0023. Foundations of Cultivation

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."

She gestured around the room, continuing, "This shop runs on two levels: the front business of mana stone recharge and exchange, and the core operation, spirit stone trading. The Slime King Core displayed at the center of this floor is the key. On its own, it could take years to recharge even a low-grade mana stone. But the advanced device encasing it amplifies its abilities a thousandfold, gathering mana from the surroundings and channeling it efficiently into the stones. The entire shop is built around this device, making it an unparalleled asset."

Nile's fascination grew. "What if the device breaks or gets stolen?"

Jessica smirked faintly. "Good luck to anyone trying. The core is encased in an intricate array of runes spanning all three floors of this building. Without understanding those runes, even attempting to remove the device would destroy it—and possibly the thief with it."

As Jessica answered his barrage of questions, Nile realized how much he still had to learn. Her insights left him both awed and humbled.

But the conversation soon veered back to Arin and Lyra.

"Jessica," Nile began thoughtfully, "isn't there any loophole in the seals? If I understood their properties better, maybe I could—"

Jessica interrupted him gently. "Nile, the seals are ancient. They're not something you can outwit with basic understanding. Their strength lies in their complexity. But you can turn them into a force for good by helping Arin and Lyra grow under your care. If they trust you, the seals won't feel like chains—they'll feel like protection."

Nile frowned, conflicted, but nodded. Jessica's words made sense, even if they didn't fully satisfy him.

At that moment, Arin returned from the tour with Veena and James, Lyra trailing behind with a tray of refreshments. The group gathered in the shop's central room, their earlier unease replaced by curiosity about the Slime King Core.

As everyone settled in, Veena spoke up, addressing Nile. "You've taken your first step, Nile. But remember, understanding these seals is just the beginning. Your path will only grow more challenging from here."

Nile nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "I'll keep learning. If this shop, these seals, and this core are part of my journey, I'll master them all."

Veena smiled faintly, her faith in Nile evident. Arin and Lyra exchanged a glance, their expressions softer now, as if they were beginning to see Nile not just as their master but as someone who truly cared for them.

Unbeknownst to Nile, this moment marked the start of a bond that would only grow stronger, forging trust and camaraderie between him, Jessica, and the twins.

The session continued as Nile's questions touched on everything from cultivation techniques to the history of seals and their uses. Jessica answered each one patiently, her explanations revealing a depth of knowledge that surprised Nile.

By the end, Nile leaned back, deep in thought. "Jessica, how do you know so much about all of this?"

Jessica smiled enigmatically. "When you are taught by Veena and James, you pick up a thing or two. Besides, understanding the world we live in is the first step to thriving in it."

As their conversation wound down, Nile felt a sense of clarity. Though he still had much to learn, this first exchange with Jessica gave him a foundation to build on. In her, he realized, he had a guide who could help him navigate the complexities of his new reality.

After finishing lunch, Veena decided to take a stroll through the market. James, as always, followed her, unable to resist her presence, though he pretended his interest lay in inspecting the surroundings.

Seizing the opportunity as Arin and Lyra busied themselves with their tasks, Nile approached Jessica, his face filled with determination. "Jessica, I need your help. I want to start cultivating, but I'm not sure how to do it correctly without your guidance."

Jessica raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed. "Nile, you're way too cautious for someone who just absorbed a bundle of cultivation knowledge. Fine then, tell me—if you've really understood it—how does one progress in cultivation?"

Nile straightened, gathering his thoughts before responding. "To progress in cultivation, the first step is to fill one's body with mana. Then, using the will vortex, one manifests their birth imprint. The imprint is used to cycle all the gathered mana through it, marking the mana with one's imprint in the process. Once the mana is fully marked, the next step is to will the imprint to assimilate the conquered mana into the body, focusing on opening the mana circuits. These circuits, once opened, allow a cultivator to sense and control mana even without relying on inner vision."

Jessica's expression softened slightly as she listened, her arms slowly uncrossing.

Nile continued, "This is where the ASD comes into play. The device automatically guides the conquered mana into the mana circuits of the body, ensuring the process is smooth and efficient."

Jessica nodded approvingly, though her tone remained slightly teasing. "Not bad, Nile. Maybe you're not as hopeless as I thought. But theory alone isn't enough. Cultivation requires precision and focus. Sit down. I'll watch over you while you take your first steps."

Nile hesitated but quickly complied, sitting cross-legged and beginning to draw in mana as Jessica stood nearby, her sharp gaze ensuring no mistake escaped her notice.

Ans so Nile starts his building his foundation of cultivation and takes the first steps on the path of martial.