Returning to his newly assigned chamber, which was a minimalistic place that was no bigger than a 9 by 5 cell. He changed from his ragged grey robe into his yellow ninja uniform. Before he took a seat on the hardened ground. Zeke then proceeded to reopen the Immortal System.
[Immortal System]
----Calculated, Results...
Pros: 2x Pick Pocketer, 2x Special Delivery, 3x Gift of Gab, 2x Survivor, 1x Executioner, 1x Cold Blooded
Cons: 1x Hesitation, 2x Subserviency, 1x Cuffed, 1x Unaware, 1x Regretful Soul
Final Grade: B
Reward= N/A
----Recalculating, Results...
Pros: 1xExecutioner, 2x Pick Pocketer, 2x Special Delivery, 3x Gift of Gab, 2x Survivor, 1x Executioner, 1x Cold Blooded, 1x Appeased Soul
Cons: 2x Subserviency, 1x Cuffed, 1x Unaware,1x Hesitation
Final Grade: A
Reward= Awaken (1st Magical Circle) + Advance to (Stage 2 Disciple Rank) + THCOUS Map
(Claim reward: [Y/N])
Zeke glanced over the results with mixed feelings. Missing out on the 2nd piece of The Great Immortal Ito's Fragment. He also wasn't satisfied with how he was made to feel helpless yet again.
" I have to get stronger faster than ever now if I want to change my current circumstances."
Motivated, Zeke eventually pressed "Yes". Afterwards, his rewards were sent to his storage box. Wasting no time, he selected "Advance to (Stage 2 Disciple)"
Immediately, he felt his increase in Qi. Not nearly up to par with his former self, however, the strides he made in only a single day were unheard of. In the past, he didn't reach Stage 2 Disciple Rank until he was 15. Now, he had just accomplished that feat at 10. Thanks to a system he still had his doubts about but couldn't deny the ample results. Zeke became inspired to become more powerful than he ever had been.
Ready to embark on a new path of power, he clicked " Awaken (1st Magical Circle)". Suddenly, an excruciating pain ate away at him from the inside out. Differing from the previous smooth transition of breaking through a new stage. If Zeke hadn't been so accustomed to enduring torment, he would've passed out already.
Persevering, he withstood the storm, making it onto the other side in one piece. Eventually, he caught his breath with closed eyes. Zeke then focused on expecting his eternal energy, locating his newly awakened magical core. He noticed that his spiritual root had grown while being entwined with his active magic core. A majestic multicolored circle slowly spun around these two components.
"This is it!"
Zeke shouted like a kid in a toy store. Excited to try out this new phenomenon, he'd never experienced before.
'There's one problem though...'
Zeke didn't know where to start. He wondered if there was a proper book or teacher to help him. Suddenly, he recalled the actions of Den Mother Vivien, who used a flame spell.
"Ignite!"
Zeke exclaimed, concentrating on his finger while thinking of fire, to no effect.
" Ugh, wishful thinking on my part."
He groaned. Switching gears, Zeke decided to stick with what he knew well for now. Unable to use Demon's Breath because there were no dead cultivators to draw from. He decided to use the next best technique, Tortoise Breath. Contrary to its namesake, it was a cultivation method that picked up momentum the longer it was practiced.
He began, using this chamber for his closed cultivation.
....
A horn blew loudly as Zeke gradually opened his eyes. It had been three months since he entered closed cultivation, with no disturbance. During this period, he had reached Stage 2, Master Rank. Even though he made a breakthrough, his progress didn't match his expectations.
' Is this the reason why martial artists are so looked down upon in this alternate reality?'
Zeke thought, going off his recent experience. The natural energy that flowed in this place was lackluster. If he had to compare, the process was at least four times less effective than the martial, ruled environment. Considering the five primary elements to cultivation were talent, technique, experience, tonics/pills, and World Spirit.
The World Spirit gave life to the planet itself while helping nurture cultivators' level of progress. Acting as an incubator, without it, every practitioner would be reduced to a regular martial artist. In turn, when the student surpassed the master. The World Spirit would force those who transcended Stage 5 to ascend to a higher realm. Unable to contain them any longer.
' I'll be sure once I make it to the outside, for so much-needed fresh air and clarity.'
Referring to how certain ecosystems or barriers could weaken the World Spirit's influence. Tired of being underground, he just had to bide his time. Forced to hide his fangs until they became sharp enough to bite the neck off these fiends. Taking his rightful place as top dog. Where he could then take this place for all it was worth.
Even with that potential bright future, Zeke knew not to get too big a head. Knowing that death still loomed heavy for him in the present. Life was anything but guaranteed here. Stretching his limbs, Zeke drank some stale water from his canteen before venturing out. There, he saw a swarm of yellow making a beeline towards the training grounds. Fitting, since their outpost resembled a makeshift beehive.
" Oh, so you were alive."
Kenshin stated, leaning against the wall near Zeke's chamber.
" Why wouldn't I be?"
He bluntly asked, while Kenshin's forehead crinkled.
" Don't give me that crap, this is the first time you've stepped out in three months since you entered! What else were we supposed to expect when you didn't respond, even when I knocked and shouted?"
Being slow on the uptake. He derived how his extended absence could cause concern. This made him realize how rusty he was when interacting in these types of relationships. In his past life, throughout his many trials and tribulations. Zeke gained valuable allies and friends. However, they all eventually died along the way before he became the Elemental sect's Elder.
Spending the later decades of his life with no true friend or ally to confide in and rely on. Even though Zeke planned on outgrowing this cave of assassins, he couldn't bring himself to ignore the promise he swore to Elizabeth.
" I apologize."
Zeke offered, having no issues admitting when he was in the wrong.
" Aw, forget I brought it up. Besides, how could I stay mad at you with a face like that?"
Kenshin joked, reaching out to pinch Zekes' cheeks, but was quickly pushed aside.
" Oh, did you get stronger since we last met? Wow, that's not the only thing. You got taller as well. We're practically eye to eye now."
He looked over Zeke with amazement. Compared to Kenshin, who stood at 173cm tall. Zeke was now standing at 164 cm in height, having grown from 143cm. Thanks to his new stage of internal energy, which helped accelerate his physical growth.
" Whatever, anyway, you mentioned 'we' before."
Zeke said while jogging, joining the moving crowd.
" Why are you going on some apology tour?"
"Just tell me!"
"Okay, easy there. It was Den Mother Vivien and me."
Arriving at the training grounds, they took their seat in the crowded stands. Waiting for Master Lee. In another row. A girl with red hair and pink eyes glanced fiercely in their direction before swiftly turning away. Kenshin proceeded to explain how Liz stayed distant, not speaking a word to him, even when approached. He still kept an eye out for her, ensuring she was allowed to mourn in peace.
" Hey, even if she ends up hating us forever. That will always be our sister."
Kenshin spoke with conviction, taking the mantle of being an older brother seriously.
" Right."
Zeke agreed, not caring if she hated or loved him. The promise he made would be kept regardless. Soon, an assassin in black appeared from thin air onto the training ground.