lot."
Lukas nodded, keeping his voice low. "That's not a problem."
After several minutes of negotiation, Lukas secured everything he needed. As he left the marketplace, his mind raced with plans. These ingredients were key to the mass production of the Pill of Ascension—a powerful pill that would push cultivation levels higher in a matter of days. He needed it to work not just for himself but for Marcus, Aurelia, Zane, and his elite troops.
---
Back at the Veridan estate, Lukas wasted no time. He retreated into his alchemy chamber, laying out the ingredients on a long stone table. The room was filled with the faint glow of alchemical flames, casting dancing shadows along the walls. The system interface hovered before him, guiding each step as he prepared the refinement process.
Pill of Ascension—that's what the system had named it. A pill designed to break through Ether Awakening bottlenecks, accelerate Ether absorption, and increase cultivation rapidly. But it wasn't easy to create. It required precision, and even the smallest mistake could render the batch useless. Lukas steeled himself, knowing he couldn't afford any errors.
The system provided live feedback as he worked. His hands moved swiftly, crushing the spirit roots and blending them with the silverglade herbs, the mixture glowing faintly as the alchemy furnace roared to life. Hours passed, but Lukas remained focused. The heat from the furnace intensified, yet he didn't falter, his mind locked onto the process.
---
By dawn, the first batch of pills was ready. The golden orbs pulsed faintly with energy, the light inside them swirling like trapped Ether. The Pill of Ascension had been perfected after several failures and lower quality pills, he was finally able to create the highest quality.
Lukas held one of the pills in his palm, feeling the immense power coursing through it. It was more potent than anything he had ever made before.
He didn't hesitate—he consumed one of the pills himself, feeling the energy surge through him almost instantly. The Ether within him stirred violently, rushing through his veins, filling every corner of his body with raw power. He felt the bottleneck of Level 6 begin to crack, and with a sharp exhale, he broke through to level 7. His Ether level continued to increase till he broke through to level 8 and the Ether level continued to increase and with one last push, he broke through to level 9 until his cultivation stabilized at level 9.
The system buzzed, displaying his new status.
[Status Updated]
- Level: 9 (Ether Awakening)
- New Skills Available
- Ether Points: 4,500
Lukas gritted his teeth as the power settled within him. His body felt lighter, stronger—like a weight had been lifted. He could feel the difference immediately. His control over Ether had sharpened, and his awareness of his surroundings was more precise.
---
With his own breakthrough complete, Lukas moved swiftly. He distributed the remaining pills to those closest to him.
Marcus was the first to receive his pill. His uncle, once a great warrior but now partially crippled, had already experienced a rejuvenation thanks to Lukas's earlier treatments. But this pill would take him further—back to his prime, if not beyond.
Marcus took the pill without hesitation, and as the energy flooded him, Lukas could see the change. His uncle's aura exploded outward, the air around him shimmering as he surged to Level 9 of Ether Awakening. Marcus clenched his fists, his body straightening, the old strength returning to his limbs. He gave Lukas a nod of gratitude, his eyes blazing with renewed power.
Next was Aurelia. Her sharp gaze never wavered as she accepted the pill, understanding the significance of what Lukas had created. She consumed it quietly, and almost immediately, her body began to radiate a fierce, controlled energy. Aurelia, already a genius in cultivation, felt the pill boost her power even further. She experienced multiple breakthroughs as her Ether manipulation became even more refined, pushing her to Level 9 of Ether Awakening.
Zane was last among the inner circle to receive his pill. Loyal and determined, he had worked tirelessly to strengthen himself, but the Pill of Ascension would push him beyond his limits. As he consumed it, Lukas could see the strain in his expression—pushing past the bottleneck was always difficult. But Zane had always been strong. He gritted his teeth and let the power flood through him, achieving multiple breakthroughs, finally stabilizing at Level 8 of Ether Awakening.
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With the core group strengthened, Lukas turned his attention to his elite troops. He gathered them in the training yard, explaining the purpose of the pills and the effect they would have on their cultivation. The soldiers, loyal to Lukas, listened carefully, their eyes wide with anticipation.
One by one, they consumed the weaker versions of the Pill of Ascension, and the transformation was immediate. Ether rippled through the air as the soldiers' cultivation levels began to rise. Some broke through to Level 6, others to Level 7, and a few of the most talented pushed as high as Level 8.
Lukas watched with satisfaction as the entire elite force began to radiate power, their cultivation heightened to levels far beyond that of any ordinary soldiers. He had transformed them into a formidable fighting unit—one capable of facing even the most powerful enemies.
---
By the end of the week, the Veridan estate was teeming with newfound energy. Lukas, now at Level 9, felt more prepared than ever to face the challenges ahead. Marcus, Aurelia, and Zane had also ascended to new heights, and his elite troops were no longer just highly trained—they were powerful cultivators in their own right.