The morning sun hung low on the horizon, its golden rays filtering through the dense mist that blanketed the serene valley of Eldoria. The Seraphic Mountains loomed high above, their jagged peaks seemingly piercing the heavens. This was a land where mortals lived simple lives, untouched by the chaos of the divine and immortal realms.
In the heart of the valley, surrounded by fields of wildflowers swaying gently in the crisp morning breeze, sat a young man cross-legged on a weathered stone slab. His name was Kaelion Arathor, a name as ordinary as any other in the mortal world—or so it seemed.
Kaelion's eyes were closed, his expression serene. His jet-black hair fluttered softly in the breeze, and his chiseled features reflected a maturity far beyond his eighteen years. He was dressed in simple, slightly tattered robes, the kind worn by commoners who worked the fields or tended livestock. But there was something about him—a quiet intensity, an air of otherworldly calm—that set him apart from the ordinary.
As he meditated, the faint hum of energy vibrated around him, barely perceptible to the untrained eye. He was not like the other villagers, for his body harbored a secret—one that even he didn't fully understand.
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A Gift from the Heavens
Kaelion's life had always been peculiar. Though he had grown up among the mortals of Eldoria, he had no memory of his parents or his origins. All he had was a single possession: an intricately carved jade amulet that hung from a leather cord around his neck. The amulet was unlike anything he had ever seen, its surface etched with ancient runes that pulsed faintly with green light.
The villagers believed it to be a family heirloom, perhaps a relic left behind by a wandering cultivator. But Kaelion knew better. He could feel the amulet's power, an indescribable force that seemed to resonate with his very soul.
That morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched the amulet, it began to glow more brightly than ever before. Kaelion's meditative state deepened, and a voice—deep, resonant, and utterly commanding—echoed in his mind.
> "System initialization complete. Welcome, Master Kaelion. I am your Eternal Ascension System, your guide to boundless power."
Kaelion's eyes snapped open, glowing briefly with an ethereal green light that quickly faded. His heart pounded in his chest.
"A system?" he whispered aloud, his voice barely audible.
Before he could process the revelation, a translucent interface materialized before his eyes, filled with rows of information:
[Eternal Ascension System Activated]
Pill Alchemy: Beginner Level
Artifact Forging: Locked
Rune Crafting: Locked
Formation Arrays: Beginner Level
Combat Techniques: Locked
Energy Reserves: 5% (Dormant)
The interface was unlike anything Kaelion had ever seen. It floated in the air, visible only to him, shimmering with a faint golden glow.
"What… is this?" he muttered, reaching out instinctively to touch the glowing panel. His hand passed through it, but the interface responded to his thoughts.
> "This system is your path to ascension, Master Kaelion. Together, we shall traverse the mortal, divine, immortal, and ancient god realms. Your destiny is written among the stars, but the journey begins here."
Kaelion's mind raced. He had heard tales of cultivators with powerful artifacts or heavenly blessings, but a system that spoke and guided its user? Such a thing was unheard of.
"Who created you?" he asked cautiously.
The system's voice was calm, almost indifferent.
> "I am bound to you and only you, Master. My origins are irrelevant. What matters is your growth and ascension."
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The First Task
The interface shifted, revealing a new prompt:
[Mission: Body Tempering]
Temper your mortal body to withstand the strain of cultivation.
Gather 10 Spirit Herbs from the Mistwood Forest.
Kaelion read the task carefully. The Mistwood Forest was a sprawling, ancient woodland on the outskirts of Eldoria. It was known for its rich flora and fauna, but it was also rumored to be home to dangerous beasts and lingering spirits.
He frowned. "Spirit Herbs? I wouldn't even know where to begin looking for those."
> "Do not fear, Master. I will guide you. Focus on the task at hand, and you will succeed."
The jade amulet around his neck pulsed gently, and Kaelion felt a surge of warmth spread through his chest. It was as if the artifact was reassuring him, its presence a constant source of strength.
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Into the Mistwood Forest
The forest was shrouded in mist, its towering trees casting long shadows over the moss-covered ground. Kaelion stepped cautiously, his senses heightened. The system guided him, its voice providing precise directions.
> "Two Spirit Herbs detected 50 meters to your left. Proceed with caution."
Kaelion nodded, his heart racing. He pushed through the underbrush, his eyes scanning the ground for any sign of the herbs.
After a few minutes, he spotted them: small plants with vibrant, glowing blue leaves that seemed to emit a faint aura. He knelt and carefully plucked them, their energy humming softly against his skin.
> "Herbs collected: 2/10."
Kaelion couldn't help but smile. This was easier than he'd expected. But as he turned to continue his search, a low growl froze him in his tracks.
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A Test of Strength
From the shadows emerged a beast—a Shadowfang Wolf, its sleek black fur blending seamlessly with the darkness. Its glowing red eyes locked onto Kaelion, and its lips curled back in a snarl, revealing razor-sharp fangs.
Kaelion's pulse quickened. The wolf was no ordinary creature; it was a low-level spirit beast, dangerous enough to kill an untrained human in seconds.
> "Combat Tutorial Initiated."
The system's calm voice cut through Kaelion's panic.
> "Engage the wolf with the Ironwood Palm Technique. Focus your energy into your strikes."
Kaelion barely had time to process the instructions before the wolf lunged at him. He sidestepped instinctively, his movements guided by an unseen force. His palm struck out, connecting with the wolf's side.
To his surprise, a faint ripple of energy accompanied the strike, sending the wolf stumbling backward. The system chimed:
> "Ironwood Palm Technique activated. Damage dealt: 15%. Target health: 85%."
The wolf recovered quickly, its growl deepening. Kaelion braced himself, his mind racing. He had no formal combat training, but the system's guidance was precise.
With each exchange, Kaelion grew more confident. His strikes became more deliberate, his movements more fluid. After a grueling battle, the wolf collapsed, defeated.
> "Victory achieved. Combat Experience gained: 10 points."
Kaelion dropped to his knees, breathing heavily. The battle had tested him in ways he hadn't anticipated, but he felt a surge of pride.
"Is this what it means to be a cultivator?" he murmured, his gaze shifting to the amulet.
The system's voice responded, its tone unchanging.
> "This is only the beginning, Master Kaelion. Your journey has just begun."
---
Kaelion's first day in the forest was a trial by fire, but it marked the start of his ascension—a path filled with challenges, danger, and unimaginable power. He had no idea what lay ahead, but one thing was certain: he would not walk this path alone.
The jade amulet pulsed faintly against his chest, a silent promise of the greatness to come.
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