《Birth of the Almighty System》


 Chapter 1: I Am the Force That Devours the Stars

    The sky was like a blood-red smear across the horizon, as if the heavens themselves were bleeding. A young man, hands clasped behind his back, stood at the forefront of a queue, his gaze steady. He looked about sixteen, but there was an uncanny weight to his eyes, like he''d seen things no one his age should.


    Despite the gravity of the moment, his appearance was striking, with a soft, youthful beauty that made his roundly chubby cheeks almost charming. But under that gentle exterior, there was a sharpness, a latent power that suggested there was far more to him than met the eye.


    His gaze was fixed on three towering green pillars, each capped with jagged spikes, like the world''s angriest cacti. Golden inscriptions spiraled up the stone like they were trying to escape, their meaning hidden beneath layers of ancient mystery, or just bad handwriting.


    Behind him, the crowd fidgeted impatiently, packed together like sardines and muttering in disdain.


    "What''s the hold-up?" someone grumbled. "He''s been standing there for ages, staring at the Azebok pillars like he''s waiting for them to start a conversation."


    "He''s not really trying to force enlightenment, is he?" another scoffed. "That''s impossible. Who does he think he is?"


    "Waste of time. If you''re useless, you''re useless. Why drag the rest of us into it?"


    The criticism swelled into a noisy clamor, but the young man remained as unmoved as a rock¡ªno, like a rock with better hair. His eyes narrowed even further, almost completely shut, as if he was focusing on something only he could see. Then, out of nowhere, he chuckled¡ªa low, dry sound, more amused than bitter.


    "So, the old man was right after all," he muttered under his breath. "The gods aren''t ignoring me¡­ they just don''t think I''m worth the time."


    A grim smile tugged at his lips as he finally tore his gaze from the pillars and turned to face the crowd. The moment their eyes met his, they quickly looked away, like schoolchildren caught in the act. Their earlier bravado evaporated, leaving only awkward silence.


    He sighed, the weight of the moment fading as quickly as it had come. "Well, that''s that." Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving the murmuring crowd in his wake.


    "Of course," someone muttered behind him, dripping with sarcasm. "Now he''s just going to sleep it off."


    The young man ignored them, descending from the mountain-like platform the pillars stood on. Around him, the landscape shifted, revealing more of Elandor City, a small but thriving county tucked away at the edge of the southern Valaryn Continent.


    The city''s modest buildings gradually came into view, their rooftops poking through the green canopy of surrounding forests. It was all so peaceful, which made the tension from the pillars feel even more ridiculous in hindsight.


    His footsteps took him through the bustling streets, past the shops and homes that made up the city''s heart, until he reached a large, imposing mansion. He paused briefly, eyeing the grand structure with mild disinterest, before veering off toward a small, modest house next door. It was a simple, tidy place, with just enough space for two people, though at the moment, only one seemed to live there.


    Without a second thought, he collapsed onto the small bed in the corner of the room, drifting into a deep sleep almost immediately. It was exactly what the crowd at the pillars had predicted, leaving one to wonder if those people could, indeed, foresee the future.


    As soon as his eyes closed, he sank into the familiar void, a suffocating darkness that felt like it could crush his very soul. He remained calm, as if used to this oppressive weight. This was routine for him now, another day, another plunge into the endless chasm.


    Then, as if the void itself grew bored, the darkness peeled back, revealing a landscape of smoldering ruins. What once might have been lush and vibrant was now reduced to endless ash and rubble, like the remnants of a battle fought and lost long ago.


    He walked through the devastation with the air of someone taking a stroll in the park. The wind picked up, lashing against him, his long black hair snapping in the ferocious gust. He waved a hand, and the wind fell silent, obedient as a chastened dog.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Gale-force winds? Really?" He sighed. "You''ll have to try harder."


    The atmosphere shifted, the land growing still as if awaiting his next move. He glanced up, where three colossal entities floated above, each more outlandish than the last.


    To the left, an enormous, unblinking eye hung in the sky, eerily motionless. It radiated a cold indifference, like a cosmic bouncer unmoved by any mortal plea.


    To the right, a massive, pulsating heart hovered, each beat resonating like a low, ominous drum. Dark tendrils of power coiled around it, as though it were both life and darkness entwined.


    And above them both, a pale white sun glowed, a cold, unforgiving light that cast no warmth, only a chilling intensity. It loomed like the overseer of this desolate world, its power subdued yet unmistakable.


    The young man took it all in without flinching, then fixed his gaze on the unblinking eye.


    "Old man," he muttered, breaking the silence.


    True to its ominous nature, the eye remained silent.


    He sighed. "Old man, I still can''t get any of the gods'' powers. None. Zero. Care to explain?"


    For the first time, the eye twitched, a small tremor, almost as if annoyed. The young man smirked.


    "Yeah, I thought so," he said. "You and your secrets. Fine, don''t tell me. Just don''t expect me to let my guard down around you."


    The eye seemed to still, then slowly opened wider, a deep red pupil swirling with patterns that hinted at unspeakable power. It was the kind of gaze that could swallow lesser souls whole.


    But he didn''t look away.


    An ancient voice echoed from the eye, deep and resonant. "Boy, you dare call me old man? Do you even know who I am?"


    His smirk widened. "Of course. Heaven''s Devourer."


    The eye''s pupil shrank in surprise, the godlike composure slipping. Then a rumbling chuckle echoed across the wasteland.


    "So, you know my name," the voice boomed. "Yet where is the fear that should freeze your soul? The reverence? You call me old man as if I am some relic, when I am the force that devours stars."


    The young man shrugged, unbothered. "Stars, empires, solar systems¡­ Sure, I get it. But you''re still old."


    The eye narrowed, a ripple of barely contained fury coursing through the air. "You mock me, mortal. I am the storm that rends the heavens! And you speak to me with such insolence?"


    "Well, when you put it like that, yeah." He chuckled, eyes gleaming with mischief. "But you''ve got a great voice, I''ll give you that. Ever thought of doing voiceovers?"


    The skies darkened in response, the voice deepening with wrath. "Understand this, I am not a fleeting light. I am the abyss that consumes all. I am wrath made flesh. And you, a mere speck, would treat me as a nuisance?"


    The land trembled beneath the weight of the eye''s rage. But the young man stood firm, arms crossed, waiting.


    When the roars finally faded, he raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.


    "Are you done?"


    The young man exhaled, a weary smile crossing his face. "Does it even matter? I mean, you''re just a fragment of my imagination, a figment in a dream I can''t help but be pulled into each time I sleep. Status? Power? At this point, who cares?"


    He looked boldly into the massive eye looming before him, his tone dripping with mockery, as if daring it to challenge his words. For a second, the colossal eye seemed to tremble, a flicker of emotion¡ªanger, maybe?¡ªrippling through it. Then, its gaze sharpened, an intensity that felt like it could pull the ground out from beneath him.


    "Do you truly believe I am merely a fragment of your imagination? Just a phantom in a dream?" The voice rumbled, each word reverberating with ancient weight, making the air itself feel heavier.


    The young man hesitated, feeling a faint, unbidden chill run through him. This strange, chaotic world he returned to with every sleep felt too real, too raw to be a mere dream. It was like the ruins of an ancient battlefield, marked by forces far beyond his understanding, and yet, here, he wielded powers he could only dream of in the real world.


    Since childhood, he''d been plagued by an inexplicable sleepiness that pulled him into this dream world, a place where, ironically, everything seemed to bend to his will, allowing him to grasp powers he couldn''t in the real world.


    But here, too, was this eye, a strangely sentient thing, ancient and full of secrets, its presence as baffling as the power it claimed to wield.


    It was this eye, after all, that had told him, taunted him, that he would never possess the divine power of any god. That he was as insignificant as dust. The words still burned in his memory like a wound that refused to heal.


    He clenched his fists, bitterness welling up. In the world he lived in, power meant everything, and he''d been cursed with an empty soul, devoid of the abundant spiritual energy everyone else seemed to wield. Even the gods had ignored him, their divine power withheld, leaving him powerless in a world that worshiped strength.


    "Fine, maybe you''re right, Heavens Devourer," he said, a dark smile twisting his lips as he glanced back at the eye. "But tell me this, doesn''t it seem strange? You, the great Heavens Devourer, the one who''s devoured universes and made gods tremble, stuck here¡­ with someone like me.


    His tone was a knife, cutting through the silence. "If you''re so powerful, why are you still here? Trapped, wasting away in this void with someone as ''worthless'' as me?"


    He let his words hang, waiting to see if the mighty Heavens Devourer would falter. The eye''s silence felt heavy, a tension that almost dared him to push further. But the ancient voice returned, not with anger, but with a chilling amusement.


    "Ah¡­ you are amusing," the eye chuckled, a deep, sinister sound. "To think you could provoke me? To doubt the truths I''ve shown you? You are nothing, grasping at power you''ll never touch."


    The young man''s smirk faltered slightly. It was right, and he hated it for that.


    The eye continued, voice dripping with disdain. "But, there is a way. A way to gain strength¡­ even for someone like you, who cannot wield the energy of this world."


    The young man''s interest piqued, though his skepticism held strong. "And how am I supposed to gain strength without spiritual energy or divine power?"


    Instead of more cryptic words, the eye''s gaze drifted to the massive white sun in the sky, its intense energy pulsing like a heart. The young man''s eyes followed, a pang of recognition twisting in his gut. That sun, it radiated a force so immense, he could barely stand to look at it.


    "Of course, you can''t touch it," the eye sneered, as if reading his thoughts. "Not without my help."


    The young man rolled his eyes. "Right, here we go again," he muttered. This so called Heavens Devourer always circled back to how it was the key to everything.


    "Doubt me all you want, but remember this, power has a price," the eye said, its tone laced with dark amusement. "If you are willing to pay, I can help you wield a strength even the gods of your world would envy."


    Before the young man could respond, he felt a familiar tug pulling him back. He sighed, casting a look at the fading horizon as the dream world began to dissolve around him.


    "Guess it''s time to wake up," he muttered, casting a final, defiant glance at the eye. "Seems we''ll have to continue our conversation later, Old man, Heavens Devourer."


    As he faded from the dream, he caught a glimpse of the eye, watching him with an intensity that hinted at things left unsaid, perhaps, secrets buried deep within its ancient gaze.

 Chapter 2: Beneath the Surface

    As soon as the young man left the dream space, his eyes shot open in the real world. Just as he had expected, there was a gentle knock at the door. Rising from his bed, he walked over and peered through the small peephole. After confirming the identity of the person knocking, he opened the door.


    Standing there was a young maid, likely a little older than him.


    Upon seeing the sleep still lingering in his expression, the maid quickly apologized, "I''m sorry if I disturbed your sleep."


    The young man gave a casual shrug. "No worries. What''s the matter?"


    "Her lady is requesting your presence," the maid replied.


    "Alright, I''ll be there in a bit."


    With those words, he tidied up his disheveled clothes, smoothing out the wrinkles and straightening his appearance, before heading out toward the large mansion next door.


    Upon reaching the mansion''s entrance, he was greeted by two knights clad in silver armor, their gallant air unmistakable. The intricate designs on their armor made them appear even more imposing, and the crossed spears at the door signified their role as protectors.


    Despite their daunting presence, the fierce looks in their eyes betrayed the hardness that came from countless battles. Though the young man couldn''t sense spiritual energy, being powerless in that regard, he could tell that these knights were no ordinary soldiers. They were experts, ranking far above the common warrior.


    A look of realization crossed his face. These knights being here meant something important.


    As soon as he approached, the knights, as if expecting him, uncrossed their spears, clearing the path for him. He nodded in acknowledgment and stepped into the mansion.


    Once inside, he found the same maid waiting for him. She led him through the mansion''s opulent halls, guiding him toward the grand hall. While the exterior of the mansion was grand, the interior far surpassed it in luxury. The grand hall was a sight to behold, with intricate designs that reflected royal architecture.


    Every corner of the room seemed to speak of wealth and power, with lavish furnishings and fine craftsmanship on display. Several seats were arranged in the hall, each adding to the room''s regal atmosphere.


    Seated in the hall were a few figures. One of them was a woman he recognized¡ªher blonde hair flowing elegantly over a luxurious garment. She was a striking beauty, someone of clear importance. Beside her sat a young girl who bore a strong resemblance to her, a clear indication of their familial bond.


    Across from them, another woman sat, this one with black hair. She too wore luxurious garments adorned with fine gold jewelry, exuding an air of extravagance. Beside her was a young boy around the same age as the young man, also with black hair.


    As soon as the maid had led him into the hall, she bowed respectfully and made her exit, leaving him in the presence of the gathered individuals.


    "Greetings, my lady," he said with a slight bow toward the blonde woman seated before him. Seeing him, she smiled warmly.


    "Lian, how are you doing? Sit down," she replied, gesturing to a seat nearby. "It seems you''ve been sleeping too much again."


    She pointed at the bags under his eyes, a clear sign of either too much or too little sleep, and let out a faint laugh. It wasn''t a surprise that even the Countess was aware of the rumors about his erratic sleeping habits¡ªrumors about how he would sometimes fall asleep at random intervals.


    Lian, as usual, tried to brush off the concern. "My lady, it''s not as bad as it looks. I actually had Moonbloom leaf last night."


    The Countess, Lady Mariana Catellen, chuckled softly. "Don''t worry, Lian. I understand your condition, so there''s no need to be embarrassed about your sleeping habits. It''s not your fault."


    In truth, Lian''s relationship with the Countess and her family was quite close. His mother, Elara Eshar, had been Lady Mariana''s handmaiden and close friend. After Elara''s tragic death during Lian''s birth, the Countess had taken him in and raised him as though he were her own.


    Despite the difference in status between a handmaiden and a countess, their bond had been so strong that formalities never came between them. As a result, Lady Mariana had always treated Lian with kindness, and he had formed a close friendship with her daughter.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Lady Mariana often teased Lian about his sleeping habits, finding his reactions endearing. Though his condition had been a matter of concern for years, they had consulted countless physicians to no avail. His unmanageable sleep patterns seemed to be beyond a cure, leaving it as one of those problems they had accepted, albeit with lingering sadness.


    Noticing his shy reaction, Lady Mariana smiled again and gestured toward the woman sitting opposite her. "Lian, this is Duchess Elowen Mirelda. She is the one who requested your presence."


    Lian''s eyes widened slightly at the introduction. He quickly bowed and greeted her. "Greetings, Your Grace."


    The black-haired woman smiled back at him. "No need for formalities, Lian," she replied warmly.


    Though he had already suspected as much from the knights stationed outside, this was the confirmation he needed. The woman before him was none other than the powerful Duchess Elowen Mirelda Thornward of Ardenthall, the region in which this county was located.


    Her reputation was well known¡ªher influence in the royal court was immense. Rumors about her power had swirled for years, but Lian had never paid them much attention. He had always been too focused on his own struggles to care much for courtly politics.


    With this confirmation, he now knew who the boy sitting beside the Duchess was as well¡ªLord Alaric Rian Thornward, her eldest son. The rumors had suggested he was a year older than Lian, but their similar height made them appear to be of the same age.


    As Lian took his seat, Alaric stared at him intensely, a smug look crossing his face. His gaze was sharp, almost piercing, and Lian found himself irritated by it. It was as if Alaric was trying to bore a hole through his skin, as if he couldn''t wait to speak his mind. Lian''s body tensed uncomfortably, feeling the weight of the young noble''s scrutinizing eyes.


    Duchess Elowen smiled again, her gaze now on Lian. "My, hasn''t he grown up quite a bit?" she remarked, her tone polite, but something in her words made Lian frown inwardly. Though his expression remained mostly neutral, there was an odd tension in the air, one he couldn''t quite place.


    "I remember his mother, that maid," Duchess Elowen added, her tone carrying a hint of nostalgia. "She was very pretty, and you were quite fond of her in those years. It''s a shame she died so young."


    A brief flash of sorrow crossed Lady Mariana''s eyes as she seemed to reminisce. She sighed, her voice soft and laced with emotion. "Well, it''s in the past now. Heaven''s will, I suppose. Man can''t oppose it, and if it was Heaven''s will for her to go, then so be it. It''s unfortunate, but life can be devastating."


    "That''s true," Duchess Elowen replied, her gaze shifting back to Lian. "But you''ve done a fine job raising this boy. He''s grown into a fine young man." Her smile brightened as she studied Lian. "I hear he''s been quite close to little Elysia."


    She was, of course, referring to the young girl seated beside Lady Mariana, her daughter. "It must be nice for her to have such a close companion," Elowen continued, her tone still calm but carrying a subtle weight. "Especially as she prepares for her future with Alaric when she comes of age. It must be reassuring for her to have someone to keep her company in the meantime, don''t you think?"


    Though her words were polite, Lian couldn''t miss the thinly veiled message beneath them. A chill ran through him as he realized the Duchess was drawing a line between him and Elysia. She was making it clear that the girl''s future with Alaric had already been sealed, and any closeness beyond friendship would not be tolerated.


    Lian remained composed, though inwardly, he sighed. He had known for some time that Elysia was betrothed to Alaric, the eldest son of the Thornward family, but he had never paid much attention to it. He had always seen Elysia as a sister¡ªnothing more. They had grown up together, their bond close and innocent. To him, it was a relationship built on familial affection, not romantic interest. However, the Duchess''s words made it clear that his presence was now being scrutinized. He could no longer pretend his relationship with Elysia was without consequence.


    Elysia, sitting silently, seemed to pick up on the underlying tension. A frown creased her face in clear displeasure. She had always seen Lian as a brother, and the thought of any threat to their bond unsettled her. Not even her arranged marriage to Alaric could alter that. She would not allow anything to come between her and Lian¡ªnot even societal expectations.


    Alaric, noticing her expression, smiled smugly before chiming in. "Mother," he began, his tone falsely respectful. "I understand all of that, but isn''t it wonderful? At least this boy¡ªwhat''s his name, Lian¡ªhas been a great help to my future wife. He''s acted as a brother to her, hasn''t he? It''s not bad, really. I think it''s quite nice."


    His smile widened as he glanced at Lian, clearly enjoying the discomfort he was causing. "Since he''s going to be my future brother-in-law, I should extend some courtesy toward him, don''t you think?"


    Lian''s jaw tightened as he listened to Alaric''s words. There was something off about his tone, as though Alaric were toying with him, trying to provoke a reaction.


    Alaric continued, "I heard you''ve decided to become a warrior, Lian. I admire ambition, truly. But I''ve also heard you''ve had some¡­ difficulties. Rumor has it you can''t sense or use spiritual energy, which is quite rare. That must be devastating for someone with such determination."


    His voice dripped with mock sympathy. "I''ve heard you frequent the god Pillars, seeking enlightenment, and yet¡­ nothing. That must be hard. Especially knowing you''ll be connected to the Thornward family in the future. It''s really a pity."


    Though the words seemed polite on the surface, Lian could sense the malice beneath them. Alaric wasn''t offering understanding; he was flaunting Lian''s misfortune in front of everyone.


    Lian forced himself to remain composed, though inside, he felt a surge of irritation.


    Alaric''s carefully chosen words were meant to cut deep, and it was clear that he relished in doing so. Lian''s suspicion grew¡ªAlaric was up to no good, and these ''kind'' remarks were just the beginning of whatever he had planned.

 Chapter 3: I鈥檒l Defy Even the Heavens

    Alaric''s gaze locked onto Lian''s, a predatory glint hidden beneath the feigned warmth of his eyes. "I''ve been thinking," he continued, his voice steady, yet laced with quiet arrogance. "It''s only right for us to see where we all stand. As future allies and family, we should test our strengths."


    Lian''s heart sank as he realized where this was headed.


    Alaric''s smile widened, as if sensing the shift in Lian''s demeanor. "What better way to do that than a spar? A friendly one, of course." His voice lowered slightly, enough for only Lian and those close by to hear. "After all, I wouldn''t want to overwhelm you."


    The challenge was clear, thinly veiled beneath a cloak of civility. Lian''s fists clenched involuntarily at his sides. He couldn''t back down¡ªnot in front of Alaric, not in front of everyone here.


    "Well, the reason I suggested this spar is for your own good," Alaric said, raising his finger and twirling it in the air. As he did, a small gust of wind converged at the tip of his finger. Almost instantly, a faint surge of spiritual energy filled the room. Though the pressure was strong, it was controlled, barely brushing against the people seated in the hall. At the tip of Alaric''s finger, a small ball of wind condensed, swirling softly.


    Seeing this, Alaric smiled smugly. "This is because I''ve recently gained enlightenment. I have obtained Azebok''s power."


    Lian''s eyes widened in shock and disbelief. Azebok was the god of soaring winds, one of the most revered deities worshipped in the Lands, and one of the gods represented by the three pillars. Those pillars held the divine will of the gods, and Lian had sought enlightenment from them countless times, only to be met with silence. To see Alaric¡ªsomeone his age¡ªhaving gained the very power that had eluded him for so long, stirred a whirlwind of emotions in Lian.


    A mixture of awe, jealousy, and frustration swelled within him. He stared, speechless, at the twirling wind on Alaric''s fingertip, unable to reconcile the fact that this person had achieved something he had only dreamed of. The room fell into a stunned silence, with everyone except the Duchess visibly unsettled by the display of divine power.


    Noticing the look in Lian''s eyes, a smug expression crossed Alaric''s face, though he kept it hidden behind his smile. With a calm, almost condescending tone, he spoke to Lian. "Lian, I don''t want you to feel bad about not being able to achieve the powers you seek. It''s not your fault. Gaining the power of a god is something tied to destiny¡ªyou can''t force it. But, even so, a man must strive, even if it means defying the ways of the heavens."


    Alaric continued, his voice carrying a false sense of encouragement. "That''s why I admire your persistence, your refusal to give up. And it made me think¡ªmaybe that''s why I suggested this spar. Maybe, just maybe, during our sparring session, you''ll gain some inspiration, something that will broaden your horizon or ignite a spark within you. Who knows? This could be the fate you''ve been seeking to gain the power you''ve longed for."


    His words were smooth and seemingly genuine, delivered with a tone that was almost awe-inspiring. Yet Lian, though wary of Alaric''s true intentions, couldn''t help but feel tempted by the offer. The lure of divine power was simply too strong to ignore.


    Lian had always lived a peaceful, quiet life, trying his best to avoid conflict, even though he bore the scars of a dark past¡ªlosing his mother during childbirth and growing up without any spiritual abilities.


    Despite the hardships, he had never let his circumstances harden his heart. He had constantly sought the gods'' favor, trying to gain even a flicker of their power, but time and again, the pillars remained silent, the gods refusing to acknowledge him. And now, seeing Alaric blessed effortlessly by a god, irritation flared in him. Why had the gods ignored his pleas? What had he done wrong?


    Feeling the frustration bubble inside, Lian gave a sharp nod.


    "I accept the spar."


    A smile spread across Alaric''s face, just as he had expected. He knew that the display of his divine power would be too tempting for Lian to resist. His plan was unfolding perfectly.


    Hearing Lian accept Alaric''s offer, Elysia''s face tensed with worry. She quickly spoke up, her voice tinged with concern. "Why did you accept his offer? Don''t you think this is a bad idea? He''s already condensed his aura... You know you''re at a disadvantage."If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Lian glanced at her and gave a small, reassuring smile. "Don''t worry, Elysia. I know what I''m doing. This is an opportunity for me. Maybe this spar will help me gain something, even if it''s just insight." His smile was meant to comfort her, but Elysia''s eyes still held a deep weariness.


    Seeing the tender, caring expression on Elysia''s face as she warned Lian, Alaric''s jealousy flared beneath his calm exterior. Elysia was, after all, his future wife, yet she had never shown him even a fraction of the concern she had for Lian. They were betrothed, and yet, she seemed almost indifferent to him, if not outright uncomfortable.


    On many occasions, he had invited her to visit him at the royal palace in Ardenthall, only to be met with refusal each time. She avoided him, and it was clear she had little affection for him, despite their arranged marriage. But seeing her relationship with Lian, this ''nobody'' who had no claim to her, stirred a deep sense of resentment within him. Lian, with no blood relation, no status, seemed to hold Elysia''s affection in a way that Alaric never could. And that infuriated him.


    Alaric had always been infatuated with Elysia from the moment he laid eyes on her. Her beauty, her regal air, and her soft voice captivated him. She was easily one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, and knowing she was betrothed to him only fueled his obsession. But no matter how hard he tried, he could never win her heart. She remained distant, almost cold.


    That''s when he devised his plan: if he could dominate Lian, who she clearly cared for, perhaps she would finally take notice of him. First, he would conquer Lian, make him fear and respect him. From there, he could slowly turn Elysia''s attention toward him, using Lian as a tool to gain her favor. It was a strategy that suited his calculating nature.


    After the discussions and formalities in the grand hall had ended, Lian, Elysia, Alaric, Duchess Elowen, and Lady Mariana made their way to the grand arena in Elandor. The grounds were vast, the place where warriors from the region trained, duelled and honed their skills.


    Alaric chose one of the largest grounds, a vast area around 100 meters wide, elevated by stone pavements. Knights clad in silver armor, stood guard around the perimeter of the arena. Word of the spar had quickly spread, and before long, a large crowd began to gather, curious onlookers eager to witness the event.


    Seeing the crowd gathered around the arena, Alaric''s smile deepened. Everything was falling perfectly into place, just as he had planned.


    While he had outwardly presented the sparring session as a way to help Lian gain enlightenment, the truth was far more sinister. Alaric''s true goal was to humiliate Lian publicly, to crush his spirit and force him into submission. He wanted Lian to fear him, to the point where the mere mention of his name would make Lian tremble.


    This was his method¡ªto dominate Lian completely and ensure his control over him. The added benefit of showcasing his newfound divine power to the crowd was a step toward solidifying his reputation, spreading word of his abilities far and wide. His renown would grow, and so too would his prospects for admission into the Empire''s royal cohort.


    With a satisfied grin, Alaric turned to Lian and spoke, loud enough for the entire crowd to hear. "The sparring session will be a little different than you''re used to. I know you haven''t sparred with a warrior who possesses either aura or divine abilities before, so here''s what we''ll do. I''ll create resistance using my wind power, and your task is to push through it. I want you to give it your all, use all your strength, and try to reach me. If you manage to land a blow, I''ll consider it a success."


    His voice was filled with false benevolence as he continued. "But remember, the main purpose of this spar is for your enlightenment. Don''t focus solely on reaching me¡ªimmerse yourself in the wind, try to sense something, anything that might spark a revelation for you. I hope this will help you as much as it can."


    The crowd murmured in astonishment at Alaric''s words. Many whispered to each other, voices filled with admiration.


    "Lord Alaric is so generous, trying to help Lian like this! Lian doesn''t even deserve it!"


    The murmurs were just what Alaric had hoped for, casting him in a light of benevolence while reinforcing Lian''s perceived unworthiness.


    Alaric twirled his fingers, and a gust of wind swirled around him. This time, the wind wasn''t as contained as it had been earlier in the grand hall. It burst forth, forming a powerful wall of air that pushed toward Lian. The pressure of the wind was immense, causing Lian''s hair to whip wildly as he felt the weight of the resistance bearing down on him.


    Hearing the crowd''s words only fueled the fire inside Lian. A surge of determination flashed in his eyes as he closed them for a brief moment, letting several thoughts race through his mind. When he opened them again, he was resolute. He was about 20 meters from Alaric, and he began to push forward, fighting against the wind with everything he had.


    As the distance between them shortened, the pressure of the wind grew stronger, biting into Lian''s skin like sharp, invisible blades. Each step was a battle, and the further he advanced, the more oppressive the force became. A mix of emotions churned within him¡ªanger, frustration, and pure, undiluted rage. But more than anything, it was the feeling of being rejected by the gods that stung the most.


    Lian couldn''t understand why he had been deemed unworthy. The gods only granted power to those they saw as worthy investments¡ªindividuals who would increase their fame, reverence, and following through heroic deeds. By withholding their power from him, the gods were essentially saying he was worthless, that they had no faith in his future. This evaluation, first given by society when he couldn''t sense spiritual energy, was devastating when it came from the gods themselves.


    ''But I don''t care about the heavens'' will,'' Lian thought, anger flaring inside him. ''I''ll defy even the heavens if I have to!''


    Fueled by that burning determination, Lian charged forward, ignoring the biting wind that screamed against his body, almost tearing his skin. Each gust felt like a blow, but he gritted his teeth and pressed on. The crowd gasped in surprise¡ªno one had expected him to withstand the wind''s force, much less keep moving toward Alaric.


    Even Alaric''s smug confidence faltered for a moment as Lian closed the distance. Alaric''s eyes widened in disbelief as Lian, breathing heavily and with bloodshot eyes, drew nearer.


    Lian was now just a few feet away. His mind and body strained under the weight of the wind, but he refused to give up. His eyes, burning with a mixture of rage and determination, locked onto Alaric. In those eyes, Alaric could see the raw intensity of someone who had nothing left to lose, someone whose very soul was set on defying the fate the Gods had chosen for him.


    With a final surge of effort, Lian lowered his head and lunged forward, his hand raised above him. He closed the gap between them in an instant, and as Alaric stood frozen in shock, Lian''s fist shot out, landing a solid blow directly across Alaric''s face.


    The entire crowd fell silent.

 Chapter 4: Iron Will, Broken Fist

    Lian had put everything he had into that strike¡ªhis anger, his frustration, and his years of disappointment, all channeled into a single, desperate blow.


    But the moment his fist connected with Alaric''s face, the feeling he expected never came. Instead, it felt as though he had struck solid iron. A faint sound of metal reverberated through his hand, and the impact sent a sharp pain shooting up his arm. His fingers bent awkwardly, a painful reminder of his frailty.


    A thin, blue veil shimmered around the spot where Lian''s fist had landed, like a protective layer of energy. It was Alaric''s aura, condensed on his skin. Lian recognized it immediately, his eyes widening in shock as he held his injured hand, pain coursing through his body. His fingers were bent and bruised, the bones creaking under the pressure of the failed strike.


    Alaric''s eyes narrowed, glaring at Lian from the corner of his gaze. There was a brief flash of surprise¡ªLian had pushed through the wind resistance and landed a hit, something Alaric hadn''t anticipated. But any trace of admiration quickly dissolved into fury. The fact that Lian had dared to strike him, even with his lack of power, felt like an insult to Alaric''s very name.


    A fierce, vicious smile curled across Alaric''s lips as he stared at Lian, who was grunting in pain, cradling his injured hand. "You have guts, I''ll give you that," Alaric muttered darkly. His smile twisted into something more sinister as he flicked his hand casually in Lian''s direction.


    A sudden, more powerful gust of wind erupted from Alaric''s gesture, far stronger than the resistance Lian had fought against earlier. The wind slammed into Lian, sending his body hurtling across the training ground. His chubby frame flew through the air, landing several meters away with a sickening thud.


    The crowd gasped, shocked by the sudden escalation. The scene had shifted dramatically¡ªwhat was supposed to be a sparring session had turned into a brutal display of power.


    Elysia leapt to her feet, her heart pounding in her chest, her face pale with concern and anger. She stared at Lian, now crumpled on the ground, coughing up blood from the internal injuries caused by the violent gust of wind. Lady Mariana, too, watched with wide eyes, shocked and concerned by the intensity of the attack.


    Alaric, however, showed no sign of remorse. He strode toward Lian, his steps deliberate, each one accompanied by the low hum of the wind swirling around him. Lian lay on the ground, gasping for air, blood staining the corner of his mouth. His body ached from the force of the blow, and he struggled to push himself up, his vision blurring from the pain.


    As Alaric approached, his voice carried across the training ground, cold and mocking. "You piece of trash. You¡­ bloated pig. How dare you even think of striking me across the face?" His words dripped with disdain, his tone seething with anger. "What gave you the audacity? Who gave you such boldness?"


    The faint blue aura around Alaric began to swirl like a boiling mist, his spiritual energy radiating off him in waves. His killing intent was palpable, a fierce look of malice etched into his face as he glared down at Lian.


    The pressure emanating from Alaric was overwhelming, even for the spectators. The air itself seemed to thicken with the weight of his power, and for a brief moment, it was clear to everyone present that Alaric had no intention of stopping. His fury wasn''t just about Lian''s defiance¡ªit was about dominance. He intended to break Lian, to make an example of him in front of the entire crowd.


    Lian, struggling to breathe and barely able to move, looked up with bloodshot eyes. The pain was immense, but surprisingly there was a flicker of defiance in his gaze.


    Lian''s gaze, despite his broken and battered state, was filled with something entirely unexpected¡ªdefiance. It didn''t match the current situation, where any normal person would have been terrified or beaten into submission. Instead, there was something else lurking in his eyes, something that caught even Alaric off guard.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    As Alaric continued to walk toward Lian, his aura crushing down with overwhelming force, he couldn''t shake the confusion building inside him. Lian wasn''t looking at him with fear or submission; no, it was something far more unnerving. His gaze was fixed on empty air, as if he was staring at something invisible¡ªlike he had seen a ghost in broad daylight.


    Alaric slowed his steps, narrowing his eyes as he tried to make sense of it. What was Lian looking at? The confusion on Alaric''s face deepened when Lian''s expression shifted again. Now, there was something even more unsettling¡ªa look of excitement. Alaric''s baffled gaze turned to one of disbelief. Lian''s face, bloodied and bruised, suddenly contorted into a twisted grin, and without warning, he burst into a series of cracking, manic laughter.


    The sound echoed through the training grounds, startling everyone, including Alaric. Lian''s laughter was wild, vicious, almost unhinged. Alaric felt a shiver run down his spine, his body reacting involuntarily to the sheer unpredictability of it all. He couldn''t come up with a reasonable explanation for Lian''s sudden behavior, and that unnerved him more than he cared to admit. A sense of foreboding crept over him, one he couldn''t quite place.


    The crowd, too, was left bewildered by the scene unfolding before them. They mumbled among themselves, casting awkward glances toward each other, unsure of how to interpret the bizarre turn of events.


    "What''s happening? Why is that brat acting like this all of a sudden?"


    "Did he hit his head too hard during Alaric''s attack?"


    "Definitely. Maybe he''s¡­ lost his mind!"


    "Lord Alaric is too vicious, driving the boy into insanity with a mere flick of his sleeve."


    "Insane! This is madness!"


    "Being on Lord Alaric''s bad side¡­ It should be the last thing on anyone''s mind!"


    The murmurs grew louder, with the spectators both disturbed and fascinated by what they were witnessing. Lian''s crazed laughter filled the air, a sound so out of place that it sent chills through the crowd.


    Alaric, still standing a few feet away, clenched his fists. He didn''t like this feeling. Lian''s defiance, his laughter, and the strange energy surrounding him¡ªit all felt wrong, as if something terrible was about to happen, and Alaric had lost control of the situation.


    Alaric quickly regained his composure, forcing his emotions under control. His face hardened into a fierce, determined expression as he locked eyes with Lian. "I have to admit, you almost caught me with your little act," he sneered. "In fact, I should thank you for broadening my horizons on just how crazy someone can act when they''re faced with certain defeat. Did you really think such a pitiful trick would stop my wrath?"


    Alaric''s laugh echoed through the arena, his incredulous gaze fixed on Lian. "Clever, but still, you''re nothing but a fool. A swine. Nothing can prevent me from crushing you today."


    Convinced that Lian''s earlier display of defiance and laughter was nothing more than a desperate bluff, Alaric dismissed the foreboding feeling that had briefly gripped him. The laughter, the madness¡ªit all seemed like the last resort of a scared, broken man. His confidence swelled as he reached down, grabbing Lian by his hair and yanking his head up so they were face-to-face. Alaric''s vicious gaze bore into Lian, his eyes blazing with anger.


    "Now, tell me," Alaric said, his voice low and threatening, "what''s so funny that made you laugh like a madman? What''s the joke?"


    Despite the pain and the crushing force of Alaric''s aura pressing down on him, Lian''s expression didn''t falter. He grinned, blood trickling from the corners of his mouth. His blood-coated teeth flashed as he spoke, the words coming out with an unsettling excitement. "No, Alaric¡­ I should be thanking you."


    Alaric froze, momentarily taken aback. "What?" he demanded, his voice tense.


    Lian''s grin widened, and his voice, though weak, was filled with fervor. "It''s all because of you¡­ I''ve been enlightened. A god has granted me their power."


    The arena fell silent. Alaric''s grip on Lian''s hair loosened for a split second as shock washed over him. For a moment, he was lost in disbelief. The words Lian had just spoken seemed impossible¡ªridiculous even. But then, an increadulous look flickered in Alaric''s eyes, quickly turning into anger. ''Enlightened? Granted divine power?'' It was absurd.


    Alaric''s sneer returned, this time more vicious. "You think I''ll fall for another one of your tricks? Gaining the power of a god isn''t something that happens just because you wish for it. You think ''now'' of all times, you''ve been chosen? Don''t be stupid."


    Even the crowd murmured in disbelief. Some looked thoughtful, while others outright doubted the authenticity of Lian''s claim. But Lian wasn''t bluffing.


    Unbeknownst to them, right before Lian''s eyes, something extraordinary had happened. Just after Alaric had knocked him away with that powerful gust of wind, Lian had seen it¡ªa projection, clear as day. It was something ethereal, almost like an illusion, yet as vivid as any reality.


    It had appeared in front of him, a rectangular screen floating in midair, with a single word written on it:


    [Activating.]


    Lian''s heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the mysterious projection. The words filled him with an overwhelming sense of excitement. ''Finally¡­'' he thought. ''I''ve been chosen.''


    But there was still one burning question: ''Which god has taken pity on me? Which deity decided to grant me their divine power?''


    As Lian pondered this, the surge of emotions in him only grew stronger. The gods who had once ignored him, the ones he had resented, had finally noticed him. The bitterness he once harbored began to fade, replaced by anticipation. His life was about to change, and for the first time in years, he felt hope wash over him like a wave.


    Just as he was lost in thought, a voice pierced through his mind, interrupting his stream of excitement. The voice was ancient, serene, and hauntingly familiar, as though it was speaking directly into his soul. It sent chills down his spine, almost causing him to jump.


    "Old man¡­ Heavens Devourer?"

 Chapter 5: Intervention

    "Shut up, kid. Haven''t I told you before that no god will grant you divine power?" The Heaven Devourer''s voice thundered inside Lian''s mind, dripping with anger. "What''s wrong with you? Why can''t you believe the words of this venerable one? Do you dare doubt me, mistaking my greatness for some pathetic god''s pity?"


    Lian froze in shock, staring blankly at nothing.


    "Old man¡­ it''s you?" he muttered under his breath, his mind racing. How was this possible? He had only ever been able to communicate with the massive eye of the Heaven Devourer in the dream space. Yet here was the same ancient voice, piercing directly into his thoughts while he was fully awake, in the real world.


    As Lian''s thoughts raced, the Heaven Devourer let out a sharp harrumph. "Kid, it''s only been a moment since you left that place, and already you''re in such a mess. You can''t stay out of trouble, can you? You''re about to get squashed to a pulp! Seems you''re always needing this venerable one''s intervention," the voice continued, full of pride and exasperation.


    ''When have you ever helped¡­''


    Lian frowned, recognizing the Heaven Devourer''s characteristic arrogance. He wasn''t in the mood for a lecture, especially not now. He was in the middle of being tortured by Alaric. The brief excitement of gaining some divine power had been swept away by the realization that the voice in his head wasn''t from a god, but from the Heaven Devourer himself.


    "Old man," Lian sighed in frustration, "I''m not in the best situation right now. Look, if you''re not going to help, can you just stop talking? I''m about to be squashed by this guy over there!" His eyes darted to Alaric, who still had a vice-like grip on his hair.


    A low chuckle echoed in his mind. "Kid, your ignorance knows no bounds. Do you think a mere ant like him could harm you without my permission?" The Heaven Devourer''s voice was as proud as ever, filled with the weight of authority. The old entity spoke with such certainty that Lian nearly found himself believing it. Nearly.


    Lian clicked his tongue in annoyance, not willing to believe the Heaven Devourer''s grand claims. "You always talk big, old man," he muttered under his breath, causing the entity to chuckle again.


    "Aiya, you really don''t understand, do you? In the ancient era, gods themselves weren''t privileged to see my glorious form, and here you are, doubting me. You should consider it a blessing to be crushed under my heel."


    Alaric, noticing the distant, thoughtful look on Lian''s face, felt a wave of fury rise in his chest.


    ''This piece of filth is ignoring me?'' The very idea that Lian was focusing on something else, in the heat of Alaric''s wrath, felt like a direct insult.


    "Does he think I''m a joke?''


    Without hesitation, Alaric slammed Lian''s head into the ground with brutal force. Blood trickled from Lian''s nose and mouth, the impact shaking his body, but his eyes remained fierce, filled with a burning hatred and desire for revenge.


    Alaric lifted Lian''s head again, staring into those venomous, bloodshot eyes. There was something in Lian''s gaze that unsettled him, a resentment so deep it was as if Lian were a viper, waiting to strike back at the first opportunity.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "Just you wait¡ª"


    "You piece of trash," Alaric hissed, cutting of Lian''s words.


    Before Alaric could finish his sentence, Lian''s vision grew dark. His head hit the ground once more, and this time, his consciousness began to fade. But just as he was about to drift into unconsciousness, a streak of light flashed across the arena, and in the blink of an eye, a figure appeared.


    A strong hand clasped onto Alaric''s wrist, preventing him from delivering another blow to Lian. Alaric, stunned, turned to see an elderly man with long grey beards, seemingly in his seventies, standing before him. The old man''s grip was firm, his expression calm but stern. Alaric''s eyes widened in surprise.


    ''Who is this old fool?''


    The old man''s clothes were plain, blending in with the crowd, but something about his demeanor immediately marked him as different. He was no ordinary bystander. Alaric''s anger flared.


    ''Some lowlife commoner dares to intervene?''


    First, Lian had crossed him, and now this old man?


    "You think you can stop me, old man?" Alaric sneered, attempting to pull his hand free. But to his shock, the old man''s grip was like iron. No matter how much force Alaric exerted, the man''s hand didn''t budge.


    Realization dawned on Alaric. ''This old man¡­ he''s no ordinary person.'' He was clearly someone powerful, someone capable of matching, if not exceeding, Alaric''s own strength.


    "Boy," the old man said, his voice calm yet commanding, "I think this is enough, don''t you?"


    Alaric''s eyes blazed with fury. "You think you can command me? Do you know who I am?" He was the son of the Duke of Ardenthall, the ruler of this land, and his pride would not allow him to be humiliated by some unknown old man.


    The knights guarding the Duchess and Alaric had already taken notice of the situation. Seeing the old man holding Alaric''s wrist, their auras flared up as they charged toward the stage.


    "Release the young lord!" they shouted, their voices fierce as they rushed forward with killing intent, ready to defend their charge.


    But as they approached, the old man stood his ground, a calm, placid smile on his face. He still held Alaric''s wrist, unmoved by the approaching knights, as if their presence meant nothing to him.


    As the knights were about to pounce on the old man, his aura flared up with a force so immense it felt like a massive tsunami crashing down on the arena. The knights'' charging auras were immediately snuffed out, like flames doused by water. Shock spread across their faces as realization dawned on them.


    "Intent!" they screamed, retreating instinctively from the overwhelming pressure.


    Alaric''s eyes widened in disbelief. He had already suspected that the old man wasn''t ordinary¡ªhe couldn''t shake the old man''s grip earlier, despite his strength. But hearing the knights'' exclamations confirmed his worst fears. This wasn''t just any warrior. This was a man who had ascended beyond mere aura and could wield intent, a force far more potent. Alaric''s thoughts raced. Who is this man? And why is he here, in a place like Elandor?


    The level of power this old man displayed was exceedingly rare. In all of Ardenthall, only a few warriors had ever transformed their aura into intent, and the most notable of them was the Chief Commander of the Sigan Knights, a man who only took orders from Alaric''s father, the Duke.


    Before Alaric could process the situation further, Lady Mariana and Elysia rushed into the arena. Elysia immediately ran to Lian, kneeling beside him and carefully resting his head on her lap. Her face was pale with worry as she cried out, "Lian, talk to me! Are you alright?"


    The old man, still holding Alaric at bay with ease, spoke calmly. "He''s unconscious, but he''ll be fine. The trauma to his head knocked him out, but nothing more serious."


    Elysia exhaled in relief, though her face remained tense with concern.


    Lady Mariana turned to the old man and addressed him gratefully. "Sir Eirik, thank you for stepping in when you did."


    The old man, now identified as Sir Eirik, bowed slightly. "No need for thanks, my lady. I only did what I felt was right. Apologies for stepping in so abruptly."


    "You did the right thing, Sir Eirik," Lady Mariana reassured him. "If you hadn''t intervened, things could have turned out much worse."


    Sir Eirik nodded in acknowledgment, but his eyes betrayed a quiet sigh, knowing the gravity of the situation that had almost spiraled out of control.


    Duchess Elowen, who had arrived just behind Lady Mariana, stormed onto the stage and fixed Alaric with a fierce glare. "Did you really have to push things this far, Alaric?"


    Alaric, clearly taken aback by how quickly the situation had shifted, looked helplessly at his mother. He was still processing the fact that an old man in a backwater town like Elandor had just easily overpowered him. The growing humiliation in his chest was making it hard for him to respond.


    Meanwhile, Elysia couldn''t contain her anger anymore. She glared at Alaric with pure hatred, her voice trembling as she held Lian''s battered body in her arms. "You! What is wrong with you? Were you trying to kill him?"


    Her words cut through the air, filled with raw emotion as she cradled Lian protectively, her eyes blazing with rage at Alaric.


    Lady Mariana, now in control of the situation, quickly gave orders. "Prepare a chariot," she commanded, her voice steady despite the tension. Within minutes, a large, imposing chariot arrived, pulled by a massive black beast that resembled a lion with twin horns. The beast''s powerful presence added to the urgency of the moment.


    With great care, Lian was placed in the chariot. The majestic creature pulled them away, escorting him to the infirmary for urgent treatment. Lady Mariana watched as the chariot departed, with a mix of concern on her face.


    Alaric stood in stunned silence, his mind still reeling.

 Chapter 6: Awakening the Almighty System

    Some moments later, Lian lay on the infirmary bed, his body heavily bandaged from the injuries he had sustained during the brutal encounter with Alaric. His arm and fingers, shattered from the battle, were bound tightly, while his torso was similarly wrapped to heal the deep bruises and internal injuries.


    It had already been a week since he had been admitted, and thanks to the meticulous care of the medical attendants, his condition had significantly improved. His bones had begun to heal, though the internal damage would take a few more weeks to fully recover.


    Despite his peaceful appearance, Lian was not in a coma. Instead, for the first time in his life, he was truly dreaming. For sixteen years, he had never experienced a dream in the conventional sense. His nights were spent in a strange, chaotic dream space where he encountered the three mysterious figures: the giant eye, the massive heart, and the white sun. He had once believed this was normal, but as he grew older and learned from others, he realized his experience was unique¡ªand unsettling.


    This time, however, Lian found himself in a completely different realm. The dream unfolded before him like an ancient battlefield, chaotic and endless, stretching far beyond the horizon. The air was thick with tension and violence as countless figures clashed in a ferocious struggle. Blood-curdling screams echoed through the skies, and the ground was soaked with blood as combatants fell by the thousands. The battlefield seemed eternal, with no signs of either side gaining an upper hand.


    Strange beings filled the battlefield¡ªsome humanoid, others monstrous and grotesque. Their strength and appearance were horrifying, enough to fill even the bravest of hearts with despair. Among the human forces, there were also powerful warriors, figures who fought these monsters as if they were mere insects.


    Yet, despite the relentless slaughter, the battle showed no signs of ending. Lian couldn''t help but wonder how such a war could persist without ever depleting the numbers on either side. It was as if the dead were returning to life, their numbers regenerating as quickly as they fell.


    As he watched in growing disbelief, Lian''s attention was drawn to a group of powerful figures who seemed to control the tides of battle. They did not fight directly but commanded the legions from afar. These beings radiated an aura of glory and power so immense that Lian instinctively knew they were not human. If they existed in the real world, he was certain they would be revered as gods.


    These figures wielded powers beyond comprehension¡ªcollapsing space, distorting time, and summoning grand, impossible forces with the mere wave of a hand. Some were surrounded by halos of light, and their auras shimmered like heavenly beings. Among them, one figure in particular caught Lian''s attention. A deathly and dark crimson aura surrounded him, radiating an oppressive energy that made the entire battlefield tremble.


    This figure was unlike any other. His aura was thick with the scent of death, and wherever he moved, absolute destruction followed. His power was overwhelming, effortlessly slaughtering the god-like figures around him.


    Yet, no matter how many enemies fell, they continued to charge at him, their efforts futile against his might. What struck Lian most, however, was the strange familiarity he felt emanating from this being. It was as though he had encountered this aura before.Stolen story; please report.


    The figure smiled wickedly as he fought, his grin horrendous and chilling. Then, as if sensing Lian''s gaze, the figure turned his attention directly toward him. Their eyes met¡ªor rather, Lian felt the gaze of the figure upon him, though he couldn''t truly comprehend what he was seeing. The figure''s eyes were present, but Lian could not interpret them. It was as if his mind wasn''t capable of understanding the gaze of this being, and a deep, primal fear overtook him.


    The weight of the figure''s attention was too much for Lian to bear. Fear surged through him, and the dream began to unravel. The battlefield faded as Lian''s consciousness slipped away, his body trembling uncontrollably.


    Suddenly, Lian shot up in bed, gasping for air. His chest heaved as cold sweat dripped from his skin, soaking his clothes and banfages. The infirmary was quiet, but inside, Lian''s heart raced as he struggled to make sense of the terrifying vision he had just witnessed. For the first time, he had truly dreamed¡ªyet it felt more like a nightmare.


    Lian lay back on the infirmary bed, his thoughts still reeling from the bizarre dream and the events leading up to it. As he gasped for breath, his mind raced through the scenes of the chaotic battlefield and the horrifying figure who had locked eyes with him, smiling with a grin that felt as though it pierced through his very soul. What kind of dream was that? He wondered, his head aching from the mental strain of trying to understand.


    For so long, Lian had wished to experience a normal dream, like everyone else. He had researched, hoped, and even longed for the simplicity of a dream that didn''t involve the chaotic world he visited every time he slept. But now, having finally dreamt something different, he felt shaken and disturbed. Is this what dreams are like? He had expected peace, maybe clarity, but what he experienced felt like a nightmare far worse than his usual encounters in the dream space.


    He sighed, massaging his throbbing head. Maybe even my dreams are strange, he thought bitterly. He glanced around the room, taking in the sight of his bandaged body and the faint ache in his bones. Memories of the fight with Alaric flooded back¡ªhow the young lord had humiliated him in front of everyone, how he had almost killed him. Lian gritted his teeth, rage bubbling up inside him as the image of Alaric''s smug, arrogant smile flashed through his mind.


    "Just you wait,"


    Lian muttered through clenched teeth, his eyes burning with hatred. He could still feel the humiliation, the sheer anger at being helpless in front of someone like Alaric. How satisfying would it be to gouge out those smug eyes from his face? He pictured it, wondering if Alaric would still be smiling after that.


    But as those vengeful words escaped his lips, reality struck him hard. How could he ever hope to get revenge on someone like Alaric? He was the son of the Duke, the ruler of Ardenthall, and not only did he hold royal and political power, but he had also been blessed by a god, wielding divine abilities that Lian could only dream of. Even if Lian managed to sense spiritual energy, he would be leagues away from ever matching someone like Alaric who had also condensed his aura.


    Bitterness surged through him once more as he thought about how impossible it all seemed. But then, his thoughts shifted to the old man who had intervened during the battle. The mysterious figure had appeared out of nowhere, easily avoiding Alaric''s knights and stopping Alaric from finishing him off. The way Alaric had hesitated, the look of surprise in his eyes¡ªit was clear that even someone as arrogant as Alaric was wary of this old man.


    Who was he? Lian thought, still confused. The old man had saved him, but why? What connection did he have to Lian, if any? Was he just some passerby who felt pity for him, or was there something more? Despite not knowing the old man''s intentions, Lian felt a surge of gratitude for the intervention. Without him, Lian knew he would have been dead.


    As his mind shifted from the old man back to the events in the arena, he remembered the strange projection he had seen. It was like a window¡ªan invisible screen that appeared before his eyes, which only he could see. That was why he had cackled with excitement in the heat of battle, thinking he had finally gained the divine power he longed for. But when the crowd looked at him with confusion and bewilderment, he realized no one else could see it.


    Was it real? At the time, he had thought it was just the Heaven Devourer playing tricks on him again. The disappointment he felt still lingered, but then, the memory of that screen flashed vividly in his mind. There had been something written on it which stated it was Activating, as if it was something important.


    Suddenly, as if summoned by his thoughts, the screen reappeared before his eyes, glowing faintly in the air. Lian''s heart jumped in surprise, but he quickly composed himself. His eyes scanned the screen, and he noticed that the content had changed from what he saw earlier. No longer did it say Activating. Instead, new words had appeared, clear and unmistakable:


    [Almighty System activated successfully. Would you like to begin the system''s journey?]


    Below the message were two options: Accept or Decline.

 Chapter 7: Doubt

    Lian''s mind churned with thoughts as the mysterious screen hovered briefly before him, offering him the choice to begin the system''s journey. He couldn''t help but think back to the first time he encountered it.


    Back then, he believed that it was a divine blessing from one of the many gods worshipped across the Valeryn continent. It wasn''t far-fetched¡ªthere were numerous deities, even in Ardenthall, that he could never hope to know all of them. So, when the screen first appeared, it made sense to believe that one of these gods had granted him some form of divine ability.


    But then came the words of the old man¡ªthe Heaven''s Devourer. His ancient voice had crushed Lian''s excitement like cold water on a fire, reminding him that no god would ever grant him their power. The screen, the old man claimed, was nothing but his own doing. At the time, Lian felt a deep disappointment and had given up on the screen, not knowing what to make of it.


    How could something that looked so strange, yet extraordinary, something that only he could see, be the doing of the massive eyeball? That old man¡­ And now, to see the screen again with the same options¡ªAccept or Decline¡ªhis curiosity piqued once more.


    A flash of anticipation rushed through him as he stared at the shimmering words. Part of him wanted to press Accept right then and there, eager to see what might happen. But he hesitated, suppressing the urge.


    He couldn''t blindly make a decision without understanding what this "system" truly was. It was connected to the Heaven''s Devourer somehow, and acting rashly could bring unintended consequences. With a deliberate effort, Lian tore his gaze away from the screen, and it disappeared as though it had never been there.


    He sighed, his body sinking back into the bed as he tried to calm his thoughts. It wasn''t long before two attendants entered the room, one middle-aged and the other younger. Both were surprised to see him awake, as he had been in a coma for over a week. They rushed over to check his vitals, using some kind of magically enhanced device that hummed softly as it pressed against his chest. The older attendant recorded the results on a slip, her face lighting up with relief.


    "How are you feeling?" the younger woman asked, her eyes soft with concern.


    "A little sore, but¡­ I think I''m alright," Lian replied, his voice raspy from days of disuse.


    After their assessments, the middle-aged attendant pulled out a round wooden communication device and sent out a message, presumably to inform others of his recovery. It didn''t take long for Lady Mariana and Elysia to arrive at the infirmary, both clearly relieved and excited to see him awake.


    Elysia couldn''t hold back her emotions, almost throwing herself into his arms, but stopped short when she remembered his bandaged state. Instead, she hovered by his side, her face flushed with joy as she smiled down at him. "Lian! You''re finally awake!" she exclaimed, trying to keep her voice steady.


    Lian smiled weakly, trying not to let the pain show on his face. "Yeah¡­ I''m back."


    Lady Mariana stood at the foot of his bed, her eyes softened with relief. She was composed but couldn''t hide her own joy at seeing him conscious after such a long time. "You''ve been through a lot," she said softly, "but you''re strong. I''m glad you''re okay."


    The two of them stayed with him for a while, chatting and catching him up on what had happened while he was unconscious. Elysia, in particular, seemed unable to stop talking. She fed him fruit, laughing and smiling, clearly overjoyed that her childhood friend was recovering. Lian found himself relaxing as the conversation went on, the earlier tension in his chest easing bit by bit.


    Despite everything weighing on his mind¡ªAlaric''s humiliation, the strange dream, and the looming mystery of old man, Heaven''s Devourer¡ªLian couldn''t help but feel a sense of peace. For now, he would let himself enjoy this moment of calm. There were too many questions to answer, too many uncertainties, but with Elysia''s laughter and Lady Mariana''s gentle presence, he felt reassured, if only for a little while.


    After Elysia and Lady Mariana left, Lian lay back on the bed, replaying their conversation in his mind. He had asked about Alaric, and Elysia informed him that the young lord had departed along with the Duchess a few days after the incident, returning to the grand Duchy in Ardenthall.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    As much as Lian didn''t want to dwell on thoughts of Alaric, he couldn''t help but feel the sharp sting of humiliation that came with remembering his cold grin and those piercing eyes. It was as though those eyes were engraved in his mind, mocking him even now. The desire for revenge simmered in his chest¡ªhe would never forget this, and he would not forgive.


    The thought of gorging out Alaric''s eyes, of wiping that smug grin off his face, fueled Lian''s anger. But he knew that such thoughts, though satisfying, were useless without the power to back them up. Right now, Alaric was untouchable. A lord, blessed with aura, divine power and a fierce army of elite warriors at his side. Lian was a shadow in comparison, but the desire for retribution never left him. One day, if fate permitted, he would find a way to repay Alaric tenfold.


    When Elysia and Lady Mariana had finally said their goodbyes, it was clear Elysia was reluctant to leave. Her concern for him was evident in the way she glanced back at him before walking out of the infirmary. "I''ll come back soon, Lian," she had promised. "Please, just rest and recover." Her eyes had held a trace of gloom, a hint of something deeper she wasn''t saying. But despite that, she left, and the room once again became quiet.


    Lian sighed deeply, feeling the emptiness settle around him. Now that the adrenaline and the excitement of seeing familiar faces had worn off, the full weight of his injuries pressed down on him. Waves of pain pulsed through his body, and he winced as he shifted in the bed, trying to find a more comfortable position.


    As his body began to give in to the exhaustion, Lian''s thoughts slowed. He allowed himself to relax, the pain dulling as his mind drifted. This time, when sleep overtook him, it was peaceful¡ªno strange dream space, no Heaven''s Devourer, and no mysterious screen offering cryptic choices. For once, he dreamt like a normal human, his mind free from the strangeness that had plagued him for so long.


    In this sleep, he dreamt of simple things. A time before all the chaos. A time when he and Elysia would run through the fields near the big mansion, laughing without a care in the world. He dreamed of warmth, of family, and strangely enough, his parents.


    And though the pain was still there, for the first time in a long while, he found a moment of peace.


    Lian''s dream had been beautiful and bittersweet, a fleeting glimpse of the life he had always longed for. Walking hand in hand with his parents through the streets of Elandor, his mother''s ethereal beauty shining like a beacon of warmth, while his father''s face remained an enigma.


    The blurry image of his father had always haunted him, even in his waking moments. Lady Mariana had never spoken much about his father, and even when she tried, it seemed like she didn''t know the man well either. Lian''s mother, Elara, had been a close friend and handmaiden to Lady Mariana, but the details of Lian''s father''s life remained vague, shrouded in uncertainty and mystery.


    His father had disappeared on a journey before he was born, and though there had been no proof of his death, the fact that he never returned made people assume he had died.


    Waking up from that sweet dream left Lian feeling hollow. His heart ached with the realization that the life he wanted, a life with his parents, was lost to him forever. He sighed heavily, feeling the weight of loneliness settle back in. He adjusted himself in the bed, noticing the green medicinal liquid covering his body, a sign that the attendants had applied it while he slept. The pain in his body had dulled significantly, but the pain in his heart lingered.


    As his thoughts drifted, he couldn''t help but return to the strange projection, the system that had appeared before him earlier. The idea that it could be some divine gift was enticing, but the words of the old man, Heaven''s Devourer, echoed in his mind.


    ''But how?''


    Lian didn''t understand what the system was or what purpose it served, and though he felt a rush of curiosity when it appeared, he was cautious. Nothing in this world came without a cost, and he wasn''t naive enough to believe that this system¡ªwhatever it was¡ªwould be any different.


    Even the gods who granted power to mortals always demanded something in return. There were conditions, obligations, and responsibilities that came with such gifts. If those conditions weren''t met, the power could easily be stripped away, leaving the person worse off than before. Lian suspected the same might be true for this strange system, that''s assuming it would even be beneficial.


    There had to be a catch, something he wasn''t seeing yet. He didn''t want to rush into accepting it blindly, not when he had no idea what it truly was or what it could do.


    As he mulled over these thoughts, the projection suddenly appeared again before his eyes, the options to "Accept" or "Decline" flashing before him once more. His heart skipped a beat at the sight, but he resisted the urge to make a hasty decision.


    He needed answers, but how was he going to get them? The old man had been his only source of information about the strange projection, and yet now, when Lian needed him most, he couldn''t return to the dream space to seek answers. It was as if the door to that realm had been shut.


    Lian would have clenched his fists in frustration if not for his injuries. He couldn''t simply accept the system without knowing what it would cost him. But how could he learn more? Without access to the old man or any clear way to investigate the system on his own, he was stuck in a state of uncertainty. He needed time¡ªtime to heal, time to think, and time to figure out how to approach this strange new development in his life.


    As Lian''s mind swirled with uncertainty, the familiar yet distant voice of the Heaven''s Devourer, reverberated through his thoughts causing his expression to lit up. It was a deep, exasperated sigh, the kind that spoke of ages of weariness.


    "You brat," the voice boomed within his mind, "I haven''t seen a more cautious, risk-averse person like you in all my eons of existence. Just click the damn accept button and start this journey already! Stop being your pathetic self."


    Lian felt a shiver run down his spine, his body stiffening. The old man''s tone was forceful, filled with irritation. Yet there was something in his words, an odd sense of care behind the frustration, as though Heaven''s Devourer was genuinely disappointed in Lian''s hesitation.


    "How many times have I told you? I am not some petty god, some minor deity who requires your worship or service to maintain my existence. I am far above those things, you fool. You always doubt my words. How many times do I have to remind you?"


    The sigh that followed was so heavy it almost felt tangible, as though it carried the weight of countless years of disappointment. Heaven''s Devourer seemed to truly lament that his words hadn''t penetrated Lian''s thick walls of doubt. Lian could feel the frustration from the ancient being, almost like a father scolding a stubborn child for not listening.

 Chapter 8: Choose a Path

    "Old man, you''ve always acted so mysterious and vague¡ªever since I first laid eyes on you, since we met. I don''t know if it''s just your personality or something else, but you seem to have a real knack for keeping secrets."


    "You''re just this giant, mysterious eyeball floating in my dreamscape, refusing to reveal your true identity or where you came from. So, how do you expect me to trust you? How can you think I''ll just blindly follow along and accept this bizarre projection you''ve thrown in front of me?"


    Lian paused, his voice tinged with frustration. "Besides, I have so many questions. What is this? Is it some kind of magical ability or divine power? And how did you do it? More importantly, how is any of this supposed to help me? Even if you say you don''t respect me, and even if, like you claim, you''re not one of those gods that demands worship or souls, I find it hard to believe you''ll just hand over powers without expecting anything in return. There''s got to be something you want from me, right?"


    Lian''s gaze narrowed as he muttered into the empty air. If anyone had been watching, it would have seemed like he was talking to no one, his eyes clouded with suspicion. But those words, filled with uncertainty and challenge, were directed at the entity he knew as the Heavens Devourer, who seemed to reside within his mind, whispering directly into his thoughts.


    A raspy, unsettling laughter echoed in response, hoarse and grating, like a voice carried on the wind. It filled Lian''s ears with a sinister tone. "Ah, yes. Very good," the voice rasped. "You''re quite sharp, boy. Quite sharp. It''s true, I don''t need your worship¡ªsuch a petty thing wouldn''t affect me in the slightest. But, of course, there are one or two obligations you''ll have to fulfill if I''m giving you this thing."


    The laughter subsided, replaced by a more serious tone. "This projection you''re seeing¡ªit''s something you might call a system. Don''t overthink it."


    The voice paused, as if weighing its next words. "This system comes from one of the countless universes I''ve conquered, a tool I acquired from beings far more ancient than you could imagine. It''s a form of pathfinder magic, from a world long forgotten. Even the gods who created it were clever, powerful beyond belief. They used it to guide their chosen apostles. The system is meant to serve as a guide, i just modified a thing or two to fit your circumstances, nothing more. You don''t need to worry about it too much."


    There was a brief silence, broken only by the entity''s low, almost contemplative murmur. "As I told you when we met in that other space, no god is going to simply hand over their power. The only way for you to grow stronger is to harness that thing that looks like a white sun. This system will help you do that, and not just that¡ªit''ll set you on a smoother path. I can''t explain all its functions; there are too many. But this¡­ this is something I''m giving you. Whether or not you''re worthy of it is up to you."


    The voice grew darker, more intense. "I don''t even know if you deserve my goodwill, but I felt it would be a shame if such a thing we''re to be wasted. Don''t disappoint me, boy. What I''m offering you is something no one else can. My only request from you is don''t make me regret it."


    Lian squinted as he read the new information displayed before him: Choose a Path. Four distinct paths were listed on the system window.


    The first was the Path of Evolution (Devour and Evolve).


    The description beneath it explained that this path involved devouring the essence, energies, and powers of other beings in order to evolve and mutate. Power was gained through consumption and constant transformation. It promised rapid growth, versatility, and the potential to mutate into new forms. However, it came with significant risks¡ªthere was a high chance of corruption, moral decay, and unpredictable mutations.


    Lian''s eyes widened as he read this. The brutality of this path shocked him. He had never encountered anything like it before, so he made sure to absorb every detail. While the path of evolution sounded powerful, its dangers made him wary. He wasn''t ready to dismiss it just yet, though¡ªhe still needed to read through the other options.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    His gaze shifted, and the projection screen followed, scrolling down to reveal the next option: Path of Ascension (Training and Cultivation).


    This path involved gradually ascending beyond mortal limits through discipline, cultivation, and inner mastery. It was a steady journey of self-improvement, fostering balance and long-term stability. Growth was slow but reliable, rooted in self-reliance and discipline.


    Lian noted that this path was similar to the practices of his world¡ªtraining one''s aura, strengthening the body, gathering energies, and pushing past physical limits. The slow pace aligned with everything he knew about cultivation, making him feel more familiar with this option. Still, he continued reading, taking note of its pros and cons before moving on.


    Next, the screen revealed the Path of Divinity (Gifts from Gods).


    This path centered around gaining power through divine or elemental blessings from gods or higher beings. Power came swiftly, along with divine protection and versatile abilities. But such power required faith and devotion, leaving one dependent on external forces and bound by moral restrictions.


    Lian felt a sense of recognition here. This path reminded him of the divine power wielded by others in his world¡ªlike Alaric. It was tempting, but the dependency on higher beings, along with the obligation to follow their will, made him hesitate. He considered it carefully before continuing to the final option.


    Finally, his eyes fell on the Path of Transcendence (Fusion with Concepts).


    This path involved transcending limits by fusing with universal or cosmic forces, such as time, space, or chaos. Its philosophy was to become one with the very fabric of the universe. Those who mastered it could wield god-like power over reality and the fundamental forces that governed existence.


    But the difficulties were immense. Mastery was elusive, and there was a high risk of losing one''s humanity along the way. Only a select few could even attempt it, and it often required progress in other paths before it could be fully realized.


    After reading about all four paths, a final note appeared on the screen. It stated that while each path seemed distinct at the start¡ªwhether it was Evolution, Ascension, Divinity, or Transcendence¡ªthey all ultimately shared a common goal: the pursuit of power. Each path was a journey towards transcending mortal limits and achieving ultimate control over oneself and the world. Despite their differing methods and philosophies, the note explained that as one progressed, these paths would eventually converge, allowing individuals to blend techniques and draw from multiple sources of power.


    However, the note stressed that the foundation was critical. The path one chose in the beginning would shape the future, and that first step was the most important of all.


    Lian carefully reviewed the information from the system window. The different paths were unique, each offering a distinct method of gaining power, which was ultimately the goal. While the approaches varied, it was clear that whatever path one chose would shape not only their journey but also their personality. It was crucial to choose wisely.


    For a human like him, however, the most suitable options were clear: the Path of Ascension (training and cultivation), or the Path of Divinity (gaining power from the gods). Both were well-established in his world. The path of transcendence focused on self-discipline and cultivating strength from within, while the path of divinity involved receiving divine blessings.


    If his past self had been offered this choice, he would have eagerly chosen to be granted divine power. Being blessed by the gods was considered one of the highest honors in his world, attainable only through unwavering faith and destiny. Divine blessings were extremely rare, as uncommon as finding a phoenix''s feather or a Qilin''s horn. Those who possessed such power were revered, like Alaric, who had been chosen by the Wind God. Divine power was the ultimate form of strength, often combined with the path of Ascension. Many powerful figures even from ancient texts had harnessed both divine power and their own cultivated abilities.


    In the past, Lian would have yearned for such a blessing. But now, after reading the system''s explanation of each path, he found himself hesitating. The system had opened his eyes to possibilities he had never known before¡ªpaths that weren''t widely recognized in this world. He realized that every path, whether it was evolution, ascension, transcendence, or divinity, ultimately led to the same destination: power. And at certain points, the paths might even converge, allowing for a combination of abilities.


    He couldn''t rush this decision.


    The path of divinity had its restrictions, most notably the dependency on the gods¡ªgods who had turned a blind eye to him. Despite his dedication, none had chosen him, leaving him bitter. Alaric, a mere punk in his eyes, had been chosen by the Wind God, yet Lian, despite his relentless devotion, had been ignored. He had spent countless days seeking enlightenment, enduring harsh weather and the mockery of others, but his faith had gone unrewarded.


    This growing resentment toward the gods made him question the path of divinity. Was it really worth binding himself to gods who had refused him? He couldn''t shake the feeling that relying on them would mean surrendering his fate to their whims. Wouldn''t it be better to rely on himself, to forge his own path and ascend through his own efforts?


    The path of Ascension, as practiced in this world, offered that possibility. Ancient records hinted that humans had once ascended to the realm of the gods through sheer will and cultivation. Though these records were scarce and unverified, the idea of gaining power through one''s own strength, free from any divine chains, resonated with him deeply.


    With this in mind, Lian made his choice.


    Slowly, deliberately, he pressed his finger against the system window and selected a path.


    In the past, he would never have considered passing up the chance to gain divine power. But something had changed within him. His perspective had broadened. He no longer sought the easy path, dependent on the favor of gods. Instead, he chose the rigorous, demanding path of self-cultivation¡ªthe path of Ascension.

 Chapter 9: Light of the White Sun

    As soon as Lian selected the Path of Ascension, the system window softly hummed and vibrated, a sensation that resonated deep within his soul. Though the vibration was gentle, it was undeniably profound, as if the system was intimately connected to his very being. This strange connection unsettled him. He hadn''t anticipated that the system would link itself so deeply with him.


    When the vibration stopped, the information on the screen vanished, replaced by a new set of data:


    [Name: Lian Eshar


    Path: Ascension


    Progress: None


    Health: 63%


    Spiritual Energy: ???


    Abilities:


    Boundless Light: Inactive


    Eye of Perception: Locked


    Heart of Eternal Darkness: Locked]


    Lian stared at the display, momentarily taken aback. The system had flawlessly captured his name, even his surname, which very few people knew. Apart from Lady Mariana and Elysia, no one should have had that information, making the system''s precision somewhat unsettling.


    Next, it confirmed the Path of Ascension, with his progress marked as "None"¡ªwhich made sense since he had only just chosen the path and hadn''t embarked on the journey yet. His eyes lingered on the "Spiritual Energy" section, marked with question marks. This puzzled him. He had never been able to sense or harness spiritual energy, something widely known by those familiar with him. So, why had the system not simply indicated "none"? Why the mystery?


    His thoughts drifted back to what the old man, the Heaven Devourer, had mentioned about the White Sun in his dream space. He had suggested that this system would guide Lian in utilizing its power. Could the White Sun serve as a substitute for spiritual energy? Or perhaps the system couldn''t properly measure or classify the White Sun''s energy, hence the question marks. The more he pondered it, the more confused he became.


    Then came the section on abilities. The first listed was Boundless Light, marked as ''inactive''. The name triggered a realization. With some thought, Lian surmised that Boundless Light was likely tied to the White Sun in his dream space. The other abilities listed were Eye of Perception and Heart of Eternal Darkness, but both were locked.


    It didn''t take long for him to draw some conclusions. Boundless Light was the White Sun, Eye of Perception was undoubtedly connected to the massive floating eye¡ªlikely the Heaven Devourer itself¡ªand Heart of Eternal Darkness referred to the shadowy heart seated deep within his dream space. These three things, which had appeared in his dreams, seemed to now manifest as abilities within the system.


    Curiosity gnawed at him. Why were the Eye of Perception and the Heart of Eternal Darkness included if the system''s purpose was to help him harness the White Sun''s power? The old man had only mentioned using the White Sun. He hadn''t spoken of the eye or the heart becoming part of this process.


    Why were they locked? And more importantly, why were they included as abilities at all?


    As Lian sat on the bed, his thoughts buzzing with questions, he called out to the Heaven''s Devourer, his voice tinged with frustration. "Old man, what''s with this Eye of Perception and Heart of Eternal Darkness? Are you giving me your abilities too?"


    He paused, expecting an answer, but none came. With a sigh, he muttered under his breath, "Acting up again, I see. How am I supposed to understand these abilities if you don''t explain anything?"


    His frustration simmered, but then an idea crossed his mind. If the old man wasn''t going to answer, perhaps the system could provide more clarity. He immediately clicked on the first ability, Boundless Light. As soon as he did, the screen changed, revealing a new set of information:


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    ---


    [Boundless Light:


    A pure mass of radiant energy in the form of a White Sun, this force will serve as a substitute for spiritual energy for the user. The Boundless Light has unique characteristics and properties, distinct from normal spiritual energy. As the user advances in harnessing the light, these properties will unlock and reveal themselves, granting further power.]


    ---


    Lian''s expression shifted as he read. His theory was correct: this energy¡ªthe Boundless Light¡ªwould replace spiritual energy. But the system described it as something far more unique, different from the spiritual energy most people used. Could this be a form of divine energy? After all, divine powers, granted by the gods, were infused with special properties. The way the system described Boundless Light, it seemed stronger, perhaps even purer than normal spiritual energy.


    His curiosity was piqued, but he quickly moved on to the next ability¡ªEye of Perception. Another screen popped up:


    ---


    [Eye of Perception:


    Once belonging to the enigmatic and exalted Heaven''s Devourer, who conquered countless universes and stood supreme among all beings, the Eye of Perception grants unmatched vision and understanding of the world. The user must gain the approval of the Heaven''s Devourer to unlock its true power. Upon success, the user will be bestowed with unimaginable insight, boosting their potential and granting abilities beyond mortal comprehension.]


    ---


    Lian chuckled at the flowery description. It felt like something the Heaven''s Devourer himself would have written, emphasizing his supremacy. The old man clearly took pride in his ''former'' status. "So, I need his approval, huh? I bet that won''t be easy," Lian muttered, knowing the Heaven''s Devourer''s personality all too well.


    Still, the Eye of Perception intrigued him. What kind of insight and power could it offer once unlocked? The possibilities made him both curious and wary.


    Without wasting any more time, he clicked on the final ability: Heart of Eternal Darkness. Another burst of information appeared:


    ---


    [Heart of Eternal Darkness:


    A heart filled with nefarious and immense energy, once belonging to an entity from the deepest abyss. The Heart of Eternal Darkness grants the user the ability to harness the powers of darkness. To unlock this power, the user must tap into the heart''s depths and overcome its trials.]


    ---


    Lian''s eyes brightened. The Heart of Eternal Darkness offered control over dark energy, something powerful and mysterious. He could already tell that these abilities were unlike anything he''d ever encountered in the world. Even with his extensive knowledge of ancient texts, there had been no mention of such abilities. Each one seemed far beyond the ordinary.


    Despite his excitement, a key question lingered in his mind: how was he supposed to harness this Boundless Light? The system had mentioned that progress was needed to unlock its full potential, but it hadn''t explained the "how." Lian wondered if this process would be similar to how people normally cultivated spiritual energy.


    Determined to find out, he crossed his fingers into a meditation pose¡ªa technique he had practiced countless times in his life, though it had always led to nothing. But this time, something changed. The moment he settled into meditation, he felt something stir within him.


    As Lian sat in deep meditation, the sensation of energy within him stirred faintly at first, like the gentle ripple of water on a still pond. It was so subtle, almost imperceptible, but there nonetheless. His previous countless attempts to feel spiritual energy had always ended in nothingness, but this time¡ªthis time, it was different. The energy swirling within him was unmistakable, and it felt exactly as he''d read about in countless books and testimonies.


    Gradually, the faint ripples of energy grew stronger, like a pool of water slowly forming inside him. At first, it was a small wave, barely noticeable, but as he focused deeper, the pool expanded, filling up with more and more energy. It was as though his body had become the surface of that water, and within it, a tiny vortex had begun to spiral. Slowly but surely, this vortex started to suck in more energy, and the pool of light within him became larger, deeper, and more intense.


    With every passing moment, the vortex grew stronger, its pull greater. It wasn''t a chaotic force but a controlled spiral, drawing more and more of the Boundless Light into itself. The pool inside Lian''s core expanded, its currents growing turbulent, like a small tsunami that began to rise and crash against the boundaries of his body. He could feel the immense power building within this vortex, but with it came an undeniable sense of danger¡ªa growing pressure as the energy intensified, pushing his body to its limit.


    As time passed, the vortex surged, now a whirling mass of power threatening to overflow. It was no longer just a gentle spiral, but a roaring tempest within him, pulling in more and more of that radiant energy. His body began to tremble, sweat poured down his skin, and a deadly sensation started to creep in. The energy, once just a faint stirring, had now become a torrential force threatening to tear him apart from the inside.


    Just as he felt he could endure no more, his eyes shot open. His heart pounded with excitement, but his body was drenched in sweat, his limbs trembling. The vortex had reached its peak, and the Boundless Light surged within him, filling him to the brim. For the first time in his life, Lian could truly feel spiritual energy¡ªor something even greater¡ªpulsing through him like an unstoppable river.


    His body felt stuffed with this new energy, but he knew this was only the beginning. This was how it was for those who first sensed spiritual energy¡ªlimited at first, but with practice and mastery, the pool would grow deeper, the vortex more powerful, allowing him to harness even more.


    Lian stretched out his palm, eager to test this newfound power. He focused on the vortex within him, visualizing the energy he had gathered, just as he had read in the ancient texts. Slowly, he guided that force through his body and toward his palm. A cool sensation spread, and he watched in awe as his hand began to glow faintly. A soft, pure light crackled at his fingertips, a radiant energy unlike anything he had ever seen.


    Excitement bubbled over as he intensified his focus. The light in his palm grew brighter, almost electric in its purity, but it wasn''t quite lightning. It was light¡ªa pure, boundless energy that shimmered and flickered like a living thing.


    Then, without warning, a sharp jolt shot through his entire body. Pain spiked, like a needle had pierced him from the inside, and before he could react, his body went rigid. An agonized shriek escaped his throat as he was flung back onto the bed, the energy overwhelming him, a force he had yet to fully control.

 Chapter 10: A Vessel Unworthy

    Lian gasped, his chest heaving as he lay on the bed, pain still coursing through his body like fire. Each breath felt heavy, and every inch of him throbbed with agony, as though needles had pierced his flesh and pulled taut under his skin. The sensation was so intense that it blurred his vision, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as his consciousness wavered. He felt as if his soul itself had been torn apart.


    But just as he teetered on the brink of losing consciousness, Lian forced his mind to steady. He gulped air, forcing himself to remain present, and slowly, agonizingly, the searing pain began to subside. His body, drenched in sweat, felt like it had fought a battle it wasn''t prepared for¡ªa battle of survival. His bloodshot eyes reflected the torment he had endured, and even as the pain faded away, he couldn''t shake the feeling that something had almost broken inside him.


    Lian lay still for a while, his breath ragged. His mind reeled, trying to grasp why this had happened. Everything had been going smoothly. He had finally sensed energy, the Boundless Light within him. He was certain he had done everything right, following the normal practices of channeling spiritual energy as he had learned. So why had it turned against him, nearly killing him the moment he tried to harness it?


    His thoughts swirled with confusion. The Boundless Light was supposed to be a substitute for spiritual energy, just like the system had told him. How could this substitute act like poison to his body? Was it the nature of the energy itself? Or was there something about his body that rejected it? He quickly summoned the system window, his face tense with worry, and searched for any additional information about the Boundless Light, but all he saw was the same brief description he had read before.


    Frustration welled up inside him. Was this how it was supposed to work? Could he even trust the system now? His excitement over gaining new abilities had faded, replaced by dread. If this energy had almost killed him the first time, what was to stop it from doing so again? He couldn''t bear the thought of experiencing that level of pain again¡ªit was beyond words, a torment that rattled his very soul.


    "Something''s wrong," he muttered, running a hand through his damp hair, his thoughts racing. He wanted answers. He wanted to ask the Heaven''s Devourer, the old man, but he had been silent throughout, ignoring him even now. Lian clenched his fists in frustration. He had no one to rely on but himself, and his thoughts kept returning to a single possibility.


    "Is it me?" he whispered, glancing down at his own body. His eyes traveled over his plump frame, noting the softness of his limbs. He had always been heavier than others, and despite his attempts to be stronger, his physique had never been impressive. Could it be that his body simply wasn''t strong enough to handle the Boundless Light?


    The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. If this energy was similar to divine power¡ªstronger and more dangerous than spiritual energy¡ªthen it would require a body capable of withstanding its force. Divine power had always been described as needing a strong vessel to channel it. Could it be that his weak body was the real issue, unable to properly harness the Boundless Light without risking destruction?


    As these thoughts solidified, a dark chuckle suddenly echoed in his mind.


    "Kid, I have to admit, you''re not entirely foolish," the familiar voice of the Heaven''s Devourer boomed in his head, laced with condescension. "Well, it''s a relief that you''re not a total idiot, at least."


    Lian''s eyes widened as the voice continued, dripping with amusement.


    "Did you really think you could harness that light power with this weak, trashy body of yours? You must be dumber than I thought," the old man sneered. "You caught on quickly, though. This energy isn''t like that common spiritual nonsense the weaklings in this world toy with. This is a power for the strong, for those who can handle it. And you, boy, are far from strong."


    Lian swallowed hard, a sinking feeling settling in his stomach as the Heaven''s Devourer spoke. He had been right. His body was the problem. But now, hearing it from the old man''s own mouth made it all the more real. The boundless power inside him wasn''t something he could handle¡ªnot yet.


    "Does this mean... I can''t use it at all?" Lian asked, his voice low.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    "Oh, you can use it, boy. If you don''t mind dying in the process," the old man''s voice mocked. "But if you want to survive, you''ll have to change. That weak body of yours? It''s going to need a serious upgrade if you want to keep up."


    Lian nodded slightly, his thoughts deepening as he reflected on what the Heaven''s Devourer had said. He realized now that he had never given much attention to his body, always believing that once he could master spiritual energy, his physique would naturally follow.


    From a young age, he had been soft and not particularly strong, but this never concerned him. His primary focus had always been on the path of spiritual cultivation, and everything else seemed secondary. After all, with enough spiritual energy, one could train their body later¡ªthere were techniques that made strengthening one''s physique easier once the energy was flowing.


    But now, after what the Heaven''s Devourer had revealed, he understood that his body wasn''t just secondary. It was foundational. If this Boundless Light was similar to divine power, something that required a strong vessel, then he couldn''t afford to ignore his physical condition any longer. And the realization that he could now finally sense energy made him excited. If he could gather spiritual energy, training his physique should be within his grasp, perhaps even easy. He knew what he had to do.


    His excitement, which had been dulled by the pain he experienced earlier, started to build again. The idea of working on his body no longer seemed like a distant afterthought but an immediate priority. He smiled faintly as he imagined himself growing stronger, reshaping his body to be capable of wielding this immense power. However, his excitement was tempered by the fact that he was still recovering. The intense pain he had gone through had left him drained, and he knew he''d need a few days to fully heal before he could begin this new phase of training.


    He sighed, his mind drifting. "Old man, you seem pretty enthusiastic about this Boundless Light. Are you sure it''s as powerful as you say?" he muttered, hoping to draw more information from the Heaven''s Devourer.


    But there was no answer. The old man had retreated into silence, leaving Lian to his thoughts. He couldn''t help but sigh again. It seemed the Heaven''s Devourer spoke only when it suited him, leaving Lian to figure things out on his own most of the time.


    "Well, I guess my focus should be on my body for now," Lian murmured. In a way, this new goal felt natural to him, despite his past neglect of physical training. People often mocked his plump, round figure, calling him lazy and assuming he enjoyed indulgent feasts while neglecting hard work. But the truth was far from that. Lian wasn''t a glutton, nor was he lazy. His roundness came naturally, no matter how little he ate. Even when he focused on spiritual practices, the weight never seemed to shift. He had learned to ignore the comments and judgments, focusing on his true goal¡ªsensing spiritual energy.


    Now, though, things had changed. Training his body would not only help him wield the Boundless Light, but it would also change how people saw him. No longer would they mock him for being lazy or out of shape. He imagined the day when his physique would match the power he could wield, when those who ridiculed him would be forced to eat their words. His strength, his power, and his new appearance would silence their mockery once and for all.


    As these thoughts filled his mind, a new anticipation stirred within him. He could feel it building¡ªthe excitement, the eagerness to transform himself. His eyes brightened with the thought of healing quickly so that he could begin his training. He wasn''t the type to be impatient, but now, he could hardly wait.


    Time passed slowly as Lian recovered, and the next day, Elysia came to visit him. She brought fruits, feeding him with her usual liveliness and joy. Her presence filled the infirmary with warmth and energy, pulling Lian out of his boredom. She stayed with him for almost the entire day, and her happiness was infectious as she celebrated his recovery. A couple of days later, Lian''s injuries had fully healed.


    Perhaps it was his eagerness to start training, or maybe the Boundless Light that had been coursing through him, but his body had healed far faster than expected. The infirmary attendants were astonished as they examined him, their magical devices confirming that his wounds had totally healed. Lian was thrilled by his rapid recovery, and it wasn''t long before he was discharged. Elysia was present and by his side, along with a maid. Together, they prepared to leave the infirmary.


    Elysia had come with a simple chariot this time, one drawn by a black beast resembling a giant wolf with striking blue eyes. Unlike the extravagant one they had rushed him in with, this chariot was more modest, designed for traveling through the city. Lian stepped inside, followed by Elysia, and as the chariot sped into the distance, he felt a sense of calm return. The ride brought him back to a small building beside the Grand Mansion, and as he entered his room, he was met with an unexpected surprise.


    His once simple living space had been transformed. The room had been renovated, and everything¡ªfrom the furniture to the decorations¡ªwas new. What was once a modest and well-kept space had now become extravagant, beautifully furnished with high-quality materials. Lian stood there in awe, taking in the remodeled surroundings. It felt like a completely different place, far beyond what he had ever imagined or expected.


    Elysia watched him, smiling softly, her face glowing like a beautiful moon. "Did you do all this?" Lian asked, still shocked by the transformation.


    Elysia''s smile widened, and she replied in her soft, fairy-like voice, "No, it wasn''t me. Mom had been planning this for a while as a birthday surprise for you. But with everything that happened, she thought it was the perfect time to do it while you were recovering in the infirmary." Her voice was warm, and the kindness behind the gesture touched Lian deeply.


    The thoughtful act of the Countess and her family, who had become like his own, stirred a wave of emotion within him. Ever since growing up without a mother, Lian had often felt alone, but the Countess and Elysia had been a ray of light in his life. They had given him a sense of belonging, a family when he needed it most. Gratitude swelled in his chest as he realized how much they had done for him. He knew he had to find a way to repay them for their kindness, though he wasn''t sure where to start.


    Feeling overwhelmed, Lian''s emotions showed in his eyes. Elysia noticed and quickly wrapped him in a warm hug. Lian hugged her back gently, whispering, "Thank you."


    She smiled as she pulled away, her voice still soft and full of warmth. "No problem, Lian. You''re important to me. We''re family, so it''s only natural to help each other, right? Don''t think of it as a big favor¡ªyou''re part of our family."


    Lian smiled at her words. "Alright."


    ''I have to go offer my thanks to her too,'' he thought, gazing out the window at the Grand Mansion. His heart swelled with gratitude, knowing how lucky he was to have them in his life.

 Chapter 11: As Strong as Heavenly Steel

    Elysia spent some time with Lian in his newly renovated room, chatting with him in her lively way, sharing stories and recounting recent events. The two had grown up together, and it was natural for her to feel at ease in his presence, spending much of her time with him. Though she was happy to be by his side, she sensed that Lian needed rest after his recovery, and so, after a little while, she gave her goodbyes and left him to recuperate.


    Once alone, Lian felt a sense of mental fatigue. Though it was not the same overwhelming force that had always drawn him into sleep, this tiredness felt manageable, allowing him to rest on his own terms. Feeling in control of his mental state for the first time in a long while, Lian drifted into a peaceful sleep, knowing that tomorrow was full of plans and opportunities. It felt liberating.


    The following day, Lian left the small building where he had been staying, which was beside the mansion, and ventured into the bustling streets of Elandor. Though Elandor was a relatively small city, it was prosperous, nestled in the verdant hills of southern Valeryn. The city''s fertile land made it a hub for agriculture, trade, and small-scale industry, filling its streets with energy and commerce.


    As Lian made his way through the crowded streets, he passed by numerous vendor stalls and shops, their colorful signs advertising various goods. The city thrived on the abundance of resources around it, and its location made it a key trade center. Lian navigated the busy roads until he stopped in front of a large, well-decorated shop. The placard outside read ''Skill Depository,'' signaling that this shop specialized in skill books.


    Lian entered the store, where he was greeted by an attendant, a young man who seemed to be in his early twenties. The interior of the shop was expansive and beautifully furnished, with tall shelves lined with books and scrolls. Several customers were already browsing the rows, searching for the skills they needed.


    The young attendant, though polite, had a slightly tired and bored expression. It was clear he had been working for some time already, despite the early hour. "Hello, young guest," he said, his voice flat. "What brings you here today?"


    Lian paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "I came to buy some skill books," he replied.


    The attendant''s gaze shifted slightly as he looked Lian over. "What kind of skill book are you looking for?"


    Lian thought for a moment before answering. "Something focused on body refinement."


    The attendant raised an eyebrow, noting Lian''s round, chubby figure, and seemed to make a quick assumption about his choice. After a brief pause, he nodded and gestured toward a section of the shop. "Body refinement techniques are over there¡ªfirst corner, top shelf on the left side. You can take a look and choose what you need."


    Lian nodded. He made his way to the corner of the shop and began browsing through several skill books and scrolls, all centered around body refinement techniques. He picked up one book, glanced at the name, and flipped to the first page, squinting thoughtfully at the brief introduction. After quickly skimming it, he placed the book back and repeated the process with another. Time passed as he browsed through several books, noticing that while the techniques were varied, they all focused on basic methods for body strengthening.


    In this world, body refinement was one of the recognized paths to enhancing one''s strength, alongside mastering aura. However, body refinement was not as widely practiced because mastering aura naturally enhanced the body to a certain extent, and many believed it was enough. Those who trained in aura usually grew stronger simply by tapping into its power, making their bodies more resilient without needing additional refinement. As a result, only a few dedicated individuals pursued body refinement seriously, as it required dividing their attention between aura mastery and physical training, which many thought would slow their progress.


    Most of the body refinement techniques available in the shop were general knowledge¡ªbasic practices that anyone could use to strengthen themselves. Lian noted that while these methods were helpful, they weren''t particularly profound or advanced. He knew that more unique, high-level body refinement techniques were often guarded by powerful sects or organizations and wouldn''t be found in a public shop, especially in a smaller city like Elandor. Still, the basics were enough for him, as his immediate goal was to strengthen his body to handle the boundless light power he had gained.


    After browsing for some time, Lian found himself contemplating which technique to choose. Each of the books seemed similar, and none stood out as truly unique, which made his decision difficult. He turned his attention to some of the scrolls, which, though less polished, contained intriguing variations on the general body refinement practices. It was then that one particular scroll caught his eye¡ª''Heavenly Steel, Heavenly Pillars.''This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    This scroll, unlike the others, seemed much older and more distinct in its approach. The title alone piqued Lian''s interest, and as he read through the introduction, he found the concept both amusing and intriguing. The author claimed that, through dedicated refinement, one could make their body as strong as heavenly steel and powerful enough to support the heavens like a pillar.


    While Lian found the idea quite far-fetched¡ªstrengthening one''s body to such an extent seemed impossible¡ªhe couldn''t help but appreciate the author''s boldness and creativity. The text was filled with the author''s personal research, experiments, and ideas, deviating from the more standard methods Lian had seen so far.


    Though skeptical of some of the grand claims, Lian respected the author''s willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and explore new ideas. After all, Lian himself wasn''t exactly normal¡ªhe had gained the ability to harness the boundless light, a power that could replace spiritual energy. With his unique situation, he didn''t mind training with a technique that defied the norm. In fact, the unconventional nature of the scroll intrigued him further.


    Satisfied with his choice, Lian took the scroll to the front of the shop and placed it on the counter. The young attendant glanced at the scroll, a thoughtful look crossing his face as he processed Lian''s choice. He seemed on the verge of saying something but hesitated. Instead, he simply said, "That will be five Silvers"


    Lian handed over five Silver coins, took the scroll, and left the shop.


    After he purchased the body refinement scroll, he headed straight to his small house and entered his room. Without wasting any time, he squatted on the floor and took out the scroll from his side bag. He carefully unrolled it and began to immerse himself in its contents. First, he read through the introduction, ensuring he understood every detail before diving into the main text.


    The body refinement scroll was divided into several stages, the first of which was called ''Foundation Layering.'' This stage focused on building a stronger foundation through a series of physical exercises. It was all about creating a resilient base that could support further growth and strength.


    The exercises in the first section of Foundation Layering were designed to be intense. They targeted the entire body, especially the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Each movement aimed to tear down the body''s weaknesses and rebuild it stronger. These exercises required core strength, flexibility, and endurance. They were not just about training individual muscles but about transforming the body as a whole.


    Lian studied the illustrations of the exercises and familiarized himself with the postures. Even from the pictures, he could tell how demanding they would be. It was clear the author of the scroll had taken his vision of becoming a ''heavenly steel'' seriously. The exercises were pushed to their extreme limits. Lian couldn''t help but wonder if he could endure them.


    The poses were tough, the movements grueling, and the durations long. Every figure illustrated in the scroll seemed etched with pain and anguish, as if the author wanted to convey the intensity of the process through their strained expressions. Lian shuddered slightly as he took it all in.


    Despite the daunting challenge ahead, the promise of transformation¡ªof harnessing the Boundless Light¡ªdrove away his doubts. He knew that if he wanted to change his state, this was the path he had to walk. Determined, he stood up, pushed open the door, and stepped outside. The afternoon sun beat down heavily on the earth, casting long shadows. He left his small house and made his way to the training center, a large and bustling area that was well-known in the city.


    The training center was a popular place, frequented by those who aspired to become warriors, as well as those who simply sought to improve their physical fitness. As Lian approached the entrance, he noticed the burly middle-aged guard who stood there, arms crossed. The guard extended a hand toward Lian, clearly recognizing him from his previous visits. Lian handed over a payment of two silvers and the guard stepped aside, allowing him to enter.


    Once inside, the scale of the training center became evident. It was a sprawling complex, far removed from the bustling streets outside. The grounds stretched across a vast expanse of land, demarcated from the city by natural borders such as small hills and rocky outcroppings. In one section of the center, there were areas designed for sparring, where groups of people engaged in mock combat. In another, large plots of land were set aside for solo training, some with open fields and others surrounded by structures designed for various physical challenges.


    The most prominent feature was the equipment area, where a range of tools and devices were available for strength and endurance training. There were massive wooden dummies, weighted poles, and stone anvils for striking practice, as well as elaborate climbing walls and balance beams for agility and coordination. Nearby, rows of punching bags and reinforced steel plates bore the scars of countless training sessions, their surfaces cracked and dented from repeated blows.


    Around the entire training ground, a series of low, jagged walls marked the boundaries. These walls had taken on a unique appearance over time, as cracks and deep punch marks could be seen etched into them, left by those who had trained here, testing their strength against the stone. Some areas even had faint handprints embedded in the rock, reminders of the immense power unleashed by past trainees.


    Lian found a relatively quiet and isolated corner of the training area, away from the crowd. Here, the ground was firmer, and the walls were marked with fewer cracks, indicating that it wasn''t as frequently used. He sat cross-legged on the ground, pulling out the scroll once more. Before starting, he cross-checked the illustrations again, locking onto one of the depicted poses. The exercises in Foundation Layering were meant to engage every muscle, and Lian knew he needed to be precise.


    As he positioned himself into the first pose, he noticed something unusual about the air around him. The training center wasn''t just a simple facility¡ªit had been enhanced by spiritual energy formations. At each corner of the training grounds, subtle but intricate formations hummed softly, their purpose to gather and condense spiritual energy in the area. These formations created a dense, misty atmosphere that was meant to aid warriors and aura users in their training, making the spiritual energy more accessible.


    While Lian couldn''t sense spiritual energy himself, he still felt a strange pressure in the air, a stuffy sensation pressing down on him. The misty atmosphere, heavy with condensed energy, gave the entire training area an almost mystical feel, as if the environment itself was alive, quietly observing and aiding those who trained here.


    With his body tense and his mind focused, Lian began imitating the first illustrated pose, pushing his body into the tough posture.

 Chapter 12: Beyond Pain Lies Strength

    Lian took a deep breath as he struck the illustrated pose from the scroll. It wasn''t a simple meditative position like he had first thought. No, this one required him to squat low with his knees bent deeply, but with his upper body bent forward so that the weight of his entire frame shifted toward his arms, which were planted on the ground. His elbows bent, forcing him to balance his weight on his forearms while his legs trembled with strain.


    It was as if his body was in an awkward mix between a squat and a push-up, with his knees hovering above the ground and his back muscles stretched taut. His chubby frame protested almost immediately, but surprisingly, Lian found the pose easy to imitate, thanks to the clarity of the illustrations on the scroll. Still, he knew this wouldn''t last long¡ªthe real challenge lay in holding the position for a prolonged period.


    As time passed, Lian could feel the strain building up, especially in his legs and arms. The bulk of his weight seemed to center on his forearms and thighs, causing a sharp burn to spread through his muscles. Sweat trickled down his face, dripping onto the ground as he gritted his teeth. Minutes passed, and the mild discomfort turned into a searing pain, radiating from his thighs and arms, which were now wobbling under the strain.


    His body began to shake uncontrollably. The pain in his muscles was unlike anything he''d felt before, growing with each passing second until it was nearly unbearable. He felt his limbs trembling beneath him, sweat soaking through his robes, his breathing growing ragged. The tearing sensation in his muscles grew worse, and he almost gave in several times. His fat frame seemed to jiggle with every quiver, making him look like a piece of jelly about to collapse.


    But he knew he couldn''t give up yet. The scroll had specified a duration he hadn''t even come close to reaching. If he couldn''t hold the basic pose, how could he ever hope to advance to the higher levels? The thought of quitting so early gnawed at him, but another part of him refused to give in to weakness.


    He continued to push through, his face contorted in agony as his chubby form shook violently. Groans escaped his lips despite his best efforts to suppress them. He looked like a man fighting against gravity itself, his cheeks puffing out as he held his breath, trying to manage the pain. Sweat dripped off him like a waterfall, soaking the ground beneath him.


    Onlookers at the training center couldn''t help but glance his way, some with raised eyebrows, others with amused smirks. The sight of a chubby boy wobbling like a frightened rabbit while trying to hold a ridiculous pose was, admittedly, quite a spectacle. A few people snickered under their breath, though most quickly turned back to their own training.


    By the time he was halfway through the required duration, Lian''s limbs had already gone numb. He couldn''t feel his forearms anymore, and his thighs felt like they were on fire. His mind screamed for relief, and he could hardly hold his balance. His groans grew louder, and at one point, he couldn''t help but let out a low, pained whimper that drew even more eyes.


    Finally, the time passed, and Lian collapsed onto the ground with a loud thud, gasping for breath. His entire body felt like it had been run through a grinder, and he lay there, trying to recover from the intense pain that was slowly subsiding. As he lay there, he couldn''t help but glance at the scroll once more.


    He chuckled weakly to himself. The author of the Heavenly Steel, Heavenly Pillars Body Refinement Technique clearly meant business. The detailed illustrations of pain and struggle he had seen on the scroll perfectly matched the agony he had just endured. The little figure etched into the book with its contorted face and bent limbs suddenly felt far more relatable. The author wasn''t exaggerating at all¡ªthe technique was just as painful as the drawings had promised.


    In that moment, Lian wondered with a tired grin if completing this body refinement technique would really make him like a ''heavenly steel or pillar'' capable of supporting the skies themselves. Because right now, he felt more like a wobbly pillar of jelly. He chuckled again, though the sound was more of a pained wheeze.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Still, if this was only the beginning, he could only imagine what lay ahead. He was bound to push his body beyond its limits, possibly transforming into something far stronger than he ever thought possible. But for now, as he lay flat on the ground, limbs twitching and body soaked in sweat, he couldn''t help but think, Maybe turning into a heavenly pillar is just a polite way of saying "suffer like hell."


    After resting briefly on the ground, Lian forced himself up and quickly assumed a meditative position, his breathing still ragged from the previous pose. He remembered the instructions from the scroll¡ªafter each pose, he had to circulate spiritual energy to strengthen the muscles strained by the exercise. He crossed his legs, closed his eyes, and began the process, focusing on calming his mind as the pain slowly seeped from his limbs.


    The sensation began as it had in the infirmary¡ªa faint ripple of energy, like the surface of a lake disturbed by a slight breeze. The energy, which he recognized as the Boundless Light, swirled gently within him, gaining intensity with each breath. His previous experience with this energy left him cautious; the last time he had recklessly channelled it, the pain had been overwhelming. Now, he kept his control firm, stirring the energy slowly and evenly, making sure not to guide it forcefully to any part of his body.


    Strangely, though, something was different this time. The energy began to flow on its own, without his direction. He could feel it seeping into his arms, thighs, and legs¡ªthe very muscles that had been tortured by the earlier pose. For a moment, a shiver of fear ran through him. He remembered the excruciating pain that had come before and braced himself for the worst. But to his surprise, no searing pain came.


    Instead, a cool sensation washed over the aching areas. The Boundless Light flowed effortlessly through his arms, legs, and thighs, soothing the pain while simultaneously tightening the muscles. Lian''s eyes snapped open in surprise, but he kept his posture, steadying his breath. The energy continued to swirl within him, strengthening his body exactly where it had been weakened. The cooling sensation was oddly pleasant, and as it traveled through him, he could feel the muscles growing firmer, the fat in those areas beginning to burn away.


    "This is¡­ the strengthening that was mentioned," Lian muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with amazement. He could visibly feel his body changing, the Boundless Light doing its work as if on autopilot. It was a bizarre feeling, as though the technique was acting on its own, fortifying his body exactly where it needed to.


    Though a bit cautious from his past experience, Lian couldn''t help but feel a rising elation. The development was unexpected, and the sensation of his muscles growing stronger with each passing second was invigorating. His fat was burning off in real-time, the cooling energy circulating steadily. Slowly, he continued the process, allowing the boundless light to do its work as time trickled by.


    Finally, after the designated duration had passed, he stopped circulating the energy and slowly got to his feet. As he stood and stretched his arms and legs, a creaking sound echoed through his body. His muscles tightened involuntarily, as if they were resonating with the new strength they had gained. The pain that had tortured him earlier had completely subsided, replaced by a cool, refreshed feeling. He flexed his arms and legs, noting how much stronger and firmer they felt compared to before. His limbs, which had ached so badly just moments ago, now felt invigorated and firm.


    A satisfied gleam appeared in Lian''s eyes as he glanced briefly over his body, then at the scroll. He knew he was making real progress. Picking up the scroll again, he examined the next pose, which required a standing position.


    The second pose was more challenging, targeting different parts of his body. Lian struck the pose carefully, planting his feet firmly on the ground and adjusting his posture to align with the detailed illustration. This time, his legs and arms had to hold up most of his weight while his torso twisted slightly, creating a stretch that targeted his sides and back. The tension immediately built up in his core muscles, and the familiar ache began to creep in.


    As time passed, Lian''s groans started to escape his lips again, reminiscent of his struggle with the first pose. Each second felt like an eternity as the pain intensified, especially in the areas now bearing the brunt of the exercise. However, the onlookers at the training center regarded him differently this time. Having witnessed his endurance with the first pose, there was now less mockery in their eyes. The smirks had mostly vanished, replaced with glances with faint traces of respect. Lian''s chubby form still wobbled, but there was no mistaking the determination in his expression.


    The pain was unbearable, but this time, it wasn''t his legs and arms that suffered most¡ªit was his torso. His sides burned fiercely, and he felt every stretch of muscle from his hips to his shoulders. The strain was intense, but the knowledge that he had survived the first pose gave him the willpower to endure this one. Time dragged by, and finally, when the duration had reached and he could bear it no longer, he collapsed to the ground again, gasping for breath.


    Despite the pain, Lian realized something surprising: this second pose had been slightly easier than the first. His legs, strengthened from the previous circulation of the boundless light, had aided him in holding the position longer. Although his torso ached terribly now, his legs had felt sturdier and more resilient.


    After resting briefly, he once again struck a meditative pose, ready to circulate the boundless light within him. As before, the energy seeped effortlessly into the areas he had just worked on¡ªthis time, his torso and core. A cool sensation spread through his body as the boundless light worked to strengthen him. His muscles tightened, and the fat in those areas began to burn away, leaving behind a stronger, leaner frame.


    A strange sense of elation filled Lian as he felt the changes in real-time. The boundless light was transforming him, reshaping his body to become stronger with each pose.

 Chapter 13: Layer by Layer

    After a while, Lian finished his meditation and slowly rose from the ground. His muscles groaned with each movement, sending faint creaks and cracks through his limbs as he straightened his posture. His body, which had undergone the strain of the first two poses, felt heavy yet strengthened. The aches in his legs, thighs, torso, and back were now replaced by a tightness¡ªan unfamiliar sensation of power building within his muscles.


    He glanced at the scroll once again, and the next illustration depicted a new posture, this time focusing on the upper parts of his body, particularly his shoulders and neck.


    Lian took a deep breath and positioned himself according to the illustration. This stance required him to stand with his feet slightly apart, back straight, while raising his arms outward and upward, as if lifting an invisible weight. His neck bent slightly backward, stretching the muscles along his shoulders and upper back. Every movement felt deliberate, as he carefully entered the stance, making sure to align his body as instructed.


    As soon as he assumed the position, the muscles in his shoulders and neck creaked and tightened, sending ripples through his upper body. It was as though the tension from the previous exercises had pooled here, and now, the muscles were constricting and adjusting, strengthened by the boundless light that had circulated earlier. He felt the familiar sensation of intense pressure building in his upper body, a tightness that signified the muscles were being pushed to their limit.


    Following the same routine as before, Lian held the pose for several minutes. The pain started out as a dull ache, but soon intensified as the stress mounted in his neck, shoulders, and upper arms. This time, he could feel the pain grow sharper, but unlike the earlier exercises, he was more accustomed to it now. A series of muffled groans escaped his lips, but the sound was less audible than before. His body had grown used to the pain, helped by the previous strengthening of his legs, torso, and arms, which seemed to offer some form of support. The agony was still there, but his endurance had improved.


    Sweat drenched his body again, and his limbs wobbled as he maintained the position. After several minutes, when the prescribed duration had passed, he collapsed to the ground once more, his entire body shaking from exertion. But without wasting time, he quickly assumed the meditative pose again, closing his eyes and focusing on circulating the Boundless Light through the newly trained muscles in his shoulders and neck. As before, the cooling sensation flowed through him, soothing the strained areas and tightening the muscles as they strengthened in real-time. He could feel the energy working, healing and fortifying the places that had been pushed to their limits.


    After resting for a few moments, Lian got up and moved on to the next illustration. The fourth pose, however, was different from the previous ones. This one didn¡¯t just involve training his muscles¡ªit focused on opening acupoints in his body. This phase of the body refinement technique seemed to be about unlocking key energy pathways, something foundational for explosiveness and strength.


    The illustration depicted a series of movements rather than a single pose, and Lian began to perform them. His body shifted through intricate motions, constantly moving between different stances. At first, he didn¡¯t feel much beyond the usual muscle strain, but as he continued to follow the scroll''s guidance, something started to change. He felt faint pricks of sensation, as if certain points within his body were being poked from within.


    His body creaked and constricted with each movement, his bones and muscles groaning under the strain. But as he performed the shifting motions, it became clear that his previous training had prepared him for this. The strengthening of his legs, torso, and upper body all contributed to his ability to carry out these more complex movements. Without the earlier preparation, he would not have been able to endure the strain.


    As he raised his arms and twisted his body in precise patterns, Lian felt certain regions in his body begin to open up. These regions, which were referred to in the technique as the Heavenly Nodes, began to awaken. There were six such nodes, scattered across key points of his body¡ªtwo in his shoulders, two in his abdomen, and two in his legs. At first, they felt like subtle pricks, but as he continued the routine, the sensation grew more pronounced.


    His fat frame wobbled under the strain, but it was clear now that his body was changing. The fat was burning away at an alarming rate, his figure becoming noticeably firmer with each passing moment. The Heavenly Nodes continued to open, and with each motion, Lian could feel a strange energy flowing through them. Sweat poured from his brow, and his muscles ached with the familiar burning pain, but this time, the strain was accompanied by a new kind of strength, as though each opened node was unlocking hidden reserves of power.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    The intricate poses took him to the brink of his endurance, but after what felt like an eternity, the designated time passed. Lian¡¯s body trembled violently, his muscles rippling with exertion, and as the final movement concluded, he collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath. His upper robe had long been discarded, leaving his sweat-soaked chest exposed, trembling with each labored breath.


    Without hesitation, he once again assumed the meditative pose, knowing the next step was to circulate the Boundless Light. As he stirred the energy within him, he felt it flow toward the newly opened Heavenly Nodes. The sensation was unlike anything before¡ªintense yet controlled. The boundless light rushed into the nodes, and it felt as though they acted as conduits, pulling in the energy and distributing it to the connected muscles. It was a complex, web-like network, linking the nodes to the muscles he had trained in the earlier exercises.


    The energy surged through him, flooding the nodes and strengthening the connected muscles. His bones creaked, and his muscles twitched as the boundless light filled them, amplifying the effects of the training. The sensation was overwhelming¡ªa piercing, tingling feeling that spread through his entire body as the energy cycled through the newly opened pathways.


    As the light continued to flow, Lian could feel the intensity of the transformation. His muscles tightened and firmed even further, and his body seemed to grow lighter and stronger by the second. Though exhausted, he reveled in the sensation of power flooding through him, knowing that he had passed a critical milestone in his body refinement journey.


    He sat in meditation for several minutes, feeling the Boundless Light flowing through his body and into the Heavenly Nodes. As the energy absorbed into the vortexes formed by the nodes, he noticed a gradual decrease in intensity. The Heavenly Nodes, which had greedily drawn in energy earlier, now seemed to settle, their absorption slowing until it finally stopped.


    Recognizing this as his current limit, Lian ceased the circulation of energy. He had reached the threshold for now¡ªthese nodes could not take in any more energy until the next cycle of training.


    Still seated in the meditative posture, Lian took a moment to reflect. He scanned his body, observing the transformation that had occurred since starting the foundational layering of the body refinement technique. His muscles, though still heavy from the grueling exercises, felt charged with an explosive power.


    The changes were drastic, and though the creator of the technique had cautioned that initial progress might not feel significant, Lian sensed something unusual. He felt a profound shift, more than anticipated, which left him wondering if the Boundless Light was amplifying the effects of the technique beyond normal expectations.


    Satisfied with his progress, he stretched his aching body, a series of creaks and crackles rippling through his limbs, and stood up from the ground. His muscles twitched, as if brimming with untapped power. Even though the transformation was far from complete¡ªhe knew that he would need to reopen and strengthen the Heavenly Nodes each day for them to become permanent¡ªhe couldn¡¯t help but feel proud of his accomplishments. Lian was no longer the same person who had started the training that morning.


    He collected his thoughts and retrieved the scroll from where he had left it, tucking it safely into his bag. With the day¡¯s training done, he set off toward another part of the training center. The sun had already begun to set, casting a red glow across the horizon as evening fell. The direction he headed led toward a lush, green area within the training center, where a stream flowed through the landscape, its waters feeding into a large pool.


    This was a place where the trainees came to wash themselves after a long day of practice, and Lian was eager to clean off the sweat and grime from his intense session.


    The pool, fed by the stream, was connected to other parts of the city but remained secluded within the training grounds. It was a serene spot, made all the more mystical by the formations arranged throughout the area. These formations generated a warm mist that floated above the water, giving the surroundings a hazy, almost dreamlike quality. The mist wasn¡¯t just for show¡ªit created a blanket of privacy, partially obscuring the Vision of those nearby and making the experience a bit more intimate, even in the presence of others. The formations also enriched the water with spiritual energy, making it ideal for recovery after training.


    As Lian approached the stream, he could already see several men washing themselves, their silhouettes clearly visible through the thick mist. This section of the pool was designated for men, with a separate area for women on the other side. Privacy wasn¡¯t much of a concern here; everyone was focused on cleaning themselves after their day of exertion, and no one paid attention to the nakedness of others.


    He stripped off his garments, noting that a few lingering gazes were cast in his direction. His body had changed noticeably since the morning, and those who had seen him earlier couldn¡¯t help but be surprised at his transformation. Though still plump, his frame had visibly tightened, with muscle definition showing in places where it hadn¡¯t before. His rapid progress had caught the attention of many, though they kept their curiosity to themselves for the most part.


    Among those who looked at him, a young man in his early twenties caught Lian¡¯s eye. The man smiled and nodded approvingly. ¡°Nice work,¡± he said, acknowledging Lian¡¯s effort and the changes he had already undergone. Lian returned the nod, though he quickly shifted his focus to washing away the day¡¯s exhaustion. He immersed himself in the warm, mist-covered water, letting the mist and water from the pool seep into his skin, his body recovered which further solidified the gains from his training.


    Once he was done, Lian dressed and left the stream, heading out of the training center as the last rays of sunlight faded from the sky. His mind was already focused on tomorrow¡¯s training and the next steps in his body refinement. The path ahead was long, but today¡¯s progress


    filled him with confidence and determination.

 Chapter 14: Gifts of the Heart

    The evening air was thick with the mingling scents of street vendors and the hum of people bustling through the streets. The sky was a dusky shade of red, the last remnants of sunlight casting long shadows across the cobblestone roads.


    Lian had left the training center, his body still humming with the energy of the day¡¯s intense exercises. The serenity of the training ground behind him faded as he stepped into the heart of the city, where the pace of life quickened.


    The streets were alive with activity, carriages clattering by and the rhythmic thud of carts being pushed along the crowded pathways. Men and women, weary from a day of labor, moved in clusters, some chatting, others hurrying home, their faces bathed in the orange glow of lanterns being lit as twilight descended.


    It was the kind of evening where the city seemed to breathe, the hum of conversation mixing with the clatter of hooves, the occasional shout of a merchant trying to sell the last of their goods before the night set in fully. Lian moved through the crowd, his thoughts drifting between the events of the day and the quiet satisfaction of his progress. However, a sharp pang brought his focus inward.


    His stomach tightened, and the sudden grumble caught him off guard. The hunger gnawed at him unexpectedly, and for a moment, Lian furrowed his brow. This sensation felt strange¡ªfar stronger than usual. He had eaten that morning before heading to the training center, yet now, the need for food was pressing, almost insistent. It wasn¡¯t the usual hunger he had known, but something more intense, as if the Body refinement technique had stirred a deeper, more primal appetite within him.


    He rubbed his stomach absently, realizing that he couldn¡¯t afford to make it home without a means to ease this hunger. With a quiet sigh, Lian changed course, heading toward the vendors that lined the street, their stalls filled with the rich scents of fresh bush meats, spiced stews, and baked bread. The scene only sharpened his hunger, and his gaze shifted through the various stalls until he found what he was looking for¡ªone of the stops, a vendor who specialized in wild game, a delicacy in this part of the city.


    The vendor¡¯s stand was simple, shaded by a faded awning, with slabs of bush pig meat hanging on display. Lian made his way over, noticing the crowd had thinned somewhat around this particular stall. The vendor, a burly man with a thick beard and weathered face, looked up as Lian approached. His eyes flickered with a mix of curiosity and appraisal as he took in Lian¡¯s plump yet slightly toned figure, perhaps assuming he would pay handsomely for the food.


    ¡°Evening, young sir,¡± the vendor said with a broad smile, gesturing to the cuts of meat on display. ¡°These beauties are seven silvers each¡ªfine cuts of wild bush pig. Freshly caught.¡±


    Lian¡¯s stomach grumbled again, but he remained composed, masking any urgency he felt. Though he might have looked like someone easy to take advantage of, he wasn¡¯t naive. His life had taught him how to handle himself in negotiations, and he wasn¡¯t one to be swayed by flattery or high prices, no matter how much he craved the food.


    Without missing a beat, he replied, ¡°Three silvers. That¡¯s all I¡¯ve got.¡±


    The vendor¡¯s smile faltered for a moment, surprise flashing in his eyes. Clearly, he hadn¡¯t expected Lian to negotiate so firmly. He scratched his beard, casting a thoughtful glance at Lian. The silence hung between them, thick with unspoken calculation. Finally, the vendor leaned forward slightly, his expression more serious now.


    ¡°Five silvers. It¡¯s a good deal for you, lad. This is quality meat,¡± he said, trying to meet Lian halfway.


    Lian didn¡¯t waver. He met the vendor¡¯s gaze with quiet confidence, his expression unchanged. ¡°Three,¡± he repeated, his tone firm but polite. Then, as if to signal his readiness to walk away, he took a small step back.


    The vendor sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before finally relenting. ¡°Alright, alright, three it is. You drive a hard bargain,¡± he muttered, a faint smile returning to his face as he reached for a paper bag and carefully wrapped the bush meat inside.


    Lian handed over the silvers, nodding as the vendor passed him the package. He knew his way around the market well enough to understand value and price, and though it may have seemed like a small victory, moments like these were part of the life he¡¯d grown accustomed to¡ªself-reliance, even in the simplest tasks.


    With the meat in hand, Lian moved through the market again, stopping at a few other stalls to gather the ingredients he needed for the meal ahead. He picked up fresh herbs, spices, and leafy greens, the familiar rhythm of bartering and choosing his goods giving him a sense of comfort amidst the bustling energy of the city. The weight of his purchases balanced in his arms as he made his way out of the market, his hunger momentarily pacified by the thought of the meal he would prepare when he reached home.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    As the evening deepened into night, Lian walked through the now quieter streets, the distant sounds of laughter and the clink of tavern mugs fading into the background.


    The night had fully settled by the time Lian arrived at his house. The sky was dark, thick clouds partially veiling the moon, leaving the world around him wrapped in near-complete shadow. No shadows could be seen on the ground, only the faintest slivers of moonlight breaking through the clouds, barely enough to outline the contours of the path to his door.


    As he approached his house, his fingers brushed the wooden handle of the door, ready to push it open when a sharp sensation pricked his leg, stopping him in his tracks. His instincts kicked in before his mind had time to register, and his eyes snapped to the side. Something about the atmosphere had shifted¡ªa subtle, almost imperceptible change that made him alert.


    He squatted down, his eyes narrowing as they adjusted to the darkness, and he noticed something unusual near the corner of his house. By the side of the door, partially hidden behind a wooden barricade, was a small package, slightly weathered but unmistakably left there for him.


    Lian pushed aside the blockade, revealing the package more clearly. His brow furrowed slightly as he crouched to pick it up. Resting on top of the parcel was a folded note. The dim glow of the moonlight barely illuminated the scrawled handwriting, but it was familiar. He squinted, holding the paper closer to his face as he tried to make out the words.


    ¡°Lian,¡± the note began, ¡°I came earlier today and knocked, but since you were out, I left this for you. I noticed your¡­ robe was torn during your fight with Alaric, so I had Miss Faylen from the Weaver¡¯s store make something special for you. It¡¯s crafted to your size, along with the other things I had commissioned for myself. I hope it fits well. ¡ªElysia.¡±


    A faint smile crept onto Lian¡¯s face as he recognized the delicate, flowing script. Elysia. It was her familiar touch, always thoughtful, always considerate. She often left him small gifts or packages when he wasn¡¯t home, always making sure to help him in ways that felt more like a sister¡¯s care than anything else.


    He appreciated her gesture, but there was a part of him that always felt hesitant about accepting her generosity. He didn¡¯t want to rely on her or her family, no matter how much they treated him like one of their own.


    Still, the smile lingered on his lips as he peeked inside the package. The outline of a fine blue robe was visible, neatly folded beneath a few silver coins, twenty in total.


    The robe looked expensive, carefully tailored to fit his larger frame, and the coins were likely meant to help him with whatever he needed. Lian¡¯s smile widened for a moment, amused by Elysia¡¯s insistence on always slipping coins into her packages for him. It was a habit she couldn¡¯t seem to break, no matter how often he told her he didn¡¯t need them.


    But instead of tearing into the package right away, Lian decided to head inside first. He pushed open the door to his small home, the creak of the wood echoing softly in the stillness of the night. The familiar scent of the house greeted him as he stepped into the dimly lit interior. He crossed the small living room and placed the package carefully on the kitchen counter before turning his attention to the meal he had planned.


    With practiced ease, Lian unpacked the wild bush pig he had purchased earlier, setting it on the counter alongside the herbs and spices he had picked up from the market. His stomach growled loudly now, the sharp hunger pangs returning with full force. It had been gnawing at him ever since he left the market, and now, as he prepared to cook, the urgency to eat was almost overwhelming.


    He moved quickly, chopping the meat and seasoning it with a generous amount of spices and herbs, letting the aroma fill the air as he prepared a stew. The scent of the simmering meat mixed with the spices, wafting through the small house, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting fragrance. Cooking was something Lian was quite adept at. He¡¯d picked up the skill while working with an old farmer, Thomir, whose farm he often helped tend. Thomir and his workers would cook large meals after a hard day¡¯s labor, and Lian had learned how to prepare hearty, flavorful dishes during those times.


    Before long, the stew was ready, accompanied by a simple side of rice. The smell alone was enough to drive him mad with hunger, and as soon as the food was plated, Lian wasted no time. He sat down and wolfed the meal down like a man starved, each bite easing the burning sensation in his stomach. But it wasn¡¯t just hunger¡ªsomething about the body refinement technique seemed to heighten his need for sustenance, like his body was demanding more energy to compensate for the intense training.


    He ate quickly, savoring the rich, savory flavors, but noticing how much more food it took to finally subside the gnawing hunger. His mind briefly wandered as he chewed, wondering if this was something he¡¯d have to deal with each time after practicing those techniques. The thought made him pause for a moment, but the immediate need to fill his stomach overrode any deeper concerns.


    When he finally finished, he felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him, his body suddenly heavy with the weight of the day¡¯s training. It hadn¡¯t hit him until now, but the toll of the exercises, the refining techniques, and the long walk home had caught up to him. His muscles ached, and his eyelids grew heavier with each passing moment. He cleaned up quickly, washing the dishes and tidying the kitchen, before turning his attention back to the package Elysia had left.


    Sitting on his bed, Lian carefully opened the package and pulled out the robe. The fabric was smooth under his fingertips, the deep blue shimmering faintly in the low light of the room. It was expertly made, tailored to fit his frame perfectly, just as Elysia had promised in her note. Beneath the robe, the silver coins gleamed in a small pouch, a quiet reminder of her kindness. He chuckled softly, shaking his head. No matter how many times he told her he didn¡¯t need money, Elysia always found a way to slip some into his life.


    It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t appreciate her help; he did, deeply. But Lian had always strived for independence, wanting to stand on his own feet without relying too much on others. He even took on side work whenever he could¡ªlike helping Thomir on his farm, where he earned some extra coin. He had enough to get by, and though the Count¡¯s family treated him with the utmost care, Lian felt a deep desire to prove himself, to become strong enough to repay their kindness and protect them, just as they had protected him.


    With the package safely put away, Lian finally collapsed onto his bed, the weight of exhaustion pulling him into its depths. Tomorrow would bring another day of training, another chance to grow stronger, but for now, he allowed himself the luxury of rest. As he drifted into sleep, his mind flickered with fleeting thoughts of Elysia, the Count¡¯s family, and the quiet resolve that burned within him¡ªhe would striv


    e to become a Warrior, although most believed he couldn¡¯t.

 Chapter 15

    The night was long, but for Lian, it was a pleasant one. As he lay in bed, exhaustion weighing down his limbs, he drifted into a somber, restful sleep, something he hadn¡¯t fully grown accustomed to. His mind, which was often restless, seemed to surrender this time, allowing him to slip into the warm embrace of peaceful dreams.


    Just like before, It was different¡ªthere were no interruptions, no strange disturbances dragging him into the dream space he had once known so well. Instead, his thoughts carried him into a series of sweet, serene dreams.


    It felt new, almost foreign, but delightful. The sense of truly resting, of allowing his body and mind to relax completely, was an unfamiliar but welcome experience. It wasn¡¯t always like this. Before, whenever he slept, he would be pulled into a strange, otherworldly dream space, a place that unsettled him, where rest never truly came. But now, after everything he¡¯d been through recently, this sleep was unbroken. The transition into his dream life was smooth, comforting, and strangely sweet.


    For now, his sleep didn¡¯t feel like a battle. It was a refreshing sensation, one that seemed to cradle his tired body in a cocoon of warmth and calm. Though the night stretched on, it passed in what felt like an instant, as if time had played a trick on him. The pleasure of being able to simply rest made it feel as if hours had flown by in mere moments.


    However, in the midst of his cozy slumber, something strange stirred within him. A faint buzzing sensation, like a distant hum, began to grow. At first, it was barely noticeable, a slight tickle on the edge of his consciousness. But slowly, it grew louder, more insistent, until it rattled him awake as if someone had yanked him out of sleep by force.


    Lian shot up in bed, his breath coming in quick gasps. His eyes darted around the room, still clouded with the remnants of sleep. The morning light filtered through the cracks in the shutters, casting slivers of sunlight across his bed. His chest rose and fell as he struggled to stabilize his breathing, his mind racing to catch up with his body.


    ¡°What was that?¡± he muttered to himself, still shaken by the strange sensation. It had felt like an alarm, but not one from outside. It was something deeper, almost like a pull, a summoning. As he blinked against the morning light, his mind slowly began to register the passage of time. It felt like he had just closed his eyes moments ago, and yet, here was the morning sun already breaking through the night.


    For a moment, Lian wondered if time had played a trick on him. How could the night have passed so quickly? Was there some foul play afoot, distorting his sense of time? Or perhaps¡ªhe thought with a wry smile¡ªhe¡¯d slept so deeply that reality had finally decided to cut him a break. His body certainly felt more rested, and there was a pleasant sensation of refreshment running through him, a sure sign that enough time had passed for a proper rest. Still, the strange tugging sensation lingered, and Lian couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was calling to him.


    The sensation wasn¡¯t external¡ªit was coming from within him, as though something deep inside was trying to grab his attention. He narrowed his eyes, focusing inward, tracing the source of the disturbance. Instinctively, he recognized what it was. The system. It was tugging at him, pulling him to wakefulness.


    As soon as the thought crossed his mind, the familiar system window appeared before his eyes, glowing faintly in the early morning light. His gaze quickly settled on the notification blinking at the top of the display.


    [A new update has been unlocked for the system.]


    The message confirmed what he had already suspected. This was the reason for the strange sensation that had pulled him out of sleep. His fingers moved without thinking, and he clicked on the notification. The projection unfolded, revealing a new set of information:


    [Physical Stats:


    Strength: 8


    Stamina: 6


    Agility: 7


    Dexterity: 6


    Endurance: 9]


    Lian blinked, his eyes scanning over the stats in surprise. The last time he had checked the system window, these physical attributes hadn¡¯t been available. This must have been part of the new update, as the system had suggested. His mind worked quickly, connecting the dots. Could these physical stats be tied to the body refinement technique he had started practicing? It seemed too much of a coincidence for them not to be.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    He stared at the stats for a moment longer, studying each one carefully. Though he wasn¡¯t yet familiar with how the system measured physical attributes, the numbers didn¡¯t seem particularly impressive. His strength was an 8, his stamina a 6¡ªboth relatively modest numbers. Agility and dexterity weren¡¯t much higher, hovering around 6 and 7, and while his endurance seemed the best at 9, even that didn¡¯t strike him as exceptional. The more he looked at the numbers, the more he realized how much room he had to grow.


    A faint sense of shame washed over him as he considered how these stats reflected his current state. He had only just begun his training, and these numbers seemed to confirm how far he still had to go. But rather than letting the low numbers discourage him, Lian¡¯s resolve only strengthened. He had just started the body refinement technique. There was plenty of time to improve, to grow stronger. He would not let this poor display of stats define his progress.


    Driven by a mix of curiosity and determination, he clicked on the strength stat, hoping for more information. If the system had gone through the trouble of measuring his physical condition, surely it had something more to offer in terms of guidance.


    Just as Lian had suspected, when he clicked on the strength stat, a small pop-up appeared, displaying useful information. It read: Strength increases with physical strain and improves your overall physique, which will be reflected in your combat abilities. A stronger body also allows you to handle more of the Boundless Light¡¯s power without strain.


    He took a moment to absorb this information, processing it carefully before moving on to Stamina. Another pop-up appeared: Stamina improves as you build endurance through prolonged battles and intense training. It¡¯s particularly important for sustaining long fights and using the Boundless Light, which can heavily tax the body.


    Next, he clicked on Agility, and the screen displayed: As you train, your ability to dodge, maneuver, and react quickly in battle will increase, making you a more well-rounded fighter. He nodded thoughtfully, already imagining how this would improve his combat style.


    He then clicked on Dexterity, which described: Precision in combat¡ªhow well you wield weapons, perform movements, and execute complex techniques¡ªdepends on your dexterity. Improving this will make you more effective in battle.


    Finally, he clicked on Endurance. The message that appeared was clear: Endurance measures how long you can fight without tiring and how well you can withstand damage, both physically and mentally. As you progress in training and overcome your initial weaknesses, your endurance will skyrocket, allowing you to engage in longer battles without faltering.


    Lian noted all the information the system displayed about his stats. It was concise and easy to understand, leaving him with a deep sense of satisfaction. Everything pointed to one conclusion: with training, he could improve each stat. He was already on the right path, as he had started practicing the Heavenly Steel, Heavenly Pillars body refinement technique.


    He couldn¡¯t wait to see how much his stats would improve once he completed the first stage of the technique, known as Foundation Layering. By then, he was sure his body would transform, and most importantly, he looked forward to the day he could channel the Boundless Light through his body without experiencing the backlash he had suffered before. The very thought of it filled him with excitement and renewed motivation.


    That excitement surged through him as he imagined the moment when his body would be able to channel the Boundless Light effortlessly. Once he reached that stage, he would have condensed his own aura, marking him as a first-stage warrior and setting him firmly on the path to Ascension.


    Feeling the thrill of anticipation, Lian got up from his bed, prepared himself, and left his house. He navigated through the bustling streets, heading toward the training center. Upon arriving, he found the burly guard stationed at the gate, just like before. The guard, familiar with Lian¡¯s face, asked for two silver coins in exchange for entry, which Lian handed over without hesitation.


    Once inside, he noticed that fewer people were training compared to the day before. Likely, this was because he had arrived earlier than the day before. Still, several individuals were scattered across different sections¡ªsome were sparring, others lifting weights or testing their strength.


    After a brief glance around, Lian refocused and headed to the spot he had occupied the previous day. He settled down, squatting on the ground to collect his thoughts before taking out the body refinement scroll. Instinctively, he glanced at the illustrations once more, even though he vividly remembered the poses from yesterday¡¯s practice. It was a habit of his to double-check everything, to make sure nothing was overlooked.


    Satisfied with the cross-check, he struck the first pose of the illustration. Minutes ticked by, and as the duration neared its end, he began to feel the familiar strain. Yet this time, he noticed something new¡ªthe pain wasn¡¯t as intense as it had been the day before. He could endure longer before the discomfort set in. It was a clear sign of progress. By the time he finished the first round, he was drenched in sweat, his body throbbing with the familiar ache of exertion.


    Before starting, Lian had removed his robe, as the intensity of the training made it unbearable to wear. Now, as he sat in the aftermath of his first session, sweat clung to his skin, but the pain was more manageable than it had been the previous day. Already accustomed to the discomfort, he took a moment to rest and regulate his breathing before moving into a meditative pose. In this state, he began circulating the energy of the Boundless Light.


    The sensation was familiar, yet he could tell that his energy flowed more smoothly today. The Heavenly Nodes he had opened the day before were nearly imperceptible now, just as the technique had stated. They would fade with time, requiring him to practice consistently until they became permanent.


    After circulating the energy through his body, he moved on to the second pose. As before, the process was smooth, and while the strain was present, it was far less than what he had experienced previously. He felt a sense of accomplishment as he realized how much easier it was to tap into his body¡¯s potential. Once he completed the second pose, he returned to a meditative state, feeling the energy flow through him with increasing ease.


    As the day progressed, Lian continued through the same routine, moving from one pose to the next, circulating the Boundless Light each time. Though the pain still lingered, it no longer overwhelmed him. He knew that with every session, his body was getting stronger, and his endurance was building. Soon, the Heavenly Nodes would become permanent, and he would fully unlock the power of the Boundless Light.


    By the time he completed the third pose, he felt both exhausted and exhilarated. The


    progress was undeniable. He could already sense his body evolving.

 Chapter 16

    Even though exhaustion affected his entire body, he quickly took a brief rest. Then, sitting in a meditative pose, he began circulating the Boundless Light energy within him. Once he had completed the circulation, he stood again. His bones cracked, his muscles tightened, and he swiftly moved on to the fourth illustration.


    He instantly shifted into a series of poses, carefully mimicking the illustrations from the very first stance. As he performed these intricate movements, his muscles grew taut, and he felt the Heavenly Nodes¡ªonce barely perceptible¡ªstarting to surface. It was as though a fog was lifting, and slowly, they began to reveal themselves.


    As time trickled by, the Heavenly Nodes became more distinct. Several minutes passed as he struggled through the poses and exercises, much like he had done the day before. Sweat trickled down his body, and his muscles ached profusely. Yet, with persistence, the Heavenly Nodes became fully visible. Just as the technique had described, he collapsed into a meditative pose once more, instantly circulating the Boundless Light energy.


    It felt like a repeat of what had occurred the previous day. As the Boundless Light energy coursed through him, the Heavenly Nodes acted like voracious vortexes, pulling the energy into themselves. The Boundless Light flared like a roaring sea, rushing to fill the Heavenly Nodes. Lian could feel his body tightening. The sound of his bones cracking echoed as his muscles constricted visibly, and his once plump figure began to change at a pace noticeable to the naked eye.


    Where he had once been a chubby young man, his body now appeared leaner. Though still somewhat round, his muscles were becoming more defined, and the fat on his body had significantly reduced. Anyone who had seen him before entering the training center would be astonished by the transformation. His rapid progress in such a short time would have left them speechless.


    Indeed, many in the training center had noticed. Their gazes frequently flickered in his direction, surprised at how quickly he had changed. Some had even been keeping tabs on him, intrigued by the intensity of his practice and the mysterious origins of the technique he seemed to be mastering.


    In less than two days, his weight had visibly dropped, and his muscles were faintly bulging beneath his skin. It was a transformation so remarkable that it left the onlookers bewildered, unable to suppress their curiosity.


    Yet, Lian paid little attention to their stares. He could feel their eyes on him, but he remained focused on his practice, circulating the Boundless Light through the Heavenly Nodes. Gradually, just as before, the vortices within the Nodes slowed their spinning, their ferocity diminishing. When the energy finally stilled, Lian knew his training for the day had reached its limit. He stood up, stretching, his bones and muscles crackling in the aftermath.


    Even in that brief moment, he could feel the difference. His body seemed to be overflowing with energy, like a wave roaring within him, waiting to be unleashed. His muscles pulsed with vitality, and he couldn''t help but wonder how much his strength had increased after this session.


    Glancing outside, Lian noticed the sun was still high in the sky, shining intensely over the land. It was only the afternoon, and he still had some time left before leaving the training center. With that in mind, he decided to use the remaining time for further experimentation.


    With a single thought, he summoned the system window, which materialized before his eyes. The system''s layout displayed its usual initial panel, showing his basic information and stats. and the familiar interface appeared before him. However, something caught his eye. There was a new icon glowing faintly on the corner of the interface, indicating that further information was available.


    Lian immediately understood. This was due to the recent physical stats update brought on by his training. He swiftly clicked on the icon. The panel shifted, and instantly, his physical stats appeared.


    Lian glanced briefly at his physical stats. There wasn¡¯t much change from what he had seen earlier that morning.


    His strength had increased from 8 to 9.


    Stamina had risen from 6 to 8¡ªa noticeable improvement. This made sense to him, given how the Body Refinement Technique he was practicing constantly pushed his limits. The strain and pain he endured during each pose and illustration had naturally built his endurance, though strength hadn¡¯t seen as significant a rise. He realized that while he had been using his strength, he hadn¡¯t truly focused on strength-based training yet.


    As for his agility, it too had increased, climbing from 7 to 9. This, he reasoned, was understandable. With his weight gradually decreasing due to the body refinement process, it was inevitable that he¡¯d become more agile as his muscles developed and his movements became more fluid.


    Dexterity and endurance, however, had remained unchanged. After reflecting on this, Lian understood why. Dexterity was something that would improve with weapon training and fine motor skills¡ªthings he hadn¡¯t yet practiced. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Endurance, though it was supposed to rise with body refinement, hadn¡¯t seen much progress because his training hadn¡¯t been fully focused on building that stat. He was confident, though, that once he completed his foundational training and learned to channel the Boundless Light properly, his endurance would also rise significantly, along with the rest of his stats.


    With these thoughts, Lian dismissed the system window. The interface vanished from his view, and he made his way over to the nearby pool to wash off the sweat from his training session. After cleaning himself, he left the training center.


    Just like yesterday, as soon as he stepped outside, a familiar sensation of intense hunger hit him. The deep rumbling in his stomach confirmed his suspicions¡ªevery time he finished training the Heavenly Steel, Heavenly Pillar Technique, the energy expenditure left him starving. He knew he had to be better prepared for this in the future.


    Navigating his way through the streets, Lian headed towards the vendors and market stalls. The sun was still high, shining brightly in the afternoon sky, and the streets were busy with people going about their daily lives. He made his way to the same area where he had bought bushmeat the day before. This time, he purchased some meat along with a few other ingredients, planning to prepare a proper meal when he got home.


    When Lian finally reached his doorstep, he instinctively glanced at the corner where Elysia had left a package for him the day before. He walked over to the wooden barricade and removed the sunshade cover, revealing a small note. Elysia had responded to the one he left for her that morning. He picked up the note, the paper slightly crinkled at the edges but intact.


    Unfolding it, he read her familiar handwriting:


    ¡°Lian, I saw your note this morning. I¡¯m glad you got the robe and the coins. I hope they were of some help. I was hoping to see you today, but since you¡¯ve been so focused on training, I understand. Maybe tomorrow? Let me know if you need anything else. I¡¯ll be around. ¡ªElysia.¡±


    Lian smiled softly as he read her words. She had always been thoughtful, looking out for him even when they didn¡¯t get the chance to meet. They had grown up together, and despite their different circumstances, their bond remained strong. Elysia was the daughter of the count, and when his mother had passed away, her family had taken him in, treating him like their own. Elysia, especially, had always been close to him, their childhood spent side by side.


    He tucked the note into his pocket, appreciating her kindness. With a glance at the sky, he realized the day wasn¡¯t over yet. But for now, he was eager to head inside and rest after his training. He stepped through the door of his small, modest house, the comforting silence greeting him.


    As soon as Lian entered the house, he set down the ingredients and bushmeat he had bought from the market. The hunger gnawing at him was relentless, just as it had been the day before after training. Wasting no time, he began preparing his meal.


    This time, rather than a stew or rice, he decided on a simple, hearty dish¡ªgrilled bushmeat steak with roasted vegetables. The ingredients were sparse, but with the right seasonings and a little patience, it would be enough to satisfy his hunger.


    He set to work, cutting the meat into thick slabs, seasoning them with salt and dried herbs he¡¯d stored from earlier trips to the market. He then placed the meat over the open fire, the smell of sizzling bushmeat filling the air as he turned his attention to preparing the vegetables¡ªwild roots and greens that would roast alongside the meat. The crackling of the fire was the only sound in his small home, as he waited, poking the fire occasionally to make sure everything was cooking evenly.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the food was ready. The moment the aroma hit him, Lian¡¯s stomach growled louder, and without hesitation, he plated the meal. His hunger was so overwhelming that he didn¡¯t even savor the first few bites. He devoured the food quickly, his body demanding nourishment after the strain of his training.


    By the time he was done, the sun had dipped lower on the horizon. It was still light out, but the evening had begun to set in. Lian leaned back, feeling the satisfaction of a full stomach. Yet, as the hunger faded, his thoughts began to drift.


    Sitting on the edge of his bed, Lian¡¯s mind wandered to Elysia. He hadn¡¯t seen her in two days, and he knew she must be eager to see him, especially with the notes she had left. He thought about how she always went out of her way to help him, whether with gifts or her kind words. For a moment, he considered going to visit her. She had been a constant part of his life ever since they were children. But as quickly as the thought entered his mind, he pushed it aside.


    Despite their close bond, Lian was reluctant to seem overly dependent on her. Her status as the count¡¯s daughter, compared to his humble origins, always reminded him of the divide between them. Though his mother had been close to Elysia¡¯s family, she was still a maidservant, and Lian had grown up learning to fend for himself.


    He didn¡¯t want to appear as if he were relying too much on her. Besides, she was probably busy with her own responsibilities. The last thing he wanted was to be a burden, to intrude on her time.


    With a sigh, Lian dismissed the thought of visiting her. Instead, he sat back on his bed and closed his eyes, letting his mind settle as he began to meditate. Slowly, he focused on the Boundless Light within him, attempting to stir and rotate it as he had done before.


    The sensation was still new to him, but it filled him with a sense of purpose. For years, he had thought he¡¯d never wield any form of power. He¡¯d believed that without the ability to sense spiritual energy or gain divine power, he would be stuck, powerless, while others around him grew stronger.


    But now, things were different. He could feel the Boundless Light coursing through him¡ªan energy that, while not exactly spiritual, held a unique strength, probably divine in nature. It still felt surreal to him, this newfound power. The system he had acquired through his connection with the Heaven¡¯s Devourer had changed everything.


    As his thoughts deepened, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the Heaven¡¯s Devourer itself¡ªthe ancient, massive eye that had appeared in his dreams and granted him this system. It had been silent for a while now, not communicating with him as it once had. Lian found himself wanting to ask it questions, to seek guidance on his journey forward, but no matter how hard he tried, the Heaven¡¯s Devourer wouldn¡¯t respond unless it chose to. It was frustrating.


    He muttered under his breath, ¡°Old man¡­ always silent when I need answers.¡±


    He remembered how, before gaining this power, he had no control over entering the dream space where the Heaven¡¯s Devourer resided. Back then, it would pull him into that realm without warning, every time he slept. But ever since the system had been given to him, the dream space had become elusive, and now he had no way of initiating contact.


    There were still some questions in his mind¡ªabout the system and his path forward. But for now, those questions remained unanswered.


    With a deep sigh, Lian stopped rotating the Boundless Light within him. He could feel the fatigue of the day settling in, and as much as his mind raced with thoughts, he knew he needed rest. Tomorrow would be another long day of training, and he wanted to be prepared. Last night, sleep had come quickly, and when he awoke, it felt as if morning had arrived too soon. Tonight, he wanted to fall asleep early, to avoid that same feeling of having missed out on proper rest.


    He lay down, closing his eyes, letting the exhaustion pull him into sleep.

 Chapter 17:

    Ten days passed in a flash, like the whooshing of a breeze. Lian was currently in the training center, crouched on the ground, his breathing steady but deep from the intense regimen he had been following.


    Over the last ten days, he had devoted himself relentlessly to the Heavenly Steel, Heavenly Pillars Body Refinement Technique, pushing his body to its limits. Each day had been a test of endurance, strength, and will. The series of poses and exercises laid out by the technique were far from simple. Initially, they were excruciating¡ªpain coursed through his muscles, joints, and bones with every attempt. But as the days rolled by, the pain slowly diminished, his body adapting, becoming stronger, more resilient.


    Now, the movements that had once felt torturous had become fluid. His body, once unaccustomed to the rigorous demands of the exercises, now moved with ease. The discomfort he had once felt barely registered, as though his body had grown numb to the strain or, more likely, it had simply grown stronger. He could feel the changes in himself, not only in his agility and strength but in the very composition of his physique.


    Lian had always been the plump boy, ridiculed by those around him for his soft, rounded figure. But that version of himself was gone. His fat had melted away, revealing lean, defined muscles beneath. His once round face was now sharp, his jawline chiseled, and his body had transformed into something closer to the ideal athletic form. He wasn''t overly bulky, but his muscles were well-defined, giving him a more powerful appearance. He now appeared more solid, with a bit of bulk beyond the average, but without losing the agility that came with the refinement process.


    The transformation was nothing short of breathtaking. In just twelve days, his body had gone through a metamorphosis that left those around him astounded. Fellow trainees in the center, those who had seen him before he started, couldn''t hide their surprise. They had watched him undergo this dramatic change, from the plump boy to a figure that radiated strength and vitality. It was clear to everyone that this was no ordinary body refinement technique.


    Naturally, this drew attention. People began approaching him during breaks in training, their curiosity piqued. They wanted to know what technique he was using, where he had acquired it, and how it had worked so quickly. Lian didn¡¯t see a need to hide the truth, he told them plainly¡ªhe had acquired the technique from a shop. Yet, despite his straightforward answer, the reaction was far from positive.


    When they heard the simplicity of his explanation, many frowned, their expressions darkening with suspicion. They found it hard to believe that such a powerful technique could be so easily obtained. They were certain that a method capable of such transformation had to come from some secret organization, or perhaps even a sect. To hear Lian attribute it to a mere purchase felt like an insult to their intelligence. The disbelief and displeasure were palpable.


    Some accused him outright of lying, mocking him for what they believed was an attempt to deceive them. Their displeasure only grew as they voiced their suspicions. Others, though quieter, couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Lian was withholding the truth. Why would he lie, they wondered? The more they thought about it, the more they convinced themselves that Lian was hiding something significant. And so, with a mix of disappointment and irritation, most of them walked away, leaving Lian to continue his training in peace.


    Now, seated on the training floor, Lian suppressed a sigh and closed his eyes. He began circulating the Boundless Light within him, allowing it to flow through the Heavenly Nodes that had opened during his practice. The Boundless Light was a unique energy that he had been granted, and though it was different from the spiritual energy others used, it seemed to enhance his training in remarkable ways.


    At first, whenever Lian trained, the Heavenly Nodes would only remain open for a short time. After a session, they would gradually fade, and each new day of training would require him to reopen them by following the illustrated poses from the body refinement technique. However, something had changed over the past few days. The nodes had become more stable, their disappearance less frequent. Whereas before, he would feel them gradually close and fade away, they now lingered for longer.


    It wasn¡¯t until yesterday that Lian realized something even more significant¡ªthe nodes hadn¡¯t disappeared at all. He had gone through the previous day¡¯s training, expecting them to fade as usual, but they remained open, steady, and unchanged. This puzzled him. The technique¡¯s description had clearly stated that the nodes would only become permanent after several months of continuous training. Yet here he was, barely two weeks in, and the nodes seemed to have permanently stabilized within him.


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    Lian was skeptical. Was this a mistake? Was it possible he had misinterpreted the technique''s instructions? To be certain, he wen through every exercise meticulously yesterday, following each pose and illustration exactly as before. Yet the result was the same¡ªthe nodes hadn¡¯t faded. They were as vibrant and active as they had been the day before.


    Sitting there now, deep in meditation, Lian couldn¡¯t help but wonder why this had happened. He was no one special, at least not compared to others with more talent or spiritual energy. Could it be the influence of the Boundless Light? The more he thought about it, the more it seemed to be the only explanation. The Boundless Light was unlike any energy he had encountered before. It felt purer, stronger¡ªcloser to divine power than to ordinary spiritual energy.


    The realization sent a shiver through him. If the Boundless Light had accelerated his progress in such a profound way, what other effects might it have in the future? Was this only the beginning of what it could do?


    Suppressing the whirlwind of thoughts, Lian pushed the speculation aside. There would be time later to contemplate the mysteries of the Boundless Light. For now, what mattered was that the Heavenly Nodes had become permanent¡ªa milestone in the Heavenly Steel, Heavenly Pillars Body Refinement Technique. This marked the completion of the first stage: foundation layering.


    With his foundation now stable, Lian knew it was time to move forward. The next step would be to channel the Boundless Light through his body and begin condensing his own aura.


    As this thought surfaced in his mind, Lian sank deeper into meditation, focusing inward to sense the Boundless Light within him. The Heavenly Nodes were still actively absorbing the light, but he noticed a subtle change¡ªthe vortexes of the nodes were slowing down. It was clear they were nearly full. Once they reached their limit, he would be ready to proceed with the aura condensation.


    Just as Lian prepared to focus completely, his concentration was interrupted by the distant sounds of chatter. From across the training center, voices echoed.


    ¡°What? The Duke himself is visiting Elandor? Are you serious?¡± a voice exclaimed, the surprise in their tone catching Lian¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what I heard,¡± another voice chimed in. ¡°Apparently, it¡¯s for some diplomatic discussions with the Count. But it¡¯s pretty clear that Lord Alaric¡¯s recent success is a big part of why he¡¯s visiting.¡±


    Lian sighed softly as the conversation floated into his ears. The name Alaric had been on everyone¡¯s lips ever since the news broke. The brat had actually managed to gain admission into the Empire¡¯s Cohort, an achievement so monumental that the entire city had been buzzing with it. Ever since the news spread, it had become impossible to go anywhere without hearing someone discuss it.


    Lian didn¡¯t know much about the Empire¡¯s Cohort itself, but what he had gathered over time painted a clear enough picture. The Empire¡¯s Cohort was a prestigious academy within the Ethereon Dominion, the largest and most powerful empire on the Valaryn Continent. Getting admitted into the cohort was a near-impossible feat¡ªnot just talent was required, but also incredible effort, resources, and an alignment with stringent criteria that only a handful ever met.


    The fact that Alaric had been accepted meant his future was all but guaranteed. The Empire was a force like no other, and Alaric was likely the first person from the whole of Ardenthall to ever achieve such a thing.


    Elandor, being far from the Empire¡¯s central power in the west, was rarely involved in matters of such magnitude, making Alaric¡¯s accomplishment a spectacle for the whole city. It was understandable why there was so much talk¡ªAlaric was now poised to surpass even his father, the Duke, in authority once he graduated and rose through the ranks of the Empire¡¯s Cohort.


    Reflecting on this, Lian couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of anger. The very thought of Alaric made him grit his teeth. He couldn¡¯t forget the humiliation he had suffered at Alaric¡¯s hands that day. The shame, the beating¡ªthose memories had been seared into his mind, fueling his determination ever since. His desire for revenge was one of the key motivations that now drove him to become a warrior. Alaric¡¯s success only deepened his resolve, but it also stung to know that while he was still struggling to find his path, Alaric was rising higher, outpacing him.


    Pushing his anger aside, Lian let out a long breath and cleared his mind. Now wasn¡¯t the time for emotions to cloud his focus. He needed to center himself again. This was the moment he had been preparing for. His foundation was complete, and now it was time to condense his aura.


    The last time he had attempted this, he had done it recklessly while on the infirmary bed, with his body too weak to handle the force of the Boundless Light. The result had been a painful backlash, a lesson he had learned well. But now, after completing the foundation layering, his body was much stronger. He was ready.


    He focused inward, stirring the Boundless Light within him. It felt like ripples across the surface of a calm lake at first, but soon those ripples grew, swelling into waves of energy. The Boundless Light moved slowly, deliberately, as Lian guided it with caution. This time, there would be no rash movements, no missteps. The energy swirled faster, becoming more turbulent, but he remained in control.


    As time passed, he could feel his body saturating with the Boundless Light. It filled every part of him¡ªhis muscles, his bones, his very skin hummed with the energy. The Heavenly Nodes, which had been absorbing the light for so long, were now completely full. They had stopped absorbing altogether, signaling that it was time to move forward.


    Lian carefully began channeling the Boundless Light, just as he had learned from the methods of aura condensation. Slowly and steadily, he guided the light, expecting it to flow directly into his body as it had done before. But something different happened this time.


    The Heavenly Nodes, instead of merely absorbing the light, suddenly flared open. They expanded like funnels, connecting the Boundless Light with the deeper parts of his being. The light didn¡¯t simply rush through his body; it branched out in multiple streams, like tributaries of a great river, each stream entering his flesh, his bones, and even spreading to the surface of his skin.


    It was an entirely new sensation. Lian could feel the Boundless Light being absorbed not just into his muscles, but into the very core of his being.


    A cool sensation spread through him, his bones hardened, his skin toughened, and his muscles felt as though they were being refined by the light itself. Every part of his body was being filled with this strange energy, and at th


    is moment, his body seemed to be surrounded with a faint glow.