Elemental Codex
He found a relatively intact chamber on the ground floor, cleared away the debris, and sat in a meditative posture. He closed his eyes and focused his mind, recalling the System's instructions.
[Beginning cultivation process. The System will guide you through the initial stages.]
A series of visualizations and breathing exercises appeared in his mind, guided by the System's precise instructions.
He imagined drawing the ambient magical energy from the tower, visualizing it as wisps of darkness swirling around him, then slowly drawing them into his body.
At first, nothing happened. He felt only the cold stone beneath him and the rustling of the wind outside. But he persisted, focusing on the System's instructions, clearing his mind of all distractions.Then, a faint tingling sensation spread through his body. It was subtle at first, like the brush of a feather, but it grew stronger with each breath.
He could feel the ambient magical energy responding to his will, drawn to his awakened Darkness affinity like moths to a flame.
[Mana Absorption +1]
The notification appeared in his mind, confirming his progress. He continued the exercises, drawing in more and more mana, feeling it circulate through his body, guided by the System's instructions.
[Mana Absorption +1…]
[Mana Absorption +1…]
The process continued for several hours, until finally, a new notification appeared.
[Cultivation Process Complete!]
[You have received the Unique Cultivation Manual: 'Elemental Codex'.]
[You have received 100 System Points.]
[MP Regeneration increased by 5 per minute.]
Zephyr opened his eyes, feeling a profound change within him. His senses were sharper, his mind clearer, and he could feel a reservoir of energy within him that hadn't been there before.
He focused his mind on the 'Elemental Codex,' and a detailed text appeared in his mind, outlining the principles and techniques of the cultivation method.
It was complex and intricate, detailing specific breathing patterns, visualizations, and meditative postures designed to maximize his connection to elements.
System, this is… a lot to take in, Zephyr thought.
[The 'Elemental Codex' is a highly advanced cultivation manual. It will take time and practice to master its techniques. The System can provide guidance and support during your cultivation sessions.]
Can you… simplify it for me?
[The System can provide a simplified version of the 'Elemental Codex' tailored to your current level and understanding.]
Do it.
[Simplified 'Elemental Codex' loaded.]
The text in his mind rearranged itself, becoming more concise and easier to understand.
The System had extracted the core principles of the cultivation method and presented them in a more accessible format.
Zephyr spent the next few hours studying the simplified version of the codex, committing its principles to memory.
He then began to practice the basic breathing techniques, feeling the mana within him respond to his will.
[Mana Regeneration +5]
He felt the mana within him slowly replenishing, a tangible confirmation of the Codex's effectiveness.
Over the next few months, Zephyr continued to cultivate his mana diligently, using the 'Elemental Codex' as his guide. He would sneak away to the West Tower whenever he could, practicing his breathing exercises and visualizations, steadily increasing his mana reserves and refining his control over his Darkness affinity.
He also continued to practice his skills, mastering Shadow Cloak and becoming more proficient with Minor Dark Manipulation. He could now create more complex illusions, extinguish larger flames, and even create small pockets of absolute darkness.
His physical development also continued, aided by the System's daily quests and the stat boosts he purchased with his accumulated System Points. He was no longer the frail infant he once was, but a healthy and active child, with a growing strength and agility that belied his age.
One day, while practicing his Dark Manipulation in the garden, he accidentally created a small vortex of darkness that sucked in a nearby flower. He quickly dissipated the vortex, but the incident made him realize the potential of his powers.
System, are there any other skills related to my Darkness affinity that I can learn? he asked.[Scanning available skills…]
[Skill: Shadow Step (Requires: Minor Dark Manipulation Level 5, 50 System Points): Allows the user to teleport short distances by stepping through shadows.
MP Cost: 20.]
Teleportation? That sounds useful.
[It is a highly advanced skill that requires precise control over your Darkness affinity. The System recommends focusing on increasing your Minor Dark Manipulation skill level before attempting to learn Shadow Step.]
Zephyr nodded, understanding. He had a clear path ahead of him. He would continue to cultivate his mana, master his existing skills, and gradually unlock the full potential of his Darkness affinity.
Years passed, and Zephyr Aurion was no longer a child. He was now ten years old, a slender boy with sharp, intelligent eyes that held a depth far beyond his years. His once fragile frame had developed into a lean, agile form, honed by years of rigorous training both physical and magical. The System had become an integral part of his existence, a silent partner guiding his growth and development.
His mastery over his Darkness affinity had grown exponentially. Minor Dark Manipulation was now at its maximum level, allowing him to create complex illusions, manipulate darkness with incredible precision, and even absorb ambient shadows to replenish his mana reserves.
Shadow Cloak had also reached a formidable level, rendering him virtually invisible in dimly lit environments and granting him enhanced stealth even in broad daylight. He had even managed to learn Shadow Step, allowing him to teleport short distances through shadows, a skill he practiced in secret within the confines of the West Tower.
His cultivation, guided by the 'Elemental Codex,' had also progressed significantly. His mana reserves were now substantial, and his control over his magical energy was precise and effortless. He could feel the chaotic energies of his other four nascent elements stirring within him, but he heeded the System's warnings and refrained from awakening them prematurely.
He maintained the concealment field diligently, ensuring that no one, not even the most perceptive mages in the kingdom, could detect his unique elemental makeup. He played the part of the quiet, unassuming son, observing the intricate dynamics of the Aurion household, learning the subtle nuances of noble politics, and silently preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.
One crisp autumn evening, as Zephyr sat in the West Tower, meditating according to the principles of the 'Elemental Codex,' a new notification appeared.