Chapter Nineteen: A Cultivation Class
The auditorium was silent.
The man on stage surveyed the crowd, his gaze sharp, as if scanning for something hidden beneath the surface. His question still hung in the air:
"How many of you have read cultivation novels?"
Slowly, a few hands went up. Some students chuckled nervously. Others exchanged confused glances.
Daniel kept his hands firmly in his lap.
The man nodded, as if he expected this. "For those unfamiliar, cultivation refers to an ancient practice—one that involves strengthening the body, mind, and spirit beyond normal human limits. In the past, it was considered nothing more than fiction. But as some of you may have seen in recent news, that is no longer the case."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
"My name is Agent Caldwell," the man continued. "I represent a special division of the government focused on understanding these new developments. What we once believed to be myths—people who can jump over buildings, withstand bullets, or shatter stone with their bare hands—will soon be real."
Some students laughed, but Caldwell's expression didn't change. "This is not a joke. We have confirmed that individuals across the country are awakening abilities beyond normal human limits. And we believe that number will only grow."
Daniel felt a chill run down his spine. The government wasn't just aware of cultivators—they were actively tracking them.
"To address this, a new program is being introduced in select schools across the nation. Your school is among them," Caldwell announced. "Starting next week, a special class will be available for those interested in—and capable of—cultivating."
Whispers erupted.
"A cultivation class?" someone whispered behind Daniel.
"Am I high?" another muttered.
Caldwell raised a hand, and the murmuring died down. "This class will be voluntary, but participation will come with certain responsibilities. Those who show talent will be closely monitored for their safety—and the safety of those around them."
Daniel didn't like the sound of that.
"Before we move forward, I want to address something directly," Caldwell continued. His gaze swept across the room, and then he spoke the words that made Daniel's stomach drop:
"There are already two cultivators in this school."
Silence.
Daniel's fingers curled into fists. He forced himself to stay calm.
Caldwell turned his head slightly. "Daniel Rivera and Mark Sūn, please stand."