First Quest

Closing his eyes Ashton felt for the energy moving throughout his body, he could feel faint traces of the energy but focusing on it for too long became difficult. While concentrating he began noticing that in his heart he could feel pulses being sent out in multiple directions, but also like some of it loops to an area next to his heart and then back. He couldn't follow the traces for very long but he could definitely feel like there was some type of loop going on right in his chest.

" Instructor, I think I've found something out. "

Ashton spoke as his eyes opened, looking at Kody who also opened his eyes and paid attention to what Ash was going to say.

" I'm not very sure but it feels like I have two grand nexus points right in the area of my heart, and they seem to be looping back and forth constantly. Following the energy out is becoming too difficult because it feels like there are too many pathways and I get confused. "

Kody didn't speak for a moment as he considered Ashtons words.

" Well, this is the first. Most beast soul users have a few extra minor and major points throughout their body, I've never heard of having another grand nexus as it's the key to advancing through the steps in cultivation. All the nodes must be full, and then your grand nexus must be filled as well. Meaning you're going to take at least twice as long to move through cultivation, however our gains will be at least double that of others within your step. "

Ashton blanked for a moment before continuing.

" How do you increase the mind steps if this is how you increase body steps? "

" Well just like the body has a network for soul energy that does connect to the brain, the brain has its own network that mana must move through. Rather than making cycles though, increasing the mind's cultivation is a matter of learning more about your unique magic and having it's unique mana flowing through your body as well. The pinnacle you want to reach is first a balance, and then a combination of your soul energy, and your mana. "

" This all sounds obnoxiously complicated, how much of this just happens and how much is hard work? "

" Well that depends on your talent, the power of your magic, the power of your soul, and your potential. However if my hunch is right you're basically a cheater already with how powerful you are right at the start of your journey. You have stats comparable to somebody at the peak of the first step, and from what the master has told me just feeling mana and learning magic caused your intelligence to jump up. In addition when transformed you're on par with some weaker second step cultivators. For all I know your energies may have already mixed since you did undergo a mana transformation which caused your race to change. "

Ashton realised the advantages he did truly have, and maybe Kody was right since he is considered magical by his race.

" Okay well it sounds like I have a lot of work ahead of me, so I'm going to get started on this. "

At that moment a familiar face appeared. Isabella walked up to the two of them, her flowy skirt moving lightly in the wind.

" Hey you two, the master wishes to see you, said he received a mission of some sort. "

Ashton, and Kody looked her way before a frown simultaneously appeared on their faces.

" Uh what's the matter guys? "

" We're busy "

Both spoke at the same time. Tick marks appeared on her brow as she spoke.

" Tell the master that now go! "

Ashton moved slowly to the office along with Kody, lost in his thoughts of his internal systems. After a short walk they moved into the open office greeting the master with a bow.

" Thank you two for coming as swiftly as you did. A minor dungeon has opened up on the outskirts of our sect's territory. Naturally we shall take care of it. The energy produced is within the first step, as that's where you are, I'm assigning you, and Kayman to go as a field test. Kody will be accompanying you as a proctor. Think of this as your first test. "

" Huh? I haven't really learned anything yet, what's a dungeon? "

Kody looked down on him disappointedly.

" How are you so fast on picking up things related to cultivation but lack all the brains when it comes to other things in life? A dungeon is a spontaneously created area that monsters live in, they spawn both monsters and treasure and usually occur with areas of high density soul power, or mana. "

" Oh that makes sense actually, so Kayman and I are going to be going in and defeating it? Is it just monsters and treasure or are there traps and like a stronger monster at the end or something? "

" Yes, and yes. "

Belross clapped his hands and gestured towards the door where Kayman was now standing.

" Perfect now that you three are here, eat a meal and set out. Since the dungeon is only a few miles away you should be able to get there, finish, and come back before nightfall. "

With that the small group of three made their way to the canteen to eat a meal and discuss preparation. After grabbing a large meal of boar steak, baked potato, and a buttered roll they sat down as Ashton prepared his questions.

" Instructor, do I still only have a day to map everything out despite the sudden mission? "

" Hmm, given the circumstances I should give you an extension, however I think this will motivate you to finish both quickly if you don't want another beating. "

" Big stupid oaf, There's no way i can do both and finish in a day we need to leave right now then! Opening his mouth as wide as possible he shoveled everything down in an instant and ran off to his room to prepare. "

Kayman looked on with a blank face as strange conversation was followed by strange activities.

" So Instructor, what did you task him with? "

" Ask him when he gets back. "

Kody simply stated before finishing his food and setting off towards his room.