—-

Azridan’s earlier words made Apollo ponder, thus he mumbled to himself as he continued to devour chunk after chunk of meat, “I wonder what lies in wait. The changes I feel, I wonder what else will happen.”

​​

As he thought about this, Apollo devoured another chunk of meat. Steadily, his experience meter continued to fill. Meanwhile, his empty stomach did the same. The more he entered combat, the hungrier he felt. Seldom did the food go to waste as his days were spent on the edge of combat without end.

[I’m picking up slight fluctuations deeper in the forest. If you can, try to stay away from the center of this forest. It is dense in Natural Essence, however, there also exists an unsettling presence. It seems to be attracted to something.]

“If you have to guess, what would you say its level would be?” Apollo asked while turning in his gaze toward the center of the forest. Based on Azridan’s words, a large danger was located in the distance. However, deep down Apollo had to suppress to urge of curiosity. He wanted to know how strong were the strongest cultivators in this world and how the Terror’s compared.

[Honestly, I would say that it is no weaker than a peak Rank 3 Spirit Beast. Based on their current standards, that would be a strong peak stage Zul Warrior or a subpar early-stage Zul Knight. Hence, I advise that you be wary of the area.]

“Azridan, you seem to know a lot. The books in the library didn’t really delve too much into the cultivation levels. Can you give me more information about it?” Apollo implored as he wiped his lip. By now, the previous copious amounts of meat had dwindled to nearly half.

[What exactly do you want to know?]

“Uh, general information. For example, how it is done and what I need to prepare myself for. I probably won’t understand what they entail but background information is always pleasant,” Apollo replied after pondering it for a moment.

[Well then, let me begin from body cultivation first. Unlike the rest, this is what you’ll immediately come in contact with. As with everyone and you as well, all beings start out within the Mortal Realm. Because of evolution and other influences, beings of this world automatically ingest what is known as Natural Essence; a basic component of this world.]

[However, in the beginning, the amount one can ingest is negligible and unable to be changed until a certain age depending on potential. Typical children would have been absorbing Natural Essence in minuscule amounts slowly preparing them for active cultivation.]

[Because of this, everyone’s starting point is different. You, on the other hand, your meridians were damaged and saturated by a decrepit energy. Hence, any essence which entered you was devoured. However, I cleansed you. Now let’s talk about the realms. Outside of the Mortal Realm, there is the Zul Warrior Realm, Zul Knight Realm, Zul Commander Realm, Zul General Realm, Zul Lord Realm, Zul Emperor Realm, Zul Sovereign Realm, and Zul Ancestor Realm.]

[These make up the complete structure of Body Cultivation. However, to truly step into the journey of cultivation you’d need a cultivation method. Just absorbing Natural Essence won’t do much except strengthen your body. But there is no need to fret about that, when you are ready everything will come.]

“Hmm, what about Soul Cultivation? Kayn mentioned that there is some other test pertaining to something called Soul Cultivation at 15. Is there any significance to this?”

[For the average cultivator, yes. By 15, usually, the mind is mature enough to handle the opening of what is called the Soul Temple. The prerequisite is your physical body being capable of handling at least 1600 Zuls of Force or otherwise known as fostering an awakening. Why? Because the tyrannical force birthed from your mind can ruin your internal system if you aren’t sufficiently prepared.]

[However, Soul Cultivation is special. It has 2 uses. One, it strengthens your soul enabling you to wield it. Two, it allows your soul to connect with another world to come into contact with otherworldly creatures namely known as Spirits. These Spirits then become your partner assisting you in combat situations and such. However, that doesn’t apply to you. You’ll be special.]

“What does that mean? What will I be able to do,” Apollo asked, his eyes plagued with curiosity. There was a fervent expression of interest plastered across his face as his eyes gleamed.

[Well, let’s just say this world’s cultivation system doesn’t truly apply to you. The only thing you’ll receive is a general understanding of the level you reside at.]

Azridan’s voice came out as a chuckle. His tone teased Apollo and triggered his thirst for the unknown.

‘I have to know! I need to complete that mission as soon as possible. But first, how much longer before I complete this other one?

Quest Name: Initial Step to Superiority

Information: Strength means everything; so this is what you need to gain. Reach a suitable standard to travel deeper into the embrace of Azridan’s succession.

Objectives-

-Kill 5,000 Rank 0 Mortal Beast or above monsters. (3,645/5,000)

-Reach the Rank 5 Mortal Level. (Rank 3/5)

Time Limit: 3 years

Elapsed Time: 8 months 4 days.

[«Bonus Task»]-

-Complete within 2 years 6 months = + 100% experience reward increase.

-Complete within 2 years = + 200% experience reward increase.

-Complete within 1 year = + 500% experience reward increase.

Reward: 50,000 Experience, ???

‘Hmm, a lot of my experience comes from me ingesting my meals so I am not worried about that part. As for the first objective, I currently average 19 kills a day. But it may decrease as the number of Mortal Beast willing to approach me now are low. Not to mention, battle with a Spirit Beast takes slightly longer,’ Apollo thought silently.

A couple of months after receiving his quest, once his body acclimated to these surroundings, Apollo adopted his current schedule. It was in Apollo’s daily agenda to slay at least 10 monsters which then increased steadily until its current 19. Using this tactic, he had nearly scoured the complete outskirts of the forest. In addition to this, Apollo’s daily mission became just that as well.

“I still have 3 more beasts to kill for the day then I can call my daily training finished,” Apollo muttered as he sat for a moment, recollecting his thoughts and recovering his stamina.

‘Outside of my current battle, I don’t lose health often. However, my stamina takes a hit as a result. I wonder if there is a way to remedy that or do I just need to keep increasing my stamina.’

“Azridan, is there a way to reduce my stamina consumption? I know using fewer movements has helped but it still drains quickly.”

[Right now, that is unable to be solved due to your physique’s inability to sustain you.  Once you advance, the solution will present itself. For now, just focus on mastering your foundational stats. If you do so, it will reward you in the long run. Also, I advised you to practice with the staff and other weapons to familiarize yourself with it.]

“Okay,”  Apollo answered as he rose to his feet from his seated position. Azridan’s information once again rejuvenated him to continue on his training.