Chapter VII

“Alex...Alex...Wake up.” A woman's voice entered his ear as he lay sleeping. His eyelids trembled as he groaned, “Ugh...It's morning already?...” He still hadn't opened his eyes. The voice sounded out again. “Wake up. It's time to start your training again.” At the mention of training, he finally managed to open his eyes. “Uhh, morning mom.”

Laylah giggled and replied, “Morning sleepyhead. Do you know what time it is?” Alex shook his head. “It's almost noon. You've slept the whole morning away.” Alex widened his eyes. “Eh!? No way!” Laylah laughed some more. “Yeah. Geez, training yesterday must've taken it out of you...Come on, get dressed and come downstairs...You have a long way to go in your training.” Alex wryly smiled as he responded. “Alright mom. Give me a minute and I'll be right down.”

After Laylah left the room, Alex rolled over to the edge of the bed and sat up. Yawning, he thought, 'Holy crap. That Qi enhancement really took it out of me...Open Status Window.' Heeding his mental order, a large blue rectangle appeared.

*Ting*

Name: Alexander HartlowAge: 12Level: 0XP: 20/100Health: 10/10Qi: 11/11Energy: 150/150Satiety: 82/100Titles:

NoneStats:

Distributable Points: 0Constitution: 1Intelligence: 7Vitality: 1Wisdom: 6Stamina: 6Endurance: 1Strength: 6Charisma: 9Agility: 3Dexterity: 3Willpower: 6Bloodlust: 2Luck: 50?????????????????????Attack: 1Defense: 0Element Resistance: NoneAdditional Information:Race: HumanGender: MaleElement Affinity: All ElementsAlignment: NeutralAllegiance: Undeclared

After reading his status, Alex let out a surprised gasp. “Eh!? My Qi increased?...How?” He dismissed his status window and stood up. 'Awesome...Hmm, it probably increased due to using all my Qi? Or was it because the skill used more Qi then I actually have?...Hmm, I'll need to experiment more later tonight...If I can increase my Qi by using my health a little bit, then I might as well. My health was full again by the time I woke up, it would be foolish of me not to take advantage of this...' Finished with his thoughts, he quickly got dressed, grabbed his sword and headed downstairs.

When he arrived, he saw his mother tapping her foot as she waited for him. “Took you long enough. Now let's get started.” Alex winced. “Umm, mom. Could I get something to eat real quick before we start?” Laylah furrowed her brow and scolded, “No! You slept past breakfast, so you'll have to wait for lunch. Until then, we'll train...I still need to teach you some basic hand-to-hand combat skills.” Frowning, Alex replied, “Alright mom. What do you want me to do?” Laylah smiled and then in a content tone said, “I'm going to teach you the only unarmed martial art I know. I also learned this from the Rainwater Sword School.”

Laylah then went on to demonstrate three different stances to Alex. As she performed the first stance, she appeared to be as fluid as a liquid. When she completed the second stance, it was as if she was an immovable waterfall. Then as she took the third stance, she looked as if she was rain dancing in the wind.

After she finished the third one, she stopped. “Okay. Once again, this is the most basic of martial arts from my former school. Just like the sword art, this one is the very foundation of all the more advanced styles. Also, this style is meant to be used when you are disarmed in combat. This way you wouldn't be helpless. But it doesn't mean that you should only use it if you find yourself disarmed...” She paused a for a moment.

After taking a breath, she continued to speak, “What I just showed you, is known as the Raindrop Ward. It is a martial art that completely focuses on defense. Similar to the sword style, this one also only has one form and thus, only three stances. Each stance is focused on defense. However, the third stance gives you a way to fight back. It allows you to counter-attack your enemy.”

Alex was taken aback at how skilled his mother was. “Mom, you're amazing. You're really strong.” When she heard this, she couldn't help but laugh. “Honey, I'm not that strong. I'm only an early-stage apprentice rank. My talent for cultivation is subpar...But, I have practiced with The Raindrop Sword and The Raindrop Ward for a long period of time.” Alex shook his head and retorted, “You are strong mom. Even if you don't admit it!” Laylah chuckled and replied, “Alright honey. Sure...Now why don't you try to do the stances I just did.”

** ** ** **

Two hours passed by and Alex was already sweating profusely. Noticing how tired he was, Laylah called out, “Alright! That's enough. Let's take a break here.” Alex rejoiced when he heard his mother. “While you were practicing I made lunch.” He was euphoric as he responded, “Thank you mom!” He rushed into the kitchen and sat the table. In front of him was a plate with a sandwich on top. He began eating. As he did so, he was thinking to himself. 'This sandwich is good...Alright, so I learned The Raindrop Ward earlier...Almost right when I finished doing the third stance, the message popped up informing me I learned it. Since then, I gained two experience for it...So since that's the case, I guess I get one experience per hour?'

After he thought to there, he looked around as if he was searching for something. 'Huh, no status windows granting me intelligence or wisdom? Was I wrong? Or does that not happen for everything?...Bah! I wish this blessing thing came with a few more explanations.' After shaking his head, he continued to eat. As he did so, he continued to think. 'Earlier I gained one agility and dexterity. I guess that was from learning the martial art...' He glanced at his energy bar. 'Crap, that really took it out of me...Huh, I have eighty energy left...I used seventy energy practicing that martial art? Wow...'

As he was thinking, he had just finished his sandwich. 'Alright! Time to get back to it! I'll keep at it until I collapse!' He stood up and walked back into the living room. Right as he was about to go back to practicing, Laylah's voice sounded out. “Alex, I'm going to go out for a little bit okay?” He noticed her coming out of his parent's bedroom. He nodded and replied, “Alright mom. See you later.” Laylah gently smiled as she said, “Make sure not to strain yourself with your training. It's good to take it easy sometimes.” Alex had a warm smile on his face as he responded, “Okay mom. I'll take it easy.” She nodded and then proceeded to leave the house.

Once she had left, Alex stood there for a moment and was in deep thought. 'Eighty energy left, so if I practice for another two hours, I'd be down to ten left. What happens when it reaches zero? Guess I'll find out, haha.' Finished thinking, he began to practice The Raindrop Ward. Time quickly passed. Before he knew it, two hours had flown by.

** ** ** **

Copiously sweating and panting, Alex wiped his brow. 'Holy crap! I'm exhausted!...' Glancing at the time and his current remaining energy, he sighed. 'It's been two hours and I've only got ten energy left...Looks like my estimate was right...Hmm, then if it's seventy per two hours, one hour should be thirty-five energy...Well, time to test what happens when it reaches zero. Most likely I'll fall asleep.'

He picked up the sword that he had kept on the couch and went upstairs to his room. Once there, he leaned the sword against his end table. Then he moved close to his bed and began to practice The Raindrop Ward once more. After six minutes of practicing, Alex abruptly felt his mind become foggy as his room started to spin and he collapsed forward onto his bed.

** ** ** **

As he was unconscious, four hours had passed by in a flash. As he lay there face down on the bed, he started to let out a groan. “Ugh...What?” He pushed himself up and sat on the edge of the bed while rubbing his temples. 'Crap, that was...interesting.' He looked around his room and then checked the time in his vision. 'Wow, four hours!?' He glanced at his energy bar.

'E-eh!? Eighty energy?...What?...That's twenty an hour. Is that the rate it regenerates at while I sleep? Holy crap!...Knowing that, I could probably more efficiently train. So long as I do the math well, I might be able to plan this out to the point that I may be able to meet mom's requirements a lot sooner.' He grinned as he came to this realization.

Alex slapped both of his cheeks lightly and then stood up. “Alright!” He picked up his sword and proceeded downstairs to the living room. Once there he looked around and poked his head into the kitchen. 'Huh? Mom's still not back?...Well, I guess I'll practice some more.' He went back into the living room and placed his sword on the couch. “Okay, let's do this!” Alex then began to adopt the first stance of The Raindrop Ward and cycle through the stances. He did this for a little over two hours before he was interrupted by the sound of the front door opening.

Stopping and looking towards the door, he saw his mother walk inside carrying a rather thick book. Having his curiosity peaked, he raised an eyebrow and asked, “Hey mom, welcome home. What's that thick book?” Closing the door, she turned towards Alex with a smile. Noticing he was drenched in sweat, she chuckled. “Geeze, you're soaked in sweat. Have you been practicing all day?” Alex hurriedly nodded and grinned. Seeing this, Laylah shook her head and sighed. “What am I going to do with you? I told you to take it easy.”

Alex reassuringly said, “Don't worry mom. I took a nap for four hours, haha.” When she heard this, a content smile spread on her face. “That's good...” As if she just remembered something, she quickly said, “Ah right! This book...This here has all of the sects and schools located in the Kingdom of Wrurin within it...I was able to borrow it from a friend of mine in the Earthly Sword Sect. However, she said that she wants it back when we're done with it.”

Alex had a beaming smile on his face as he asked, “Really!? Awesome! When can I look at it?” Chuckling, Laylah answered, “Hmmm. When you reach a level that I'm satisfied with in The Raindrop Ward and The Raindrop Sword.” Alex blanched as he responded. “B-but, that will be in months! You can't be serious.” Laylah firmly said, “I am. I don't want you to fill your head with grandiose dreams. Once you reach the level I want, I'll let you look at it.” She giggled mischievously as she continued, “And besides, this way you'll have a good incentive to train.” Alex let out a long defeated sigh. “Alright mom. So be it.”

Laylah looked around the living room for a moment before she said, “Alright, why don't you keep practicing until dinner. Afterwards, I want you to help me move the furniture back. Now that I've shown you what you need to know, you can practice on your own in your room.” Laylah then left the living room and went into her bedroom to check on Kaesan.

Alex stood there for a moment and thought, 'Good, if mom's not going to supervise me anymore then I can probably reach the level she wants in about a month or two...Hmm, I should probably tell Sarah that I'll be training so I can't hang out.' Alex grinned to himself as he started to practice The Raindrop Ward.

** ** ** **

Half an hour went by as he practiced. “Time for dinner!” Laylah called out from the kitchen. “Coming!” Alex replied. He walked towards the kitchen while thinking to himself. 'I should be close to earning one more experience for The Raindrop Ward. Once I do, I'll need to train for roughly another three hours before I gain my first level up with it.' Once he reached the kitchen he sat down and waited for his mother to serve dinner.

After a few minutes, Alex and his parents were seated down at the table and eating soup. He glanced at his dad and mom. Clearing his throat, he asked, “Hey dad. When you're feeling better and your wound is healed, can you teach me what you know about medicine?” Surprise was plastered on Kaesan's face as he placed his spoon down. In a curious tone he asked, “Son, you want to learn how to be a physician?” Alex had an ambitious smile on his face as he answered, “Yeah dad! I want to learn all you know.”

For a moment, Kaesan's eyes became misty. Turning his head away, he rubbed one of his eyes. Afterwards, he coughed and with a proud smile said, “Alex. I'll gladly teach you everything I know.” Glancing towards his missing arm, he said, “Just give me a week to heal up some. Then I can start to teach you, okay?” Alex grinned from ear to ear as he replied. “Alright dad! Sounds good. I look forward to it.” Chuckling, Kaesan said, “Me too son, me too.” After the conversation they ate dinner in silence.

When Alex was done, he asked to be excused and went upstairs to his room. Once there, he sat on his bed for a moment while holding his sword. 'Hmm, okay. I can train for about another hour and a half. Hmm, my Qi is full...Alright, that's what I'll do!' He looked at his sword and thought, 'Open Skill Window, Open Ability Window, Identify.' He checked the Identify skill and his Qi Enhancement ability. Then he proceeded to check the swords stats.

Qi Enhancement Level 1 [7/10xp] Beginner – allows the user to channel their Qi into any item to enhance its capabilities permanently.

Identify Level 4 [5/25xp] Beginner – allows you to attempt to identify any item. Successful attempts will allow you to see various detailed information about the item.

Steel Short-Sword - a standard short-sword 60cm in length, made from steel.Quality - StandardAttack - 14+1Defense - 0Durability - 60/60Special Properties - Attack +1

'Hmm, alright. Identify doesn't cost me Qi or give me experience if I use it on an item I've previously identified. So then I can just mark that up as a fact...Let's see, next is...seven out of ten experience for Qi Enhancement. Okay, this is definitely going to level up. Time to see if my theory about whether or not I get the same amount of experience as Qi that I put into it is correct' He focused on his sword and said aloud, “Qi Enhancement.” As soon as his words fell, a status window appeared.

Qi Enhancement:

How much Qi would you like to infuse?

Maximum amount: 11

Qi Enhancement Effects:

+1 Attack = 10 Qi

Reading the status window, he thought, 'Oh, the effect I got last time is listed? Awesome, that' will be a lot easier than remembering everything...The max amount is eleven this time...I'll just put in enough to level it up first...Three.' As soon as he thought the number, a blue mist seeped out from his body and engulfed the sword. Shortly after, the sword seemed to drink up the mist.

*Ting*

Level up: Qi Enhancement (Beginner Level 2 [0/15xp])

Once he saw the message he jubilantly smiled. 'Haha, so I was right. The amount of Qi I invest will give me an equal amount of experience.' He then used identify on the sword.

Steel Short-Sword - a standard short-sword 60cm in length, made from steel.Quality - StandardAttack - 14+1Defense - 0Durability - 60/60Special Properties - Attack +1

After checking the sword's stats, Alex's smile turned into a frown. 'Why didn't anything change?...Was it not enough Qi?...That must be the case, it didn't even cost Qi to identify the sword.' He glanced at his Qi bar. 'Eight Qi left. Alright, here it goes...' He looked to his sword and focused on it once more. 'Qi Enhancement.'

Qi Enhancement:

How much Qi would you like to infuse?

Maximum amount: 11

Qi Enhancement Effects:

+1 Attack = 10 Qi

'Hmm, still says I can put in eleven...Wait, if I messed up and didn't have enough Qi and then it took my health...Can it kill me?' Alex shuddered at the thought. Shaking his head, he thought, 'I'll just need to be careful...Seven.' Once again a blue mist oozed out from his body and traveled to the sword. After a moment, it was absorbed. As soon as the mist vanished, a chime rang out.

*Ting*

You have learned the Qi Enhancement effect of +1 Durability.

Steel Short-Sword - a standard short-sword 60cm in length, made from steel.Quality - StandardAttack - 14+1Defense - 0Durability - 61/61Special Properties - Attack +1, Durability +1

Alex widened his eyes and raised an eyebrow as he read the status windows. '...Okay...So I think, ten Qi will only grant a plus one bonus in a random attribute? Unless I specify by selecting the effect listed?' As if answering his thoughts, two chimes rang out with the appearance of a couple of status windows.

*Ting*

You have gained 1 Wisdom (+1 WIS)

*Ting*

You have gained 1 Intelligence (+1 INT)

Slightly smiling, Alex thought, 'Okay, I was right...What happens when I have more than ten Qi and use more? This ability is really amazing.' Dismissing the windows, Alex glanced at his energy. 'Hmm, only ten left. Might as well train for a few minutes so that I collapse. Then when I wake up I can repeat the process.' After he thought to there, he stood up and began to practice The Raindrop Ward. Only a few minutes afterwards, he collapsed onto his bed unconscious.

** ** ** **

Hours quickly flew by as he lay face down, sleeping on his bed. Groaning, Alex slowly opened his eyes. “Ugh, what time is it?” He glanced to the clock in the upper right corner of his vision. 'Eh!? It's six in the morning already?...I don't get it. Why did I only sleep for four hours last time and this time it was six...' He sat up on the edge of the bed.

Looking at his energy bar, he smiled. 'Well, at least my energy is almost full. I have 120 energy so I could go on for a little while...Oh! My Qi is slightly restored too!...Seven out of eleven.' He brought his hand to his chin as he was in thought. 'It's at seven now...So does that mean when I sleep I gain one Qi per hour?...If that's the case, then I may as well use my energy first and then when it's about to run out, I'll use up my Qi. Then I can sleep and regain both!'

He grinned and stoop up from his bed. 'Alright, I'll practice The Raindrop Ward for about an hour and a half. Then I'll use some of my Qi.' After he finished his thoughts, he adopted the stance for the first form of the martial art. Before he knew it, an hour and a half had quickly passed. Stopping what he was doing, he wiped his brow of sweat. “Alright, open skill window.” After it appeared, he looked to his progress with The Raindrop Ward.

Martial Art – The Raindrop Ward – Level 1 [8/10xp] Beginner – your overall mastery and skill with the unarmed martial art – The Raindrop Ward.

'Not bad. Two more hours and it'll level up.' He smiled and then dismissed his skill window. Glancing at his energy bar and Qi bar, he thought, 'Sixty-eight energy left...Hmm, I didn't gain any Qi during that time...Alright, time to use it up!' He sat on the edge of his bed and grabbed his sword that was leaning against his end table. Focusing on the sword, he thought, 'Qi Enhancement.' Answering his thought, a status window appeared.

*Ting*

Qi Enhancement:

How much Qi would you like to infuse?

Maximum amount: 11

Qi Enhancement Effects:

+1 Attack = 10 Qi

+1 Durability = 10 Qi

'Okay, so one durability is listed there now as well. So it's safe to say then, that any effect I learn will be added to the list...Well here it goes...Seven.' Just like the previous time he used it, a blue mist seeped out from his body and engulfed the sword. Noticing that nothing happened after that, Alex thought, 'Hmm, alright. I think it's safe to say that it only gains an effect when I put in ten Qi...So all I should need now is to use three more Qi and it'll gain an effect?...Guess I'll find out later tonight.' He shrugged his shoulders and placed his sword against the end table again. After which, he yawned and stretched a bit. 'It's still early...I think I'll nap for a little while longer.' He laid back down on his bed and closed his eyes. Shortly after he fell asleep.

** ** ** **

About two hours later, Alex woke up due to his mother's voice calling for him. “Alex! It's time for breakfast! Wake up!” He slowly opened his eyes and mumbled as he sat up. “Breakfast already?” He got out of bed and put some clean clothes on. After he had done so, he went downstairs and arrived at the kitchen table. “Morning mom, morning dad.” He greeted them as he sat down in his seat. After a few minutes, breakfast was on the table. He and his parents began to eat. As they were doing so, Alex spoke, “Mom, I think I'm going to rest today.” Laylah smiled when she heard her son's plans. “That's good honey...It's not good to strain your body day after day.”

Alex nodded at his mother's comment before he continued to say, “I think I'll go hang out with Sarah for a little bit...If that's okay with you guys.” Kaesan smiled and nodded as he answered. “Sure son. It's good that although you're focused on becoming a cultivator, you're not forgetting about your girlfriend.” Alex's face turned red. Stuttering, he retorted, “She's not my girlfriend! We're just friends and she happens to be a girl!”

Kaesan gave a hearty laugh. “Sure son. Whatever you say.” Alex furrowed his brow and pursed his lips. Laylah giggled and looked at Kaesan. She interjected, “Dear, stop teasing him. If he says they're just friends then leave it be.” Kaesan smiled wryly as he responded. “Alright, alright. Sorry kiddo.” Alex's expression eased up as he replied, “It's fine dad. I'm not angry.” After their conversation, they ate breakfast in peace. Once he had finished, Alex was excused and left the house.

** ** ** **

He walked down the street for a few minutes before finally stopping before a two-story house. 'Well, hope this goes well.' He thought as he knocked on the front door. A few moments later a middle-aged woman with long black hair answered the door. When she saw who it was, her face visibly brightened up. “Alexander. What are you doing here so early?” Alex warmly smiled as he replied, “Good morning Mrs. Collford. I was wondering if I could speak to Sarah for a little bit.” Mrs. Collford gently smiled in response. “Sure. Just a minute, I'll go get her.”

A couple of minutes later, Sarah came to the door alongside her mother. The moment Sarah saw Alex she grinned from ear to ear and hugged him. Mrs. Collford giggled at the sight. “Alright, well I'll leave you alone with your boyfriend for a little bit.” When Sarah heard what her mother had said, her face turned crimson as she stuttered back. “Geeze mom! You....” Mrs. Collford gave a sly smile as she turned around and left the two of them in the doorway.

Still blushing, Sarah weakly said to Alex, “Don't mind my mother...She just...” Alex chuckled and responded. “Don't worry about it. My parents do the same thing.” After he finished speaking, they both stood there in an awkward silence for a few moments.

Sarah was the first one to break the silence. “So...Ummm...My mom said you wanted to talk to me.” Alex scratched his cheek as he replied, “Oh yea...Right...” He looked towards the ground and rubbed the back of his neck as he tried to find the words to say. After some time passed, he finally said, “Sarah...I may not be able to see you for a while...” She looked confused when his words came out.

She stuttered somewhat as she asked, “What do you mean? Are you going somewhere?” Alex let out an awkward chuckle while he continued to rub the back of his neck. “No...well...not yet.” Sarah was starting to grow worried. Noticing this, Alex hastily said, “I'll still be here for a few months...” After a slight pause, he went on, “Sarah, I want to become a cultivator.”

When she heard what he had said, shock filled her face. As if he hadn't noticed, Alex continued to speak. “My mom said that I need to meet some requirements before she'll let me leave to join a sect or school. So in order to meet her conditions, I'm going to be training really hard...I may not be able to hang out with you for quite some time...” Sarah was pale as she repeatedly opened and close her mouth.

Alex rubbed his left arm as he clumsily said, “Even after I leave to join a sect or school...I'll be sure to come back to the town from time to time, to visit you.” Sarah felt herself become misty-eyed. With her lips trembling, she stuttered wile shouting in a bitter tone, “Fine! Go! Leave then! You idiot! Just go! Don't ever come back!!” As soon as she finished, she slammed the door in Alex's face.

He stood there on the front step, stupefied. “W-what?” He uttered while in a daze. Feeling downcast, he turned around and headed back to his house, while he tried to think over everything that just happened. 'I don't get it. Why did she act like that?...Was she mad at me?...' Sighing mentally he continued to think. 'I told her I'd come back and visit her after I left...I just don't get girls...' He shook his head as he proceeded home.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **