Chapter X

A month quickly elapsed as Alex trained diligently. He followed a very specific routine every day for thirty days. He would wake up at six o'clock in the morning and then practice The Raindrop Ward for four hours. After that he would meditate for eight hours to recoup some of his lost energy. Once he finished meditating, he would practice The Raindrop Sword Style for four hours. By the time he finished his practice, it would be about ten o'clock at night and that's when he would go to sleep.

Of course, while he trained he would occasionally stop to eat or use the restroom and clean himself. Besides that though, the rest of his time was spent on training. During this time, not once had he seen Sarah Collford. At first his parents were worried that he was training too hard. However, after some time their worry transformed into pride. They were proud of their son for working so hard towards his dream. They supported him full-heartedly and let him train to his heart's content.

Morning of the thirty-first day, Alex lay there on his bed with a grin on his face. 'I can't believe it. It's been a whole month already...I've made crazy improvements in this period of time.' Thinking to there, he opened up his skill window to look at how he improved with the skills he trained.

Sword Mastery Level 7 [37/40xp] Beginner – your overall expertise with the sword. Increasing this will improve your attack and defense rating while wielding a sword.

Current bonus rating: +4 Attack +3 Defense

Sword Style – The Raindrop Sword – Level 7 [37/40xp] Beginner – your overall mastery and skill with the sword style – The Raindrop Sword.

Martial Art – The Raindrop Ward – Level 8 [11/45xp] Beginner – your overall mastery and skill with the unarmed martial art – The Raindrop Ward.

Meditation Level 9 [44/50xp] Beginner – the process of clearing and relaxing your mind while focusing on your inner-self. Allows you to take in the Qi of the world. Meditating will increase the speed at which your Qi is restored. Current Rate: 15 Energy/hour 0.75 Qi/hour

'I gained seven levels in meditation. When it reached level five, the amount of energy and Qi it regenerated increased. I gained four levels in The Raindrop ward and I gained three levels in The Raindrop Sword Style...Not to mention the stat increases I received...That was one hell of a month. Open Status Window.' As soon as he thought it, his status window appeared listing his various stats.

Name: Alexander HartlowAge: 12Level: 0XP: 20/100Health: 20/20Qi: 18/18Energy: 180/180Satiety: 82/100Titles:

NoneStats:

Distributable Points: 0Constitution: 2Intelligence: 17Vitality: 1Wisdom: 14Stamina: 9Endurance: 2Strength: 6Charisma: 9Agility: 6Dexterity: 7Willpower: 7Bloodlust: 2Luck: 50Focus: 2??????????????????Attack: 1Defense: 0Element Resistance: NoneAdditional Information:Race: HumanGender: MaleElement Affinity: All ElementsAlignment: NeutralAllegiance: Undeclared

After he inspected all of his stats, he let out a happy sigh. 'The only thing I wish I could have improved was my Qi Enhancement ability...I didn't want to use it on items in my room at random, in case my parents found out. Not that they would make a huge matter out of it...But I would prefer no one else know of this blessing of mine...And it's not like I could go purchase tons of weapons, that would be suspicious...Oh well.' He rolled out of bed, got dressed and grabbed his sword as he headed downstairs.

Once there, he went into the kitchen and sat at the kitchen table as he waited for his parents. Placing his sword on the table, he immersed himself in deep thought. 'I wonder if I can meet mom's requirements now...I think I'm ready, but I'll need to make sure she gives the okay...Once I get that early-stage beginner profound beast's Qi core, I'll be able to leave home...I can't wait!' He brought his hand to his chin as a troubled expressions spread on his face. 'Hmm, I just hope Sarah is okay...I'll make sure to say goodbye to her before I leave.'

Right as he was finishing his thoughts, Laylah walked into the kitchen. Noticing Alex sitting at the table, she called out, “Oh, good morning honey. You're up early.” Alex smiled as he replied, “Haha, yeah. Morning mom. I just couldn't sleep anymore. I'm too excited.” Raising an eyebrow, Laylah curiously asked, “Why are you so excited?” Scratching his cheek as he chuckled, Alex answered, “I, uhh, think I can meet your requirements now mom.”

Laylah was taken aback when she heard this. She didn't believe him. When she set those requirements, she expected him to take anywhere from half a year to a year to complete them. Regarding the profound beast? She didn't believe he would truly be willing to go into the forest and find one to kill. Smiling, she walked over towards the table and sat down. “Honey, I know you may think you're ready, but-” Alex quickly interjected. “-Mom. I'm ready. Let me show you how much I've improved. After I show you, if you still think I'm not ready, then so be it. I'll go back to training.”

After she heard this, Laylah was slightly dazed. She couldn't believe what her son was saying. Where did this confidence come from? When he was born and even as he grew older, on countless occasions Laylah would check his Qi Veins in the hopes that maybe he would have some sort of potential to be a cultivator. However, reality hurt. Her son had no talent for cultivation. Out of all sixty-four Qi Vein Entrances, only two were open. He had even worse talent then her. This was heart-breaking for Laylah.

Letting out a deep sigh, Laylah caved in. “Alright Alex. After breakfast you can show me how much you improved okay?” Alex gave a wide grin in response. “Okay mom! You'll be surprised.” Giggling, Laylah replied, “How bout I start making breakfast? Your father will be up soon.” Alex nodded and went back into his thoughts as he watched his mother start to prepare breakfast. 'Once she see's how much stronger I've become, I'll get to look at that book with all of the schools and sects in it...'

Shortly after their conversation, Kaesan had woken up and entered the kitchen. He and Alex chatted as they waited for Laylah to finish making breakfast. Once it was done, they all started to eat. Alex finished rather quickly and watched as his parents continued to eat. When Laylah noticed this, she couldn't help but chuckle. “Geeze. You're really eager huh? I'm almost done, then you can show me, okay?” Alex zealously nodded and kept on watching them eat.

** ** ** **

Twenty minutes later, Alex and Laylah had moved the furniture out of the way in the living room, creating a large enough open space. Kaesan pulled over a kitchen chair so that he could sit and watch Alex demonstrate how much he improved. Laylah was standing to the side of him with her hands on her hips as she said, “Alright, go ahead honey. Show us what you've learned.” With a wide grin, Alex earnestly nodded.

He placed his sword down on the couch and then moved to the center of the living room. Once there, he moved into the first stance of The Raindrop Ward. From there he proceeded to execute the second and third stances. He repeated this three times. As he did so, both his mother and father were dumbfounded. Kaeasan had seen Laylah practice and polish her skills so that she wouldn't get rusty. This would consist of taking up the three stances of the first form and cycle through them, one into the other.

When he watched Alex do this, he was at a loss for words. He couldn't even tell that Alex had only been practicing for one month. It seemed like he had practiced it for much longer. Laylah was in a similar state. She was absolutely flabbergasted. She knew that her son didn't have any talent for cultivation. Sure, he may have been able to learn the forms without a hitch, but to improve to this level should have taken years with his level of talent. A smile with a hint of proudness crept onto her face. However, it quickly faded as a trace of sadness replaced it.

Alex was about to go through the three stances for the fourth time when his mother called out, “Stop.” Alex immediately ceased his movements and looked to Laylah. “Did I mess up?” Laylah had a gentle smile on her face as she shook her head. “No...You didn't mess up.” Alex tilted his head in confusion. Laylah let out a muffled giggle as she said, “Show me The Raindrop Sword Style.” Alex hurriedly nodded and moved with haste to grab his sword from the couch.

After he had it in hand, he moved back to the center of the living room and withdrew the sword from its scabbard. He adopted the first stance of the sword style and then began to advance to the next stances. As he was doing this, Laylah muttered under her breath, “Incredible...” Hearing this, Kaesan perked his ears up and gazed at her. “Hm? What's the matter dear?” Laylah slightly shook her head. “It's just...I can't believe how much progress he's made in only one month...” She paused there as she rubbed the corner of her eye. “He must've worked so hard...” Kaesan had a warm smile on his face as he patted her back and turned his attention back to his son.

Alex was completely immersed in The Raindrop Sword Style. A half an hour had gone by before he finally stopped. He sheathed his blade and wiped his brow of sweat. Glancing towards his parents, he noticed the strange looks they had on their faces. With a slightly shaky voice, he inquired, “So, how was it? Do I pass?” Laylah didn't respond. She looked towards the ground and closed her eyes. After a moment of silence, she opened her eyes. When she finally spoke she had a wide smile on her face. “Yes...You pass.”

Alex almost jumped for joy. But before he could do so, his father's voice brought him back to reality. “Son. Although you passed your mother's requirements, you still need to pass mine.” Alex let a startled gasp escape his lips. “E-eh? What are they?” Kaesan laughed when he saw and heard his son's reaction. “Hahaha, relax. They're simple. Since you've met your mother's requirements, next you'll need to go into the Nilyl Forest to get a Qi core from a profound beast, right?” Alex hastily nodded.

Kaesan then continued to say, “Well while you're there, I want you to gather up the necessary herbs to make three different medicines that you should've learned from the books I gave you.” Alex released a breath of relief after he heard that. “Dad, I thought for a moment there you were going to impose some impossible requirement on me, haha.” Kaesan gave a wry smile in return to his comment, as he asked, “When do you plan to go to the forest?” Alex brought his hand to his chin as he thought for a moment.

“Um...I guess around noon...Maybe after lunch?” Laylah nodded as she interjected. “Good idea. Until then, why don't you rest and make sure you're fully prepared.” Alex quickly acknowledged his mother. “Yes mom. I was planning on it. I don't plan on losing my life, haha.” Laylah gave a dry laugh as Alex began to move the furniture back to their positions. Noticing that his mother was staring at him, he awkwardly asked, “What's the matter mom? Did you not want me to move the furniture back?” She slightly shook her head as she softly replied, “No, that's not it honey. I'm just so proud of you...” Alex felt his cheeks growing warm as he rubbed the back of his neck and looked at the ground. Giggling at her son's reaction, Laylah said, “Alright, let's move this stuff back.”

** ** ** **

After they returned the furniture to their former positions, Alex went upstairs to his room. He sat on the edge of his bed and began to think to himself. 'After I get this Qi core from a profound beast, all that will be left is to look for a sect or school. I can't wait...' He glanced down at his sword that was resting on his lap. 'Huh...Now that I think about it, I could've just used my Qi Enhancement ability on my clothes...I feel like such an idiot.' He took his shirt off and held it in his hand. Focusing on it, he used identify.

White Linen Shirt - Standard cloth shirt made from white colored linen.Quality - StandardAttack - 0Defense - 0Durability - 10/10Special Properties - None

He sighed after he viewed the status window. 'I really should have done this sooner...Qi Enhancement.' Heeding his mental command, a status window appeared.

Qi Enhancement:

How much Qi would you like to infuse?

Maximum amount: 18

Qi Enhancement Effects:

+ 1 Attack = 10 Qi

+1 Durability = 10 Qi

+1 Defense = 10 Qi

“Plus one defense.” As soon as his words fell, a blue mist seeped out of his pores. It traveled to the shirt and completely engulfed it. Not too long after, the mist vanished as if it had been absorbed by the shirt. Staring at the shirt in his hand, he thought, 'Identify.'

White Linen Shirt - Standard cloth shirt made from white colored linen.Quality - StandardAttack - 0Defense - 0+1Durability - 10/10Special Properties - Defense +1

Alex smiled after he saw the improvement. 'I'll improve all of my clothes when I have the Qi. At least this way it's better than nothing.' He put his shirt back on and walked over to his dresser. He rummaged around through the drawers until he found a medium-size leather backpack. Yanking it out, he placed it on his bed and opened it up. 'This'll do. I should pack a change of clothes, food, some medicine and bandages in case I get injured. Hmm, anything else?' He glanced around his room. 'Ahh, the mortar and pestle as well. This way I'll be able to make more medicine in case I need it.' He nodded his head and began to load everything into his backpack.

** ** ** **

Almost an hour later, Alex was seated on his bed with his legs crossed. He looked over his backpack and sword that were next to him. 'All set...I still have a few hours to kill until lunch. May as well meditate until then.' He closed his eyes and started to clear his mind. It took him longer than usual to calm and relax his mind to enter into a meditative state. He was brimming with excitement. Soon he would be able to leave the town and join a sect. He was extremely looking forward to it. Finally after about a quarter of an hour, he managed successfully enter the state he was trying to reach.

He sat on his bed with his legs crossed and eyes closed for nearly three hours. His mother's voice ended up waking him. “Alex, lunch is ready!” Opening his eyes, he grinned and hopped off his bed. He slung his backpack over his shoulder and carried his sword in hand as he went downstairs. As soon as he entered the kitchen, he was greeted by both of his parents. Kaesan had a beaming smile on his face, while Laylah wore a worried smile. Alex walked over to and sat down at the table.

“Thanks for making lunch mom.” He said as he picked up the sandwich that was on the plate in front of him. She only gave a slight nod in response. When he looked at her, he noticed her downcast expression. Before he could say anything, Kaesan spoke in a cautious tone. “Alex. When you go into the forest you need to be extremely careful.” Alex smiled while he nodded. “I know dad. I won't let my guard down.” When Kaesan saw that his son wasn't worried, he was quite happy on the inside. 'My son is becoming a man...' As Kaesan thought this to himself, he couldn't prevent a proud smile from creeping onto his face.

Laylah frowned when Kaesan didn't say any more. She started to speak in a very firm tone, “Alex.” “Yes mom?” He was quick to respond when he noticed her tone. “Although there are only beginner and novice rank profound beasts in the Nilyl forest, they are still more than enough to kill you.” He gulped down the mouthful of sandwich he was chewing as he listened attentively. “Once you enter the forest, stay on your guard. In the eyes of these profound beasts, you will only look like a meal to them...Should you encounter any profound beasts that you feel you can't defeat, then immediately focus on defense and retreat. Do I make myself clear?” Alex hastily nodded in understanding.

She smiled somewhat as she continued to speak. “Alex. You will be on your own in the forest. Make sure to pay attention to your surroundings.” Alex nodded again as he replied in a solemn tone, “I understand mom. Should I encounter any profound beasts that I feel I can't handle, I'll immediately run away.” She nodded as a warm and gentle smile spread on her face. “I just want you to be safe honey. Come back home in one piece okay?” Alex chuckled as he responded. “Sure thing mom.” After listening to his mother's warnings, he finished eating his lunch. Once he was done he stood up.

The moment he did so, Laylah gently said, “Hold on honey. There's something I want to give you.” She left the kitchen and took a few minutes to come back. When she returned, she carried what looked like a belt in her hands. When he saw it, Alex tilted his head to the side. Laylah giggled as she watched him. “Alex, I got you this belt. This way you can fasten the scabbard onto it...You can't be carrying your sword everywhere. That wouldn't be good if you had to fight and had a hand occupied.” Alex grinned as he received the belt from his mother. “Thanks a lot mom!” After she handed him the belt, Alex focused on it and used identify. Right as he did so, three chimes rang out along with the appearance of a few status windows.

*Ting*

Level up: Identify (Beginner Level 5 [0/30xp]

*Ting*

You have gained 1 Intelligence (+1 INT)

*Ting*

Brown Leather Belt - Standard leather belt made from dyed animal hide.Quality - StandardAttack - 0Defense - 1Durability - 20/20Special Properties - None

As he viewed the belt's information, he couldn't help but smile. 'This belt has a defense rating of one. Must be since it's made from leather?' He looked towards his mother and said in a joyous tone, “Thanks mom!” He gave her a hug and then thanked his father as well. After he did that, he fastened his short-sword's scabbard onto his belt, with the sword on his left side. Once it was secured, he slung his backpack onto his back and made sure he could draw his sword without his pack hindering him.

Checking everything once, twice and thrice, Alex beamed as he said, “Alright mom, dad. I'm gonna head out now. It may take me a day or two, or maybe even longer, but I'll make sure to stay safe. I love you guys.” Laylah hugged him and kissed his cheek. “Be careful honey...No matter what, avoid going deep into the forest, try to stay on the outskirts. The deeper you go, the stronger the profound beasts and monsters will be.” Kaesan walked over and patted Alex on the back as he said, “Stay safe son.” After his farewells were said, he left the house with his parents seeing him off.

As Laylah and Kaesan watched him walk down the street, Kaesan spoke to Laylah in a low voice. “When are you going to leave?” Laylah responded with a warm smile on her face. “Once he's out of sight.” Nodding, Kaesan replied in a solemn tone. “Be careful out there...Take care of our son.” Laylah looked at him showing a gentle smile. “Of course. There shouldn't be any profound beasts or monsters above the novice rank...Even if there were, I'd die before letting any harm come to him. Don't worry dear. I'll make sure he comes back in one piece.” As they were chatting, Alex's back slowly disappeared down the street.

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