Chapter 3: Awakening the Qi
Evelyn awoke to the dim light of the forest's strange, green-tinted dawn. Her body ached from the rough night she had spent huddled between rocks, but she was alive. That was something. With no sign of the serpent, she took a deep breath and opened the cultivation manual in her mind.
The knowledge flooded her consciousness—details about Qi, the life force of the universe, and the first steps to absorb it.
[Basic Qi Gathering Technique: Step 1—Breathe with intent. Feel the energy of the environment.]
Evelyn sat cross-legged and closed her eyes. She tried to clear her mind, letting her thoughts dissolve into the sound of rustling leaves. Slowly, she inhaled. The cool air filled her lungs, and, for the first time, she sensed something strange—a subtle energy, like static in the air.
[Step 2—Circulate Qi through the body's meridians.]
The concept felt bizarre—meridians? She had read about them in old martial arts manuals, but now they were real. She focused on the sensation, imagining the Qi like a stream of water flowing through her. At first, nothing happened. But then, just as frustration began to creep in, a faint warmth stirred in her chest.
Her eyes flew open. The warmth spread, like a glowing ember igniting inside her. It was exhilarating.
[Cultivation Progress: 2% toward Mortal Realm (Initial).]
Evelyn frowned. "That's… not much." She sighed, realizing she had a long way to go.
Her thoughts drifted to the challenges ahead. She had survived the night, but that horned serpent was just one threat among many. This world wasn't going to go easy on her.
The system chimed again:
[New Quest: Establish a Foundation.]
Objective: Reach 25% progress in Mortal Realm (Initial).
Reward: Qi-Infused Compass (Item).**
"A compass?" Evelyn murmured. "I guess that's the system's way of nudging me to keep moving."
Just as she stood to stretch, she heard a low growl behind her. Her heart leapt into her throat. Slowly, she turned to see a creature emerge from the undergrowth—a sleek, wolf-like beast with fur that shimmered like metal.
[Ironfang Wolf – Rank 2 Beast.]
Danger level: Extreme.]
"Oh, come on!" Evelyn hissed, backing away cautiously. The wolf bared its teeth, silver fangs glinting in the light.
Her mind raced. Fighting wasn't an option. She needed to run. Now.
The wolf lunged. Evelyn twisted away just in time, narrowly avoiding its snapping jaws. She sprinted into the forest, adrenaline flooding her veins. Trees whipped past her, branches slashing at her arms, but she didn't care. She couldn't afford to stop.
The wolf was relentless, its claws tearing through the earth as it chased her. Evelyn knew she wouldn't be able to outrun it for long.
"Think, Evelyn, think!" she muttered between ragged breaths.
Then, inspiration struck. She remembered the Qi she had gathered earlier—the ember of warmth in her chest. Could she use it? Desperation fueling her, Evelyn focused on that ember, willing it to spread through her limbs.
The warmth ignited, rushing through her body like wildfire. Her legs felt lighter, her muscles stronger. She pushed harder, running faster than she ever had before.
[New Skill Unlocked: Qi-Enhanced Movement (Rank 1).]
Description: Temporarily boost speed and agility using Qi. Increases movement speed by 15%.**
Evelyn grinned despite herself. "Now we're talking!"
She spotted a steep hill ahead, the terrain uneven and rocky. It was risky, but it might slow the wolf down. Without hesitation, she sprinted toward it.
The wolf followed, snarling as it scrambled over the rocks. But Evelyn was faster now, her Qi-enhanced body moving with unnatural grace. She vaulted over a fallen log, narrowly avoiding another swipe from the wolf's claws.
Finally, she reached the top of the hill and spotted salvation—a massive tree with a hollowed-out trunk. She dove inside just as the wolf lunged. Its claws raked the entrance, but it couldn't fit through.
Panting, Evelyn pressed herself against the back of the hollow, heart pounding in her chest. The wolf snarled and snapped outside, but after a few moments, it gave up and slinked away into the forest.
[Quest Progress: 10% toward Mortal Realm (Initial).]
Evelyn let out a shaky laugh, relief washing over her. "I really need to stop almost dying."
She leaned back, catching her breath. The system chimed once more:
[New Achievement Unlocked: First Escape.]
Reward: Minor Qi Elixir.]
A glowing vial materialized before her, filled with a faintly glowing liquid. Evelyn grabbed it and stared at the contents, still trying to process everything.
"This is insane," she whispered. But as crazy as it was, she knew one thing for sure: she had to adapt. Quickly.
There was no going back to her old life. Not until she found a way to survive—and maybe, just maybe, find her brother in this strange new world.
And for that, she would need to cultivate. Fast.