Chapter 2: Eryndor
With a newfound sense of urgency compelling him, Elrian found himself drawn to an old bookshelf in the corner of their modest home—a place he'd largely ignored in favor of playful activities with other village children. This bookshelf held a collection of texts and scrolls, gathered by his parents over the years. They were treatises on basic cultivation techniques, records of local history, and bestiaries of the creatures that roamed the wilderness beyond the village. Until now, Elrian had shown little interest in these works, dismissing them as the concerns of adults.Yet, as he stood before the bookshelf, the weight of his newfound responsibilities hung heavy on his young shoulders. Eager to understand the broader world that he had only just begun to glimpse, Elrian reached out and pulled a dusty tome from the shelf. It was a general guide to the world of cultivators and the Qi Nexus system—the same system that he, unbeknownst to anyone else, had just begun to tap into.
Elrian's eyes widened as he read a passage that described the world he resided in—a colossal expanse known as Eryndor, stretching hundreds of billions of kilometers across. The world was divided into seven continents and a central mainland, all of which were separated by expansive seas. The configuration was compelling: the seven continents, including the one he lived on named Aetheris, encircled the vast central land called Verenthia, forming a nearly perfect circle.
In his small village within Aetheris, the sheer scale of Eryndor seemed almost beyond comprehension. His thoughts about Seraphine and her ambitions shifted in this new context. Her aim to unify villages within a mere thousand-kilometer radius was like a grain of sand on a sprawling beach when compared to the immensity of the world.
However, the proximity of Seraphine's ambitions to his home village couldn't be ignored. In a universe as vast as Eryndor, what were the odds of encountering a Qi Apprentice with such ambitions so relatively close to Aetheris?
Elrian's eyes continued down the page, gleaning what he could about the different cultures, influential factions, and potential dangers that populated each continent and Verenthia. The information was far from exhaustive but more than enough to both ignite his imagination and intensify his sense of urgency. Understanding the complexities of Eryndor was no longer just a curiosity; it felt like a necessity, a crucial step in preparing for the unpredictable future.
Turning the pages carefully, Elrian found a section that delved into the cultivation stages across Eryndor. This part of the book explained that the Qi Nexus system he was familiar with was actually just one of several systems used in different regions of the world. However, despite the variations in methods and philosophies, the essence remained consistent—cultivators harnessed Qi energy to transcend mortal limits and reach new plateaus of power.
In Eryndor, the stages ranged from Qi Initiate to Qi Divinity, similar to the system he'd begun to explore. Yet, as he read, he found that these stages had different names and interpretations in other parts of the world. On some continents, the focus might be on elemental manipulation or forging connections with divine beings, while others emphasized martial prowess or esoteric arts.
Despite these differences, all cultivators ultimately sought to attain higher stages for a variety of reasons: power, longevity, enlightenment, and even the ability to influence the fate of entire realms. With each advancement, the cultivator would unlock new abilities, skills, and techniques that could either serve them in battle or assist in various other endeavors.
The book didn't elaborate much further, but for Elrian, the information felt like a torrent of water quenching his parched curiosity. The world of cultivation was richer and more intricate than he'd ever imagined, and as he closed the book carefully, he felt a mixed sense of awe and determination. There was so much more to learn, to understand, and the stakes of remaining ignorant seemed higher than ever.
Just as Elrian finished absorbing the last morsels of knowledge from the book, the scent of freshly-cooked food wafted through the air. Realizing it was dinner time, he replaced the tome on the shelf and headed towards the dining area. As he entered, he froze at the sight before him: his parents had returned from their hunt, and they'd brought back something extraordinary—a massive lion that measured nearly four meters in length.
The creature had fur that shimmered in shades of gold and silver, as if infused with specks of precious metals. Intense blue eyes stared blankly from a once-fearsome face, and its massive paws sported claws that looked capable of tearing through steel. Despite its majesty, the lion bore several wounds; deep gashes and bruises mottled its body, clear indicators of a fierce struggle.
Elrian couldn't help but ask, "What is that creature?"
His father looked up, cleaning his hands on a cloth, "Ah, this is a Sky Lion. They're quite rare. They have the ability to manipulate wind currents and can generate bursts of sonic roars that can paralyze smaller creatures. Their claws are strong enough to shatter rock."
His mother chimed in, "They also have heightened senses and incredible agility. Their paws can silence their movements, making them excellent ambush predators."
Sensing the shift in their son's demeanor, his father raised an eyebrow, "You're usually not this curious unless something looks fun or tasty. What's gotten into you?"
Elrian hesitated, his eyes glancing at the bookshelf before meeting his parents' questioning gaze. The world had expanded in his mind today, making him realize that knowledge could be just as vital as strength. He felt a burgeoning responsibility, not just to himself, but also to his village and perhaps even beyond. With a serious tone he'd never used before, he answered, "I think it's time I understand the world better, and everything that comes with it. The village, the creatures, and the looming threats. I want to be prepared."
The room fell silent for a moment, his parents exchanging a glance that mingled surprise with a hint of pride.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone