First Steps as a Cultivator
545 Words
The night air was sharp and cool, but Ethan’s chest burned with warmth. The shard of energy that had fused into him pulsed like a second heartbeat.
He sat by the fire, closing his eyes.
The system’s voice whispered in his mind:
[Spirit Core Established: Stage 1.]
[Access to Qi Absorption unlocked.]
[Would you like to begin cultivation?]
“Yes,” Ethan murmured.
At once, the world shifted. The night no longer felt empty. Threads of invisible energy stirred in the air, currents of power he had never sensed before. They brushed against his skin, humming with life.
He inhaled—and the energy followed, streaming into his chest, sinking into the glowing core within.
Pain lanced through his body. His muscles spasmed, his bones ached as though being remade. Sweat poured down his brow, yet he gritted his teeth, refusing to stop.
[Qi Absorption: Progress 1%...]
[2%...]
[3%...]
The system guided him, steadying his breathing, forcing the chaotic energy into order.
Minutes passed like hours. But when Ethan opened his eyes again, the firelight seemed sharper, the night air cooler, his own body lighter.
His hand clenched into a fist. The strength within him felt different—not just physical, but deeper, flowing from his very core.
“I… I’m really cultivating.” His voice shook with awe. “I’ve stepped onto the path.”
The system pulsed again.
[New Feature: Status Panel Unlocked.]
A screen unfurled before his eyes:
Name: Ethan
Stage: Spirit Core 1
Strength: 11 (+3)
Agility: 13 (+2)
Endurance: 9
Spirit: 6
Skills: Weapon Mastery (Basic 7%), Qi Absorption (Lv.1)
Ethan’s breath caught. Numbers, growth, potential—it was all laid bare before him. He could see his rise. Measure it. Control it.
“This system… it’s my greatest weapon.”
The night passed, and dawn painted the forest gold. Ethan packed what little he had and began walking deeper into the Ashwood Wilds. Each step felt steadier, each breath filled with quiet power.
But peace was fleeting.
As he crested a hill, voices drifted from below. A small caravan wound along the forest path—wagons laden with goods, guarded by armored men. Their banners bore the crest of a crimson hawk.
Ethan crouched low, watching.
The system whispered:
[Faction Detected: Red Hawk Mercenary Band.]
[Danger Level: Moderate.]
The mercenaries moved with discipline, scanning the trees. These were no simple villagers—they were fighters, hardened by blood and coin.
As the caravan passed, Ethan’s eyes caught something else: a young woman inside one of the wagons, her face pale, her wrists bound in chains. Her eyes, filled with quiet defiance, met his for the briefest moment.
His chest tightened. He had seen that same look in his own reflection—someone cast down, yet unbroken.
The system pulsed.
[Optional Quest: Rescue the Captive.]
[Reward: Unknown.]
Ethan’s fists clenched. His path had only just begun, his strength still fragile. To face mercenaries now was madness.
But as the wagons rumbled away, he knew the choice would haunt him.
“Forsaken no longer…” he muttered. “If I truly mean to rise, then I can’t keep turning away.”
He rose to his feet, eyes blazing.
“I’ll save her.”
The hunt had begun.
End of Chapter 8
- Writer
