Stepping stone
"On the way from the capital, I saw a strange cave near us that I have never seen before; wanna check it out with me?" Leitus said with excitement.
"I'm tired, but sure we can go. Let me first get some water and ask for my parent's permission." Arthur agreed to his invitation, and Leitus nodded in satisfaction.
Arthur first asked permission from his parents before leaving, and they allowed him to leave early for today. He took a sip from the water jug and decided to take his hunter knife with him just in case.
...
Arthur lived in the south of the western continent in a kingdom called Axugon. The village was close to the border of the Waven empire, and travel to the capital would take weeks.
Leitus was considered extremely rich in the village since his father had control of a petrol unit, so there wouldn't be any trespassers between borders.
He was a decent friend even though he would brag numerous times about his wealth. However, he wasn't the type to drag you down.
His family wasn't happy with Leitus being friends with Arthur due to him being poor, of course. Still, there wasn't anyone else he could be friends with within a village like this; therefore, they allowed it.
"Hmm, maybe today is not the right time to visit that cave. How about you come over to my house? Don't worry, my parents aren't around right now besides my sister." Leitus shifted and spoke to Arthur as they were about to leave the farm.
'Talia, his sister. I haven't seen her in so long, but I don't have a great memory of her since she had a huge ego because of her wealth. Maybe it's not right for me to go there.' Arthur thought of rejecting Leitus.
'I need to find a way out of this village, and learning more from Leitus could be a great help. So it doesn't hurt to go.'
"Sure, let's go. It's quite far from what I remember." Arthur pondered for a moment before he answered.
"Yeah, it is, but it's fine at least we can catch up! I haven't seen you in a very long time. You have changed so much." Leitus smiled as he replied to Arthur.
"I'm confident that you have a basic understanding of Qi. My father purchased one of the orbs that can test the aptitude in your body." Leitus said with excitement.
"Yes, I've started reading about it. From your expression, you have an aptitude, correct?" Arthur formed a devilish smile as he asked.
"Yes! I couldn't believe that I had the same aptitude as my father, level two. There are five different levels of talent. Five is considered a genius among geniuses; One and two are what 80% of people with aptitude have, and it is standard, but you'll hit a significant bottleneck. Three and four are considered genius. However, you should already know not everyone has the aptitude. Therefore, I am grateful." Leitus spoke with enthusiasm, jumping up and down.
Leitus smiled, looked up at the beautiful sky and said.
"Remember I told you that I am the main character. Not even bottleneck will stop me."
'Luck is by my side on this one; Leitus could be a great stepping stone since he is naive at times. He always thinks that he is the main character of this world. Character is not a fixed thing; it can morph and evolve with time. As we explore and see the dangers that lurk around every corner. Even though he is a nice person, the power will blur his vision. I should learn more from him before I'm left behind. I have this confidence that I have aptitude; I can feel it surging inside me. I hope I'm not mistaken.' Arthur considered his plan.
"Tell me more about aptitudes, Leitus. I want to know how my best friend will become a powerful being one day." A tender smile emerged on Arthur's face as he told Leitus.
...
There are seven mortal realms, and beyond that is only written in legends. Each rank has initial, middle, upper and peak stages. Your aptitude can assist you in cultivating and breaking through the steps.
If your aptitude is level one, your peak is rank one middle stage, and you cannot do anything about it unless you find an inheritance to aid you in your breakthrough. 70% of people who are cultivating are stuck in rank one. Still, do not underestimate them since they are influential people. Mainly formed of noble families and worthy soldiers.
At level two, you have a 10% chance to break through to rank two. However, you're guaranteed to reach the rank one peak stage with the proper cultivation resources. Many influential people in the western continent, around 20% of cultivators, are at rank two. Military unit commanders and heads of powerful families.
You're assured of reaching rank two upper stage in level three, considered a genius, but you have a 5% chance of breaking through rank two and getting rank three and 10% at level four but guaranteed to reach the peak of level two. Only 5% of cultivators are currently at this rank. It comprises generals and influential people who rule kingdoms.
At level five, you're considered a genius among geniuses. You're assured of reaching rank three and have the chance to break through rank four with the right resources. Only four people managed to get to this level in the western continent who are the rulers of kingdoms, dynasties and empires.
Unfortunately, there hasn't been a rank five and above in the western continent. However, there has been recording of other continents which have a rich atmosphere to assist cultivators of reaching higher realms than rank five.
The western continent is separated into five sections. Axugon kingdom in the south-east which Arthur currently at; Waven empire in the south-west, Enure Empire at the east, Xuffera empire at the north-west and lastly Daitus Dynasty at north-east.
*(REFERENCE AT END OF THE CHAPTER)*
...
Arthur and Leitus have been walking for almost forty minutes, but Arthur was so intrigued and focused on Leitus's saying that he lost track of time.
"We're almost there, Arthur." Leitus said with enthusiasm.
After they walked for another ten minutes, a magnificent residence was noticeable with vast open gates.
As they passed those gates, the air was sharp with the aroma of rose. A lake-side was visible; this wasn't a natural lake, but a luxury that demanded building time and money. As Arthur got closer to the house entrance, the fragrance of different flowers could be smelt.
Abruptly, Arthur thought of that luxurious mirror that he saw himself in.
'I'd rather let the world down than be let down by the world. Nothing will prevent me in my search.' A smile could be seen on Arthur's face.
"I see you smiling, Arthur. Who wouldn't like this house? You must feel privileged." Leitus spoke with an egotism.
'You're using me to feed your ego. A delusion that creates a fantasy world in which you see yourself as strong or important. There is always someone above you that will lead to your demise. I'll try to not make that mistake.' Arthur thought about Leitus's character and tried to study from it.
As they got near the entrance, a respectable old man with combed-back white hair opened the door; he was wearing a neat black suit and white gloves, bowing down before Leitus and said.
"Hello, young master Leitus; it's nice seeing you back."
"Hey, Edward, can you prepare two cold drinks for us and let my sister know that I have a guest over. Arthur, this is the butler Edward." Leitus responded with a cold tone of voice and then turned to look at Arthur.
Edward looked up again and glanced at Arthur, judging his clothes and status, suddenly he looked back at Leitus, questioning his decision for bringing a poor farmer boy to this house.
"Don't question my choice, Edward. I know what you're thinking. Do as I told you." Leitus raised his voice this time which sent shivers down the butler's body.
"Yes, young master. I apologise." Edward said as he looked at Arthur again for one last time before he left.
"Don't worry about him; follow me." Leitus spoke, and Arthur nodded in response.
'I could see the difference. When you're in your own territory, you have quite the temper Leitus.' Arthur giggled inside as he thought.
The house was welcoming from the open door to the broad hallway. Against the walls were the paintings and photographs of the family. There was a rich rug on the floor from the entrance to the end of the hallway. It transpired a beauty under the chandelier.
Arthur remained expressionless and only glanced at the photographs, which dumbfounded Leitus awaiting his astonishment.
----- Reference for future chapters -----
[ Talent / aptitude ] Levels 1 to 5
[Cultivation realms] Ranks 1 to 7 of mortal realms - stages: initial, middle, upper and peak
[Talent / Aptitude]
level 1 50% of cultivators /Rank 1 middle stage/ valuable solders and noble families
level 2 25% of cultivators /Rank 1 peak stage/ 10% chance to rank 2
level 3 10% of cultivators /Rank 2 upper stage/ 5% chance to rank 3
level 4 10% of cultivators /Rank 2 peak stage/ 10% chance to rank 3
level 5 5% of cultivators /Rank 3/ 10% chance to rank 4
[Seven Mortal realms]
Rank 1 -> 70% of cultivators / valuable soldiers and noble families
Rank 2 -> 10% of cultivators / commanders of military, units and heads of influential families)
Rank 3 -> 5% of cultivators / Generals and second in command of kingdoms
Rank 4 -> Only 4 people in westers continent / Ruler of kingdoms, dynasties and empires
Rank 5 - > Nobody reached this stage or above in the western continent
[Kingdom, Empires and dyntasty]
Axugon kingdom (South-East), Waven empire (South-West), Enura empire(East), Xuffera empire(North-West) and Daitus dynasty(North-East)