Chapter 4: The Price of Power
Chapter 4: The Price of Power
I sat cross-legged on my bed, staring at the translucent blue interface hovering in front of me. The numbers displayed a simple truth: I had 101 years and 1 day of lifespan remaining.
The system had absorbed one year from me as a trial, allowing me to break through to Body Training Level 7 instantly. The process had been painless—a surge of warmth coursing through my body, strengthening my muscles, enhancing my reflexes. I clenched my fists, feeling the raw power now residing within me. This was only the beginning.
Yet, the system had also revealed something else: the cost of power.
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The Temptation of Power
Breaking through using lifespan was far faster than conventional cultivation. But from now on, it wouldn't be as easy as the trial.
To advance to Body Training Level 8, I needed to sacrifice 8 years of my life. And it would only get worse from there. The alternative? Train like everyone else, spending months—if not years—to advance.
This system offered me a shortcut, but at what price? If I recklessly sacrificed my lifespan, how long would I have left to enjoy the strength I gained?
I exhaled sharply. There was no rush—at least not yet. I could still cultivate through traditional means. The system was a tool, not a crutch.
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The Path of Cultivation
Recalling my father's lessons, I organized the cultivation ranks in my mind:
Body Training Stage (Level 1-9) – Strengthening the body before awakening genetic potential or psychic abilities.
Foundation Stage (Level 1-9) – Awakening and developing inner energy.
Awakening Stage (Level 1-9) – Mastering strength and abilities.
Titan Stage (Level 1-9) – Achieving superhuman power and psychic mastery.
No one on Earth knew what lay beyond the Titan Stage, as the strongest human warriors had only reached Titan Level 8 so far.
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The Cost of Progress
Breakthrough Costs (Lifespan Required)
1. Body Training Stage (Level 1-9)
Level 1 → Level 2: 2 years
Level 2 → Level 3: 3 years
Level 3 → Level 4: 4 years
Level 4 → Level 5: 5 years
Level 5 → Level 6: 6 years
Level 6 → Level 7: 7 years
Level 7 → Level 8: 8 years
Level 8 → Level 9: 9 years
From Body Training Level 9 to Foundation Stage Level 1: 100 years
2. Foundation Stage (Level 1-9)
Level 1 → Level 2: 20 years
Level 2 → Level 3: 30 years
Level 3 → Level 4: 40 years
Level 4 → Level 5: 50 years
Level 5 → Level 6: 60 years
Level 6 → Level 7: 70 years
Level 7 → Level 8: 80 years
Level 8 → Level 9: 90 years
From Foundation Stage Level 9 to Awakening Stage Level 1: 1000 years
3. Awakening Stage (Level 1-9)
Level 1 → Level 2: 200 years
Level 2 → Level 3: 300 years
Level 3 → Level 4: 400 years
Level 4 → Level 5: 500 years
Level 5 → Level 6: 600 years
Level 6 → Level 7: 700 years
Level 7 → Level 8: 800 years
Level 8 → Level 9: 900 years
From Awakening Stage Level 9 to Titan Stage Level 1: 10,000 years
4. Titan Stage (Level 1-9)
Level 1 → Level 2: 2000 years
Level 2 → Level 3: 3000 years
Level 3 → Level 4: 4000 years
Level 4 → Level 5: 5000 years
Level 5 → Level 6: 6000 years
Level 6 → Level 7: 7000 years
Level 7 → Level 8: 8000 years
Level 8 → Level 9: 9000 years
Lifespan of a Normal Warrior
Body Training Stage: 120 years
Foundation Stage: 250 years
Awakening Stage: 500 years
Titan Stage: 1000 years
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My Father's Legacy
As I analyzed the system interface, the reality of my power sank in. This ability was miraculous, but dangerous. If I wasn't careful, I could burn through my years and leave myself with nothing.
Yet, this was an opportunity unlike any other.
I clenched my fists. My father's words echoed in my mind.
> "Cultivation is a slow and steady process. Rushing through ranks may bring short-term benefits, but it can also bring unexpected dangers."
My father, Arjun Verma, had once been a proud warrior. At his peak, he had reached Awakening Stage Level 6. But after sustaining a severe injury, his cultivation regressed to Awakening Stage Level 1.
Even though he was still stronger than most ordinary warriors, his prime was behind him.
I knew how much it pained him to live as a shadow of his former self.
One day, I would surpass him.
I would reclaim the honor he lost.
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The Road Ahead
With this system in my hands, I had control over my destiny. I didn't need to follow the same path as others. I had a way to become stronger—faster than anyone else.
My lips curled into a smirk.
> "The world has no idea what's coming."
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End of Chapter 4