22 Cultivation Realms

    ''----''

    ''Pondering Azridan''s earlier words

    mumbled Apollo to himself as he continued to devour chunk after chunk of meat

    "I wonder what lies in wait. The changes I feel... I wonder what else will happen."''

    ''Ripping another piece of meat

    he devoured it. The more he entered combat

    the hungrier he felt; seldom did the food go to waste as his day was spent on the edge of combat without end.''

    ''[I''m picking up slight fluctuations deeper in the forest. If you can

    try to stay away from the center of this forest. It is dense in Natural Essence

    however

    there also exists an unsettling presence. It seems to be attracted to something.]''

    ''"If you have to guess

    what would you say its level would be?" asked Apollo as he turned his gaze toward the center of the forest. Based on Azridan''s words

    a large danger was located in the distance. However

    deep down Apollo had to suppress to urge of curiosity. How strong were the higher cultivated existences? Even then

    why was the situation with Terrors never resolved?''

    ''[Honestly

    I would say that it is no weaker than a peak Rank 3 Spirit Beast. Based on their current standards

    that would be a strong peak stage Zul Knight or a subpar early-stage Zul Commander. Hence

    I advise that you be wary of the area.]''

    ''"Azridan

    you seem to know a lot. The books in the library didn''t really delve too much into the cultivation levels. Can you give me more information about it?" pleaded Apollo as he wiped his licks. The previous copious amounts of meat had dwindled to nearly half.''

    ''[What exactly do you want to know?]''

    ''"Uh

    tell me about the stages and the different names of it. Mm

    maybe how it is done also? I probably won''t understand what they entail so just this will suffice

    " determined Apollo after pondering it for a moment.''

    ''[Well then

    let me begin from body cultivation first at this is what you''ll immediately come in contact with. As with everyone and you as well

    all beings start out within the Mortal Realm. Because of evolution and other influences

    beings of this universe automatically ingest what is known as Natural Essence; a basic component of this world.]''

    ''[However

    in the beginning

    the amount one can ingest is negligible and unable to be changed until a certain age depending on potential. Typical children would have been absorbing Natural Essence in minuscule amounts slowly preparing them for active cultivation.]''

    ''[Because of this

    everyone''s starting point is different. You

    on the other hand

    your meridians were damaged and saturated in a decrepit energy. Hence

    any essence which entered you was devoured. However

    I cleansed you. Now let''s talk about the realms. Outside of the Mortal Realm

    there is the Zul Warrior Realm

    Zul Knight Realm

    Zul Commander Realm

    Zul General Realm

    Zul Lord Realm

    Zul Emperor Realm

    Zul Sovereign Realm

    and Zul Ancestor Realm.]''

    ''[These make up the complete structure of Body Cultivation. However

    to truly step into the journey of cultivation you''d need a cultivation method. Just absorbing Natural Essence won''t do much except strengthen your body. But there is no need to fret about that

    when you are ready everything will come.]''

    ''"Hmm

    what about Soul Cultivation? Kayn mentioned that there is some other test pertaining to something called Soul Cultivation at 15. Is there any significance to this?"''

    ''[For the average cultivator

    yes. By 15

    usually

    the mind is mature enough to handle the opening of what is called the Soul Temple. The prerequisite is your physical body being capable of handling at least 1600 Zuls of Force or otherwise known as fostering an awakening. Why? Because the tyrannical force birthed from your mind can ruin your internal system if you aren''t sufficiently prepared.]''

    ''[However

    Soul Cultivation is special. It has 2 uses. One

    it strengthens your soul enabling you to wield it. Two

    it allows your soul to connect with another world to come into contact with otherworldly creatures namely known as Spirits. These Spirits then become your partner assisting you in combat situations and such. However

    that doesn''t apply to you. You''ll be special.]''

    ''"What does that mean? What will I be able to do

    " curiously asked Apollo. There was a fervent expression of interest plastered across his face as his eyes gleamed.''

    ''[Complete the first mission I gave you and you will find out.]''

    ''Azridan''s voice came out as a chuckle. His tone teased Apollo and triggered his thirst for the unknown.''

    ''''I have to know! I need to complete that mission as soon as possible. But first

    how much longer before I complete this other one?''

    ''Quest Name: Initial Step to Superiority''

    ''Information: Strength means everything; so this is what you need to gain. Reach a suitable standard to travel deeper into the embrace of Azridan''s succession.''

    ''Objectives-''

    ''-Kill 5

    000 Rank 0 Mortal Beast or above monsters. (3

    645/5

    000)''

    ''-Reach the Rank 5 Mortal Level. (Rank 3/5)''

    ''Time Limit: 3 years''

    ''Elapsed Time: 8 months 4 days.''

    ''[?Bonus Task?]-''

    ''-Complete within 2 years 6 months = + 100% experience reward increase.''

    ''-Complete within 2 years = + 200% experience reward increase.''

    ''-Complete within 1 year = + 500% experience reward increase.''

    ''Reward: 50

    000 Experience

    ???''

    ''''Hmm

    a lot of my experience comes from me ingesting my meals so I am not worried about that part. As for the first objective

    I average 19 kills a day. But it may decrease as the number of Mortal Beast willing to approach me now are low. Not to mention

    battle with a Spirit Beast takes slightly longer

    '' silently mused Apollo.''

    ''A couple of months after receiving his quest

    once his body acclimated to these surroundings; Apollo adopted his current schedule. It was in Apollo''s daily agenda to slay 10 monsters which then increased steadily almost reaching 20. Using this tactic

    he had nearly scoured the complete outskirts of the forest. In addition to this

    Apollo''s daily mission became just that as well.''

    ''"I still have 3 more beasts to kill for the day then I can call my daily training finished

    " mumbled Apollo as he sat for a moment recollecting his thoughts and recovering his stamina.''

    ''''Although I don''t lose health often

    my stamina takes a hit as a result. I wonder if there is a way to remedy that or do I just need to keep increasing my stamina.''''

    ''"Azridan

    is there a way to reduce my stamina consumption? I know using fewer movements has helped but it still drains quickly."''

    ''[Right now

    that is unable to be solved due to both your cultivation level and physique. Once you advance

    the solution will present itself. For now

    just focus on mastering your foundational stats. Doing so will reward you in the long run. Also

    you will soon need to take up the staff again until you reach the state to receive your weapon.]''

    ''"Okay

    " answered Apollo as he rose to his feet from his seated position. Azridan''s information once again rejuvenated him to continue on his training.''