He was also in a remote corner of one of the seven empires, the Starfall Empire.
It has vast territory and terrifying power under its control that let it rule the land for thousands of years. And the Black Iron village is at the border of it.
If it weren't for the nearby Black Iron mine, the empire might never have known about this village. The village's name changed only after the discovery of Black Iron ore, and its conditions improved significantly. At least now, there was enough food for the villagers, and a few lucky ones could even learn martial arts.
This led him to suspect that Instructor Lucas—and possibly even old Joseph—were originally from the empire, as both seemed knowledgeable in martial arts.
After finishing the first book, he moved his mind to the second box, which seemed to provide a general introduction to martial arts.
He was also quite interested in this, as he didn't know much. His major knowledge of martial arts was tightly guarded in his previous life, as he was without any background. What he knew was from rumours, which is not assuring at all.
Ash quickly opened the thin book that mentioned the basics of martial arts. The first section described what martial arts were, according to the author.
According to the book, martial arts are the way through which human bodies can break their weak racial limit and move forward in the path of transcendence. It was also the purest path that needed understanding and hard work without direct dependence on others.
Martial arts are also divided into different levels and stages, ranked from low to high:
Third-rate martial artists – Beginners who have just condensed inner energy gas within their bodies.
Second-rate martial artists – Practitioners who can not only condense inner energy but also release it outward through their hands or weapons.
First-rate martial artists – Experts who have condensed their inner energy to the point that it transforms from a gaseous to a liquid state, greatly enhancing both their offensive and defensive capabilities.
He looked at the information with a fascinated look and couldn't help but dream about reaching such a stage. Although he just became a third-rate martial artist and just senses a hint of inner energy, with his talent, there is hope for even surpassing first-rate experts.
The book also mentioned that anyone who could sense inner energy within a single day would be considered a genius. The fact that he had done it on his first try suggested that his talent might be terrifyingly good, and he seemed to underestimate his talent for martial arts.
He continued to read and learnt that martial arts are also divided into two types: cultivating martial arts and combat martial arts. They also have ranks of martial arts like the martial arts realm.
They are first-grade martial arts, second-grade martial arts, and finally the worst, third-rate martial arts.
Ash couldn't help but wonder what rank the Shadow Wolf technique held. Judging by its effects, it was likely a second-rate cultivation technique, as its movements didn't seem geared toward actual combat.
With that said, he was done with the second book and now had some general understanding of the northern Orion. It also mentions that martial arts are one of the many transcended paths towards gaining power, meaning there are more ways. Could it be like evolvers or magic like in his previous life?
'Now that I think about it, this world seems to have quite a few similarities... could there be a connection?' But he decided not to dwell on it for now. He quietly closed the book and, after thanking Old Joseph, took his leave.
Ash, after coming back, made up his mind and decided his future plans. He didn't think there was much hope in getting his revenge for his previous life, but since he came to this world and was granted a second chance, he was going to do everything to stand at the top of this world.
What once seemed like a delusion now felt like a real possibility. Awakening as an Evolver and possessing such talent in martial arts, he believed there was no reason he couldn't rise to the top in this world. He had no intention of living like a low-life again, scraping by like a rat and hiding to survive.
No, he was going to become a king—powerful, wealthy, and surrounded by a harem of young beauties and mature milfs alike.
His eyes glowed fiercely with determination and excitement. He was going to do everything to achieve this.
With that determination, he calmly started to practice the weird movements of the shadow wolf technique. Now that he is full and most of the weakness has disappeared due to his awakening, he can train for some time without harming his body.
The moment he tried it, his eyes seemed to tremble, and everything around him slowed down. He felt an incredible level of control over every inch of his movements and quickly began adjusting his body's posture and motions.
He continued practising, and with each passing minute, his actions grew more precise. The amount of inner energy within him also increased bit by bit and gradually started to strengthen his body.
But after a few minutes, he again got tired physically and mentally. But this time he still has a smile on his face even though he is breathing heavily and is sweating.
Lying down, he immediately activated his eye ability, and a floating panel appeared right in front of him.
[Ash/Asterion - Level 01(0.5/10)]
[Evolver Level - Early Stage Awakened ]
[Martial Arts Level - Third Rate ]
[Strength- 0.8 (+0.1)↑]
[Speed-0.7 (+0.1)↑ ]
[Physique-0.7 (+0.1)↑ ]
[Spirit- 1.6(0.5) ]
[Talent- Eye of Myriad Manifestation (Level- 01)]
[Skills- Shadow Wolf Technique [ Level 1 (25/50)] ]
He looked over the stats and was surprised by the improvements, which seemed faster than he had expected.