0022. Rune Researchers

As Nile absorbed the petals, his Awakened Support Device (ASD) underwent significant changes. The once straightforward display expanded, introducing a new section labeled Servant Imprints. Within it, two glowing icons appeared, each marked with the names Arin and Lyra. Alongside their names were details about their cultivation levels and a note reading: "Linked Growth Enabled." This connection signified that their progress in cultivation would now be intricately tied to Nile's.

Overwhelmed by the changes, Nile decided to meditate on the spot to stabilize his energy and fully comprehend the updates in his ASD. Jessica, sensing the importance of his focus, chose to remain behind, silently watching over him to ensure he wasn't disturbed.

Meanwhile, Lyra headed to the kitchen on the second floor, her steps quick and purposeful as she began preparing refreshments for the group.

Arin, on the other hand, led Veena and James on a thorough tour of the shop. On the first floor, he showcased various cabinets filled with mana stones. Moving to the second floor, he opened doors to private quarters, a study brimming with ancient texts, and a meditation chamber designed for advanced cultivation practices.

Their tour concluded in the backyard of the three-story building, where a lush garden thrived with rare herbs and plants radiating faint spiritual energy. In one corner, a modest training area had been set up, complete with wooden dummies and target boards. Both Veena and James admired the thoughtful layout, their respect for Frost deepening as they took in the well-equipped space.

Back in the main room, Nile's breathing became steady as his meditation deepened. Jessica remained close, her watchful eyes flicking between Nile and the surroundings. Though she didn't speak, her presence provided silent reassurance. Slowly, Nile began to decipher the mysteries of his ASD and the powerful connection that now tied him to Arin and Lyra.

The shop, while appearing to be a simple mana stone exchange and recharge center, had a deeper purpose hidden behind its mundane facade. Its core business revolved around the exchange of spirit stones, a far more valuable and secretive commodity.

At the heart of the shop's operation was a Slime King Core, prominently displayed in the center of the first floor. To the untrained eye, it appeared to be nothing more than a decorative relic—a shimmering orb exuding faint pulses of energy. However, this core held immense power. Its unique property allowed it to activate the runes within low-grade mana stones, drawing surrounding mana and funneling it into the stones to recharge them.

What most people didn't realize was that the Slime King Core wasn't functioning on its own. It was encased within an advanced and highly intricate device that extended throughout all three floors of the shop. The device, masterfully designed and integrated, amplified the core's natural abilities a thousandfold.

Without this amplification system, the Slime King Core would require two to three years just to fully recharge a single low-grade mana stone. With the device, however, the recharging process was accelerated exponentially, making the shop a sought-after destination for cultivators and adventurers in need of mana replenishment.

Despite its open display, the core was protected by layers of hidden mechanisms and safeguards. The device not only enhanced the core's power but also ensured its security, monitoring for any attempts to tamper with or steal it. The shop's seemingly modest appearance belied the sophistication of the systems working behind the scenes, a testament to Frost's ingenuity and foresight.

As Arin guided Veena and James around the shop, he explained the visible functions of the first-floor operation without revealing too much about the inner workings of the Slime King Core. Meanwhile, Lyra busied herself in the kitchen on the second floor, preparing refreshments, and Jessica kept watch over Nile, who remained engrossed in his meditation.

This intricate balance between the shop's public-facing business and its hidden, advanced operations underscored the genius of its design. It was not merely a place of trade but a carefully crafted hub of cultivation and ingenuity, ensuring its role as a vital resource in the community.

After some time, Nile's meditation came to an end. His eyes fluttered open, now filled with a sharper understanding of the seals, their functions, and their intricate properties. His gaze immediately landed on Jessica, who had been quietly sitting nearby, keeping watch over him.

"Jessica," Nile began, his voice steady but curious, "is there any way to dissolve this seal?"

Jessica tilted her head slightly, considering his question. "Nile, it's not something that you, I, or even most cultivators can do. These seals are highly complex, tied to intricate runic patterns that are beyond ordinary comprehension. There are specialists, though—experts called Rune Researchers—who might be able to undo them. But they're rare and not always willing to take on such tasks. It's not a simple process."

Nile frowned, processing her words. "Rune Researchers? Where do we even find someone like that?"

Jessica smiled faintly, recognizing the spark of curiosity in his eyes. "They tend to keep to themselves, often residing in larger cities or hidden research sanctuaries. It's not just a matter of finding one; convincing them to help is a challenge in itself."

Her answer sparked a flood of questions in Nile's mind. As he leaned forward, the dam broke, and the first question-answer session between Jessica and Nile began.

"What kind of power do these seals have? Can they grow stronger with me? Will they affect Arin and Lyra's ability to cultivate?" Nile fired off questions one after another.

Jessica patiently responded, her tone a mix of knowledge and empathy. "The seals are designed to restrict autonomy, binding the person to their master's will. However, in your case, they've connected to your ASD. This link allows Arin and Lyra to grow alongside you. Their cultivation won't be hindered—it might even accelerate, given the unique connection through your ASD."

"What if I don't want them to be bound to me?" Nile asked, his concern evident.

Jessica sighed softly. "That's not something you can easily undo, Nile. The seals have already integrated into your ASD. While you may not wish to control them, their bond to you is now permanent unless someone of exceptional skill removes it."

Nile's curiosity deepened. "What about the path of spirit-mana integration? If their cultivation increases, can they overpower the seals?"

Jessica shook her head, her voice patient yet firm. "The seals are designed to grow alongside their bearers. Even if their spiritual energy or mana increases, the seals adapt, ensuring control remains absolute unless dismantled by an expert."

With this, Nile couldn't stop himself. Questions poured out of him in a torrent:

"Why didn't Arin and Lyra resist the seal?"

"How does this shop operate so efficiently, even when it's so inconspicuous?"

"How does mana integration influence a person's cultivation path?"

Jessica answered each question, her knowledge shedding light on Nile's doubts.

"Arin and Lyra never had the chance to resist," she explained. "The seals blocked their ability to cultivate independently and bound them to a life of servitude. Frost found them at their lowest and brought them here, knowing this shop could provide them shelter and stability."