Nyx was completely baffled.
'What the hell is she talking about?'
Aurora, on the other hand, smiled. Even though she could not read his mind, she understood the little tortoise was confused. However, she didn't explain, rather continued, [Do not fight the current — your time will come to flow freely, to shape the world, just as the water does. Instead, for now, learn from water's patience and resilience.]
Once again, Nyx closed his eyes and concentrated on sensing the water droplet.
As Aurora said, Water Manipulation was inherent to his Race. He just had to find a way to put it into practice.
For a few minutes after that, Nyx remained still, trying to sense the water droplet. Compared to before, he was much more relaxed.
After some time, Nyx felt a faint sensation emerge — a cool presence that wasn't entirely physical.
It was faint but unmistakable!
Half shocked and half excited, Nyx murmured, "I-I… think I fee… no, sense something."
[Good.] Aurora nodded with a grin. [That's your connection to water. Remember that sensation. Don't forget it. Now, try to make it move — not with brute force, but with intent.]
After holding his breath one last time, Nyx visualized the water droplet, imagining it sliding off his flipper. At first, nothing happened. But he didn't give up. His focus remained undisturbed.
Patience and resilience…
Sometime later, the connection between him and the water droplet felt almost intangible, as though the water droplet was an extension of his body.
Knowing that it was finally time, Nyx gave it a command. Without pause, the water droplet trembled. Quickly, he opened his eyes and to his astonishment and excitement, watched as it began to move. The tiny bead of water slid down his claw. At the same time, the inseparable connection was cut off.
But that didn't stop Nyx from shouting in excitement.
"I did it!"
Then, he glanced up at Aurora's floating figure and beamed.
"Aurora, did you see that!? I did it! I really did it!"
[I saw it. Congratulations, Nyx.] Aurora smiled in kind. Placing her hands on her hips, she continued, [It's not bad for a little tortoise who only a few hours ago didn't know any common knowledge regarding The System and Cultivators.]
Slightly deflated, Nyx muttered, "Even the mightiest rivers begin with a trickle."
[That's right.] Aurora seriously nodded, while offering an apologetic expression. [But don't let it get to your head. What you've done is just the start — the basic — that many can replicate. The next test will determine if you are gifted or not.]
"Next test?" Nyx furrowed his brows but was eager to continue. "What's next?"
[As I explained before, Race Ability is divided into five Ranks, from weakest to strongest: Mortal, Immortal, Divine, Primordial, and Transcendent. Sliding a water droplet off your flipper is one thing, but shaping it, combining it with others, or directing it beyond your body is another.]
Aurora paused for a moment, then continued, [This next test will determine what Rank your Water Manipulation is. If you can control the bead of water beyond your body, you possess at least an Immortal Rank Water Manipulation. See if you can do that. And if you can't, well…]
Even though Aurora did not finish her sentence, Nyx more than understood the meaning.
This next test determined his future.
Taking a deep breath, Nyx began closing his eyes. Yet, before they fully shut, a faint tremor resounded in the burrow. Startled, he snapped his eyes open and turned toward the source of the sound.
"What is that?" He whispered, even quieter than before.
Meanwhile, Aurora's playful demeanor had vanished, replaced with a serious expression.
[Something's coming. Stay alert.]
At the same time as she spoke, she backed away to the opposite side of the burrow.
Nyx glanced at her but did not comment. According to her, she was even weaker than him. So it was only natural for her to cower.
'It's all up to me.' Nyx felt fear — a natural emotion given the unknown situation, but strangely, he felt… excited?
'What is wrong with me?' He wondered, his lips twitching into a small, incredulous smile. 'Am I a masochist?'
However, Nyx did not have the time to continue wondering. The tremors were growing stronger, and the sound of shifting dirt was nearing.
The creature nearing his burrow somehow knew of his presence.
A moment later, a rasping noise joined the cacophony of sounds, followed by rhythmic scrunching that grated against his ears.
Soon, with a wet squelch, the creature burst into the burrow, sending mud everywhere.
Nyx instinctively took a step back and shielded himself with his scaled arms. Simultaneously, he squinted his eyes to see the intruder. It was long and slender, covered in mud so thick its appearance was obscured.
Nevertheless, even with its appearance obscured, its identity was unmistakable.
"… Is that… an earthworm?" Nyx sighed heavily and felt the urge to slap himself for being so worried. He had braced himself for a monstrous predator, only for an earthworm to squirm into his burrow.
The earthworm, on the other hand, glanced curiously at the odd pair — a tortoise and a small Human.
Meanwhile, after a second thought, Nyx resisted the urge to slap himself. To be fair, the sounds the earthworm made before entering his burrow could have belonged to anything. His worry hadn't been entirely unwarranted. Still, standing here, staring at the unimpressive intruder, he couldn't help but feel a little ridiculous.
Behind Nyx's sturdy body, a light blush covered Aurora's charming cheeks.
'I was scared of an earthworm? How shameful… Aurora, you big idiot!' She sighed and shook her head to remove the thought. Then, she flew over to Nyx and floated beside him. She asked him, [What do you want to do with it?]
Nyx turned his face up and met her eyes. For a moment, he wasn't sure how to respond… or, what to say.
He blinked, and suggested, "Maybe we should leave it be."